Comment by cletus | Hacker News Reader

Comment by cletus | Hacker News Reader

I think I'm definitely owning "stuff" other than:

- phone

- tablet

- laptop

- desktop... maybe

- desk

- desk lamp

- desk chair

- bed

- clothes

When I moved to New York I got rid of almost all my stuff. I went and bought some furniture though, which I now regret. Still, at least its Ikea, which I view as single use (meaning you get rid of it when you move).

New York is a particularly interesting one for this. So many times I see posts of people moving to here that say something like "Looking for a quiet 2 bedroom apartment in UWS/Chelsea/West Village for $2000/month", which apart from being completely unrealistic leads to the inevitable exchange:

Me: do you need a 2 bedroom?

Them: yes

Me: why?

Them: err... (I've always had one|for my stuff)

Me: that'll cost you $4000/month in your listed areas. A 1 bedroom will cost you $3000 or under.

At this point people have to choose between location, money and stuff. Some choose stuff and move out to Brooklyn, NJ or Queens. Others choose money and pay it anyway. Many choose location and downsize. NYC forces this choice where many places don't or at least not to the same degree.

Fight Club said it best: the stuff you own ends up owning you.

Seriously, I hate it.

The hassle of having to purchase replacements for things you've left behind or thrown away starts to gnaw after a while, unless you have a large discretionary income and possibly assistants.

Things like tools and a box of bits make all the difference between something taking 5 minutes or potentially having to wait until after the weekend and a chunk of a day running around looking for things, or up to a week's wait for orders to come in from online.

Living in hotels makes it clear to me how much I hate being away from my stuff. So many simple things turn into major logistical and scheduling problems.

I think many people here are confused as to what constitutes "stuff".

In your example, you find your box of bits and tools extremely useful and they make your life better with essentially zero maintenance cost or ownership burden. They take up very little space, and are not big and heavy to move with you.

This is not "stuff" these are valuable things in your life. Keep them!

"Stuff" are usually physical objects you have that probably get a tick in one or more of the following boxes:

a) High cost of ownership (monthly fees, or regular maintenance)

b) Requires payments just to keep/use as intended (still paying it off / satellite radio fee)

b) Big and / or heavy. They take a lot of space to own, and to move with you.

c) You use them infrequently, and don't particularly get enjoyment when you do (the "good" wine glasses for example)

These items you can remove from your life, and you will be happier for not having them.

> I think many people here are confused as to what constitutes "stuff".

I think you're just redefining "stuff" to suit your argument.

In normal terms "stuff" means "physical things".

You're redefining it to mean "physical things that aren't worth keeping".

If "stuff" only means "physical things that aren't worth keeping", what's the name for the "stuff" that is worth keeping?

> You're redefining it to mean "physical things that aren't worth keeping".

Of course, because we're talking about reducing clutter from our lives. So by definition if something is not worth keeping, you should get rid of it.

> what's the name for the "stuff" that is worth keeping?

Sometimes I use the word "possessions", or more verbose, the things I own that I get great enjoyment from.

People seem to think this is all black and white - i.e. OMG, you need to get rid of your bed and toothbrush and soap otherwise you have too much "stuff". Move over into the grey area.

And that's why the self storage business in NYC is booming.

I had to quickly move out of my Brooklyn apartment a few years back, and just had everything I owned tossed into a storage unit, except what fit in my car, and stayed with friends for a couple weeks. When I got a new place, I was surprised to realize I didn't really need, or even want, 90% of that stuff. I ended up waiting a year and then just junking all of it.

It was really liberating to realize I didn't need it, then actually get rid of all of it. Regardless of what I buy or own in the future, I'll never forget the freedom of not having anything, and I'll never get too attached.

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