People who can't throw away packaging “in case they need it later” often display these 7 unique traits

Have you ever opened a closet or drawer only to find it packed with old phone boxes, empty candle jars, or those little pouches that came with your last pair of headphones?

You know, “just in case”?

You're not alone. I’ve met plenty of people—smart, thoughtful, organized even—who can’t bring themselves to toss packaging. And while this might seem like a minor quirk or a small sign of clutter, it actually reveals some pretty interesting psychological traits.

Let’s unpack it (pun intended).

Here are seven traits I’ve consistently noticed in people who hold onto packaging—even when it seems totally unnecessary.

1. They’re natural planners

Let’s start with the obvious: people who save things "just in case" are usually thinking ahead.

They’re not doing it to create mess or chaos. In fact, it’s the opposite. They’re trying to avoid future inconvenience. What if I need to return it? What if I want to sell it later? What if the item breaks and I need the original packaging for repairs?

It might not seem rational in the moment—but to them, it’s a form of preparation. It’s their version of future-proofing life’s uncertainties.

In my old job as a financial analyst, I used to have colleagues who saved every box from their electronics. Not because they were hoarders—but because they thought, “What if I want to resell this on eBay later?” And truthfully? They often did.

2. They’re emotionally attached to potential

This one’s more subtle.

Saving packaging can sometimes be about holding on to the possibilities we associate with new things. A brand-new purchase often carries a sense of excitement, renewal, or even identity. That sleek iPhone box or the sturdy shoebox from those designer boots isn’t just a box—it’s a reminder of a choice, a goal, or even a mini-celebration.

Letting go of the packaging? It can feel like letting go of that emotional spark.

Dr. Susan Whitbourne, professor emerita of psychology at the University of Massachusetts, has noted that “we often imbue objects with symbolic value far beyond their practical use.” That perfectly explains why it’s sometimes harder to toss an empty box than it is to toss the old item itself.

3. They value resourcefulness

If you’re someone who grew up in a household where nothing was wasted—not plastic bags, not twist ties, not even wrapping paper—this probably hits home.

People who save packaging often have a deep belief in the usefulness of things. They don’t like to waste. To them, that sturdy cardboard box might come in handy for a care package, a move, a craft project, or a DIY storage solution.

One of my friends once stored winter scarves in a box that originally came with her blender. It worked perfectly. Her closet? Color-coded and labeled. The blender? Long gone.

So is she messy or is she a genius? Honestly, I think it’s both.

4. They lean toward perfectionism

Sometimes, the refusal to throw out packaging has less to do with utility and more to do with order.

I once had a client who kept every box for her high-end kitchen appliances—and stored each appliance inside its original packaging. Why? Because it looked neater that way.

Perfectionists love symmetry, completeness, and tidiness (at least on their own terms). The packaging completes the picture. Tossing it would feel like breaking up a set or having an incomplete puzzle.

This desire for things to be “just right” often overlaps with anxiety around letting go. Because once that box is gone, you can’t get it back. And for a perfectionist? That’s an uncomfortable kind of finality.

5. They’re sentimental minimalists (yes, both)

This might sound contradictory, but it’s surprisingly common.

Some people who save packaging aren’t overwhelmed by clutter—they’re actually quite minimal. But they have a sentimental side that gets attached to objects in unexpected ways. So instead of hoarding hundreds of items, they carefully choose a few things to keep—and packaging often makes the cut.

Especially the pretty kind. Have you seen the packaging from brands like Apple, Glossier, or Chanel? It’s basically art.

I had a reader once tell me she used an old Diptyque candle box as a jewelry holder “because it just felt too beautiful to throw away.” That’s not clutter. That’s creative reuse with a side of sentiment.

6. They struggle with decision fatigue

Here’s a sneaky one.

Tossing packaging requires a decision: Do I need this? Will I ever need this? What’s the worst-case scenario if I throw it out?

And if you’ve already made 472 micro-decisions that day—what to wear, what to cook, how to reply to that text, which toothpaste to buy at the store—one more choice might be too much.

So you punt. You keep the box.

Saving packaging can sometimes be a placeholder. A way of saying, “I’ll deal with this later.” In other words, it’s a temporary decision that often becomes permanent by accident.

Author and researcher Barry Schwartz has famously written about “the paradox of choice,” noting that too many options can lead to paralysis. Packaging decisions are low-stakes—but they still trigger that same mental fatigue.

7. They feel safe when surrounded by “what-ifs”

Here’s the deeper layer.

Some people save packaging because it gives them a sense of safety and control. Life is unpredictable, messy, and sometimes chaotic. But that box? That’s a controlled environment. It’s predictable. It has structure. It fits.

In times of transition—like moving, changing jobs, or navigating uncertainty—people often cling more tightly to physical items that feel stable. Even packaging.

It becomes a tiny, tangible form of security.

As noted by psychotherapist Sharon Martin, “People who struggle with letting go often fear regret and a sense of loss. Holding on feels safer—even if it creates clutter.”

In short, keeping that box isn’t always about the box. It’s about what it represents.

Final thoughts

So if you—or someone you know—has a closet full of boxes, pouches, and instruction manuals, don’t rush to judgment. They’re not just being irrational or messy.

They might be practical thinkers. Sentimental souls. Closet perfectionists. Or people who just want to keep their options open.

At the end of the day, it’s not really about the packaging—it’s about what we value, fear, and hope for in the future.

The next time you hold something in your hand and think, “Maybe I’ll need this later,” pause and ask yourself:

Am I saving this for its utility… or for the part of me it reflects?

And if it turns out to be both? That’s perfectly okay.