Sometimes I cheat and put things in a “maybe” bin, just in case.
That “maybe” bin is basically my garage in a nutshell. I swear, every time I start a new project, I end up digging through old paint cans or random hardware thinking, “This might come in handy.” Half the time it doesn’t, but every now and then I find exactly what I need buried under years of “just in case” stuff.
I tried the one-year rule too, but honestly, it’s tough when you’re always tinkering with something around the house. There’s always that nagging feeling that as soon as you toss something, you’ll need it for some weird repair or patch job. Still, clearing out the clutter does make life easier—less stuff to trip over or dig through.
Funny thing, last time I was cleaning out the shed, I found a box labeled “future projects.” No clue what half of it was even for. Guess that’s just part of being a homeowner… you never really know what you’ll uncover next.
Honestly, I feel seen reading this. Every time I try to organize my “maybe” stash, I end up second-guessing everything. But hey, sometimes that random hinge or half-used paint sample actually does save the day. I guess it’s all about striking a balance—clearing out enough to breathe, but keeping just enough for when inspiration (or a leaky pipe) strikes.