People Who Struggle to Throw Things Away “Just in Case” Usually Display These 7 Traits, According to Psychology

Ever heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? Well, there’s a bit more to it than just an old adage.

You see, some of us have a rather unique relationship with the things we own. We hold onto items, not because of their inherent value, but because we think they might come in handy “just in case”. Sound familiar?

The truth is, this behavior isn’t just about being overly cautious.

According to psychology, individuals who find it difficult to let go of items often share certain personality traits. Intriguing, right?

So, if you’ve ever wondered why you can’t let go of that old college textbook or why your garage is filled with items you haven’t used in years, read on.

We’re about to delve into the seven common traits that people who struggle to throw things away usually display.

Let’s get started!

1) They’re often sentimental

Ever found an old birthday card or a worn-out stuffed animal and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over you?

Well, you’re not alone.

People who struggle to throw things away often have a heightened sense of sentimentality. Each item, no matter how trivial it may seem, holds a memory or an emotion they find hard to part with.

To them, discarding these items feels like letting go of a piece of their past. Psychology reveals that this emotional attachment to objects is a common trait among those who find it challenging to declutter their space.

It’s not about the object’s monetary value but the emotional significance it holds for them.

2) They see potential in everything

Here’s a confession.

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I once held onto an old, broken toaster for about a year thinking I could fix it one day. Well, that day never came, but I still couldn’t part ways with it.

Why, you ask?

Individuals like me who struggle to throw things away often see potential in everything. We believe that even the most mundane or broken objects can be repurposed or fixed “one day”.

Psychology explains this as optimistic overestimation – we overestimate our future use of these items, which makes it hard for us to get rid of them.

So, the next time you’re holding onto a broken appliance thinking you’ll fix it someday, remember you’re not alone. It’s just one of the traits we have.

3) They crave control

Control – it’s a big word, isn’t it?

When life seems unpredictable, we often seek ways to regain control. And for some of us, this control comes in the form of our possessions.

Stashing away items “just in case” gives us a sense of security and preparedness. There’s a comfort in knowing we have a back-up plan sitting in our closet or garage, even if it’s a collection of mismatched screws or decade-old computer cables.

This desire to maintain control can manifest itself in our inability to let go of items, even those we don’t need or use.

If you find yourself storing things away for a rainy day that never seems to come, it might just be your subconscious craving for control. And that’s okay – self-awareness is the first step towards embracing change.

4) They exhibit procrastination tendencies

We’ve all been there.

Staring at the cluttered drawer or jam-packed closet, we promise ourselves, “I’ll sort it out tomorrow”. But that tomorrow often slips into the realm of next week, next month, or sometimes, next year.

People who find it tough to toss things away often exhibit procrastination tendencies. The task of sorting through possessions and deciding what to discard can feel overwhelming. Hence, they delay it, creating a continuous cycle of clutter.

Procrastination in this context isn’t about laziness. It’s more about the emotional drain and decision fatigue associated with decluttering. So if you’ve been putting off that overdue spring cleaning, you’re not alone. It’s just one of those common traits we share.

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5) They have a fear of regret

Did you know the human brain is wired to avoid negative experiences, including regret?

There’s a certain fear that comes with throwing things away. It’s the fear that the moment we discard something, we’ll suddenly need it, and the regret that follows can be intense.

This fear of regret is often more pronounced in people who struggle to throw things away. The thought of “If only I hadn’t thrown that away” can be a powerful deterrent, making it harder to part with our possessions.

So if you’ve ever held onto something out of fear that you might need it later and regret throwing it away, understand that it’s just how our brains are wired. It’s not just about being overly cautious but rather our innate desire to avoid negative feelings such as regret.

6) They find comfort in familiarity

There’s a certain warmth in the familiar, isn’t there?

The old t-shirt that’s seen better days, the worn-out shoes that have walked a thousand miles, the dusty books from college days – they all tell a story. Our story.

For people who find it hard to throw things away, these items offer a comforting sense of familiarity. They serve as tangible reminders of our journey, our experiences, and our growth.

This attachment to familiarity isn’t just about being sentimental. It’s about finding comfort in our past and the continuity it provides in an ever-changing world.

Now, if you’ve been holding onto things because they feel familiar and comforting, remember that it’s okay. It’s part of what makes you who you are. And there’s beauty in that.

7) They value preparedness

At the heart of it all, people who struggle to throw things away are often those who value preparedness.

They like to be ready for every scenario, and having these items on hand provides a sense of security. It’s not about hoarding or being messy; it’s about being equipped for any eventuality.

Psychology tells us that this trait is deeply rooted in our survival instincts – the need to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

So if you’re one of those people who keeps an extra set of everything “just in case”, know that it’s not a flaw. It’s a testament to your resilience and adaptability – qualities that are invaluable in this unpredictable journey we call life.

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Embracing the journey

Recognizing these traits in yourself is not a cause for alarm, but rather an invitation to self-understanding.

It’s okay to see potential in everything and to cherish memories attached to items. It’s natural to seek control, to procrastinate, to fear regret, and to find comfort in familiarity. Above all, it’s admirable to value preparedness.

The key lies in finding balance.

Start by acknowledging these traits without judgment. Then, take small steps towards decluttering your space and mind. Begin with one drawer or one shelf at a time. As you sort through each item, ask yourself if it still holds value for you.

Letting go does not mean forgetting memories or discarding potential – it’s about making space for the new and unexplored.

This journey is not about self-criticism but self-growth. It’s about evolving towards a healthier relationship with our possessions and our space.

Be patient with yourself. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Every step forward is a testament to your resilience. In this journey of self-discovery and growth, there is no right or wrong path – only yours.

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