how much 'stuff' is enough?

I think that each person has to set their limits with this one. Individually, you have to decide what your priorities are and live by them. There is no set standard. Some people are happy to do without an abundance of material things, others feel they can't live without "stuff". I know I have seen people on television who have closets full of clothes with the tags still on them, and I shake my head and think "what a waste". A waste of time, a waste of money, and a waste of effort. For the record though, I believe you can never have too many books!

First I would like to say sorry about your father.In answer to your question is the same as how long is a bit of string.Who knows if there is room get it in.We went through my Mums stuff in April as we lost her.74 years of stuff it took ages.My parents downsized to a bungalow ten years ago so they dumped a lot of stuff then.My Mum was not a horder so by comparison she did not have that much,clothes her books ,her jewellery ,nick nacks ect but she did have a fair bit,the local hospice shop did very well.Which was fine it was nice to know her stuff was going to the place which made her days the most comfortable and loving.As much as anybody can fit in or want is my answer to your question.

sorry for your loss about the books, my dad had a lot of books too but he read them at least I saw him reading books a lot I guess for some people there is no limit on the things they like in my case its DVD both hubby and I actually

Hi Cher, Fist off, I am very sorry for you lose. My husband and I went through this same thing last July when his Dad passed. We had 4 yard sales on 4 different weekends when we were cleaning out his house. He was a pack rat and had a 2 car garage filled so full you could not even put a car in there. As a matter of fact, you could not even see the floor. He had many bags and boxes of old newspapers and magazines that he had not read yet but was going to get to them. He had so many clothes that it took 8 large garbage bags to put them in and we took them to the Salvation Army store. He even had 6 large suit cases, but never went anywhere to use them.The list could go on and on. This all made me come home and take a look at what we had here. OMG! We were getting just like him. Since then I have made many trips to the Salvation Army store with all of our "too much stuff" stuff. It is a good thing I have been doing this as we are looking for a house to buy. This will mean less packing and moving.

Hello cher913. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. And it sounds like it might be difficult to be going through all his things, sorthing them out. I, too, am conflicted about the idea that we might accumulate too much meaningless "stuff." I try to toss out items before buying a new item to make sure I've got room for it. Plus, I've really got to want it to be willing to get rid of something I've already got. I do think some people have more of a problem with accumulating than others. I know people that buy things and stuff them in their storage sheds because their houses are so full of stuff.

Sorry to hear about your loss, and having gone through it myself, I know how difficult it is. It's also hard going through all his things. It's amazing how much "Stuff" we accumlate and don't even realize it. I've started to clean out my closets and drawers (which I try to do at least once a year),and am amazed at how many things I've put away and forgotten about! It's liberating to get rid off all those things we don't even remember having. I think most everyone has way too much stuff.

I am so sorry you lost your dad last month. It's a very difficult time to get through and I'll be thinking about you. Both my parents are gone and remember how difficult it was for me to get through it all especially when I lost my dad. That was 20 years ago and I think of him daily. I think 21 credit cards is way too many. Don't really understand why anyone would want that many. I also think 65 purses is alot to own. Some people love to shop and stay on top of fashion.

that is just absolutely crazy, 21 credit cards to get the guy so far in debt that he will never be able to repay it, and 35 pair of shoes, I am lucky if I have one pair at a time.

I'm sorry for your loss, cher913. Going through the stuff can be so hard. I hope you and your mom are comfort for each other during this time. Wow, 21 credit cards is too much, and just crazy. Ummmm, I wonder what my purse count is at this moment? I might actually be embarassed if I knew. And books..... well, they are my downfall, I do have too many. I have a way of controlling that they not get out of hand. It is easy to acquire too much stuff.

I was going through some of my stuff (junk really) yesterday. I was thinking about the same thing. Only if something and when my time come and my family have to go through my stuff. They will have a mess on their hands. I have junk packed back from years ago. I was going through some old papers I had stashed away. Back in those days (long ago) they were putting your social security number on everything. I had my shredder out and I had to find a box to put some of the papers in with my SS number on it and shred them later. Not to mention the other stuff I have packed back.

I think that if you have things that you no longer enjoy, or no room to breathe in your home because of how much stuff you have, you have too much. If you collect somerthing, you shoul be able to display it in your home somehow. As far as clothing goes, I think you should have the things you regularly wear, and not much more. If you don't wear it, why have it? When your stuff fills your house to the point where you cannot live in your own home comfortably, it is time to get rid of some of it.

I think we should have stuff that are actually useful.

Certain persons are not satisfied by collecting things. Each person differ. Some are fond of collecting pens, purses,books,clothes etc.,Minimum 4 to 5 in a category is advisable.

i think if your house is full and you cant put any thing more in it its enough

My Condolences..As for clothes,a rule of thumb is if you haven't worn it in 6 months,(Unless it's a specialist Item like a Skiing Jacket or outfit,rainwear,winter clothing,etc..)you should get rid of it-there's no point in waiting for it to come back into fashion again! If the stuff is in new or good condition,You cold ebay it,Auction it,or donate it to a favourite charity or Church Group? Good luck with the clearout...

I am sorry for your lose. My condolences to you and your family. How much is enough? My dad collects tools and machinery. He is 73. He says it is worth a lot of money, so I tell him to sell it. This way he will have money for himself. The only thing I will do with it, is throw it out. It is too much. Take care.