
Not every purchase works out. Maybe it didn’t fit, didn’t function, or just wasn’t what you needed. While it’s easy to let that item sit in a corner, shoved in a bag, or collecting dust on a shelf, one of the most surprisingly satisfying tasks you can complete is returning it.
Why? Because returning something does more than just clear space.
- It removes mental clutter. Every time you see that unused item, it’s a reminder of something unfinished. Getting it off your plate frees up brain space.
- It restores a sense of control. Instead of beating yourself up for the “wrong purchase,” you turn the situation around by taking action.
- It creates a small win. Checking off that return from your to-do list gives you momentum and energy to tackle the next task.
So often, we procrastinate on returns because they feel inconvenient. But the truth is, once you’ve done it, you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. It’s one of those chores where the relief afterward is far greater than the effort it takes.
Next time you’re staring at something that didn’t work out, don’t let it linger. Put “return” on your list, and make it a priority. Few tasks deliver a faster, cleaner sense of accomplishment.
Because sometimes the best progress you can make is simply clearing away what no longer belongs.