Would You Really Miss It? The Simple Question That Helps You Declutter Faster
- Ellie Azerad
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 12
You’re busy Pesach cleaning, standing in your kitchen, staring at that random gadget you never use. Or maybe it’s that scarf in your closet you always think “one day I’ll wear this”—but never do.
Now imagine this: What if that item suddenly broke right now?
And what if you couldn’t just run out and replace it?
💭 What would you use instead?
I ask my clients and students this question all the time. It’s one of the fastest ways to cut through the mental clutter and get clarity on what you actually need—and what’s just taking up space.
How This Question Works
✔️ If your answer is: “Nothing, because I don’t actually need it”—then that’s your answer. It’s clutter. It’s extra. You can let it go.
✔️ If your answer is: “I’d use XYZ instead”—then guess what? You already have a backup. That extra item? Totally unnecessary.
This simple mental trick reveals just how much “just in case” clutter we hold onto without even realizing it.
Why We Hold Onto Stuff We Don’t Actually Need
You might be thinking, “But wait! What if I do need it someday?”
Here’s the thing—we rarely do.
🛒 In today’s world, stuff is easier than ever to replace. We don’t need to hoard things out of fear.
💡 And when we do need something, we usually find a way to make do—just like our grandmothers did before Amazon Prime!
Ever notice that when something actually breaks, you don’t panic? You figure it out. You adapt. You grab something else and move on. That’s proof that you never really needed the original item in the first place!
Examples of This in Action
Sometimes we think we need an item—until it breaks, and we realize we can live perfectly fine without it.
Kitchen Clutter
➡ Mixing Bowls – One time, I ran out of bowls and used a pot. Did my cake batter complain? Nope.
➡ Crockpot – My crockpot broke before Shabbos. I used a regular pot instead—and I’ve never gone back. No extra dishwashing? Amazing.
➡ Salad Spinner – If it broke, would you just shake the lettuce in a towel? (Or better yet, buy pre-washed lettuce?)
➡ Garlic Press – A knife does the exact same thing.
➡ Toaster – Did you know an oven toasts bread too?
➡ Egg Slicer – If it disappeared, could you just use a knife? (Spoiler: Yes.)
➡ Waffle Maker – If it broke, would you just make pancakes instead? (And let’s be honest, when was the last time you actually used it?)
➡ Extra Measuring Cups – If one got lost, could you estimate, use a different size, or just eyeball it?
Clothing & Accessories Clutter
➡ That Extra Pair of Sneakers – If one pair broke, could you wear another pair of shoes you already own?
➡ Jewelry You Never Wear – If you haven’t worn it in years, what makes you think you’ll start now?
➡ Scarves You Haven’t Touched – If you needed to cover your neck, wouldn’t a sweater work just as well?
➡ Fancy Handbag – If it disappeared, would your regular purse work just fine?
Household & Random Clutter
➡ Extra Blankets – If one went missing, would you just use a different one?
➡ That Fourth Pair of Scissors – If three disappeared, could you just use the fourth one?
➡ Random Storage Containers – If one broke, could you use a different container, a bowl with a plate on top, or (gasp) just store the food in its original packaging?
➡ Your Second or Third Phone Charger – Ever notice how when you have too many, you actually lose them more?
What Happens When You Let Go?
🌟 More Space – Your home instantly feels lighter.
🌟 Less Stress – Fewer things to clean, organize, and maintain.
🌟 Easier Cleaning – No more shifting stuff around just to wipe down a counter.
🌟 More Time – When you’re not spending time managing clutter, you actually get to enjoy your home.
🌟 Less Guilt – No more staring at stuff you think you should be using but never do.
Your Challenge: Try This Today!
📝 Pick an area—your kitchen, closet, or office.
🤔 Ask yourself: “If this broke right now and I couldn’t replace it, what would I use instead?”
💡 Take action! If you already have a replacement, let it go!
Your Turn!
📩 Hit reply and tell me—what’s one thing in your home you could definitely do without?
Can’t wait to hear what you’re letting go of!
✨ Ellie
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