Tech Clutter

_How do you know when you've collected too many tech toys? If you don't toss them out, does that mean you're a hoarder? Lol.

Written By: Geovian
Date: 22 September 2023

The Clutter of Nightmares

I'm sure that many of us have collected tech gadgets over the years and kept hold of them for one reason or another. Whether it be computers, laptops, routers, printers, old smartphones, clunky hard drives. You name it. Many would say it's an emotional attachment. Others remember how much some of these things cost when they were first bought, so getting rid of them is a bitter pill to swallow because you're not getting any financial compensation for something that is of no use anymore - which in effect is another emotional response.

For those that don't have an emotional attachment to such things then kudos to you.

Breaking the Chains

Attachments to physical objects comes in many forms. For me, it was old LP's and CD's. I amassed a huge collection, and it followed me around the world whenever or wherever I moved house. Decades later I wondered why I bothered. Thank you Spotify.

Yes, breaking the chains of attachments can be hard, but conversely, keeping hold of such things also acts as an anchor. Physical inanimate objects are nothing more than 'things'. My way of thinking is this. If it's not going to be important in 5 or 10 years time, then don't place any emotional value on it. Move on. There are more important things to concern yourself with.

Taking out the Trash

I knew some people who hoarded stuff obsessively. Years ago I used to do part time work as a Census Collector, some of the houses I saw both inside and out defied belief. From piles of old newspapers racked miles high to properties with rusted cars and car parts making an auto wreckers yard look trivial. I could never understand it.

Looking back I too was guilty of hoarding tech gear, thinking it might get reused on some IT restoration project which never eventuated. Boxes of ethernet and USB cables, peripherals, power supplies, old phones and routers were stashed in wardrobes never to see the light again. What was the point? It was always easier to buy the latest gadget but as a result, the unused hoarded pile just kept getting bigger.

The Price of Progress

These days tech is a bit more streamlined but in 5 to 10 years time we'll probably be questioning our current consumer choices and wondering why we bothered with some of them. It's called the price of progress, and our trail of consumerism over the years is evidence of that progress even if it meant discarding tech along the way as it became out of date.

So, if you have a few hours to spare on a lazy Sunday afternoon, perhaps it's time to have a clean out? I'm sure your spouse will be overjoyed.