Imagine you are cleaning your house. Suddenly, you find a box of old cables. You don’t know what they connect to. Admittedly, you haven’t used them in five years.
You pick them up to throw them away. But then, a voice in your head stops you:
“But what if I need them someday?”
So, you put the box back. This is the “Just in Case” Trap. It is the number one reason your home is cluttered.
You Are Not Preparing, You Are Predicting
Why do we keep things we don’t use?
Basically, fear causes this. We fear a future scenario where we might need that cable. Then, we worry we won’t have it. Mistakenly, we think we are preparing.
In reality, we are letting garbage rent space in our homes for free. We sacrifice our peace today. Why? For a moment that will likely never happen.
3 Ways to Break the Habit
You have to prove to your brain that you will be okay without the stuff. Here is how.
1. The 20/20 Rule
This is the golden rule of decluttering.
Can you replace it for less than $20? Also, can you get it in less than 20 minutes? If yes, you do not need to keep it.
Do you see that weird screw? Or that extra USB cable? Toss them. You might need one in 2028. In that case, just spend $5 to buy a new one.
2. The “Box of Purgatory”
If throwing things away feels too scary, delay the pain.
First, put all your items in a cardboard box. Next, tape it shut. Finally, write today’s date on it.
Then, put it in the garage. Eventually, if you haven’t opened the box in 6 months, donate it. You proved you didn’t need it.
3. Realize the Cost of Storage
Space costs money. Mental energy costs money.
Is your spare room full of junk? If so, you are paying rent for a storage unit. Therefore, keeping “free” stuff is actually very expensive.
Common Questions About “Just in Case” Items
What if I throw away something expensive?
Has it been a year? Then, it holds no value for you. Sell it. Then, use the money for something you actually need.
Should I keep boxes for electronics?
No. Do you plan to move next month? If not, recycle them. They take up huge amounts of space. You do not need them.
How do I stop feeling guilty?
Simply remind yourself that your peace is worth more than a cardboard box. Your home is for living, not storage.
Conclusion
Trust your future self.
If a problem arises, Future You will be smart enough to solve it. You don’t need to hoard garbage to keep them safe. So, throw away the cables.
Tell me in the comments: What is your biggest “Just in Case” item? I have a drawer full of shirt buttons I don’t own anymore.
