Are You Attached to “Useless” Objects? Why?

Minimalism has been all the rage. The concept encourages us to detach from “useless” objects or objects that no longer serve a purpose in our lives. But what if you’re attached to those “useless” objects, and you can’t figure out why? Many people find this to be the case, holding on to items for years, even if they haven’t used them.

Are all of these objects useless, though? While some of them undoubtedly are, and we’ll look at that in a minute, others most certainly are not. It’s important to learn the difference between items that serve a purpose and items that don’t. Once you do, it may be easier to part with the things in your house that are merely collecting dust.

Why Are You Attached to “Useless” Objects?

You know the objects we’re referring to, and we all have them too. Sets of nail files that have never been opened but remain in a basket under the bathroom sink. Picture frames you’ve never filled, and planners you’ve never even opened. Why can’t we get rid of them? There are several common reasons.

Guilt

Sometimes you can’t get rid of an object, no matter how “useless” it is, due to the guilt that comes with throwing it out. Maybe it was a holiday present from someone, and it just feels wrong to toss it away. Perhaps it’s an item that was passed down to you from a relative, and while it serves no purpose to you, the thought of getting rid of it fills you with guilt. We get it. Everyone has a stocking stuffer, or two, from years ago that sits at the bottom of a drawer.

The Idea of “Someday”

Hey, just because you haven’t used that set of screwdrivers yet, doesn’t mean you won’t. Sure, they’ve been sitting in your garage for years now, never opened. But everyone needs screwdrivers- don’t they? This is another reason people become attached to “useless” objects.

The idea that someday we might use them. Everyone is guilty of this- we all have clothes in our closets that we haven’t worn in years, but we won’t get rid of. Maybe someday we’ll have just the right occasion to wear them. It’s possible, right?

Sentimental Value

The most valid reason to hold onto something, even if it’s deemed to be essentially “useless,” is if it means something deeply personal to you. Birthday cards that were written to you when you were younger, figurines that were brought back from a memorable vacation. Even if these items seem silly and “useless,” they may not be useless at all.

These are the things that you should keep. Something that reminds you of your childhood, like a stuffed animal, even if it’s stashed away. A sticky note that your partner left you one morning that says three words: “I love you.” These things are meaningful, and if you’re attached to them, it’s completely okay.

The Golden Rule

The “golden rule” to go by when considering whether or not to throw out a “useless” object that doesn’t hold sentimental value is this: if you haven’t touched, worn, or used the object in the past year, get rid of it.

If it’s unopened or lightly worn, see if you can donate the items to a local charity. You’ll be surprised at how GR8 it feels not only to clear the clutter but also give things to people in need.