Memorizing 50 Items

I think the most daunting task that I'm going to have to try and accomplish this semester is memorizing 50 "discreet" items forward and backward. Memorizing it forward won't be that hard. I mean people have been memorizing things for classes since they were in first grade and had to learn how to spell. The problem, I think, will be trying to recite the items backwards right after that and to do so by going through the rooms of a house. I'm kind of confused as to how it's going to work. If anyone has any advice it would be appreciated.