Sometimes, when decluttering, it can feel a lot easier to delay decision-making with 'maybe' piles. The problem, though, is that more often than not, these so-called 'maybes' end up becoming permanent fixtures in your home, and parting with them becomes more difficult.
For that reason, organizational pros say it's far better to ditch them for good and get ruthless with your decluttering, before it's too late.
Here, they share their top tips on using decluttering methods to avoid delayed decisions and offer advice on how to overcome the mental block to reach a resolution.
Why it's time to ditch your 'maybe' pile
As Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized, says, it's time to ditch your 'maybe' pile because, if we are being honest, maybe usually means no, 'just dressed up as procrastination.'
She explains, 'The "maybe" pile feels like a safety net, but it's just dragging out the process and taking up mental and physical space. If something truly mattered to you, you'd know. The longer it sits in limbo, the less likely you are to ever use or love it again.'
In turn, this can also make it far more difficult to get motivated to declutter, further exacerbating the problem.
Tracy McCubbin, CEO and founder of dClutterfly agrees, warning, ‘Maybe’ piles can take on a life of their own and become a subset of your clutter problem.
She says, 'Once you start a ‘maybe’ pile, you’ve given yourself permission to not make the decision of “should it stay or should it go.” Another slippery slope with the ‘maybe’ pile is that it languishes in the corner and is now really a clutter problem.'
It can be a common sign you're losing control of clutter, or that you are facing decluttering burnout.
How 'maybe' piles make things harder
Delaying decisions adds to the overwhelm and keeps you stuck.
Di advises, 'It can be bad to put off making your mind up. Delaying decisions adds to the overwhelm and keeps you stuck. When you keep putting off choices, the clutter sticks around – and so does the stress that comes with it.
'That's why I always say: clutter is just postponed decisions. The sooner you decide, the lighter you'll feel.
Tracy adds, 'Once you start adding a bunch of things to the ‘maybe’ pile, you’ve delayed the decision yet again. It somehow adds even more weight and importance to that item. Thinking “Well, I couldn’t decide whether to let it go or not, so that item must be extra important!” results in the clutter piles growing.'
So, our pros say, it's crucial to learn to be more ruthless when decluttering. The best place to start is putting together a decluttering checklist, starting small and focusing on progress, not perfection, says Di. For this, she recommends working through the questions to ask yourself when decluttering, to make it easier to decide what to declutter and overcome decision fatigue.
Di continues, 'Give yourself permission to let go without guilt. Holding onto something out of obligation or "just in case" weighs you down. Once you realize that letting go makes space for what really matters, it gets easier.'
When 'maybe' piles can help
Some clutter can be too draining to make decisions on there and then.
All this being said, Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, says in some circumstances, a 'maybe' pile can be helpful, so long as you do not let it get out of control.
He points out, 'Making decisions about our items is about efficiency and momentum, so when an item stops that process, creating a maybe pile helps. However, the challenge comes when our maybe pile never gets dealt with.' This is especially true with tackling tough decluttering sessions, such as decluttering sentimental items.
If this is the case, you can declutter as you go if you prefer – you don't have to decide on everything at once. This is particularly helpful when you need to declutter your home when you feel overwhelmed. But the key is not to allow decisions to physically pile up.
What to shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Instead of creating 'maybe' piles, pop any items you're unsure of in a storage basket like this as you declutter. Don't delay decisions though, make sure you empty the basket afterward each time, rather than letting clutter build up.
Begin your decluttering and organizing journey with Di's book, which was written and designed to help busy, overwhelmed moms break free from bad habits for good.
Cut visual clutter by using a stylish storage trunk. This one is handwoven with integrated handles for easy and convenient portability.
Meet our experts
Ben has significant experience with level five hoarders, so knows better than anyone the damage delaying decisions can make.
After becoming a wife and a mother, Di quickly learned the importance of organization and regular decluttering. Since, she has helped hundreds of clients rethink their relationship with clutter, including how to prevent decision fatigue and declutter efficiently.
Tracy has been a professional organizer and decluttering expert since 2006, with over 20 years of knowledge.
If you're still struggling to ditch your 'maybe' piles, keeping in mind some transformative quotes for decluttering can make a real difference.
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