The Most Common Decluttering Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Let’s discuss some of the decluttering mistakes we all make. The ultimate free pass to any clutter is the “just in case” excuse. You can apply that thinking to any item and you will never be able to get rid of anything.
It’s hard to get rid of things you think may be of value at some point. It’s especially hard if you’ve experienced tough times when you couldn’t purchase things you needed. We think we should keep things just in case because we’re stuck in a scarcity mindset.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding about keeping “just in case” items. Could you make do with something else? Say you have a pair of red heels you want to keep in case you need them.
If you didn’t have them, would you need to run out and buy another pair of red heels, or would you be able to wear a neutral color instead?
Ask yourself if this is something you will use in the next 6 months. What would be the worst-case scenario if you don’t have it when you need it? Is this something you can borrow or rent? Would you remember where it is when you need it?
We also procrastinate and don’t make time to sit down and sort through what we have. Getting rid of things can be a chore. What are you going to do with it? Do you throw it out? Sell it? Donate it? We don’t want to bother with all these decisions.
Decluttering mistakes
For most of us, the problem isn’t that we don’t have enough, it’s that we have too much. Everything you keep takes up your time, space, and attention.
Clear out your “just in case” items. Enjoy the freedom that comes from having less clutter to manage.
For more decluttering tips, discover these important things to declutter for 2023 or these minimalism tips that will help you get better at decluttering.
To see more videos, check out the But First, Coffee YouTube channel.
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Thank you for sharing your "label" of "just in case"! Unfortunately I identify with that label. But what system may I be able to use now that I'm old,disabled and everyone I used to know is either dead or gone in whatever sense? I love to donate to the church/whomever. But, in my perdicament, I could REALLY use the money, if there are items that are sealable. Any ideas? Thank you.
Oh, I admit, I'm that kind of a homemaker and I get satisfaction out of repurposing something that I've been keeping just in case. But of viurse, there is a hood time to tackle some purging before my space gets out of control. I subscribe to the idea that it's ok to be messy because you live in your space - just know when to act on the mess and clutter to stay in control.