Getting Over "What If I Need This Someday?" While Decluttering

By far, the most common roadblock I’ve heard when it comes to decluttering is this: “But what if I need it someday?” It’s one thing to part ways with those things we know we don’t need or want anymore, but it’s a bit more difficult to get rid of those items in the gray area. Sure, we may not be using it right now — but seasons change, styles change, hobbies change — heck, our sizes change!

So what if I need it someday?

Believe me. I’ve certainly asked myself this same question! But over the years, as I’ve slowly reduced the clutter in our apartments and now in our home, I’ve come up with a better answer to that age-old question.

Before we delve into some of those “answers,” let’s set the stage. I’m not talking about those everyday items you actually do use (your toothbrush, a can opener, a vase for flowers). We’re talking about those things you haven’t used in years — maybe they’ve followed you through several moves, getting shuttled in that same box, from closet to attic to storage shed. You may be holding onto it because it’s something you envision yourself using, like art supplies, sporting equipment, reading materials, empty containers or storage bins, obscure tools, clothes that don’t fit anymore, etc. Or you may want the security of knowing it’s there at the off-chance you’ll need it.

The next time you are decluttering (or right after you read this!) and you come face to face with one of these “someday” items, remember these things:

The Good Far Outweighs the Bad

You have to keep the big picture in mind when decluttering, especially if you’re hoping to make it through quite a bit of stuff. All in all, you’re going to have waaaaay more items that you part with and do not miss whatsoever than the few you might miss down the road. I’ve decluttered hundreds, if not thousands, of items over the years and there have only been a handful of things I’ve regretted. However, I move on (and couldn’t even tell you what one of those things is right now!). You’ll move on too.

Almost Everything is Replaceable

In this day and age, everything is replaceable. Our grandparents and great-grandparents lived in a different era, when things were a bit harder to come by, so holding onto what you had made sense (I would argue they had way less to begin with, but that’s a topic for another day!). Nowadays, you can replace something with the click of a button. This may sound wasteful or expensive, but there are a few things to keep in mind. One is the 20/20 rule — or the “Just in Case” rule coined by the Minimalists — which says, you can replace most items in 20 minutes for less than $20. Think about it: If you got rid of a paint brush you bought for a specific project and end up needing that down the road, you could get that at Lowe’s or Home Depot within 20 minutes for less than $20.

Also, ask yourself, “What is the worst that could happen?” Go through the scenario in your head, of you rebuying that item or having to live without it. You’ll probably survive either way.

Ask Yourself: “What If I Don’t Need This?”

Flip the question on yourself! Ask yourself, “What if I don’t end up needing this and it sits in my closet for another decade, taking up space, collecting dust, and wasting my energy?” Envisioning the alternative to letting it go may make you realize it’s not worth hanging onto after all.

And “What Do I Gain By Letting Go?”

On the other hand, think about what you have to gain by letting go of this particular item. If it’s on the larger side, you gain physical space in your home. If it’s making you think about something you used to do or someone you hope to be (more on that later!), you’ll gain peace of mind. If it’s something you have to keep clean, organized or running, you’ll gain some time and energy back. Our items don’t just hold monetary value — they also require space, energy and time to possess.

You Could Say It About Everything

Technically, you might need just about everything in your closet, drawers or storage shed. You could say it about everything! So where do you draw the line? Trust me, being more brutal and cut-throat when decluttering has always served me well.

If You Haven’t Needed It Yet, You Probably Won’t in the Future

The chances are, if you haven’t needed something thus far (or in the last few years), you probably won’t need it in the future! It’s as simple as that. Sure, our hobbies, lifestyle and needs may change throughout the years, but do they really change that much?

This Will Help You Make Wiser Buying Decisions

The more things you have to part with, the more refined your buying habits will be down the road. This is especially true if you get rid of some things you remember spending quite a bit of money on. You’re more likely to think twice before your next purchase.

You Can Borrow So Many Things

Another important question to ask yourself is: “Do I need to own this?” In our current sharing economy, there are so many things you can borrow or rent on an as-needed basis, like cars and electric scooters, carpet shampooers or machinery, and even power tools. Plus, there’s probably a friend or neighbor who owns a specific tool or item you might need on a rare basis.

Accept Who You Are Right Now

Believe it or not, our identity is so wrapped up in this equation. It’s deeper work than this mere paragraph makes it seem, but accepting who you are is so important when it comes to decluttering — especially with these “someday” items. Don’t hang onto things based on the hobbies you once did or the things you hope to do someday. And when it comes to clothing, focus on and embrace the size you are right now — not a size you once were or wish to be. It’s easier said than done, but focusing on the present and pursuing contentment are crucial when it comes to decluttering.

Give Yourself a Time Limit

Make “someday” an actual day instead of some distant, unspecified time in the future. Set an actual reminder for 6 months or a year down the road as your cue to make an official decision about a particular item. At that point, if you still haven’t used it — or needed it, as you feared — it has to go!

What Would You Add?

What other reminders help you overcome the “What if I need this someday?” mentality?