I recently posted about my current efforts to purge, organize, clean, and clear my storage spaces, both workshop and personal spaces.
Since my workshop and personal spaces tend to blend together a lot, this is a huge endeavor.
Here’s the start of everything: I Keep Too Much Stuff – Tools, Parts, and Personal Things.
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Shown above is a bunch of my tools from a little more than 10 years ago, when I dumped onto my workbench every Sears and Craftsman-related purchase I could quickly find. Those were much simpler times.
As it turns out, I used the same image in a 2013 post: 5 Reasons Why I’m STILL in the Middle of Sorting Through my Tools.
You would think I should have learned to better organize things since then, right?
Alright, so I spent a couple of hours going through about a dozen bins last night, sorting and consolidating some of what I’ve been needing to go through. There’s a lot more to go, but I like to feel that I made a dent.
I have started to make arrangements to help clean things up further. The high school woodworking shop could use more drills, impact drivers, and sanders, and the photography and video teachers are open to anything I am willing to give.
Here’s where I hit a snag, or relevation.
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I have more cameras than I need right now. So I should part with some of them, right?
I have a small mirrorless camera that I purchased to take photos of the kids on-the-go. But, smartphone cameras have gotten much better in the ~7-1/2 years since I bought that camera.
Looking at the last photo on the memory card, I last used the camera 2-1/2″ years ago, at a birthday party.
So why do I feel so bad about wanting to give it away? Because it’s a great camera, and I might miss its features and portability? Will it be just the right camera for an upcoming birthday party or day trip?
I have other cameras to donate, and it’s just as hard letting them go.
Why?
It’s the same with tools. If I upgrade something, or try something different, I keep the older copy as a backup. But at one point does one have too many backups?
I could use that. This works against me in so many ways.
The old Stanley/ZAG parts bins that I don’t use because I like Akro-Mils a lot better? But I could still use them.
The Gladiator parts bins I could still use, but I don’t because i) I like Akro-Mils bins better and ii) I don’t have Gladiator gear tracks installed anywhere at the moment? But I could still use them.
For that matter, I also still have Gladiator hooks and tool holders from a workbench I disassembled 10 years ago, plus at least 2 boxes of unopened gear track hardware. But I could still use them!!
I have two machinery mobile bases, one new-in-box and one disassembled in a tote bin. I bought them on sale a very long time ago. I used one, but not the other. But I could still use them!
But when?
I could use all these things, but I’m not, at least not now.
I hate the idea of having to replace something that I have given away, donated, scrapped, or sold.
I could use this is different from I will use this. Going through a lot of the things I have saved, this is increasingly obvious.
A lot of the things I purchased over the years had meaningful costs. You know how they say the sting of a purchase will go away after you use and benefit from it? That’s true, but the sting comes back when it’s time to part with that item for whatever reason.
I treated myself to a Leatherman multi-tool when I reached a milestone on the path to my PhD. It wasn’t an easy expense at the time, but I decided to splurge to reward myself. I don’t easily part with multi-tools or pocket knives, but this is an example of cost-memory.
It has been difficult for me to part with functional equipment. Maybe I will need it, maybe I could use it. But am I using it now? Will I be using it soon? Do I think I will be using it soon? Is the item irreplaceable?
I’m adding to the donation pile.
The same goes for personal items. Am I likely to watch DVDs again, especially of TV series? Streaming is so much easier and more convenient. I might keep some, but the others will be donated to the library.
The Marie Kondo “does it bring you joy?” question has come in handy as well. I saved a lot of random things from my childhood, but some of those things have no place in my life today.
When I was in elementary school, we had penpals in China. I don’t remember much about that, other than a map of Guangdong that I kept for maybe 30 years. It didn’t take up much space, and I was happy in keeping it when I was younger. But do I still want to keep it, or was I keeping it out of habit, because it once brought me joy to keep?
I have a couple of Sears and Craftsman tool catalogs from roughly 10 years ago. And I’m keeping them.
I have metric conversion tables and books that I believe my uncle gave me after he cleaned his basement. One of them is a Brown and Sharpe “The Metric Conversion Planner.” It’s “vintage,” but isn’t worth anything.
I have never used metric conversion tables. What I cannot convert in my head or on paper, that’s what Google’s built-in conversion calculators are for. So, goodbye metric conversion charts.
Right now, I’m mainly sorting things into “things I think I want to keep,” and “things I absolutely don’t want to keep.” I’m organizing a lot of it in the process, but the deeper organization is going to come later.
It feels really good to do this, but I am far from done.
For those of you who lamented being in the same boat, what have you done since I starting posting about my spring cleanup efforts last week?
Gary T.
Sounds like you need to change your mind set. I have the same problem, but I’ve come to realized that. I have told myself that the things that I am not using that I think I should keep for whatever reason I will, but if after one year I have not use that item it is gone. You probably wouldn’t even remember it after it is gone. And if you do need to use later, there is probably a replacement out there that is better. Plus it gives you a reason to buy a new tool.
Stuart
Agreed, and it looks like I’m managing to do that.
I’m sharing because I know a lot of people have a similar mindset, and it’s hard to fight it.
Steven L
What you don’t need give to someone who can use it. How you give/donate is up to you.
Stuart
Yes, but sometimes it’s hard to find good homes for certain things. When it’s easier to move something into a storage box or shelf, that’s when things start to accumulate.
fred
When we bought the fabrication business, among the employees we gained was the former owner’s long-serving secretary. She was invaluable in getting us up to speed with the ins and outs of the businesses filing system (then more paper than electronic), client lists etc. She was a packrat, however, a skill (or foible) honed over her 40 years of work experience. We had large file room filled with cabinets of documents dating back to WWII. There was much too much to consider digitizing it all. With her reluctant acceptance and help – we locked most of the older cabinets – put a date label over the lock – and decided to toss the cabinets in 18 months if the label had been undisturbed. We gained a lot of space to move in more modern office equipment and use for customer sales displays.
In our cabinet shop, the guys had a propensity for storing all the specialized jigs that they created over the years. The basement of the shop was becoming more and more cluttered with these (sometimes large) patterns and jigs. It finally took an insurance inspection (citing the fire hazard) to spur us to action. We had many long-term employees – some who nearly cried when seeing the jigs in the dumpster. Some even took some of the smaller pieces home with them – presumably to clutter up their own basements.
Hoarding is indeed a compulsion buried deep within the human psyche.
Raycr
Since you can’t bear to part with things do what I did . In addition to my 1975 tall 3 piece craftsman chest and HF 5 drawer tool cart two years ago I bought 2 more HF 26 tool chests.
Now each tool type has its own drawer. Work bench is clear. Wife is happy. You can deduct as an expense. It is a win win.
I did now start giving my future son in-law. An extra craftsman new old socket/ wrench set. I also gave him a new 4 piece channel lock set and bottle opener to make room for Knipex alligators, cobras and plier wrenches I bought in the last year in my water pump plier specific drawer.
All metric wrenches in one drawer all imperial in another. All insulated screwdrivers and pliers in another. All mini pliers in one and all pliers other than water pump in another. I do not use plastic plier racks since I have to see the pliers on their backs. They fit like puzzle pieces.
Long screwdrivers live in slots in tool cart and regulars in another drawer. Ever tool type has its own drawer.
All 1/2 drive sockets and ratchets live in top of cart and smaller drives live in their own drawers lower in tool cart
You get the idea and my tools are the most organized section of my house.
Philip
5s allows you to prioritize and consolidate. Once you decide on the things that can go in the red zone… you now have more room!
The things you were undecided on for what ever good reason can now come back out of the red zone. Because you created more room.
When done In multiple spaces… all of a sudden there is alot more room. Things get moved and resorted… more organized and easy to find or use.
Another point is to use organizers correctly. Large or standing Shelves are only for large bulk items. Somethings need a small shelf or tool board. Somethings have to be in tool chest. Ideally have nothing sitting on floor.
Nathan
I kept all our DVD’s too and you know why – one day the internets go down. not the power the internet. duder hit the pole that held the cable – back when I had cable internet. I have fibre now – but someone can still run into or lightening can still hit the main switch at the end of the neighborhood.
Other things – one issue you have that I don’t is that you get alot of stuff to test/review. so that should be easier to give away.
The cameras – I’d almost argue if it’s more than 5 years old it might not get used again. and might should donate it. school (elementary, Jr HS, etc).
If it took the sting way maybe you could do some giveaway boxes for the site. I know it’s more work in a way, sure. But if it helped with the parting and removal anxiety then might be worth it.
TonyT
Another reason to keep (at least some) DVD’s is in case of modifications / censoring, and (if it’s not a popular movie) because, yes, media does disappear from the internet/streaming platforms.
Han shot first 🙂
MT_Noob
what have you done since I starting posting about my spring cleanup efforts last week? – For me I finally went through sorting and organizing two categories of things that were getting out of control. Reading eyeglasses, and flashlights. Having reading glasses in each room of the house is reasonable, having multiples and multiple powers in each room is not, Same for flashlights, I feel like I have taken one more step to having a place for everything and everything in its place.
Fyrfytr998
You could make a killing at the local Flea Market……just saying.
Stuart
That’s much more work than donating something.
Plus, for something like a camera purchased for work purposes, it’s easier to donate than to sell and have to report the revenue.
I also have older test samples, and they cannot be sold or traded, only given away or donated.
fred
Two of the nearest thrift shops in my neck of the woods will no longer take anything that is powered or electronic. They are picky about what else they will take as well. That makes some sense – because that don’t want some esoteric items that are adding to your clutter to add to theirs. They obviously are looking for stuff that will sell to their mainstream customers – who may not be tool buyers (a pity.)
Sometimes selling – even if you need to report the income – might be the only practical way to recycle some items.
Derek
It’s hard to get over the cost of items sometimes but getting rid of something that you realistically won’t use is a nice reminder not to buy more stuff. I’m waiting for a new jacket to come in and then 3-5 old jackets will get donated. One is a 10 year old leather jacket that I wore maybe 5 times. It’s hard to get rid of it because of what I spent but I don’t wear it.
The easiest way to get organized is to purge things.
Once I finish up on my current project (new floors) I’m going to empty out my tool storage room and see what can go.
Ball_bearing
When you donate something, you give someone else the opportunity to discover something new. The tools you give away could end up providing someone with the means to be self sufficient.
teicher
This the right answer. When I was young and starting out it was amazing to find cool furniture or tools or clothes at the goodwill or reuse store. Someone had to donate that stuff so I could find it. I’m older now, more money than time. Its my turn to donate it so a younger person can find it and get the same thrill I sought after.
Stuart, you have way too much and you know you don’t need it, so stop overthinking it. Just take a ton of unused tools and stuff to a school or Goodwill or Habitat Reuse center and be done with it. Let them find new homes for it, most of the places around me are more than capable of figuring out what to do.
Besides, you’re gonna keep getting new tools and stuff anyway, that’s the line of work you are in.
Aaron SD
5S is way to go and you’ve started with the sort. This prompted me to look at my stuff too.
I have Shopsmith Mark V I bought years ago at a tool swap. It has the band saw and 4” joiner.
Im able to sell since I haven’t used it since the first few times after buying so looking to sell it at the next tool swap. I don’t remember what I paid so not sure what to ask for it. It is definitely in used condition and might need some conditioning.
I know I can buy individual DIY bench top versions of each that would still take up less space and only cost around $100 each or so when I actually need them.
Anyone have an idea of the value?
Saulac
It was a liberating moment for me when I realized when we talk about we can “afford” something, it should not only mean “buying” or “owning”, it should include “tossing” or “not owning”. Afford to “not owning” something means you can buy it anytime if you ever need it. Ramification from being able to tossing/not owning things is underrated.
The problem with people having too much junk these day is people, in general, can afford to buy more stuff, but can’t afford to toss them. And this makes them miserable. With a 100 bucks and a few hrs on Craigslist, I can easily get 5 or more electric pressure washers. I will have at least a working one, a back up one, a spare one, a spare for the spare one, and one for part. Sound like I should be the happiest man in the neighborhood, but something tell me that I won’t.
Jim Felt
“I hate the idea of having to replace something that I have given away, donated, scrapped, or sold.”
This has been my (“sometimes” regretted) mantra for decades.
And I’ve still no idea when I’ll ever change…
Glad I’m in such esteemed company.
JoeM
Since last week? Uh… Really nothing. [truncated for being too off-topic]
Stuart
You mentioned being too exhausted to do much cleaning, and that’s okay.
You could consider reading up on 5S practices, which several readers have recommended. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5S_(methodology)
I haven’t yet, as right now I’m in a “do without over-thinking” phase, after which I’ll strategize how to improve things long-term.
JoeM
See, Stuart! That Exhausted!
Truncation-Needed level Exhausted!
Thank you again, by the way. My disagreements with sleep are quite disruptive, and I apologize for adding to your workload. What you truncated included many intended compliments on your running of the site, and I stand by the off-topic statement that you need never apologize or explain yourself when reigning in my comments. Your Site. Your Rules. You’re Awesome. No further explanation will ever be needed.
Brian Collins
Your “could” items are somebody else’s ” I will use X if I just I had one…” items. Time to donate or give away.
Think of the peace of mind you’ll have with all of your “could” items gone.
MIKE GUENTHER
If only I could get rid of a bunch of stuff. But unfortunately, I’m not lazy enough to accumulate it, but am too lazy to go through it. I’ve got a truck load of hardware, some still in original packaging, plus a lot I’ve collected off of old furniture, thinking, I can use that on a future project.
And tools…geez, don’t get me started. Half a dozen framing squares, a dozen coping saws, several caulk guns, ect. A bunch of vintage and antique woodworking tools that obviously will not be going anywhere.
I know I’ve got to get off my lazy ass and get rid of a bunch of stuff. But I’m one of the greatest procrastinators in the world.
Derek
I’ve started tossing stuff like random hardware. I have what I normally need and then 2 quart sized containers of random stuff at the moment. But I’ve discovered the ‘cost’ of space to store the extra bolts that came with the sliding glass door handles I just had to replace isn’t worth the cost of buying new bolts if/when I need them.
It’s hard to balance being wasteful and not hoarding.
Jared
RE: “For those of you who lamented being in the same boat, what have you done since I starting posting about my spring cleanup efforts last week?”
I bought a couple more new tools. 😬
A 3lb anti-vibe Stanley Fatmax club hammer and an ITC heavy duty snap ring wrench set. But I’ll get started soon, I promise!
Stuart
Is that the drilling hammer? I have one too!
I’m not familiar with ITC, but I bought a Knipex set last year to replace my much-loathed (but very useful for what it is) interchangeable-tip Channellock.
Frank D
The parts / materials cost and the tool cost is way too high to get rid of functional and usable leftovers after 1 year or 5 years respectively, when one can foresee a use within the next few years. There is time and money saved by buying a few things in bulk, and then not needing to drive to the hardware store and back to get that one thing for the next little upgrade, change, …. At several properties where we have resided, or where I have helped family … it is a killer to lose a half hour or even one hour to go grab something small, buy a duplicate tool, etc … Now in some instances, I did that run in the evening after dinner, less traffic, wind down, set mind on the next day or two … but still. Noting beats having tools and parts on hand to get the average emergency and DIY need covered.
Jared
I can endorse this too. It’s as much about having supplies on hand as it is saving money. I don’t often need a fastener I don’t already have, for example – but that takes a sizeable collection.
Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t benefit from organizing and downsizing stuff that’s been stored far too long. However, I don’t think my tools and supplies will ever be called “lean”.
Munklepunk
My father came from depression era parents. He saved everything, rusty nuts and bolts, we counted 85 complete OLD boat motors, and hundreds of other parts. He would need a part for a car and buy a parts car. For work he did upholstery, he had hundreds of patterns for different cars, mostly Ford and Chevy but some rare cars like Deucenbergs and Hupmobiles. He never tried to compress his extra parts, that actually got used, old car seat springs are often broken, ehem, 67 to 69 Camaro and Firebirds. When he retired it took over a year to go through his crap that he had bought and stored. Tools, parts, engines, we forgot his 354 hemi. He was mad about every single thing we through away, broken worn out rakes, patterns for custom 1 off door panels for a 34 Chevy. He was super talented but couldn’t part with anything.
My mother has a one year policy, if she doesn’t use it for a year she gets rid of it. Doesn’t include heirlooms though.
If not for yourself, but for your family, get rid of stuff you don’t need.
Joshua Smart
“For those of you who lamented being in the same boat, what have you done since I starting posting about my spring cleanup efforts last week?”
I went through 80% of the shed and 100% of what was stored under the house. I have the rest of the shed tomorrow and then the problem of rearranging the space to be more usable will start.
I found as I was going through things and got tired from lifting and thinking I erred too much on the side of keeping. Half of me is glad I haven’t got rid of anything I will need and the other half things I need to do it all again.
David A.
I have one home-made and two rolling tool chests. After reading part one and part two, I think I might be able to downsize into one rollabout and one rolling tool stack. Gonna be hard to give up some of the tools I got from my dad.