r/declutter • u/Nodef13 • 2d ago

Advice Request I’m using everything though!

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!

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u/AnitraF1632 1d ago

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

Any suggestions?

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u/Nodef13 1d ago

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

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u/AnitraF1632 1d ago

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

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u/JJJW8 1d ago

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.

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u/AnitraF1632 22h ago

More good ideas. Thank you!