Do you follow the one year rule for throwing out things?

I have never heard of this rule. But if it’s someting I’ve had and not used in a year, I probably won’t even be able to find it.

Yes and no. I try to reuse reduce or recycle before throwing things out. I also have a rule where if I can’t imagine using something within a year I give it away or recycle it.

But I break both rules too. Yes and no.

Nope. That rule is for people who can afford to rebuy something.

I’ve tried to circumvent throwing out by not shopping unless I need something. There are things that I get for gifts that go straight to the Goodwill box; I cannot see it being used, and don’t want it sitting around.

My difficulties come from really nice things that I own but rarely use, or never use. Some are things that I’ve inherited from relatives, and I will probably pass on to my daughter when they are a little older, things like pieces of crystal and sets of china, and family furniture. Everything is boxed up so it’s not daily clutter, but the boxes do take up a lot of room. The furniture is another matter. It’s hard to part with a 150 year old desk, even if it doesn’t fit the decor.

I believe the one year rule also applies to recycle, as part of throw out.

I’m not so sure I want to recycle antiques to young people who live with roommates, and there’s no other family for family pieces to go to. I don’t exactly feel inclined to give Waterford or sterling flatware to the Goodwill, although I know that many people do this. And perhaps one day my daughters will choose this path themselves.

You can store the things instead of throwing them out. Some old things really give you pleasure when you see them after a long time. After all, Old is Gold. You can throw those things from which you had a bitter experience.

God, no. I still have a pair of shoes that are from fifth grade. Hiking shoes. I’ve only worn them twice. There are some clothes I’ve had for years, too. I also barely wore those though, so they’re also still in good shape. Still have all of my stuffed animals, letters to friends from elementary school, a bike… God, so many things. I have no idea why I still have so many things.

Nope. I’m sort of a pack rat, but my pack-rattiness has been vindicated several times when I have wound up using or needing something that I haven’t used in years.

I have found out that I have the amazing knack of throwing something out approximately 27 days before I develop a pressing need for just such a thing as I have pitched and then I have to go and buy a new one.

So the answer to your question is a resounding no.

No. If I come across something that I don’t need or have any sentimental value for it, I chuck it out. That’s the only rule I follow. It could be something I bought just last week, or something I bought over 5 years ago. Heck, I got bottles of shampoo that are more than 3 years old sitting in our bathroom closet! Lol. ;)

@rooeytoo I do that, too!!!

@papayalily – I think it takes a certain kind of skill! ;-)

My wife does. She calls it Feng-Shui approach.

@mattbrowne : Please send your wife to my house, I suffer from from advanced packratitude.

Not always. I lived in northern Europe for a few years and ended up buying a bunch of cold weather clothes. Once I left I didn’t use them for several years until I lived in another cold area.

Not really. I try not to buy something unless I know I’m going to use it.

Often I will give something to a friend who I know will use it, with the proviso that if I need it again, I can borrow it anytime.

If it’s still functional, then no! I think that’s wasteful.

Nope. We have a lot of things that we aren’t able to use simply because we can’t unpack them due to limited space. If when packing and unpacking I come across something we don’t need and won’t need, I’ll pass it on to someone else, but most often we keep it. Knowing my luck, the moment I get rid of something will be the moment I need it again.

No.

I have some things that I may not need every year, but when I need them, I need them- like the perfect piece of fabric from my stash. I have some that I’ve had for over 20 years…

No. However, I do go through phases where I start clearing areas in my house, trying to get rid of stuff that I don’t need and won’t use and that doesn’t have sentimental value. I try to freecycle a lot of stuff. I’ve tried ebaying things but have given up due to too much energy expended and not enough profit! I never seem to make money through selling stuff. Better to give it away anyway!

@JilltheTooth – I’ll ask her. I’d involve a transatlantic flight though.

@mattbrowne : Thanks! ;-)

Not heard of that rule. I have heard of the as soon as you throw something out you immediately need it rule though

@flutherother : That’s the rule I live by.

Yes I throw things out after one year. If it is special I keep it.