Question 5: Lighten UP! 50 Questions To Declutter Your Life

Week 5: Am I Keeping This “Just in Case”?

So far, we’ve explored guilt, nostalgia, and the parts of ourselves we’ve outgrown. 

Before we dive in this week, I want to share something important:

Money guilt, replacement fear, and the “but it was expensive!” voice show up in several of the 50 questions in my guide.
That’s intentional. Cost, scarcity, and the fear of making a “wrong choice” are some of the biggest blocks to letting things go — and they deserve to be explored from multiple angles. Decluttering isn’t about ignoring cost; it’s about not letting cost make decisions for you.

This Week’s Question

Am I keeping this “just in case”?

This is one of the most common (and sneakiest) mental traps we all fall into.
The “just in case” mindset sounds practical, but it’s usually fear dressed up as responsibility.

You may hear this little chorus in your head:

• “You never know…”

• “Just in case.”

• “What if I need it someday?”

• “It was expensive.”

• “What if I regret it later?”

• “I might fit into this again.”

• “It could be useful… eventually.”

• “I should save this… just to be safe.”

• “Someone might need this one day.”

• “What if I can’t replace it?”

• “But it’s a backup!”

• “This could come in handy.”

If these sound familiar… welcome to being human!

Why This Question Matters

Every “just in case” item is tied to a tiny fear:
Fear of not having enough.
Fear of needing something you let go.
Fear of being unprepared.
Fear of making a mistake.

But here’s the truth:
Clutter isn’t preparation — it’s pressure.

This question helps you build trust:
Trust that you can improvise.
Trust that you can borrow or ask for help.
Trust that you’ll figure things out — without storing three bins of “maybe someday.”

How to Use It

Each time you’re tempted to stash something away for a hypothetical future, ask:

• What exact situation am I imagining?

• How likely is it to happen?

• If it did happen, could I borrow, rent, or adapt?

This is where community becomes your secret weapon.

Buy Nothing groups on Facebook are incredible for this.
You can:

• Give away things you no longer need

• Receive things you do need

• Borrow items you’ll only use once

• Share resources in a sustainable, clutter-free way

Think about items like:

• A wet vac

• A folding table

• A pack-n-play for visiting grandkids

• A giant punch bowl you bring out once a decade

These take up massive space and get used rarely.
Borrowing solves the problem instantly — and strengthens your community.

And honestly…
Who is “Justin Case”?
And why are we keeping so much stuff for him?

When It Helps Most

Use this question when decluttering:

• Basements

• Hall closets

• Utility or storage rooms

• Garages

• Junk drawers

• Craft areas

• Kitchen “maybe someday” gadgets
  

It’s also powerful when scarcity creeps in — that quiet fear of not having enough later.

When It Might Not Fit (And That’s Okay)

If you’re navigating a financially tender season or preparing for a known event (a renovation, caregiving, a new baby in the family), keeping a few intentional backups is reasonable.

The key word: intentional, not fearful.

A Thought to Take With You

Letting go of “just in case” is letting go of fear.
Future you is smart, capable, and resourceful.
Future you will figure it out — without a basement full of “justins.”

Keep Going

Want to explore more questions like this — ones that help you declutter your home, head, schedule, and emotional load?

Download Lighten Up! 50 Questions to Declutter Your Life and go deeper into all 50 reflections.

Then, take your next step and schedule your complimentary
Lighten Up! Strategy Session — so we can uncover what’s keeping you stuck and create a plan that brings clarity, confidence, and calm into your daily life.

👉 Book your session:
https://calendly.com/melanie-liss-cohen/30min