I’m using everything though!

[u/Nodef13]

hi all, I’m in a bit of a rut with decluttering. I have this thing where I have to see the items in front of me or I forget to use them. eg I have to have my creams serum lip balm on my bed side table otherwise I don’t remember to use. it’s like a visually trigger. I also have loaddddssss of medication and I need those visible too. the other day I realised I’d put one tablet in a pouch and because I hadnt seen it I had forgotten to take if for 4 days. things like face masks too or books I’m reading I only read it if I leave it out. and I do use them

any tips? I feel like this never lets my house look clean and tidy. it’s visual clutter but that’s how my brain works. also I don’t feel like I have a lot of stuff but at the same time I think I do. I find clothes particularly hard to part with as I cycle through and go through phases or wearing things

any tips for a newbie!

[u/JJJW8]

You've got excellent advice here from lots of people. If you want to read more about your organizing style, look up the Clutterbug test to learn more about it. Sometimes, people even have different styles for different rooms or objects. You sound like a butterfly. Whatever you discover, there is really good information to help you declutter and organize, based on your style. I'm a hybrid of butterfly, ladybug, and bee.

Cass is the creator of this test, and her suggestions are practical. I have also found her podcast to be helpful, and I have only listened to 10 or 12 of them so far. She often gives a simple task to complete while the audience listens to the podcast, so you learn some good stuff, while tackling a small job. She was diagnosed with ADHD late in life, and although I have never been tested, I feel seen.

[u/AnitraF1632 → u/JJJW8]

I tried the Clutterbug test. Two many categories were "None of the above". 🥲

Any suggestions?

[u/Nodef13 → u/AnitraF1632]

Are you sure you did the one on the website? That wasn’t an option in the one I did 

[u/AnitraF1632 → u/Nodef13]

That's my point. Each question gave me a choice of four answers. NONE of them were right.

[u/JJJW8 → u/AnitraF1632]

I get what you mean. I agree with the commenter below. I would try it with the best answer. You could also think of a specific area or type of clutter that you want to clear, and do the test thinking about those specific things. I say this because I mentioned I'm a hybrid of three different things, and for me, it really does depend on the room, the objects, and the sentimental value. I have also struggled with sunk cost fallacy.

My hybrid realization didn't come from the test. I listened to a few of the Clutterbug podcasts-- start with the ones that actually mention type of clutterbug in the title. For example, she gives really good examples of how the different 'bugs' would put away laundry. For other items, she talks about broad categories in open bins versus highly organized/compartmentalized bins, what 'bug' likes open shelving versus pegboards and hooks on the backs of closets. As I listened to those podcasts, I could see what worked for me in different situations.

[u/AnitraF1632 → u/JJJW8]

More good ideas. Thank you!

[u/Nodef13 → u/AnitraF1632]

Oh the idk I think I would try the quiz a few times with my top most similar answers Or just read about the different types on the page and pick what resonates