One of the biggest barriers to decluttering for many people is what I call what-if-I-need-it syndrome. Many people worry that they’ll get rid of something and later wish they hadn’t, so they hang on to things “just in case.” In this month’s decluttering update, I address decluttering regret and why you shouldn’t let this fear hold you back.
But first, this month’s decluttering progress update.
52-Week Decluttering Challenge
At the beginning of this year, I decided to go back and redo the 52-Week Decluttering Challenge from the beginning. Each month, I share a decluttering update with my progress and any tips and learnings from the month.
If you missed last year’s challenge, here are some links to help you get started.
- 52-Week Decluttering Challenge – Free printable
- Week 1 – Easy decluttering checklist
- Looking back on a year of decluttering
- And, if you just want to jump in and declutter a specific area, you can find links to all the weekly tips and posts on the main Decluttering page.
What I decluttered in July
In July, I revisited weeks 27 to 31 of the decluttering challenge. Here are links to last year’s posts if you’re looking for tips and ideas for these areas:
- Night table drawers (Week 27)
- Closet—non-clothing items (Week 28)
- Pantry (Week 29)
- Fridge & freezer (Week 30)
- Desk drawers & office supplies (Week 31)
In total, I decluttered 42 items last month. Here’s a sampling of some of the items I got rid of.
Decluttering regret and what-if-I-need-it syndrome
For many people, the biggest fear that holds them back from decluttering is that they’ll get rid of something that they’ll need later. It’s a valid concern, but is it really something we need to worry about?
The first two questions on my easy decluttering checklist are: “Did I even know I owned this?” and “When did I last use this?” If the answer to the first question is “no” and the answer to the second question is “more than one year ago”, then the item goes straight to the get-rid-of-it pile.
If you’ve been following my decluttering journey, you’ll know that I’ve decluttered close to 5,000 items in the last two years. Believe it or not, I had never experienced decluttering regret until a few weeks ago.
My decluttering regret story
During my recent trip to Colorado Springs, I was invited to a reception. The dress code for the event was western wear. I own a lot of denim, and a couple of plaid shirts, but most of my western wear is more suitable to fall and winter temperatures than hot summer weather.
As I thought about what to wear, my mind immediately went to a short-sleeved black-and-white plaid top that would be perfect for the occasion. When I went to look for it, I remembered it was one of the items I got rid of in my closet decluttering spree last year. Uh-oh.
With any serious decluttering exercise, you’re bound to run into some decluttering regret. I’m a little surprised it hasn’t happened to me before now.
Overcoming what-if-I-need-it syndrome
If you’re letting what-if-I-need it syndrome hold you back, ask yourself a few questions:
- Realistically, what are the chances I’ll ever use this again? (Be honest)
- What’s the worst thing that could happen if I get rid of this item?
- What could I use instead of this item?
- How difficult would it be to replace it?
One of the sage pieces of advice from The Minimalists Ryan and Joshua is: if you can replace an item in 20 minutes for less than 20 dollars, you can safely get rid of it.
In the end, I took advantage of an end-of-summer clearance sale and found a cute plaid dress for around $25 that I wore to the reception. No decluttering regrets!
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As I go through round two of the 52-Week Decluttering Challenge, I’m getting rid of a few just-in-case items that I wasn’t ready to part with last year. With only one case of decluttering regret after two years of decluttering 5,000 items, I can safely say no when I’m tempted to hang onto something because I might need it one day.
Have you ever experienced decluttering regret? Tell me your thoughts below.
Lol, I actually suffer from this, especially when wanting to declutter super niche items, like glue (for my shoes with separated soles, which is an uncommon occurrence), or expired spices (which may still be useful in a pinch). But that 20 minutes for 20 dollars guideline makes sense, which will help me with my future decisions. Thanks for this post, Michelle!
Thanks for dropping by Stuart. I smiled at the expired spices reference. When I cleaned out my medicine cabinet last year, I threw out about a dozen packages of expired medication. And I always thought I was on top of that stuff…apparently not.
Okay. Guilty. I have this exact syndrome!!! A few times (within the span of like 10 years), I have come across items in my closet that I didn’t throw away but SHOULD have thrown away and have thought, “Omg I am SO glad I didn’t throw this away, I need this exact thing right now!!”
However, that being said, the time that that has happened was few and far between within those 10 years and those items were things I could have just lived without (meaning I could have used something else in its place) lol… so I have no point here, just that I am one of those problematic people LOL I need to go through my closest 🤦♀️
That’s the thing, right. We hang onto things we really could live without. Much as I wished I still had that cute plaid top, I would probably never wear it again unless I get invited to another western-themed reception. As for the plaid dress I bought and wore instead, I am sure I will declutter it at some point, too.
I’ve got rid of clothing and wished I hadn’t; especially as the years went by. Fashions keep coming back!
I do like the above questions and will use this post the next time I’m decluttering.
Thanks for the tips. 😀
Thanks Rachel. My hairdresser and I were talking about just that the other day. We laughed because fashions come back in style but they’re always a little different so your old clothes still look old. Although the current acceptance of vintage fashions and thrifting may change that.
It’s a bit annoying that the reception placed such an odd dress code on the event – I wonder how many other people had to buy something new? My declutter regret is a straw sun hat that I got rid of because I had a bucket hat. It wasn’t perfect though so I see it as an opportunity to get something that’s a better fit and style when I come across it.
Yes, it was a bit frustrating. I’m sure they thought it would be easy but a sundress would have been easier. LOL I hope you find a nice straw hat soon!
Not really a regret but a chuckle. I owned two pairs of platform shoes from the 1976 when I went to England. I gave them to the charity shop years ago, but noticed they are back in style. I wouldn’t be wearing them now (I’d break my neck!) but it’s interesting how fashions go in a big circle. I kept most of my earrings from days gone by and are now in fashion again! Thank you Michelle for sharing great ideas.
Yes. What’s old is new again! I wish I had kept my old chunky earrings.