Ever feel like your belongings multiply over night, always finding room in already full spaces? It’s like we’re all collecting items “just in case” but they never actually get used.
I’m here to tell you, you’re not alone! The endless clutter cycle drains your energy and mental space.
Whether it’s items you are saving for that one rare occasion, the overwhelming thought of organizing, or the constant flow of new stuff, a clutter-free home can feel like a distant dream.
If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place!
I’m calling this the “Just in Case” Conundrum – that tendency we all have to hold onto things for a hypothetical future that often never arrives.
The truth is, the CASE never happens.
It’s kind of a puzzle, right? Why do we do this?
But I think the real question is, how do we finally figure out what’s worth holding onto and what’s ready for its next chapter?
So, let’s take a breath and start shedding some of that “just in case” weight together, making room for more space – both physically and mentally.
So, there it is: the “just in case”
That thought that pops into our heads when we’re decluttering and says…
What if you need it one day?
Better hold onto this…just in case!
It might be worth something someday...
These thoughts justify the presence of that slightly stained tablecloth we haven’t used since 2018, the five extra phone chargers for devices long gone, and the collection of mismatched buttons that might help fix a shirt someday.
It’s like we’re saving them with good intentions, thinking, “What if?” or feeling a little guilty about the idea of something going to waste.
But let’s be real: how often does that “just in case” scenario actually happen?
And at what cost do we hold onto these maybe-someday items?
It’s not just about the stuff, though. They eat up our precious space, make everything feel visually messy, and they can even add to that general feeling of being overwhelmed.
I’ve definitely noticed that the urge to keep things “just in case” often boils down to a few key feelings and thought patterns, like..
The Fear of Future Lack
We’re wired to avoid losing out. Getting rid of something feels like a potential future loss if we end up needing it.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Life is unpredictable, and holding onto items can give us a false sense of control over what might happen. That old wrench? “Just in case” the new one breaks.
Sentimental Hang-ups
Sometimes, “just in case” is just a small excuse to hold onto items tied to memories, even if we never use them.
We all have them – those items we’re holding onto just in case we need them one day.
You know, the usual suspects such as:
- Extra gadgets and tools – That bread maker you used twice, the specialty cake pan, random Allen wrenches.
- Clothing that no longer fits – “Maybe I’ll fit into it again someday!”
- Old electronics and cables – For devices we no longer own or ones that do not work.
- Mismatched household items – socks, lidless containers, chipped mugs.
Okay, so what’s the game plan for actually letting go of these items?
Here are some questions I find helpful to ask myself when I’m on the fence:
- Have I used this in the past year? Be honest! If not, what’s the realistic likelihood of needing it in the next year?
- If I did need this, could I easily borrow, rent, or replace it? Consider the accessibility and actual cost (time and money) of alternatives.
- Is the potential future need truly worth the current space and mental energy it’s costing me? Be honest about the trade-off.
- Am I holding onto this out of genuine potential use, or is there an underlying sentimental reason? If it’s sentiment, could a photo or a smaller, more meaningful memento take its place?
The goal here isn’t to become a ruthless minimalist overnight, but to become a more conscious user of your belongings.
By gently but firmly challenging the “just in case” thinking pattern, you can often free up significant space and mental clutter, making room for the things you truly need, use, and love.
Time to Take Action!
You know that really good box you’ve been saving just in case?
Well, THIS IS THE CASE!
Meet your new decluttering bestie: The Holding Bin
This is what I like to call the “Holding Bin” because it’s a cardboard box designated place for your “just in case” items to go without donating yet. (I love using cardboard boxes because you can fill it up, drop it off, and go!)
The bin (or box in this case) holds the items you’re unsure about but there is a time limit. After 6 months, it’s time to load the whole box into the car and drive it to its new home.
Here’s what to do:
- First, take a quick walk around your home and identify one item you’re keeping solely on the off-chance you might need it someday.
- Ask yourself: “What’s the worst that would happen if I didn’t have this?” Your answer might surprise you!
- Do this again for the next 7 days. Find one item to add to your Holding Bin. Or if you’re feeling really inspired, try it for a whole month.
- Anything you do not need, add to your box.
- Then, set a reminder in your calendar for 6 months from today. If you have not used those items in the Holding Bin, it’s time to donate.
You’ll know what you’ve used or not because if you DO need it, you will most likely take it out of the donation box and put it to practical use.
The Holding Bin is part of the decluttering process when you are unsure if you will need that item “just in case”. It’s the perfect way to keep clutter from accumulating while keeping your mental space decluttered too.
Do you have a box you could use for this purpose? Give it a try and let me know how it’s going!
Want more decluttering support?
If you’re ready to tackle expired items or your digital clutter, be sure to check out my “Expired Item Intervention” Guide and “How to Manage Your Digital Overload” Guide. You can find them and other helpful tools here: www.binyourspace.com/guides.
FREEBIE: Grab my Intentionally Tidy Checklist for free when you join my email list! More decluttering and organizing tips, hacks, and strategies sent right to your inbox every Wednesday!
Bonnie Hintenach | Bin Your Space
Professional Organizer for Homes and Classrooms
Maryland Organizer
