excessive possessions

[PinetownTree]

Hi everyone, I've been struggling with something that occurs every so often. I'm 37, I don't live by myself, I own lots of things.

I'm big into toy collecting-Star Wars, Jurassic Park, GIJoe.

I've got lots of possession in my storage unit because the garage's dirty, I've got OCD involving contaminations so that won't work for me.

I've been feeling guilty I own too much, some people in my past have caused feel like it's wrong.

My wall's covered in posters, toys, electronics-there's lots of things on the floor on the perimeter of the room but it makes me happy. It's fun to shop for things or get new things.

I'm not materialistic I don't think cause it's not that I need to newest or most expensive things, I just like getting new things whether decorations or toys, etc.

There's lots I can't do in life right now because of OCD, so these tokens remind me of those times I did comfort me or inspire me to work so I can do new, exciting things.

Sometimes I'm not in the moment when I do things, so having souvenirs helps me remember how much fun it was while I was there.

I'm very sentimental too so getting rid of things is tough too, in 2019 I threw out some nice gifts from old coworkers because I didn't want to remember the job-I felt terrible because of how nice it was.

I'm not trying to go minimalistic, I'm trying to not feel guilty. They're my things I've worked for or received from my parents...I'm full of thankfulness or gratefulness for them.

I'm not in debt, I pay my bills, so if it's not hurting me or others is it wrong?

[JediYoda]

maybe you could consider donating your excess items to a library/goodwill/charity. They will have use for other folks then and you reduce excess belonging.

[cambridgeborn]

I can relate. I love purchasing interesting art pieces from thrift shops for home decor, but I always display them tastefully and I re-donate any items that I no longer enjoy or can display without seeming excessive. Being a collector is fun, but it's also fun to strike a balance by ridding myself of excess items. I have always found that 'storing' stuff is counter-productive; if it's stored, it's out of sight and generally forgotten, so I never opt to store anything other than seasonal items. Even though we have OCD we have more agency than we think. My motto is: "Just do the next right thing". If you need to unload some excess merch, just do it. You'll feel empowered. Good luck.

[SCC1]

Hi. I don't think it is wrong to have collectibles. They are meant to be enjoyed and bring good memories. But IMO, if you have too much of another type of item, for example a household item, then it might be better to donate it or throw it away.

People (professionals) have said, if you don't use something for a yr or two, it's best to get rid of it. If you haven't used an item in that amount of time, there is probably no use for it. It's best not to keep or buy something that will serve little purpose.

Things that have special memories for you, I think, are beneficial to keep as long as they don't become an obsession themselves (spending too much time looking at them/playing with them and not getting anything done) or making a room cluttered. A cluttered room can make a person feel worse.

If your space becomes or is cluttered, you can rearrange things to make it look better and you will probably feel better mentally, not having things everywhere. When items are in a specific place, that can have a calming effect, because they won't be in your way and will make a space feel roomier. You wouldn't have to be reminded of the clutter if things are put away.

I hope this helps a little.

xx

[PinetownTree]

Hi everyone, thanks so much for the replies...I'd just like to mention that I don't need or want to get rid of things, I just want to feel less guilty

[Sallyskins]

I have the same problem - only mine is books! But my answer is that you can't have too many books, as long as they're worth reading.

Some people can be very judgemental. But if it gives you pleasure to buy and have these things, then don't listen to them. No need to feel guilty.

I also recognize the excitement that getting something new elicits - a new book in the letterbox dropping onto the mat gives me a little lift!

But it's easy to get addicted to it - particularly if you can't do all the things you want to do because of OCD.

Enjoy the things you have. And go on adding to them. Perhaps have a clear out now and then, as I do with some of my books, and give things you don't want to charity, or sell them. But don't let them replace the things that are missing from your life because of OCD.

[Chilly_Willy]

Would it help for you to find a group of people that collects same things as you? As in a physical group not online. That would put your collecting hobby in a different light, show you other guys do the same thing and dont have any reasons to feel guilty...