How Do You Get Out of the “I’ll Use It Later” Mentality When You Want to Declutter?

Clutter can cause anxiety, stress and various illnesses. Still, we often make excuses to avoid getting rid of it. Do you find yourself thinking “I might use this later” when you try to banish items that you hardly ever touch? If so, you’re not alone. Many of our readers have had the same experience.

Is It True?

Sometimes, it does make sense to keep extra stuff. You’ll probably need spare toothbrushes, dish gloves or light bulbs some day. As long as you don’t get carried away, you needn’t worry about stocking up on a few disposable items that predictably need replacement.

On the other hand, most unused belongings will probably never “come in handy.” Take the time to think about it realistically. For example, a spare clock could sit in your closet for decades as it waits for the clock on your wall to stop working. By the time you need this item, you might not even remember where you put it.

There are many reasons why you probably won’t use something. It may expire, become obsolete or get broken. You might never fit those baggy pants or find an occasion to wear that garish sweater. Perhaps you have more than a lifetime supply of deodorant and first-aid supplies in your medicine cabinet.

• You lose it somewhere
• A ceiling leak ruins it
• It becomes unfashionable
• Supplies are discontinued
• It rusts or grows mold
• A burglar steals it

Instead of withering away in a closet, your belongings could immediately benefit someone else. It’s also possible that a factory can recycle these items and use the materials in a new way. Although some people think it’s a “waste” to get rid of things, decluttering actually reduces waste.

Helpful Techniques

Are you still sure that you’ll eventually use something? If so, set a reasonable time limit and write this deadline on a calendar. Throw out or give away the object if it’s still sitting in your attic on that date. Be firm with yourself; don’t put off decluttering for another day or week.

You could also think about or even estimate the cost of the space that clutter takes up. It doesn’t matter if you rent or own; you’re probably paying to maintain, heat, cool and insure every square foot. You’re not making the most of your money or this space when you keep lots of needless belongings.

Rare Exceptions

On occasion, you might find that you shouldn’t have let go of something. Maybe the wall clock will fail in a few months. Still, it’s better to spend money on a replacement than to let clutter waste valuable space and diminish your enjoyment of life. When you actually do need an extra item, it’s a rare exception rather than the rule.

The truth is that people seldom regret decluttering. You’ll probably forget the discarded belongings before much time has passed! If you’re like most people, you will be impressed at the sense of greater freedom that arises when you let go of things that you never use. Decluttering can banish an oppressive burden and the stress that comes with it.