Decluttering Experts Warn Against the 'Maybe' Pile

Holding onto items you're unsure about can seriously slow your progress.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:31pm

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According to organizing pros, creating a 'maybe' pile when decluttering is a mistake that can lead to indecision, overwhelm, and more clutter. Experts recommend making quick decisions to either keep, donate, trash, or repair items instead of putting them aside for later. While a 'maybe' pile can be helpful in certain situations, it should always be a temporary solution addressed during the same decluttering session.

Why it matters

Decluttering is an important process for creating a more organized and peaceful living space. However, the 'maybe' pile approach can undermine these efforts by prolonging decision-making, leading to more clutter, and causing overwhelm. Understanding why the 'maybe' pile is problematic can help people declutter more effectively.

The details

Organizing experts say 'maybe' piles lead to hesitation instead of resolution. They recommend quickly deciding whether to keep, donate, trash, or repair items rather than putting them aside for later. 'Maybe' piles equate to indecision, which can create a mental loop and undermine the clarity you're trying to achieve through decluttering. They also risk creating more clutter through 'clutter shuffling' - moving items from one place to another without making a final decision. Avoiding the 'maybe' pile can help prevent decision fatigue and the temptation to keep items you don't truly need.

  • This article was published on February 4, 2026.

The players

Shaniece Jones

A decluttering expert who never suggests clients create a 'maybe' pile when decluttering.

Susan Guraj

The founder of VS Organized Interiors, who says the 'just in case' approach of holding onto everything in a 'maybe' pile isn't practical and often leads to overwhelm.

Emily Mass

The owner of Spaces By Emily, who says creating a 'maybe' pile can allow items that aren't truly needed to be kept anyway.

Victoria Tran

The founder of Sorted, who sees the benefit of a 'maybe' pile when you're early in the decluttering process, but says the goal should be to move through it with confidence and clarity.

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What they’re saying

“'Maybe' piles lead to hesitation instead of resolution.”

— Shaniece Jones, Decluttering expert

“While it's tempting to hold onto everything 'just in case,' that approach isn't practical and often leads to overwhelm.”

— Susan Guraj, Founder of VS Organized Interiors

“Creating a 'maybe' pile can allow items that aren't truly needed to be kept anyway.”

— Emily Mass, Owner of Spaces By Emily

“Once you see the progress and realize what you truly need and love, that 'maybe' pile almost always turns into a 'no' pile — so don't shy away from using it when needed, but always aim to move through it with confidence and clarity.”

— Victoria Tran, Founder of Sorted

What’s next

Experts recommend addressing items in a 'maybe' pile during the same decluttering session, rather than putting them aside for later. The goal should be to make a clear decision about each item, whether to keep, donate, trash, or repair it.

The takeaway

Avoiding the 'maybe' pile and making quick, decisive actions during the decluttering process can help prevent indecision, overwhelm, and the accumulation of more clutter. By addressing items with confidence and clarity, people can create a more organized and peaceful living space.