4 Ways to Fight “But I Might Need It Someday” Syndrome

In case there is any confusion, I wanted to stress that just b/c I "stockpile" does not mean that I am in favor of clutter. I saw this on a site and agree whole-heartedly...A rule of thumb that I practice is, every so often, going through our storage spaces and weeding out everything that we have not used in a year or more. Whether that be clothes or other miscellaneous items, I will rarely throw these un-needed things out but instead donate to good will or friends who I know could use them. Below are a few of the arguments for de-cluttering your life: (http://www.onsimplicity.net/2009/03/but-i-might-need-it-someday-syndrome/)

1. You can buy it again later. The less expensive the item, the more this applies. Having to buy an item again isn’t ideal, but it probably won’t break your budget. In the meantime, you can reclaim your space and be able to actually see what you do have.

2. Someone else can use it today. Yeah, you might want that ill-fitting, oddly-colored wool coat someday. There’s a slight possibility. On the other hand, there’s a great possibility that someone could use it today. By hoarding stuff you don’t really need, you’re keeping useful items out of the hands of other people. By all means, keep what you need, but if something has a slim chance of finding a use in your life, consider giving it away to someone who could really get some wear out of it.

3. You’ll never remember you have it when you actually need it. Keeping an odd assortment of items around is no guarantee that you’ll have what you need, when you need it. Even if you do remember that you have a ceramic dog stuffed away somewhere when a need arises, who knows if you’ll be able to find it? Keeping a minimum of “maybe” items around ensures that you have a pretty good idea of what you do have at all times, eliminating double purchases and waste.

4. Letting go is empowering. When you let go of “someday” items, you’re sending the message that you can handle life as it comes up. You don’t need an army of spare, unloved knick-knacks or piles of old newspaper to make it through. Clutter isn’t armor; letting go of it doesn’t weaken you in any way.