“If Not Now, Never” Decluttering Challenge: How to Let Go of “Someday” Items

Inside: Join the ‘if not now, never’ decluttering challenge and let go of the items you’ve been holding onto ‘just in case’.

A guest post by Rose Morrison

You open the drawer, and there it is again — the pile of things you swore you would get to one day.

The shirt you saved for a future event, the yarn meant for a hobby you never quite started, the tangle of spare cables you hold on to just in case, and the books waiting patiently on the shelf can quickly build into something that weighs on you.

When that pile begins to take over your space and sabotage your peace, it may be time for the “if not now, never” decluttering challenge.

This challenge can help you release the weight of “someday” and create room for the life you’re actually living today.

‘If Not Now, Never’ Decluttering Challenge: Understanding the “Someday” Pile

Have you ever held on to something because you were sure you’d need it later, or saved materials for a project you thought you’d start once life gives you more free time? That’s how the “someday” pile starts. 

The pile could consist of things you’re keeping for a future version of yourself who may never show up. It could be clothes you believe you’ll wear when your lifestyle changes, books waiting for weekends that never seem to slow down, tools for projects that remain ideas, or gardening supplies you plan to use when your schedule finally opens up.

Before you beat yourself up for it, know that it’s normal. Statistics have shown that 80% of the items people keep never get used.

There are a wide range of reasons you hold on to these items, such as:

• Fearing you’ll regret letting them go because you believe they’ll be useful soon.
• Focusing on what an item represents rather than what it actually does for you now.
• Keeping something because you spent money on it, even though it no longer adds value to your life.

These items can occupy valuable space in your life and make it more challenging to maintain a clean home. As a result, dust and allergens can build up and potentially trigger symptoms such as sneezing and congestion.

In addition to your physical well-being, it can also affect your mental health. Research indicates that having excessive amounts of stuff can lower overall life satisfaction.

The “If Not Now, Never” Decluttering Challenge Rules

If you’re having trouble letting go of the stuff you’ve been keeping for the hypothetical future, the “if not now, never” challenge can be helpful. Here are the rules you need to follow.

Rule #1: Set a Time Limit​​

Dedicate a specific time window to work through the “someday” pile, such as an hour after work or a whole afternoon on the weekend.

Giving yourself a time limit creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused. Without it, you might find yourself slipping into procrastination.

It is helpful to break the task into smaller chunks to prevent overwhelm, as decluttering does require making many decisions.

Rule #2: Ask the “Now or Never” Questions

Ask these “now or never” questions while sorting out the items:

• Would you buy this item today at full price?
• Have you used this item in the past three months?
• Does this item align with your current goals and lifestyle?
• Do you want the job of managing this item?
• Do you have more than one?

If the answer is no to most of the questions, let the item go. Using these questions can make the process much easier and quicker.

Rule #3: Be Ruthless

Although you might feel bad about getting rid of your possessions, it’s essential to be honest with yourself. This isn’t the time to rationalize your decisions or excuse every item.

If something hesitates in your hand but doesn’t spark usefulness or meaning, release it. 

It’s easy to talk yourself into imagined scenarios, but in order to be ruthless with decluttering, it is important to face reality.

Rule #4: Categorize and Conquer

After you decide what to keep and what to discard, determine what you will do with the remaining items.

Consider donating gently used items that could benefit others and selling those that still have value so they don’t end up in a landfill.

If something is broken or no longer useful, dispose it properly. Having a clear plan helps prevent the pile from reshaping itself elsewhere, such as a “to recycle” pile that you never get to.

And don’t let donations linger in your garage or the trunk of your car for months on end. You won’t feel the full impact of decluttering until the items are completely out of your home.

Rule #5: Celebrate Your Success

Decluttering is emotional work. Find ways to celebrate your successes along the way as you make progress with the decluttering challenge.

You can take a photo of the cleared space, make your favorite drink, order your favorite food, or simply sit and enjoy the calm. 

Taking small moments to pause and notice your accomplishments can help motivate you to continue with the process.

Maintaining a Clean Space and Creating a “Now” Focused Home

Now that you’ve let go of the “someday” pile, the next step is to clean the areas it once occupied. Take a moment to choose the right products for each surface so you don’t undo your hard work. 

For example, if your unused items were on a granite kitchen countertop, keep in mind that cleaners containing acid can damage the stone. If the pile was tucked away in a wooden cabinet and left a layer of dust behind, use a gentle wood conditioner to refresh the surface without stripping it.

Once your space is clean, you can use the reclaimed areas to build a “Now” zone, which represents who you are today. In this space, place only items that support your current goals and lifestyle.

If physical health is your focus, consider placing an exercise mat and hand weights in the spot where you used to keep your “someday” pile. The idea is to let your environment support the life you’re living now. 

Next, curate your environment and be mindful about what comes through your door to keep the momentum going. Before bringing anything into your home, pause and ask yourself if it genuinely serves your life as it is today. 

It also helps to create decluttering habits and schedule regular check-ins. A seasonal review of storage corners, a monthly wardrobe edit, or a weekly fifteen minutes of decluttering can prevent the pile from building up again.

The Power of Letting Go 

Letting go of the “someday” pile is not easy because you’re not only parting with the objects themselves. You’re also releasing the fantasy version of yourself who might have used them.

However, once you move past that burden, you will start to notice the benefits.

Decluttering can support a healthier lifestyle by clearing your mind and reducing stress as your space becomes more manageable and welcoming.

There are many benefits to having a decluttered home. It makes your space more functional and can help you to feel more relaxed in your space.

Do the ‘If Not Now, Never’ Decluttering Challenge and Don’t Let the “Someday” Pile Hold You Back

Rather than depending on “someday” to justify holding on, trust that you can handle what the future holds when the time comes.

With each item you let go, your space feels lighter, and your mind becomes clearer. Start now and discover the freedom that comes with finally letting go.

Will you do the ‘If Not Now, Never’ Decluttering Challenge & let go of some of your just-in-case items? Let us know in the comments section below.

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