The 20/20 Rule: How to Let Go of “Just in Case” Items
We all have them — objects tucked away in drawers and boxes, not because we use them, but because we might need them “someday.” A spare phone charger, an extra spatula, a stack of towels set aside for a camping trip that never came.
This kind of clutter is sneaky. It feels practical, even responsible, to keep these things around. Yet most of it quietly sits untouched, taking up valuable space. The 20/20 Rule offers a clear way to break free from the “just in case” trap.
The 20/20 Rule says this: if you can replace an item in less than 20 minutes for less than $20, you don’t need to keep it.
It’s a principle designed to take the emotion out of decluttering. Instead of wrestling with “what if I need this one day?” you apply a clear, practical test. This small shift makes decisions easier, prevents overthinking, and clears space faster.
Why “Just in Case” Items Pile Up
“Just in case” clutter is some of the hardest to part with because it feels responsible to hold onto spares. We tell ourselves:
I might use this old phone charger if a guest visits.
This extra pan might come in handy if I cook for a crowd.
Those spare towels could be useful for camping one day.
But in reality, most of these items sit untouched for years. They don’t save us money or time. Instead, they cost us both — in the form of crowded cupboards, wasted space, and daily frustration when we can’t find what we actually need.
How the 20/20 Rule Works in Practice
Applying the rule is simple:
Pick an item. Example: an old HDMI cable.
Ask the question: If I needed this tomorrow, could I replace it in under 20 minutes for under $20?
Make the call:
Yes → Let it go.
No → Keep it.
This method works especially well for:
Kitchen gadgets
Extra linens and towels
Tech accessories and cables
Duplicate household tools
The Benefits of the 20/20 Rule
Clarity and confidence. No more second-guessing — the rule makes decisions quick.
Space reclaimed. Small items add up; clearing them creates breathing room.
Reduced overwhelm. The rule turns decluttering from an emotional task into a logical one.
Future proofing. If you really do need the item one day, you know you can replace it without stress.
A Practical Example
Imagine a drawer overflowing with duplicate spatulas, bottle openers, and kitchen gadgets. Applying the 20/20 Rule, you might realise that the $4 spare spatula you haven’t touched in two years is taking up more value in space than it’s worth. By letting go, you free the drawer for the tools you use daily.
Tips for Using the 20/20 Rule at Home
Start small. Try it on a single drawer or cupboard.
Be strict. Don’t create exceptions unless the item is genuinely irreplaceable (like family heirlooms or expensive equipment).
Pair with the One-Year Rule. Haven’t used it in a year and it passes the 20/20 test? It’s time to let go.
Donate instead of tossing. Many “just in case” items can find new life with someone who needs them.
Decluttering doesn’t always need to be emotional or complicated. The 20/20 Rule gives you permission to let go of the “just in case” clutter and reclaim space in your home.
After all, holding onto things you’ll probably never use is more costly than spending $20 and 20 minutes in the unlikely event you need to replace them.
Ready to clear your home of “just in case” clutter? Start small today with the 20/20 Rule — and when it’s time to take them to the tip, Illawarra Tip Run can help you take the next step.