You probably have a bunch of things saved “just in case” you might need them someday. It feels natural to hold on to stuff, but it can add up and take over your space more than you realize.
Knowing what you’re saving just in case helps you decide if keeping it is really worth it or just clutter. This article will help you spot those items and think about why they stick around in your life.
Expired spices you kept just in case
You might have a bunch of spices in your cabinet that are past their prime. These old spices won’t harm you, but they lose flavor and won’t improve your cooking.
Holding on to them “just in case” means you miss out on fresher, better-tasting options. Toss the expired ones and restock only the spices you really use. Your meals and kitchen space will thank you.
Extra screwdrivers collecting dust
You probably have a few screwdrivers lying around that you never use. They might be part of a big set or random ones you grabbed “just in case.”
Most of the time, one good screwdriver is enough for small jobs. Holding on to extra or unusual screwdrivers can just take up space without much reason.
Worn-out clothing you might use
You probably keep worn-out clothes thinking you might use them again. Maybe for painting or gardening where you don’t mind stains.
But if the clothes are really old or torn, they might not be worth keeping. You can recycle them or use them as cleaning rags instead.
Saving them “just in case” often means they just sit there, taking up space you could use better.
Old coffee mugs stashed away
You probably have a few old coffee mugs saved “just in case.” Maybe one has a funny memory or you think it might be useful someday.
But if you’re not using them, they just take up space. It’s okay to let go of mugs that don’t make you happy or serve a real purpose. Your kitchen will feel less cluttered.
Pots and pans you rarely use
You might have a bunch of pots and pans tucked away that only come out for special occasions. Holding onto extras “just in case” takes up space and adds clutter.
Keep a few versatile pans that cover most cooking needs. The rest can be donated or stored elsewhere if you really think you’ll need them.
Random cables and chargers
You probably have a bunch of random cables and chargers tucked away “just in case.” Most of the time, they just sit around, taking up space and collecting dust.
If you haven’t used a cable in years or don’t even know what device it goes to, it’s okay to let it go. Keep only the ones for your current gadgets, and maybe one or two older types you might still need.
Leftover crafting supplies
You probably have a bunch of leftover glue, paper scraps, or beads saved “just in case.” It feels like these bits might come in handy someday. But most of the time, they just pile up and take space.
Try sorting through what you have. Keep only the supplies you use or love. Let go of the rest to clear your space and make crafting easier.
Old notebooks or planners
You might keep old notebooks or planners “just in case” you need something from them later. But most of the time, the chance you’ll actually look back is low.
If you want, write down important notes or dates in one easy place. After that, you can toss the old stuff without worry. Holding onto every planner can just create clutter.
Unused gift cards
You probably have some gift cards sitting around, waiting for the perfect moment. You keep them “just in case” you need them later.
Sometimes you forget about them or lose track. It’s easy to hold on instead of using them right away.
Try checking your gift cards and using them before they expire or get lost. It’s money you already have, after all.
Sentimental magazines or newspapers
You might keep old magazines or newspapers because they remind you of a special time. But these items can take up a lot of space and often aren’t looked at again.
If you want to save memories, consider keeping just one or two special issues. You can also take pictures of the pages instead of holding onto the whole paper. This way, you keep the memory without the clutter.
Duplicate kitchen gadgets
You probably have more than one can opener or vegetable peeler hiding in your drawers. Holding onto duplicates “just in case” takes up space you could use for things you actually need.
If you don’t use a gadget often, it’s okay to let it go. You can always buy a new one if you really need it later.