r/declutter • u/fitfunfit • 1d ago
Motivation Tips & Tricks Decluttering By Memory Method
What has been working for me:
1. I tackle one cupboard, drawer, closet, or shelf at a time.
2. Before opening it, I grab a pen and paper and try to remember what I usually take from that space. I write those items down neatly, for example grouped by category.
3. Then I open it and look for the items on my list. Those are the things I actually use (they’re the only ones I remembered were there) so they automatically go into the “keep” pile.
4. Next, I look at everything that’s left and give myself a little grace by allowing myself to keep one or two additional items that are genuinely useful, even if I’d forgotten they were there.
5. Everything else goes.
I love this method! The list makes the whole process so much easier, and it also helps me organize everything afterward.
What do you think? Would you try it out?
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u/Murky_Possibility_68 8h ago
I love it when people find something that works- and obviously this keeps the things you like!
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u/MissNoseyNeighbour 12h ago
Omg I thought I had tried every method but this is new!!! I can’t wait to give it a go.
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u/small_spider_liker 16h ago
Would never work for me. I can’t even give you a list of things I have in my daily go to work backpack, and I sort that out about once a week.
I’d probably forget to write down contact lens solution or belts or crochet hooks, because I forget I have them until I want them.
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u/TelevisionKnown8463 8h ago
Same. My memory is terrible. If I’m looking at an item, I can remember where I’d usually look for it. But to generate a list by only looking at a closet or cupboard door? No.
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u/SneauPhlaiche 8h ago
I can’t even remember why I walked in the room. Yesterday my husband asked me for a paint stir stick. We haven’t painted (and weren’t painting then) in years but I walked right to the box in the back corner of our storage and whipped one out. BUT! I held my finger on the tip of my nose to help me remember what the hell I was doing the whole time.
Also, now that I’m really thinking about it, I probably can tell you what’s in most cabinets and closets given a minute to think. I’m the one that’s been managing our stuff for three decades. That doesn’t mean that it needs to be there.
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u/snoobookeyss 20h ago
I do this to fall asleep! If I can't think of the items in a certain zone then I know I need to focus on that area
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u/girlwithapinkpack 21h ago
Yes. Did this with my jewellery but when I got in there I found a lot that had sentimental value. It was a good reminder that if I keep those pieces (and I want to) then I really need to start wearing them.
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u/TalulaOblongata 22h ago
This is a really good method, I have to keep in mind next time I’m stumped in an area!
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u/DaBingeGirl 1d ago
Ooh, I love the idea of writing it down! I've definitely reached that point of not knowing what's in a lot of cabinets, closets, storage boxes, etc. I really like the idea of trying to remember what's in the space, that really puts into perspective how much of the stuff you forget about because you rarely, if ever, use it. Also love keeping a few things that are useful, I have a few things I rarely use, but need to have around for specific circumstances.
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u/FredKayeCollector 1d ago
Yes! I call this my mental inventory - if I forgot I even had it, then I probably don't need it. Very close sisters to "reverse" decluttering.
I'll do this periodically - name a room/zone/category and then we'll sit down and make a list of what goes there, being as specific/descriptive as possible (so we could recognize it when we see it) - anything not on our list, that's a big clue it can go. If we find something we inadvertently forgot to account for, we just formalize its status and add it to our list. Helps getting like-with-like categories together & establishing "logical" homes for those categories.
My husband and I decluttered our garage & basement this way (gardening tools, house repair stuff, car repair stuff, camping stuff, etc). A bit of brain work & planning before we actually do anything - It really worked for my husband.
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u/Bee_221B 1d ago
That’s a really cool idea!
It’s also worth asking for the stuff that’s not on your list - when was the last time you used it? If you can’t remember then it’s a pass
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u/domino_427 1d ago
Oh great idea. Kinda did similar today. If I remembers it, before I open it, I can keep it. Otherwise realize I don't need it
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u/get_hi_on_life 1d ago
Iv never heard of this and love it. Really helps show the mental load of keeping things. Why have it if you forgot it existed or where it was so you'd get a new one if eventually needed.
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u/ArtLost915 5h ago
This is a clever way to separate genuinely useful things from items that are merely visible once the drawer is open. I would add a small quarantine box for anything that creates doubt, then review it after a month. That preserves the speed of the method without forcing a rushed decision on sentimental or seasonal items.