This Hack Will Help You Tackle Your Procrastination Clutter

If you’ve ever held onto a broken gadget, a stack of magazines, or clothes that you might wear someday, you’ve encountered “deferred decision clutter”, also known as “procrastination clutter.” It’s that collection of items we keep, not because we love them or find them useful, but because we just haven’t decided what to do with them. These are things we can’t quite let go of, so they linger in drawers, closets, and storage bins, adding to the chaos.

Deferred decision clutter, or procrastination clutter, is one of the biggest barriers to a tidy space and clear mind. This type of clutter doesn’t just make your home look messy—it also takes up mental real estate, adding a layer of stress every time you see it. When we put off making decisions, our brains perceive those deferred choices as tasks that still need attention. This leads to decision fatigue, making the act of decluttering feel even more daunting.

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Why We Hold onto Deferred Decision Clutter

Procrastination clutter often sticks around for a few common reasons:

• Sentimentality: We keep things because they have some emotional significance, even if we rarely use or see them.
• Guilt: If something was expensive or a gift, we might feel guilty letting it go, even if we don’t like it or need it.
• “What if” Thinking: We think we might need these items someday, so we keep them “just in case.” This can be true for old gadgets, duplicate items, or even clothes in a range of sizes.

Deferred decision clutter represents a choice we’re avoiding, whether that’s letting go of the past, facing the possibility of needing something we don’t currently use, or simply deciding to toss it. Over time, this habit can lead to an overwhelming amount of stuff that lacks purpose or joy.

Steps to Tackle Deferred Decision Clutter

The good news is that deferred decision clutter can be tackled with a little planning and a few easy steps:

• Identify Your Clutter Zones: Look for areas where you tend to “park” items. This could be a junk drawer, a “miscellaneous” shelf, or that storage bin in the garage. These are often prime spots for deferred decision clutter.
• Ask the Right Questions: When you find items you’ve kept indefinitely, ask yourself why you’ve held onto them. Are you really going to use that old coffee maker you were “planning to fix”? If not, it’s time to let it go.
• Use a “Maybe” Box: If you’re having trouble deciding, try putting uncertain items in a labeled box with a date (a month from now, three months, or whatever feels comfortable). When you revisit it, if you haven’t missed or used the items, you may find it easier to say goodbye.
• Forgive the Guilt: Remember that you’re not obligated to keep things that don’t serve a purpose or make you happy. If it’s a gift you don’t love or an item you spent money on but don’t use, it’s okay to let it go.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Every time you make a decision, celebrate it as a win. Decluttering can be emotionally taxing, so it’s important to recognize your progress.

Reclaiming Space and Peace of Mind

Decluttering deferred decision items isn’t just about a cleaner home; it’s about lifting a weight off your mind. By tackling these lingering choices, you’re not only making space in your home but also freeing up mental energy to focus on things that matter. Give yourself permission to release the things that no longer serve you. You’ll be surprised how refreshing it feels to let go and create room for what truly brings you joy.