There are those that keep stuff because they “might need it” someday, some that keep only things that hold “sentimental” value, those that are simply lazy, some that claim they will use the stuff for projects or hobbies at some unspecified date, some feel items may be worth a lot of money someday, and some have an underlying medical problem. I think the latter is rare, and therefore I believe most packrats can be helped to overcome their tendencies to hold on to unnecessary things.
If you are a packrat, consider these actions (which are all independent from one another to offer multiple ways
to tackle the problem). Choose one of the following and give it a go, making sure to take into consideration your specific personality and the (ahem), depth, of your problem.
* Make throwing stuff away a joint activity. Every Saturday, promise to spend an hour with a friend or family member throwing things away. Small steps can eventually lead to big ones. In your home office, start with your desk drawer.
Tip: You don’t have to organize just yet, simply concentrate on throwing things away, recycling them, or giving them to a charitable organizeation.
* Box up anything that hasn’t been used in two years. Put those boxes in the attic or garage. Start with a small area, such as a closet, to make the task easier. Next year, convince yourself to throw those boxes away. Repeat this step every two months.
* Tell yourself that you’ll purchase that <insert item here> you’ve been wanting, or do <insert activity here> next week, but you have to throw away (or otherwise box up or get rid of) five things first.
* Volunteer for the Salvation Army or other needy cause. This may help you see that there are other people who could benefit from what you’ve been saving. Clean out a closet for the cause, and ask your spouse to donate too.
* In the same vein, tell yourself that there are needy people all over the world, and even in your community, who would really appreciate what you’ve been storing. There are libraries and schools that would love to have your collection of National Geographic, and there are plenty of places to recycle all of the books you’ve read. You can even sell your used books and earn a few bucks. There are nursing homes, charities, and churches that could really use the items that are not useful to you too.
* If you must, designate a closet just for your stuff. Keep the door closed. This is a good way to acknowledge you have items you don’t need and don’t use. Later perhaps, you can go through that closet and start un-pack-ratting.
* If you collect knickknacks, consider a rotation system for displaying them. Box up all but a few, display those for a while and then put them
away and display another group.
* If, after taking a deep look at your home office, you decide you are really a slob in packrat’s clothing, well, that’s a different dilemma. You’ll have to figure out what will motivate you to get moving. Perhaps it’s that mouse you saw in your pile of newspapers!