“Just in Case” Clutter: Why We Hold Onto Things We Don’t Use (and What to Do Instead)
“I’ll just take that to the shed…” — A story that might sound like yours.
The Shed Story: A Family Saying and a Common Habit
In my family, when Mum decides it's time to let something go, Dad steps in with a familiar line:
"I'll just take that to the shed."
Off he goes, item tucked under his arm. It’s become a bit of a family saying—a gentle, well-meaning way of avoiding the harder act of letting go.
But here’s the thing: the shed isn't very big. And over the years, it’s filled with all kinds of "just in case" clutter. Not necessarily useful. Not necessarily needed. But there, just in case.
Me and dad wih The Shed
Sound familiar?
Maybe your version of "the shed" is the garage, the back of a wardrobe, or a few boxes in the spare room. Places where things go to wait—for some day that rarely comes.
The Discovery: A Cooker, a Realisation, and a Shift
When I started my business, Dad let me help him declutter and organise the shed. As we worked shelf by shelf, we uncovered a neat little carry case tucked away in a back corner. Inside: a brand-new portable cooker.
"Oh yes," said Dad, with that sudden jolt of remembrance we all know. "We got this cooker to use when the power goes out."
Now let me paint the picture: My parents are in their 80s. The locked shed is in the far corner of their block, up some steps, behind a pool fence. There’s no electricity in the shed, and you’d need a torch at night to get there safely.
We stood there, the cooker between us, both silently tracing the path Dad would have to take in a blackout to retrieve it. In the dark. Up the steps. Through gates. Unlocking the shed. All while the house sat powerless behind him.
After a moment, Dad looked at me and said: "Let’s get rid of this."
Why Do We Hold Onto Things "Just in Case"?
Because we’re human. Because we want to be prepared, responsible, and resourceful. And sometimes, because making a decision feels harder than holding on.
We tell ourselves it’s practical: it might be useful one day, it could save us money, or it would be wasteful to let it go. But more often than not, "just in case" becomes "just in storage."
Not used. Not needed. Just quietly taking up space—in our homes, and in our minds.
The Psychology of "Just in Case" Clutter
This kind of clutter isn’t really about the stuff.
It's about the stories we attach to it:
"I might need this if things go wrong."
"I should keep it, just in case someone else needs it."
"I paid good money for it."
These thoughts feel responsible on the surface, but they quietly create stress. They tie us to past versions of ourselves—or future scenarios we’re not even sure we want.
And in doing so, they pull us away from the life we actually want to live today.
…some wise words…
Letting Go Isn’t Wasteful—It’s Wisdom
Letting go of something you once thought might be useful isn't wasteful. It’s not a mistake. It’s not a failure.
It’s simply a moment of clarity.
A recognition that your needs and circumstances have changed. That the object no longer serves your life now. That making space—physically and mentally—is more valuable than holding on.
When Dad let go of that cooker, it wasn’t just about the item. It was a quiet shift. A moment of simplicity over obligation. A decision to stop carrying the mental load of "what if."
Try This Instead: A Gentle Question to Ask Yourself
Next time you're tempted to keep something "just in case, try asking:
Is this item truly helping me live the life I want today?
If the answer is no, that’s your cue.
Decluttering doesn’t mean doing it all at once, or achieving Pinterest-perfect minimalism. It means small, intentional decisions that honour your life now—not the version you fear, or hope, or plan for someday.
Want a Simple Starting Point?
If you're not sure where to begin, download my Free Declutter Checklist—a gentle, step-by-step guide to help you start clearing clutter with clarity and confidence.
👉 Click here to grab your free copy and take your first step toward a calmer, clearer home.
Ready to Let Go With Confidence?
Whether your “shed” is a real one or a metaphor for the parts of your home that feel stuck and overwhelming, you don’t have to tackle it alone.
As a KonMari Consultant, professional organiser and former psychologist,I help people move from stuck to clear—not with shame or overwhelm, but with clarity, ease, and even joy.
If you're ready to shift from "just in case" to "just right for me now," I invite you to join my community or reach out for a chat.
Together, we can make space for what matters most.
Mel
P.S. I’d love to know—what’s your version of “the shed”?
Is it a garage, a spare room, a kitchen drawer, or something else entirely?
Share it with me in the comments or send me a message—I read every reply.
Want to take the next step?
Want to start clearing “just in case” clutter in a simple, supported way?
Explore my offerings:
7-Day Declutter Breakthrough Experience – an audio pocket coaching experience with quick wins that get you started. Join at any time and work at your own pace.
Declutter Your Home and Life – my 12-week group coaching program using the CALMER Method, designed to help you shift your mindset, let go with confidence, and create lasting change.
Because life is too short to be ruled by stuff.