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Has anyone ever had issues with being too frugal, perhaps to the point of being a pack rat?
After a recent death in my family, I realize I need to be getting rid of stuff I don't use and never will use. I am feeling so overwhelmed. I realize that part of my issue is that I have OCD and have sentimental value tied to many things. So that's something I'm working on.
But then there are things that I acquired for free and am storing for when I need them later. A few examples are LCD computer monitors, TVs, headphones, and printer paper. Those things take up space, especially the monitors and TVs as they need to be stored on the floor. I figure I have between $700-$1200 worth of spare computer monitors and TVs. I'd be pretty stupid to throw those out.
So how do you deal with having stuff like that? I'm certainly not a hoarder, but I do have a lot of stuff. I prefer to donate things rather than trash them, but so many places are restricting what they take, even before COVID. I'm too shy to use something like Craigslist, and I refuse to use eBay to sell things.
Donate to a worthy charity thrift store. Then the good stuff gets put to good use. You don't have to throw it away.
If it is useful stuff someone will take it. try some local charities: the local humane society, the battered woman's shelter, computer stuff might go to a youth after school program.
If all else fails, put it by the curb with a free sign. Someone will take it.
I'd see if a used electronics store in your area would buy your monitors and other equipment. Of course, you'd be selling them at a steep discount from retail. If you have enough stuff, you might even call an estate sale company.
Being frugal might mean getting a bargain on a TV or monitor you have an immediate use for. Acquiring a bunch of them, even for free, is just...well, acquiring a bunch of stuff.
how old are the monitors and tvs? they could be basically worthless. if they're not they will be if you hold on to them long enough so sell them while you can.
But then there are things that I acquired for free and am storing for when I need them later. A few examples are LCD computer monitors, TVs, headphones, and printer paper. Those things take up space, especially the monitors and TVs as they need to be stored on the floor. I figure I have between $700-$1200 worth of spare computer monitors and TVs. I'd be pretty stupid to throw those out.
The part in bold is where I see the contradiction. You mention multiple LCD monitors and TVs. How many monitors and TVs do you have and use? How often does one break down/wear out and need to be replaced? If you're only replacing one or two monitors every 10 years and you have 5 monitors, you are hoarding. Given that you're able to find them for free, just keep one back-up and then look for another once the back-up is being used. If the free TVs are in reality broken or pieces of junk, then you're simply holding on to junk. You aren't going to patch together the components of multiple flat-screen TVs to create a working TV.
In terms of value, equipment is only worth $700-$1200 if someone will actually pay you that much for it. In reality, it's probably worth less, especially once you figure out commissions and shipping.
Finally, the harsh truth, which my parents and many of the remaining elderly relatives are figuring out, is that there are two ways of dealing with a house full of stuff. Take care of it while you're here, and help explain why things you keep are being kept, or whoever comes through after you're gone will likely be using a dumpster.
As someone who also has way too much stuff, I do sympathize. However, once I get rid of something I don't use or need, I never think about it. I only thought about it previously when I found it while looking for something else.
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