My neighbor said 'I'll just keep it in case' about a broken toaster and I finally understood the whole problem.

Hearing that phrase made me see how 'just in case' thinking is the exact mental block that fills every garage and closet with junk that never gets fixed or used, so what's your go-to phrase to fight that instinct when you're sorting through stuff?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannah4001d agoMost Upvoted

Actually, keeping things "just in case" is smart planning. That broken toaster has parts like the cord or heating element that could fix another appliance later. Empty space in a garage is wasted space, and replacing things costs real money when you suddenly need them.

milam481d ago

Wait, you keep a broken toaster for parts? That's a real fire hazard. The cord could be frayed inside, and old heating elements are not something to store loosely. I've seen what happens when people try to salvage damaged parts. It's not worth the risk just to fill empty garage space.

miles_burns1d ago

Yeah, I had that same habit. My rule now is if it's broken and I haven't fixed it in a week, it's gone. A broken toaster is just taking up space that could be used for something I actually need. Keeping it means I'm storing a problem, not a solution.