The stuff we have will eventually be older stuff given enough time. The question is whether we should keep it or not, or for how long we should hold onto the stuff?
Some of the stuff we have are collectibles, such as comic books, cards, etc., while others have a sentimental value for us, such as trophies and gifts. But then there are things we’ve accumulated, such as clothes, books, movies, etc., which had a value for us at a certain time, but not so much anymore.
We might get rid of things because they’re outdated. For example, CDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, older model cell phones and computers. We might even get rid of furniture if we intend to replace it with a new set. But how long do we wait for? How much stuff do we even need?
Certain things we keep because they have a utilitarian value, such as a car, kitchenware, tools, etc. If money is tight, we prioritize it on the essentials rather than on replacing older stuff with newer stuff. Similarly, we would keep driving a car until it becomes too expensive to repair. We don’t replace it every year or two. We keep it for as long as it works.
But what about everything else? When we don’t use something anymore, we put it away in a box or a container–stow it away in the closet or in the basement. We don’t see it for years. Overtime, that box collects dust, and when we finally open it, it’ll be like gazing into a time capsule. The stuff inside will bring back memories, but will we use it again?
In the end, everything eventually becomes older stuff. Time ticks forward, leaving the past behind. And when it comes time to surveying all the stuff we have, we must think about how much we currently have, and if we really need all of it.
Fallton Havenstonne 