We often hear the phrase “I might use it one day” as a reason people hold on to items they don’t really need. This common mindset can keep you from creating the calm, organised, and functional space you truly deserve. We get it—parting with items, even unused ones, isn’t always easy! But with a few thoughtful questions and gentle nudges, you can finally feel empowered to let go of those “just in case” items and open up your space to things that add real value.
Below are 30 gentle but powerful ways to help you or your loved ones rethink the “I might use it one day” excuse and create a clutter-free space filled with items you love and use every day.
Rethink the Need for “Just in Case” Items
1. “If you haven’t needed it by now, chances are you’ll manage just fine without it.”
2. “Imagine how much space you could free up for things you truly enjoy using today.”
3. “If you needed it urgently, would you even remember where it is right now?”
4. “How often do you say, ‘I might use it one day’—and actually end up using it?”
5. “What would you do if you didn’t have it? Is there another solution?”
6. “Consider the ease of buying or borrowing it in the future, if the need really arises.”
7. “Keeping it ‘just in case’ could be holding you back from enjoying a more organised, stress-free space.”
8. “Would you truly miss it if it were gone, or would it simply be ‘out of sight, out of mind’?”
9. “By letting go of this, you’re making room for something you actually love and use.”
10. “If you haven’t used it in over a year, it might be time to set it free.”
Assess the True Value of What You’re Keeping
11. “Think about the mental load of storing and keeping track of things you rarely or never use.”
12. “If it hasn’t served you recently, perhaps it’s not as essential as you thought.”
13. “By donating or passing it on, you’re giving someone else the chance to actually use it today.”
14. “Consider if it aligns with your current lifestyle and needs.”
15. “What’s the worst thing that could happen if you let it go—and is that risk manageable?”
16. “Do you think you’ll realistically have a specific reason to use it soon, or is it just ‘just in case’?”
17. “Could this space be better used for something more important in your life right now?”
18. “The goal is to surround yourself with things that add value, not ‘maybe one days.’”
19. “Holding on to it could be costing you in terms of peace of mind and physical space.”
20. “What is more important—keeping this item or achieving a decluttered, organised space?”
Create a Space That Reflects Your Current Needs
21. “Would you be able to replace it easily if you needed it again?”
22. “Sometimes letting go of things we don’t need feels freeing, almost like a fresh start.”
23. “Could this item be something that’s tying you to the past, rather than helping you move forward?”
24. “Imagine the relief of knowing your space is filled only with what’s truly useful or meaningful.”
25. “What if we challenged that ‘might’ with a more realistic expectation of when you’d use it?”
26. “The goal here is to make your space feel calm and functional—does this item contribute to that?”
27. “Trust in your ability to make do without it, if the need ever arises.”
28. “Would you consider keeping a list of items you let go, just in case you need a reminder?”
29. “Remember, decluttering isn’t about sacrifice; it’s about creating space for what matters.”
30. “Imagine how much lighter your space will feel without holding on to ‘what ifs’.”
At Space and Time, we believe that decluttering is a journey, not a destination. By breaking free from the “I might use it one day” mindset, you’re clearing both your space and mind, making room for the life you truly want. Embrace this shift, and let’s create a home filled with purpose, peace, and room to breathe.
Still too hard?
Let’s work together to create a decluttering plan tailored just for you. Reach out to Space and Time today, and let’s make room for what truly matters