Comments on: Five Reasons Why We Cling to Our Stuff

By: Chris Baskind

Chris Baskind — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:10:21 +0000

I started writing a much longer answer to this, but have set it aside for a future article. You raise some interesting questions about the relationship of clutter and compulsion.

I watched a couple episodes of the new TV show “Hoarders” today. Found it quite disturbing. There was a 21-year-old guy named Jake who talked about his compulsion to collect things, particularly stuff given to him by people he loves. He feels that throwing them out — even trash — is somehow a betrayal of that love. This sounds like a dialed-up version of what you describe, and I suspect many people living in clutter entertain milder versions of the same sentiment.

But a truly unreasonable fear of forgetting might be a cue for to seek out a qualified counselor. Addressing the root of this fear is more important than worrying about its symptoms.

By: Chris Baskind

Chris Baskind — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:10:21 +0000

I started writing a much longer answer to this, but have set it aside for a future article. You raise some interesting questions about the relationship of clutter and compulsion.

But a truly unreasonable fear of forgetting might be a cue for to seek out a qualified counselor. Addressing the root of this fear is more important than worrying about its symptoms.

By: Christine Cope

Christine Cope — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:16:55 +0000

I think “We fear forgetting” is the most prevalent. Those with the most clutter, well it defines the way they are. They have too much going on their plate and stress themselves out in a way where they will forget the simplest thing. So they keep every silly little thing in order to not forget how they acquired it, who gave it to them, or what it supposedly “means” to them. But my questions is, how do you explain it to something who lives in this fear of forgetting everything they once enjoyed (even if it was many many years ago and never being used)? I know a lot of people like this, but I find it hard for them to understand.

By: oli

oli — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:17:47 +0000

“Fear” i do not agree.
but a need to give a tangible material existence of our emotions, feelings, cultures, and beliefs in order to transmit someho. Because physical material seems to last after our thoughts, and other virtual elements, and we are still build up by our physical senses and perceptions.
Now the issue: our society is diving in a post industrial with un significant plastic and mass creations “all for one, one for all”. We need more than one or few objects around us to find our own soul relieved by meaningful objects and as well meaningful life.
We were used to design without calling it design, those objects were able to become antics and last at least through one life generation.
now people are trying to fill the gap left by missing emotions and means related to our actual relationship with our consumer environment and society. It is related to semantics and social pressure too. As far as our cultures become global and uniform to be shaped as universal, Designers born from this new culture tends to create some things, services or even brands.
I feel more Sorry that we need to visit museums to find out what we were used to be.

By: MsLabMgr

MsLabMgr — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:17:27 +0000

Great article. My favorite line: Clinging to objects is the root of over-consumption, and the potential ruin of planet.

By: BitterEnd

BitterEnd — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:02:29 +0000

The question is should we collect stuff or experiences. I have noticed I’m moving more and more towards experience. Those rare moments you can’t buy in any shop.

By: Chris Baskind

Chris Baskind — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:19:28 +0000

Thank you, Barb. I think I’m going to enjoy writing this site.

By: Barb McMahon

Barb McMahon — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:12:58 +0000

“We enter and depart the stage with an empty hand.” I love that!

Such a great post!

By: David

David — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:27:55 +0000

Stuff is just that -> stuff. In the grand scheme, it’s pretty worthless to hold on to it. After all, you cannot take it with you in the end Great post, Chris.

By: Tim J

Tim J — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:43:51 +0000

Some things are a means by which we express ourselves – eg my blog or my violin. But in other areas is there a risk that relating to things takes the place of relating to people? Hmmm…