Discardia_ More Life, Less Stuff - Dinah Sanders [38]
It's a somber thing to think about, but as you progress with Discardia and identify more of those things in life that contribute most to your happiness, give some thought to how you do and don't want to bring down the curtain at the end. Make sure your family knows your preferences.
Your time in this world is the real treasure.
Symptom #13: But I Should Want This
Solution #13: Who Would Really Appreciate This?
When the last kid to sleep in the baby bed drives the car to Goodwill, you know it's an overdue disposal.
—Steve Yelvington, new media strategist and disruptive influence
Old toys
We’re so used to infusing our things with emotional significance that sometimes we react to objects as though they were supposed to be important to us. It is more than possible that they aren’t important at all. A good example are old toys, which no one—you, the kids, the cat, or whoever—plays with anymore because they're broken, dirty, or simply boring. Old toys are digested remnants of past fun. Some of them wouldn’t be fun for anyone now and can go in the trash. Boring ones can go in your charity box. Put them in there as soon as you think, “I don't really want this anymore.”
Maybe you feel guilty about getting rid of that perfectly good toy you no longer like. Stop. It may be perfectly good for someone, but that someone isn't you. There's nothing inherently wrong with getting rid of it. Who are you worried about offending? Just ask, “Who would really appreciate this?” If the answer is “Me,” then keep it; otherwise, send it on to a better home with good wishes.
The best way to ensure that a thing you no longer want ends up in the right hands is to donate it to someone who reaches more people than you do. The Goodwill donation bin does more good than the combination of the back of your closet and your best intentions. If you have guilt over getting rid of things, relieve it by slowing the incoming flow. Buy fewer or better things that will last and be satisfying to you for longer.
Pay attention to your payoff:effort ratio
Decide what your time is worth and quit (or phase out) what generates losses in money, time, or joy. For example, I rarely use coupons (they're too much hassle for far too little return), do not keep or carry pennies (the monetary value does not exceed the pleasure of lighter pockets and purse), and generally do not shop at warehouse stores (lower prices do not compensate for poorer selection, inconvenient location, and dumb impulse buys).
Rejects can be rewards
Every now and then, you’ll find an unexpected case where you really appreciate some neglected object. Go shopping in the back of your closets, basement, attic, or other cold storage spots. You'll unearth stuff to toss, but I bet you'll find at least one happy surprise, too. Weed out the unwanted and see what you uncover!
Your rejects can be rewards to others. Still have the digital camera you bought before the one you bought before your current one? Send those old ones to a friend or relative who needs an upgrade. Giving a digital camera to a kid can be an especially great gift, opening up their creative world. That’s a much better fate than having it collect dust at your place.
Whether it’s someone you know or charity recipients, let go of something that will make other people happy. More often than not, the combination of clearing stale stuff from your life and the pleasure of creating happiness are the big profits you will gain from Discardian projects. Consider that payoff when you’re debating whether the hassle of trying to sell old things is worthwhile. Do not get hung up justifying the fate of things you discard.