When You Find a Random Gadget, Cord, or Lid—Ask This Before Keeping It
If you’ve ever been knee-deep in a home decluttering or organizing session and suddenly come across something you can’t quite identify — you’re in good company. Even the most seasoned professional organizers and tidy homeowners occasionally stumble upon those puzzling objects: a random gadget, an unmarked cord, a mysterious lid, or a piece of hardware that clearly belongs to something… but what?
These “mystery items” are more common than you’d think. They’re the forgotten side effects of everyday life — small reminders of half-finished projects, gifts from well-meaning relatives, or leftovers from things we’ve long since let go of.
So, what do you actually do with them?
Step 1: Reconnect With Your Organizing Goals
Before making any decision, pause and revisit your organizing goals for the space.
Ask yourself:
◈ What is the purpose of this room or area?
◈ Am I trying to create clarity, calm, or functionality?
◈ Does this item help me achieve that goal?
If your main focus is decluttering and creating order, an unidentified item probably doesn’t deserve prime real estate. When you don’t know what something is, haven’t used it in months (or years), and can’t recall where it came from, that’s usually your sign — it’s not serving you anymore.
In professional organizing, one of the golden rules is: “If it doesn’t serve a purpose, it’s clutter.”
Step 2: Research Before Releasing
If curiosity has the better of you and you’re not ready to toss it just yet — that’s perfectly fine! Organizing isn’t about rushing decisions; it’s about making confident and informed choices.
Try using a digital tool like Google Lens or Pinterest Lens to identify the mystery item. Simply snap a photo, and the app may tell you what it is, what it connects to, or whether it has any real value.
Sometimes, this quick research can save you from accidentally discarding something important — but more often, it confirms your hunch that it’s just extra “stuff” taking up space.
Step 3: Give It a Temporary Holding Spot
If you’re still unsure, create a small “Mystery Bin” or “To Identify” box — but be intentional about it. Label it clearly and set a reminder on your phone or calendar to revisit it in 30 days.
Professional organizers use this method to help clients reduce decision fatigue while still maintaining forward momentum in the organizing process. The key is to give yourself a clear time frame — after that, if the items are still unidentified, they’re ready to go.
Step 4: Let Go and Make Space
Here’s the truth: organization is not about perfection — it’s about clarity, simplicity, and flow.
When an object has lost its meaning or purpose in your life, keeping it only adds to the visual and mental clutter.
Letting go of mystery items frees up not just physical space but also mental energy. It helps you shift from uncertainty to confidence — a small but powerful step toward a more peaceful, organized home.
Step 5: Trust Your Intuition
Professional organizers often remind clients: you can trust yourself to make the right call.
If something feels unnecessary, outdated, or irrelevant, it probably is. You deserve a home that supports your current lifestyle, not one that’s cluttered with question marks from the past.
Each time you release an item that no longer fits, you’re not just cleaning up — you’re strengthening your ability to maintain long-term organization and peace of mind.
The Takeaway
Every organizing project has its moments of uncertainty — those “What is this thing?” discoveries are simply part of the process. The goal isn’t to have every answer; it’s to make intentional choices that move you closer to a home that feels functional, calm, and aligned with your present life.
So next time you find one of those mysterious items, remember:
◈ It’s normal.
◈ It’s temporary.
◈ And it’s your chance to practice letting go with confidence.
Because professional organizing isn’t about holding onto everything “just in case.”
It’s about creating clarity, efficiency, and peace — one small decision at a time.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Mick Haupt @rocinante_11
