Why Do We Keep "Stuff"

There are many reasons that people keep things.  

1.  Many of us have a difficult time parting with things that still have functionality, because we see it as wasteful to discard it.

2.  Another often heard reason is that we spent money on it and it would be like throwing away our money.  How about this one?

3. Someone gave it to us and we don't want to hurt their feelings.  

4.  If I get rid of it I'll end up needing it later and won't have it.  

5.  We inherited it.  

6.  It represents something to us on some emotional or psychological level.  

All of these may indeed be valid reasons to keep things, but let's look a bit closer.  

1.  If something still has functionality, but YOU are not putting it to work, the only thing it is doing is taking up space that could be better used.  Donate it, or give it someone who actually does have a use for it.  Or, start putting together a yard sale.

2.  The money that you spent is gone so you could say that you already wasted it.  Use it or lose it.

3.  People do not give gifts as a punishment.  Re-gift, donate or sell things that you will never use.  And come clean with the gift giver.  I would bet that they would rather give you a gift you really wanted, but don't know what you like.

4.  Someday may or may not arrive, and I would tend to believe that if and when that day ever comes, you won't be able to find the darn thing anyway.  So....why let it take up space?

5.  We are not required to like things just because they were passed down.  If it has meaning for you (and you have the room for it), by all means keep it.  If not, find a home for it that honors the meaning it has for you.

6.  Consider whether it still has meaning for you, or if it just a place holder for a memory.  No one can take away your memories and there are ways to honor those memories without surrounding ourselves with clutter.