From what I understand, the Mind Palace capitalizes on the human ability for spatial-visual memory. But is it necessary to have actual objects, like furniture, to place something to be memorized in space? Honestly, that seems a bit odd. To utilize the Mind Palace in such a manner, one first needs to memorize the foundational space. But if one can memorize that there is a bed in a certain space, why wouldn’t it work if that bed was a ninja turtle instead? I have seen a guide on this forum about creating a space of imagination, but even in this case, it seems like you have to first place various things in this imagined space, memorize them, and then use that as a basis. Do I really need to find or create a new space for the Mind Palace, and memorize it too?
Do not create a memory palace. Use a place that you already know well.
Lets say your memory palace starts in your bedroom. Would it not be more work imagining that there is no bed where there actually is one in reality?
When people talk about memory palace creation they usually mean choosing spots in said palace in a logical and ordered way.
If you already have a place you know, you can use that, but the problem is when you need more places (with objects like beds and desks). There have been many discussions on this forum about how to get more places available.
I almost exclusively use video game memory paleces when competing. Super Mario 64 and Dark Souls works well for me.
Edit: I don’t insert any objects. The space as you’re talking about is good enough.
Thanks. But I’m curious, why do you need the space from video games then? Can’t you just imagine an empty space in your head?
How can one remember an order of empty space? Its all empty and the same.
The main point of a memory palace is to remember the order of information. The information is thus placed along a logical path.
So if it’s objects or terrain that creates a logical path of that place, how do you memorize it, and if you can, why can’t it be a ninja turtle?
Do you mean that the ninja turtle itself is the memory palace? Yes that can work. But I have a feeling that’s not what you meant.
I use my body as a memory palace when shopping. The one introduced in Dominic O’brians books.
I could use the same path on a ninja turtle.
Here, the Ninja Turtle is the “image to memorize”. My point is that the “image to memorize” is the terrain or object (where you would traditionally place the image). So instead of matching a bed to a ninja turtle, as in the example I gave in the first post, you would think of a ninja turtle instead of a bed. That way, you can continue to use completely empty space.
The thing is: you shouldn’t need to memorize the memory palace.
The whole point of the technique is to use a space that your brain is already familiar with and can navigate easily.
If, when you place an info in your bedroom, your spontaneously add a ninja turtle or replace your bed with a ninja turtle because it makes sense in context go for it. The first idea that comes to mind is the most memorable usually.
Of course, if I already have a space I’m familiar with, I can use that. But the reason I asked this question is because I think it’s very inefficient to keep finding new spaces and memorizing them again and again in order to memorize a lot of information.
When I memorize texts I do so on objects. Usually 5 loci on every object. The order is from the top towards the bottom and left to right. You don’t need “space” to do that.
In fact, if we replace ‘space’ with ‘object’ in the discussion so far, the problem persists. After all, we have to memorize the components of that object.
Yes, because the stuff you need to memorize has to be connected to something (in this method)
Before I comment, I would say do whatever works for you.
In terms of using loci, the spatial memory of you moving around an object is incredibly strong. I can recall the layout of friends houses and bedrooms from 30 years ago. This is because there were sights, smells, sounds, touches and even tastes I remember. I remember doing things, playing, eating, getting in trouble. These places are relatively dim in memory - but even places I’ve visited for one day I can confidently draw a layout for without any thought of memorisation.
I’m sure an imagined room can be strong too - but you will have to work much harder.
Depending how you organise your memory palace and what you use it for. How often you come back to it will make huge difference on recalling an imagined place vs a real place.
Is there a reason you want to do this? For example have you run out of suitable places to use for this method?
I think that I’m confused because you say you’re familiar with the object/place, but at the same time you say you need to “memorize” it. So, which is it?
The only thing I would advise is to not sweat about preparing empty memory palaces (unless you need it for memory sports). At least for me, things go much smoothly and solidify quite easily when I actually fill the space up.
This is why I find miniature/ analog MPs so interesting. The fact you can make your own ‘landmarks’ in a portable format… 
Just a note on this important point.
I can and do use a 100% imaginary palace for some things and CAN go backwards and forwards (journey) through it – but I am converting everything over to a “real” palace as the base. Why? Because the real location does seem to work better i.e. faster, less taxing.
Real locations you know well seem to “trigger” images to come out very fast, especially if they are associated (key point) with data/imagery and not just an abstract location.
E.g. In one room for me, one BED loci is a character (who symbolises South Carolina data) who I used to know who would sleep around a lot. So I put them into the bed. In another, a SHED DOOR is used, which stumped me for association until I found a scene where the movie character I use for Nebraska is emerging from a door and so overlayed that scene but with my SHED DOOR and parts of the shed. In another room, thousands of pens fall out of my CUPBOARD (Pennsylvania). Etc.
I suppose one could have IMAGINED a location with an imaginary bespoke door or penn “cupboard” (or whatever else), but then you’re actually adding to the need to create/remember things, not reducing. Journeying around “real” locations removes the need for links/triggers and also provides other “hooks” in the journey you can use – it’s frictionless vs an imaginary place that has no real background elements, textures, historic associations and other accoutriments that all add colour and flavour to help recall.
One advantage to purely imaginary is that you’re not “feeling” so constrained by real space. But that can be solved other ways.