We all have it. The pair of jeans bought just-in-case we lose those extra pounds (still waiting, thank you very much), the unopened spatula set scored in a too-good-to-pass-up Boxing Day sale, or that fitness gadget collecting dust since Amazon Prime Day 2023. These items don’t just take up space in our cupboards and wardrobes—they take up space in our minds. This, my love, is what we call "just-in-case" clutter. 

What is a "Just-In-Case" Clutter?

It's the stuff we keep around because maybe, someday, we might need it. The problem is, that someday rarely comes. And if you're clever enough (which you are), you can find a reason to keep almost anything. But when your home begins to look more like a storage unit than a sanctuary, it's time to rethink and revisit.

Why We Hold On

As it turns out, letting go isn't just about stuff. It's about emotion. Guilt, fear, sentimentality, and obligation often masquerade as practicality. Let's dig into some of the most common reasons we cling to "just-in-case" clutter:

• "I spent money on it!" - Darling, the money's already gone. Keeping the item won't bring it back. If it’s not serving you now, it’s costing you more—in space, energy, and peace of mind.

• "But it’s still perfectly good!" - It may be, but if you’re not using it, it’s not good for you. Let it go to someone who will cherish it.

• "It was a gift from..." - Gifts are meant to bring joy, not guilt. Keep the sentiment, not the stuff. 

• "It has sentimental value." - Your memories live in your heart, not in old keepsakes. Take a photo if you must, then set it free.

What To Do Instead

Let’s not go full minimalist unless that floats your boat. Instead, aim for your own version of "enough". Ask yourself:

1. When was the last time I used this?

2. How likely is this "just-in-case" scenario, really?

3. If I needed it, could I borrow or improvise?

4. What's the worst that could happen if I let it go? (And is it truly that bad?)

If the answer to these questions makes you shrug rather than shudder, that's your cue.

A Few Practical Tips

• Start with easy wins: Think expired makeups, spare cables, old manuals.

• Create a donation box: Keep it somewhere accessible and fill it gradually.

• Declutter by category: Clothes, then kitchen gadgets, then books, etc.

• Involve your values: Do you want more space for your children to play? More peace? More time not managing stuff?

Redefining "Enough"

Enough isn't a number; it's a feeling. For me, it looks like having a wardrobe that makes getting dressed feel good, a kitchen I can cook in without clearing counters first, and a home that feels like a hug at the end of the day. Most importantly, it means giving my family the best of me—not what’s left of me.

Let It Go, Let It Glow

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that clutter doesn’t appear overnight—and it won’t disappear that way either. But a little consistency goes a long way. Tidying just a bit each day keeps chaos from piling up (along with the post and the odd socks). And here’s the real magic: when you own less, you clean less. You stress less. You breathe more. A clutter-free home isn’t just easier on the eyes—it’s gentler on the mind and soul, too. So whether it’s the jeans you’re saving for someday or the tenth spatula you might need one day (spoiler: you won’t), remember—your home should serve you, not the other way around. Keep what you use, love what you keep, and let the rest find its way out the door. You’ve got this, lovely.