Why Do We Keep Things “Just in Case”?

Sentimental Value

We keep many possessions not because we need them, but because they remind us of a particular person, place or experience. They may bring back memories or serve as keepsakes from an important event or someone close to us.

Keeping sentimental items can be important, but it is worth finding a balance between holding on to a few genuinely meaningful possessions and keeping everything simply because it was a gift from someone special or a souvenir brought back from an exotic holiday.

Possible Future Use

Many people have a dress or pair of trousers in their wardrobe that no longer fits, but which they keep in the hope of wearing it again one day. We hold on to baby items even if we are not planning another child, thinking that a family member or friend may eventually need them. We convince ourselves that we might return to an old hobby or that stored tools and equipment will come in useful during a future home renovation.

We also own plenty of seasonal items, such as skis, bicycles, suitcases and Christmas decorations. Although we do not use them every day, keeping them makes sense because they are used regularly at particular times of the year.

It Seems a Shame to Throw Them Away

We all have items we no longer use but are reluctant to throw away because they are still in good condition or were expensive. In such cases, selling the item may be the best option.

Sometimes, however, an item is no longer suitable for sale and is in poor condition, yet we still decide to keep it because of how much it originally cost.

Fear That We May Need Them Later

When considering whether to throw something away, many people worry that it may turn out to be useful in the future and that they will have to buy it again. This often leads to the belief that it is better to keep the item than risk needing to replace it later.

When Does Keeping Things “Just in Case” Get Out of Control?

If your wardrobes are overflowing, every corner of your home is filled with things that “might come in useful one day”, and you have not looked at them for years, it may be time to sort through your belongings again and let some of them go.

If you have not used something in the past 12 months, you probably do not need it – with the exception of seasonal equipment that is only used at certain times of the year.

Extra Storage Space – When Is It Worth Considering?

But what if your home is becoming cluttered and you do not want to throw away or sell items that are important to you?

Not everything needs to be discarded. This is particularly true of sports equipment, children’s belongings, business documents, furniture, seasonal items and family keepsakes. If these possessions are rarely used but still have practical or sentimental value, storing them away from home can be a sensible solution.

This allows you to create more space in your home while retaining access to the belongings that matter to you.