Dropping the “might” addiction

I have one consistent problem when trying to remove clutter and unnecessary possessions. It’s a trick of the mind and it’s really just an excuse.

I worry that I am getting rid of things I “might” use.

Let’s start with why I make this is a problem:

1) Sometimes, it’s simply true. I will someday use the casual shoes. I will want those extra plates. I’ll eventually have use for a couch.

2) However, many times, I’m just rationalizing my decision to keep something I don’t need. I tell myself I will wear that almost-new shirt, but really I feel guilty for giving away something for which I paid $30.

So, the problem is two-fold. First, I have to fight my desire to make excuses for myself. Second, even if it really is something that is worth keeping, I still might not use it.

In short, I have a hard time emotionally removing myself from a pragmatic decision.

My solution: The 1 week / 1 month / 6 month rule.

This isn’t perfect, but it’s helped greatly.

When organizing or going through a box of possessions, I separate my items into one of three categories:

1) Things I should use weekly (note: I want the large majority of my possessions to fit into this category).

2) Things I should use monthly (pretty much everything else).

3) Things that I still enjoy, but will wear out within six months.
This is almost an exception to the rule. If I own something now, but it will be worn out in six months, I decide to use it until it is worthless and then not replace it.

And if it doesn’t fit in one of these categories, I get rid of it.

I have to be realistic with myself. Rationalizations are just excuses to remove responsibility.

And if I realize this, the newfound responsibility/guilt is quite healthy. It puts me on notice and motivates me to eliminate worthless junk.

Once this happens, I can determine if the item I might keep fits into one of these categories or not. It’s a fairly bright-line rule, but that helps in keeping an objective eye on ownership.

For now, it’s the best way to fight keeping something I “might” use.

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