That has always been my problem as well. Tbh, it has pretty much been the sole reason I have not gotten rid of some stuff in the past. I like to always be ready for everything. I keep so many emergency kits or backups for everything. Bandaids for all kinds of scenarios, hair products for all kinds of events, makeup for all kinds of looks, etc.
Oh man I am BAD about that too. Make up not so much because I only know how to apply the same cookie-cutter stuff: BB cream, mascara, a neutral tone for the eye shadow, sometimes I don't suck at eyeliner with a pencil, and colored lip balm. Everything else? I wouldn't know how to use it if I tried. I tried make up tutorials and I pretty much suck at everything that isn't make-yourself-look-like-a-witch-for-halloween.
I've gotten a little better at hair products now too. I used to have tons of bottles of shit everywhere. I've sort of reduced it to bobby pins for when I want curls, lots of hair ties of all shapes and sizes, a hair brush that has some microfiber villi to help distribute and absorb oil, and a set of 4 soultanicals items + one dandruff shampoo. For hair as long as mine, that's a feat.
I'd like to add a couple head bands to that but I'm always too lazy.
But I am an emerency kit fiend if left to my own devices. @_@
Then I considered: how often do I actually do anything outside of my routine? Do I go to parties/events that often? Do I need all those different dresses? Do I need all those bandaids? The store is a walk away from here. I can probably get what I need when I need it in about 10 minutes.
Yeah, this is how I feel. Like, yeah sure I could have a load of cough syrup with me.. but some cough drops are smaller, cheaper, do the same shit, and they're portable so I can have a couple in my car in the winter, and in my book bag or pocket in case someone needs them. I don't really need a ton of allergy medicines, a travel packet is enough usually.
I think its about settling on how often you use an item/ wanting to be ready for when you do want to use it/ the amount you need/ how accessible it is to you.
Yeah, this I'm still playing with a lot. But I realized that making a cubby for things, and giving them a particular home, changes the game a lot. If I know I only have x set of shelves for things.. yeah, I can maybe make space for that panini maker that's only 50 cents at the garage sale, but turns out I can also just use this pan I already have. My only main advantage to that is that I've lived in small spaces and had to move out in <1 day on many occasions.. so I can get completely shut down and set up again in a day's time. Not all of my stuff would fit in my car necessarily currently though. Which is kind of my next goal.. But I don't know how I'll get there with my love of books yet.
I like this part of the "rules" the best. I think it can pretty much apply to anything. Try it out for something you think you'll end up needing. Put it all in a box, seal it. Open it only to get what you need within those 30 days, after which, get rid of it without looking back inside!
I've also been trying out this 30 day list idea, and it's been helping a LOT with keeping clutter out.
It has to answer yes to 3/6 questions to go on the list:
1. Do you need this because you broke/lack/never had something similar to this before?
2. Is it discounted/marked down instead of being full price?
3. Would it do a better job than whatever you're currently using?
4. Will you use this more often than one time a month?
5. Is it within my budget to comfortably buy this right now?
6. Can I get rid of some less functional, bulkier items when this comes into my space?
Once it passes that inspection, it goes on the list. You can't buy it for 30 days. If it is something that is on clearance at a store, you have to buy it, and then keep it in a box and not touch it for 30 days. After which, you have to open the box/go to the store again/re-evaluate it and see if it really does still answer yes to the questions. If it does, keep it and use it and toss the items it was replacing. If not, take it back to the store for a refund since it is unopened and with the receipt.