This has become a real concern for me as of late as I constantly feel cluttered and by consequence dysfunctional. I feel under constant duress from the things I own; I no longer feel as if I own them but they own me. I have no doubt that much of this is brought on from not having much personal space since moving back home, but the odd thing is, compared to many, what I own is relatively average. I believe it highlights a much larger point in that I was genuinely happier when I owned less.
Now, I'm not exactly a materialistic person, but having a disposable income I have fallen victim to buying things ready for purpose: a smart suit that perhaps gets worn once a year, or a wintercoat that may be worn even less if the weather stays mild, for example. There is no doubt that these things are needed and have their place, but the reality is I'd rather not be burdoned with them at all. Of course there's no such thing as a disposable suit, so I'm forced to continue to own such items. In an ideal world I'd probably have a few t-shirts, jeans, etc. that I'd wear to death but with the pressures of adulthood to look fashionable on a night out or have the correct gear for hobbies, these things very quickly add up and that's just talking adequate clothing! Throw technology, books, DVDs and assorted sentimental junk into the equation and the mind begins to boggle. Similarly, when one doesn't own such things, you quickly find yourself needing them. It's catch 22!
Indeed, this Christmas just passed, the desire to declutter my life has got so strong that I asked family to refrain from buying me gifts. Of course they ignored such a request and I'm now left with generic tat I never wanted but now find myself obligated to find a home for.
I often wonder how much of the stuff I'd really need if it came down to it and the answer is not much at all and that's the ideal I'd like to really be living with, but it seems with potential needs come musts and I'm forced to have the cake and not eat it. Indeed, sometimes I find it quite difficult to throw something away as there is a practical aspect to it; take my rock climbing gear for example. I have every intention to go again one day but the last time I went was in early 2008!
So, a rather long-winded thread here, but the question is: do you ever feel like you've got too much stuff?
Now, I'm not exactly a materialistic person, but having a disposable income I have fallen victim to buying things ready for purpose: a smart suit that perhaps gets worn once a year, or a wintercoat that may be worn even less if the weather stays mild, for example. There is no doubt that these things are needed and have their place, but the reality is I'd rather not be burdoned with them at all. Of course there's no such thing as a disposable suit, so I'm forced to continue to own such items. In an ideal world I'd probably have a few t-shirts, jeans, etc. that I'd wear to death but with the pressures of adulthood to look fashionable on a night out or have the correct gear for hobbies, these things very quickly add up and that's just talking adequate clothing! Throw technology, books, DVDs and assorted sentimental junk into the equation and the mind begins to boggle. Similarly, when one doesn't own such things, you quickly find yourself needing them. It's catch 22!
Indeed, this Christmas just passed, the desire to declutter my life has got so strong that I asked family to refrain from buying me gifts. Of course they ignored such a request and I'm now left with generic tat I never wanted but now find myself obligated to find a home for.
I often wonder how much of the stuff I'd really need if it came down to it and the answer is not much at all and that's the ideal I'd like to really be living with, but it seems with potential needs come musts and I'm forced to have the cake and not eat it. Indeed, sometimes I find it quite difficult to throw something away as there is a practical aspect to it; take my rock climbing gear for example. I have every intention to go again one day but the last time I went was in early 2008!
So, a rather long-winded thread here, but the question is: do you ever feel like you've got too much stuff?
big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of 
