Have you ever kept an item “just in case”? If so, you might like to dial into that thought a little more. Are your decisions around your items revolve around something that did or did not happen in the past and something that might happen in the future?
We can find it very difficult to make decisions as to what stays and what goes when we are decluttering. It’s what makes this process overwhelming. It’s what makes us put it off and not enjoy it at all.
DO ANY OF THESE SOUND FAMILIAR?
👋 The desk you’re keeping in your parent’s home for the day you finally own your own one.
👋 Furniture you moved from your aunts home after she passed away and yet you still haven’t done anything with fifteen years later.
👋 Boxes belonging to the mobile phone, tablet or gaming console just in case you sell them one day.
👋 The pieces of wood that are out in the garage just in case they come in handy someday. Add to that the wires and cables and technology that you’re not sure what they do or where they belong to but you might need them so you hold onto them just in case.
We hold onto things because of an emotional attachment to them from the past, or a fear of something happening in the future that we think we won’t have the means to deal with / pay for etc.
We hold onto things because of an emotional attachment to them from the past, or a fear of something happening in the future that we think we won’t have the means to deal with or pay for. It’s understandable—our belongings often feel like safety nets. But at what cost?
The weight of “just in case” clutter isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and mental. Every time you see those unused items, they remind you of unfulfilled plans, unfinished projects, and past losses. It’s as if they whisper, “You should have done something with me by now.” That’s a lot of pressure for a pile of unused wood or a collection of tangled cords!
When we help our clients at Organised Chaos during their on-site decluttering days we often come across these items and these dilemmas. We’re there to help you move past these blocks and look at things and your space and situation differently. With that we can give a gentle nudge to encourage you to let things go gently. At the end of the day your things are your things, however, we are there to help you let things go and set up the life you want in the here and now. And we make it a bit more fun than doing this all by yourself!
SO HOW DO WE MOVE PAST THIS?
Here are a few ways to challenge the “just in case” mindset:
✨ Ask yourself how realistic the ‘just in case’ scenario is. Have you ever actually needed an item like this in the past? If the situation arises, could you borrow, rent, or replace it without significant cost?
✨ Give items a ‘use by’ deadline. If you think something might be useful, set a time limit. If you haven’t touched it in six months or a year, it’s probably safe to let it go.
✨ Reframe your thinking. Instead of “I might need this one day,” try “Someone else could use this today.” Donate items to people who can benefit from them now.
✨ Trust yourself. Letting go of these items is an act of faith in your ability to handle future situations without unnecessary clutter weighing you down.
Sometimes you may let something go that you do need eventually. But are you going to hold onto something and let it take up physical and mental space on the tiny chance this could happen? And again, trusting yourself that you’ll deal with that eventuality should it arise is key.
Decluttering isn’t just about creating space in your home—it’s about freeing up mental space as well. When you release what no longer serves you, you make room for the life you actually want to live, instead of being held back by the past or an uncertain future. So, what’s one ‘just in case’ item you’re ready to say goodbye to today?
Happy Organising!
Sarah x
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