The #1 Question During Decluttering:
“But what if I need it someday?” 😬
We get it. Making decisions about your stuff is HARD. That emotional tug-of-war between “Maybe I’ll use it” and “I haven’t touched it since 2010” is real. But here’s the truth: indecision is what’s keeping your home stuck—and your brain overloaded.
Let’s break down exactly how to make smart, confident decisions while decluttering—without spiraling into ‘what if’ land.
🧠 First, Why Decision-Making Feels So Exhausting
According to research by Psychology Today, the average person makes about 35,000 decisions per day—and clutter just adds to the mental chaos. Every object in your home is asking:
"Do you still want me?"
That’s why decision fatigue is so real during a purge.
But guess what? We’ve got systems to cut through the overwhelm.
✂️ 1. The “Use It, Love It, Need It” Test
Ask yourself:
Do I use this regularly?
Do I truly love it or feel good when I see it?
Do I need it for my current lifestyle?
If it’s not at least 1 of those 3... it’s time to say goodbye.
🧼 2. The 20/20 Rule (Straight from The Minimalists)
If you could replace it for under $20 in under 20 minutes, let it go.
Holding onto “just in case” items costs you more in space and stress than it saves in money.
🎯 3. The “Would I Buy This Again Today?” Trick
Stand in front of the mirror with the item in hand and ask:
If I saw this in a store today, would I spend money on it again?
If not, that’s your sign.
🧤 4. Is It Serving the “You” You Are Right Now?
We hold onto old clothes, hobbies, gadgets, and even books from former versions of ourselves.
Ask:
Does this support my current season of life?
Does this belong in the life I’m living, not the one I used to live?
📦 5. The One-Box “Maybe” Rule
Indecisive? That’s normal.
Designate ONE bin or box for “maybe” items. Label it with a date.
If you don’t go back to that box in 30-60 days?
Don’t even open it—donate the whole thing.
Boom. Decision made.
🧨 6. Common Traps (And How to Escape Them)
GUILT:
“My mom gave me this.”
→ Your home shouldn’t be a storage unit for other people’s emotions.
MONEY:
“But I spent good money on it!”
→ That money is already gone. Don’t let it cost you space too.
“SOMEDAY”:
“I might use this... eventually.”
→ Be honest. Someday rarely comes—and if it does, you’ll figure it out without the clutter.
👏 Remember This:
Keeping something is a decision. Letting go is a decision.
Avoiding it? Also a decision.
But one keeps you stuck. The others move you forward.
🛍 Want a Few Organizing Tools to Help Sort It Out?
✔️ Color-coded donation bags 👉 https://amzn.to/3E6aMSr
✔️ Sturdy bins to hold your final “keep” winners 👉https://amzn.to/3FQog5f
✔️ Shredder for old paper clutter 👉https://amzn.to/3QYYuhB
🤝 Need a Judgment-Free Decision Buddy?
Decluttering is easier when you’ve got someone who isn’t emotionally attached to your high school band hoodie.
We help Long Island families clear their spaces and their mental clutter—with kindness and clarity.
📍 Long Island, NY
📞(631)697-7963