“These could be handy one day”. The bane of anyone’s decluttering journey. Alongside “just in case” and “I planned to…”

I used to be one of the worst culprits for this, and I still have an issue with some items! Hello, extra 20 glasses for the parties we throw maybe once or twice a year! (We actually got paper cups last time so what are we doing?!)

Whether you’re a creative type that always has ideas on how to use random items, a serial hobbyist like me who believes you truly will get into painting/pottery/sewing, or you just hate the idea of waste. In almost every house, there will be items that we don’t need, will never use, but for some reason hold onto.

What I am letting go of:

For example, I’ve started accepting that I’m not going to fix everything that breaks. I hate waste and believe in sustainability and making things last as long as possible, so hopefully, one day I might be that person. But currently, I am a person with a baby, barely any time, and enough stuff that losing one item won’t do any harm – even if I loved it!

However, past Tina was another person entirely! I couldn’t throw away a scrap of material in case it could be used creatively. Genuinely, I had a piece of scrap denim from an old shirt when I was younger (not a child, though, embarrassingly) that I would keep my pin badges on – pin badges I never put on any bag or clothing. I remember when I began decluttering, I was making sure I could fit all of my craft things and hobby items in one place. Masses of them! I had a huge sewing box with every item imaginable, paintbrushes and canvases, jewellery-making tools, and crochet needles. You name it, I’ve had it. And I had actually used all of them to some degree, which made them feel ‘handy’. I carried those craft items from home to home when I moved many times over the years, and for some reason, still believed that when I got the time, I would use them all. Guess what, I now have one small box with basic craft supplies, and even that can probably be emptied at this point. In fact, I’ll do that this afternoon!

Examples of handy items that you don’t need

I know what you’re thinking…

I need that tool for when I do this one specific job…I need that dress in case I get invited to a fancy event…and so on.

• One-job kitchen tools – do you actually need a garlic press or cherry pitter? Do you use all of your knives or just the favourite one?

• Skincare – most people have more than they will use in a year and continue to buy more to try! If opened, many only have 6-12 months after opening until they have expired. Click for more help clearing toiletries.

• Stationery – you can only use one pen at a time! You probably don’t need 3 sharpeners from your school days in case you need to sharpen a pencil one day.

• Backup anything – if it’s a backup, it’s not in use. Use the 20/20 rule below.

• Shed items – you don’t need to keep a tin of white paint for years in case of a touch-up. You can get samples for touch-ups, and will need a new tin for a whole project. Same goes for garden tools, are they actually used?

• Extra towels, tea towels, bath mats, bedding – did you know the more you have, the more likely you are to fall behind on washing and sorting them? One in use and one in the wash is all you need!

These are just a few examples, but I’m sure you can look around your home and find others.

How to let go of handy items

There are a few mindset shifts that can help you to release these items.

Sunk Cost Fallacy

You are not losing money or wasting money by getting rid of something. The money was already gone the moment you bought it. You won’t get it back by keeping the item. However, you will get extra space and mental energy by releasing it.

Rehome Items

Some items are genuinely worth trying to sell, but with others, it can be just as worthwhile to donate and take your space back. I find relief in knowing that something can go to a home where it will be loved or used, rather than sitting in a cupboard.

The Maybe Box

If there are some things that you’re unsure about, place them in a box or bag, and see if you genuinely need or want them. Give yourself a time period you feel comfortable with (no, not 4 years!). If you don’t reach for any of them, you probably don’t need them. Imagine the extra space you’ll get without!

The 20/20 rule.

If it can be replaced for under £20 in less than 20 minutes, let it go. £20 can seem like a lot, but remember, you’ll only buy it if you actually need it. Chances are, you won’t. Think spare cables, kitchen tools, duplicates of any kind.

Reframe ‘What If’

What if I lose a button from a shirt? I should keep these buttons. Firstly, how often does that happen? Secondly, will you actually sew it back on? What if my charging cable suddenly stops working? See above.

Even small items that leave your home can add up and make a massive difference. I’m speaking from experience!

What are you holding onto because it’s handy?

Your turn! Do you have anything broken or saved for one day? What’s something you could declutter today to give you some physical space and mental energy?

Do you have a particular problem area when it comes to clutter? Message me or comment below, and I’ll create a post!