In the Unstable Branch we are currently testing a new item pick-up system: when you pick-up an item it opens a item container window just as if you opened a chest or barrel. There you can select what you want to pick up as normal. If there are multiple items on the ground you can see them all in the same window.
The new system is based on player suggestions and should reduce the burden of inventory management somewhat. We'd very much like your feedback on it before we'll roll it out in to the main branch of the game.
If you like to try this out but are not on the unstable branch yet. You can switch by right-clicking Unexplored in your Steam library, selecting properties and going to the Beta's tab. You can always switch back if you like.