needs

[low_delta]

I mentioned to someone, that I don't get anything unless I really need it. Of course, this is a very broad definition of need. Like, I need to buy Scotch if I'm going to a Scotch tasting. I need to buy Magic cards, if I'm going to play Magic. I need a new polarizer if I'm going to take good photos. You get the picture.

The point is that I don't just bring home a bunch of crap just because it seems cool. I consider my need. My basement is full. And much of that is stuff I just couldn't pass up. Like crap someone was getting rid of. I could have gotten much more crap from my neighbor's auction a couple months ago, but I didn't need it.

It's amazing how much crap I have, and I instituted this rule many years ago. I just can't get rid of my crap. Which is why I instituted this rule.

Comments

[ranunculus.livejournal.com]

Some time back in my life I instituted the "need 3 times" rule. I can't buy a tool unless I've needed it on three different occasions....

That rule helps most of the time.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Ooh, that's a rough one. More than once, I've bought a new tool after deciding there was no other alternative. Sometimes after much internal debate. And at least once buying after deciding that I would use it often enough that renting it didn't make sense.

The purpose of my rule is to make me think twice. Very seldom have I bought tools that I later decided I shouldn't have bothered. I've always been picky about useful things, though.

[sunshine-two.livejournal.com]

A lady at work instituted the rule for every new piece of clothing she purchases, another piece from her existing wardrobe gets taken to goodwill. She says it keeps her closets from bursting.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a good rule.