People have always had problems throwing things out. Everyone knows someone who thinks that they need to keep everything and will "err" on the side of caution before throwing something out.

I might use it

The most common reason that people are unwilling to throw something out is that they think that they might use it or need it later. They think that if the worst happens, they will be able to use the item.

One thing that people do not take into account when they decided to not throw something out is that they might not be able to find it when they need it. The more items that you "keep for a rainy day", the harder it will be for you to find what you are looking for. When you can not find the item, it gives you no reason to need to keep it. Before you decide against throwing something out, ask yourself:

"Will I be able to find it if I did need it?"

Quite a few people I know save will print out web pages of information that they find helpful. They say that they do not throw it out as it will be helpful in the future. When it comes to use the item, they just search for the information on the internet. They never really need to refer to the print outs while they have the internet.

The same idea goes for many old books. People keep them with the thoughts that they might need to refer to them latter. When that time comes, the normally just use the internet instead as it is quicker to find something on the internet than in is to find a book on a book shelf.

One way that you can keep written documents in case you need to access them latter is to scan the old documents into a computer and only keep the computer file.

If you do keep things you might use, try to throw out all the things that you have not used in the last 6 years.

It has value

Another reason that people have problems throwing out things is that they see that they item has value. It could be worth something and they might be able to see it.

If you do keep something as it still has value, think to yourself:

"Will I be able to sell it?"

If you are able to sell it and you are not going to use it, sell it now or throw it out. Do not leave it lying around to get broken, or to add to a clutter problem.

It will be valuable in the future

There is a idea that some people have that if they keep one of their old items for long enough, it will become valuable and they will be able to make a bit of money off it.

There is a lot more to keeping items for their future value than people realise. Items need to be kept in prime condition, preferably with the original packaging. To keep it in prime condition, you will find that you need good temperature controlled, low humidity storage. If it is not working, then it will definitely not be worth it.

Someone might want it

You might have problems throwing out an item as someone else might want it. If you think this is the case, give it away or get rid of it. It will not help anyone if you leave it unused.