Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter
Just in Case
“Just in case!” I hear it a lot, and it’s definitely one of my least favorite phrases. “Just in case the suitcase I use breaks.” “Just in case I run out of the shampoo I prefer.” “Just in case we have to put the old, crappy light fixture back before we move.” (Tip: no one cares, at least not in New York City).
“Just in case” is basically a fear-based rationale. Most of these things aren’t the stuff you like, because if you liked it, you’d be using it and I wouldn’t come across it in the back of your closet. I understand it’s maddening to let go of something and then discover you need it, but consider these points:
- It might be 10 years before you move. Are you really going to take the fabulous designer cabinet knobs you installed with you and re-install the builder-grade ones that came with the apartment? You’re probably going to want to get newer, chicer knobs for your new place?
- If you’re reading this, you probably don’t live off the grid. So if you give away something, and then you need it, you can probably borrow it, rent it, order it from Amazon. Sure, if you have a huge house, and excellent, well-organized storage space, it’s great to not have to add to the landfill by buying stuff you already owned. But the key is being well organized. If you can’t find something when you need it, you might as well not bother keeping it. (See point 3.)
- When “just in case” happens—your kid lost his windbreaker, or you need the name of that physical therapist, do you know where to find it? I’m constantly finding stuff clients tucked away, and they say, “Arrgh! I was looking for that! I searched all over. I had to buy a new one.”
There’s too much stuff in our world, in our homes. Don’t save stuff “just in case.” Consider the numbers: If you think there’s a 5% chance you’ll need it in five years, toss it! But if the odds are 85% you’ll need it within a year or two, make a spot for it. Space is valuable; don’t clog it with “maybes.” And when your space is less cluttered, you’ll be able to find the goggles you were 90% sure you would need next summer.