10 "Just In Case" Things Pro Organizers Want You to Ditch
Instead of holding onto things for potential future scenarios, experts say you should make space for the life you're living now.
Whether it's a box from a recent delivery that looks like it might come in handy or chargers that seem like they'll save the day at some point, we all have things we hold onto for a "just in case" scenario. "Many items people hold onto 'just in case' are tied to what's called the fantasy self—the version of ourselves that will eventually use it, need it, or become it," says Michelle Hobgood, a professional organizer and the founder of The Tidy Trainer Co. In reality, Hobgood says these items rarely serve us—in fact, they typically take up valuable space both physically and mentally. It's best to start decluttering.
"In my work, I remind clients that being prepared doesn’t mean holding onto everything—it means keeping what actually supports your current lifestyle," the organizer shares. She explains that decluttering often means letting go of the "just in case" version of your life and making space for the life you are actually living. "I also remind them that if they're worried about letting go of the 'just in case' items, they will most definitely have many other opportunities to replace them in the near future—especially if it's a grocery bag, box, or condiment," Hobgood adds.
Here are the top 10 things professional organizers say you absolutely don't need to keep "just in case".
"Good Boxes"
“Good boxes” are one of the prime offenders of “just in case” clutter that D'Nai Walker, a professional organizer and the founder of D'Clutter By D'Nai, encounters. "People tend to have aspirational uses for them that never happen, or hold on to the boxes so long that they have deteriorated by the time they think to use them," Walker shares. Chances are, another box will come with a future online order, which is why Walker says there’s no need to keep too many.
Excess Bags
Excess bags—whether it's plastic bags, grocery bags, or reusable shopping bags—are another culprit, according to Hobgood. "People keep these thinking they’ll reuse them, but they accumulate far faster than they’re actually used," the organizer notes. Holding onto large quantities creates clutter, when in reality, Hobgood says keeping a small, contained amount is all you need.
Disposable Picnicware
For John Trosko, a professional organizer and the owner of OrganizingLA, disposable picnicware—such as paper plates, plastic cutlery, and chopsticks—is a large category of items people tend to keep "just in case". "Dedicate a small container, cup, or coffee mug to hold the category—when the space is full, no more gets added," Trosko says.
Clothes That No Longer Fit
Holding onto clothes that no longer fit just in case they will in the future falls into what Hobgood calls the "fantasy self" category. "People keep items for the version of themselves they hope to return to, but these pieces often create emotional clutter and guilt," she points out. On the other hand, letting them go makes space for clothes that do fit and support your current life, according to the expert.
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Rarely Used Kitchen Gadgets and Utensils
If your kitchen drawers are filled with gadgets, utensils, and tools that are rarely used or duplicates, it's time to get rid of them. "Free up that drawer or cabinet space. Sell less-used kitchen gadgets at the next tag sale or donate them," Trosko says. If you're not ready to let them go, Trosko recommends storing them in a box above the fridge and adding a date label. "If you haven’t used these items in a year, make the box disappear," Trosko says.
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Old Cords and Mystery Chargers
Old cords and mystery chargers are items Hobgood says people keep in case they belong to something important, but the reality is if you don’t know what device they're for, you’re unlikely to use them. "They create visual clutter and confusion, and most can be easily replaced if truly needed," Hobgood says.
Gift Bags
Most of us are guilty of stashing away used gift bags that are in good condition just in case an occasion arises to use them. "I don’t know why it feels illegal to throw away gift bags, but I often have clients that are looking for solutions on how to store them," Walker shares. Despite the good intentions, the organizer says most of the time, we forget to grab the stored gift bags and end up purchasing new ones anyway.
Half-Used Craft Supplies
If you are a crafter, rather than holding onto all the half-used craft supplies, giant bags of googly eyes, or oversized construction paper for potential future projects, Trosko says it's time to part with them. "These treasures pile up fast! Use a bin with a lid. If it doesn’t fit, let it go," the organizer says.
Takeout Condiment Packets
Hobgood says it's time to pitch all those takeout condiment packets of ketchup, dips, and sauces. "These are saved 'just in case', but most households already have full-size versions they prefer," she says. In the organizer's experience, takeout condiment packets only tend to pile up and expire. Tossing them frees up space in the fridge and drawers for items you actually need and use.
Duplicate Tools and Spare Parts
"Another culprit of 'just in case' clutter is duplicate tools and spare parts to past projects," Walker says. Whether it's screw drivers or a collection of miscellaneous bolts, the organizer says these items multiply and never seem to leave the house. "It’s best to have a solid set of tools with interchangeable parts, and if you are going to keep spare parts, label them so you know what they belong to," Walker advises.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
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