5 Ways to Stop Holding on to Possessions “Just in Case” while Decluttering

When I began my minimalist journey three years ago, two words had the power to stop my decluttering flow in its tracks. 

I’d be on a decluttering roll, letting go of unloved and unused things left and right when suddenly, that pesky question would pipe up in the back of my mind…

What if?

More specifically, my self-talk often sounded like this:

I know you’re about to let go of that box of old books that’s been in the garage six months, but what if you need them someday? Shouldn’t you hold on to them just in case?

Soon, what if and its obnoxious cousin just in case, became like mosquitos in my ear, buzzing louder with each decluttering effort.

Those extra flashlights? What if you need them? Those impulsively purchased purses? Keep them just in case.

The phrases needed squashed, exterminated from my vocabulary. Desperately. If they lingered, I’d be stuck on a permanent decluttering plateau. 

It wasn’t until I read Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver that I had a much-needed epiphany.

Just in case actually means never. 

When was I actually going to use the old books, the extra flashlights, and pile of purses? Never. 

Carver writes, “Just-in-case thinking is a messy combination of procrastination and fear. When we say I’ll keep this just in case, what we’re really saying is, I’m not ready. I’m afraid to let go. I’m afraid I won’t have enough.” 

But I did have enough—much more than enough, in fact. My excess possessions weighed on me, stifling my freedom to live life the way I felt called. If I was going to be able to let go of my possessions, I needed to let go of just-in-case thinking first.

And maybe you do, too.

Here are 5 ways to stop holding on to possessions just in case while decluttering:

1. Fill in the blank

Carver writes that one reason we hold on to things just in case is because we don’t finish the sentence. Sure, it’s easy to say we will keep something just in case. But just in case what? Articulate what you think might happen. Say it out loud to yourself. Say it out loud in front of other people. The more you get your justification out in the open, the more reason you can apply to it. 

You: “I need to keep seven spatulas in my kitchen just in case… some of them break.”

Also you (after completing the sentence and saying it out loud): “Have I ever actually broken a spatula? No. Okay, two will do.”

Filling in the blank—not only in your mind, but also verbally—reduces the chance you will make a purely emotional decision to keep something you don’t actually need or love.

2. Apply the 20/20 Rule

Carver suggests using The Minimalists’ 20/20 Rule to stop holding on to possessions just in case. This rule suggests that if an item you’re on the fence about donating can be replaced for less than 20 dollars in less than 20 minutes, then let it go. Truth is, it’s highly unlikely you will miss it or need to replace it. But simply knowing that you can replace it alleviates the fears that might arise when letting it go.

You: “I need to keep these extra vases just in case we get a bunch of flowers at once sometime.”

Also you (using the 20/20 Rule): “I’ve never actually needed eight vases at once before. I’ll keep three and can grab another for a couple bucks at the thrift store down the street if needed.”

Using the 20/20 Rule keeps you from holding on simply because you’re afraid you won’t have enough.

3. Understand the true cost of your stuff

Everything we own has a claim on some of our time, energy, and attention. The more items we keep just in case, the more we minimize these precious resources. Consider how much of your life is devoted to maintaining, organizing, or picking up possessions. When you let go of just-in-case items, you create more space in your life to focus on what matters.

You: “I need 32 plates. You never know when company will come over and someone will need one. Better keep them just in case.”

Also you (after realizing the true cost of your stuff): “I feel like I’m constantly washing plates! My kids pull out a new one each time they eat. I bet if I only had 12 they would learn how to reuse them. I would still have enough for hosting, and I would free up some of my time.”

Carver says that your excess stuff also carries the cost of excess stress. Once you realize this, you start letting it go. Soon, you feel the weight of stuff lifting, and life becomes free and light.

4. Realize just in case means never  

The hard truth is that we rarely use or enjoy the stuff we keep just in case. Take a good look at your junk drawer, the boxes in your garage, or the back of your closest for proof. 

You: “I need this entire box of sentimental items just in case I want to relive all these memories.”

You (realizing that just in case means never): “I haven’t opened the box in two years. I’ll keep my three favorite pieces, actually display and enjoy them, and let go of the rest. If I want, I can take a picture of the stuff I let go of to better preserve the memory.”

Carver says, “Admitting that just in case means never allows us to stop procrastinating and invites us to let go, and stop living in fear.” When we stop living in fear of not having enough, we stop holding on just in case.

5. Think bigger

Every excess possession you hold on to just in case a missed opportunity to benefit the life of someone else. A possession that weighs us down could be the exact thing that lifts someone else up. Instead of asking, “What if I need this someday?”, ask, “What if someone else, today, needs it more?”

You: “I need to hold on to all 12 of these blazers just in case business travel picks up again.”

Also you (thinking bigger): “Travel is down and I’m working from home now. I could donate half of those blazers to the local women’s shelter. I bet someone else could use one for a job interview.”

Living from a place of generosity instead of fear makes life more meaningful and increases your ability to let go. Give your possessions a chance to be useful again in someone else’s life (instead of just taking up space in your closet). Thank your excess stuff for its service to you, and then let it go.

If just-in-case thinking is holding you back on your decluttering journey, it’s time for a mindset shift. 

While it’s certainly prudent to hold on to things we really will need in the future (baby clothes if your family is still growing, snowsuits if you live in a climate with four seasons), our excess stuff often just causes clutter and weighs us down.

For more guidance on letting go of just-in-case items and living lighter with less, I highly recommend checking out Carver’s book Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More. 

Carver says, “When you realize you’re holding on to things for the wrong reasons, it becomes easier to let go.”

Why not revisit some possessions you’re holding on to just in case and run them through the five points above? 

Life becomes lighter when we finally let go.

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Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, one-year-old son, and newborn baby girl. You can also find her on Instagram.

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I want to help you design a simple, intentional life! I’ve created a 30-day course that will guide and inspire you to make actual change in your life by decluttering your home, heart and schedule. It’s time to live focused on what matters! Learn more HERE.