When we talk about stuff ending up out of sight, we usually refer to larger items or boxes full of things tucked away in the attic or the garage or at the top of a wardrobe. However, there are other things that hide in our homes, often in full view, but we simply don’t register them any longer.

When I mention ‘in full sight’ I am not talking about lots of small items piling in the middle of your coffee table! Give it some thought: there are hidden, virtually invisible spots all over your house!

The first two instalments of the “out of sight saga” where all about what happens if there is too much of a good (?) thing sitting out of your sight and how to identify those areas and deal with them. When it comes to clutter prevention, things can be quite a different matter.

In the past, when money was scarce in general, we only ever acquired stuff that we absolutely needed on a regular basis, and that would remain useful to us for a long time to come. Things were also made to last, made from materials that did not degrade like many modern things do. Back then, ownership of things was not simply a means to use those things, it was also a way to show off, or course.

Garages are similar to attics because they, too, attract things that have no clear space. However, there are some distinct differences between the two: garages are a little more accessible and mainly hold things that tend to be used more often and that are a little more bulky and heavy.

Going into an attic with an intention to declutter is often reminiscent of Patrick Stewart’s opening narrative to Star Trek, the Next Generation. Even if this is your own attic, it contains things you never knew were there, long-forgotten heirlooms, odd bits and bobs, and – of course – assorted junk of all description. Jokes aside, the attic is a “big one”. Not a project you want to attempt first off, but nevertheless one that you most likely will have to tackle at some point.

Decluttering generally comes across as something that happens in drawers, cupboards and wardrobes, and that nobody ever gets to see. The notion of general order associated with decluttering is a good thing because it forms the basis to keeping the smaller things on a proper footing. Unfortunately, as nice as it is to find your stuff in your wardrobe without having to haul out boxes and piles of clothing, those areas seem very remote and sometimes it is necessary to see more visible results.

A good place to achieve visible results is dealing with surfaces.