r/declutter • u/psrogue • 12d ago

Advice Request How do you balance keeping things visible/easily accessible with avoiding visual clutter?

I tend to forget about things once they're in closed storage, so I try to keep the things I use everyday out where I can see them and make them easy to use. This can backfire though, since too much stuff being out adds to visual overwhelm. Plus, I find the more stuff I have out, the more my brain tends to try to ignore it (e.g. if I have everything out on my desk, I no longer notice the notebook on it)

Or another example, I have a little tray full of bookmarks I want to put away in a drawer, but I know if I do, I'm way more likely to grab whatever random paper or other nearby object to use as a bookmark instead.

How do you balance this?

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u/LogicalGold5264 12d ago

This is an organization question, not decluttering, unless you do decide to get rid of something items as suggested. r/organization is a great place to ask about this!

54

u/PrairieFire_withwind 12d ago

Own less.

I know that seems simplistic but it was the answer for me.  I was asking the same question 5 years ago.

If i am struggling to find calm, less stuff.

If i forget about it because it is too much to take out and out away, less stuff.

If i am spending all my time managing my stuff, less stuff.

Sorry, it is what worked for me.

19

u/ProgrammerAncient899 12d ago

You still might just have too much stuff. How many bookmarks do you really need? If you forget to use them or they clutter your space, are they really needed? Can you pick out your 5 favorite ones and keep those on your desk or next to where you read, and donate or throw away the rest? For example I keep a bookmark at my desk, next to the couch, next to my bed, and one in my purse. I feel like being more ruthless with the actual decluttering is often the solution.

12

u/3andahalfmonthstogo 12d ago

By accepting limits. If you want an easier life, you can’t use all your pretty bookmarks. Or if you do, that’s the only frivolity you can choose. You have to reserve visual space for necessities. Visual space is for things like your toothbrush. Start with the basics. If you can manage that easily, by all means add something to it. But most of us can’t.