"I might need this one day!"

When I am working with organizing clients, one of the most common things I hear is, “I might need this someday.”  I love hearing this comment because the life coach in me springs into action.  (Read: I will ask a question or two.) 

It might be college text books or a set of dusty canning jars.  When I start asking questions, it is interesting what may pop up.  Such as the client realizing that researching something in their 30-year old college textbook will probably NEVER happen since, well, you know, the internet.  (AND the fact that they haven’t cracked the book since graduating.)

Dusty canning jars may uncover bits of a desire to grow their own food and live off the land.  But the jars (which were picked up at a rummage sale) have been sitting in the garage for 17 years.  

Some things may not be so cut and dry.  Especially because decluttering can be a very emotional process as items stir up a trip down memory lane. 

One thing I can say though, is whatever item your hanging onto because “you may need it one day,” is very likely easily found again. And the peace of mind clients gain from letting go of such items bring much greater joy than the item ever did.