Hoarding/Junk addiction

[rusty ol ranger]

I really dont know if this is serious enough to post in this part of the boards but....

The past couple years ive felt like my drive to buy stuff is bad. Like obessed bad. Im not talking about going on shopping sprees at the mall...i mean buying....literal junk/projects.

Ive always had the tendancy to do it...but lately it feels like a consuming obsession. The only thing holding me back from it is my unwillingness to blow money...but thats even fading.

I am constantly browsing and contemplating buying shit i dont even need, have no use for, or would most likely sit until i die.

Vehicles, tractors, random old stuff, i have ALOT of trouble letting go of anything...i find myself saving things that are literal junk (not like food wrappers and shit, but for instance the wife threw away a dollar store pedestal fan...i saved it, it dont even work)

I sometimes go to a junk auction at the fairgrounds...last time i was there i bought 32 cement blocks...for no reason other then i got them for 2 dollars...i had no use for them. Just like the whole tray of fuel oil filter canisters...or whatever other random shit i bring home.

I dont know....maybe its not really a problem but does anyone else go through this? An obessed need to just buy random shit for no reason? How do you deal with it?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Had kids, no time and if I did have the time daycare keeps the funds low to keep me in check lol.

 

[Curious Hound]

I deal with it by avoiding the temptation. Unless I'm shopping for something I NEED;

I don't go to auctions, flea markets or yard sales.

I avoid FB marketplace and Craigslist.

Don't stop when you see interesting stuff in peoples yards.

Just avoid the temptations completely.

Convince yourself that you're broke and believe that 24/7.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I deal with it by avoiding the temptation. Unless I'm shopping for something I NEED;

I don't go to auctions, flea markets or yard sales.

I avoid FB marketplace and Craigslist.

Don't stop when you see interesting stuff in peoples yards.

Just avoid the temptations completely.

Convince yourself that you're broke and believe that 24/7.

That last line is what ive been doing.

But damn its hard.

 

[Curious Hound]

That last line is what ive been doing.

But damn its hard.

I know the feeling.

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

I feel this. Honestly, with as many unfinished projects I have, I have no right to start another. In fact, I owe it to my wife to start cleaning them up/finishing them, among other things.

Hoarding is something that therapy can help to resolve, and it has helped many people. I would reach out to someone to help you out. Bonus: therapy is expensive, and will curb your ability to purchase items.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Well, now that I've actually started a project, I'm finding all the bits and bobs to be coming in handy. So technically it's not hoarding anymore...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Well, now that I've actually started a project, I'm finding all the bits and bobs to be coming in handy. So technically it's not hoarding anymore...

Usually the stuff would come in handy AFTER you purge...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Usually the stuff would come in handy AFTER you purge...

It always works like that

 

[Shran]

My thought is that if you're actually working on projects then it's no problem. It's a problem when you give up and watch TV and work on nothing. I've watched more than a few guys wait till retirement to work on projects and then the project is way too far gone or way past their ability, or their health goes to shit, or they die. Hate to see that happen. Keeping actual trash is a problem regardless though.

 

[RobbieD]

"Hoarding" is bad?

I must have missed the memo . . .

. . . besides, I'm actually more of a "Curator Of Unrecognized Treasures".

 

[rumblecloud]

I have a problem throwing stuff away. I do not know how many jars and containers i have full of odd screws, nuts , bolts and hardware laying around. Pieces of wire, plug ends. extension cords with the wires exposed. It's an issue. My wife saves jars and boxes.
I too scan marketplace and Ritchie Brothers Looking for some other project. My SIL doesn't help cuz he's constantly sending me images of old trucks, antique project cars and other stuff.
You are not alone.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've had to purge. Worst when I rented an old dairy barn 50' x 500' and several acres of outside storage. It's amazing how fast such a large space fills up. This year I have to move again... At least it's not as much stuff this time. Most if not all of my ranger stuff will be up for sale. In Alberta, Canada... I'll start a for sale thread fairly soon.

 

[RobbieD]

I'll start a for sale thread fairly soon.

Hurry, please.

I'm needing my next "fix".

 

[rusty ol ranger]

My thought is that if you're actually working on projects then it's no problem. It's a problem when you give up and watch TV and work on nothing. I've watched more than a few guys wait till retirement to work on projects and then the project is way too far gone or way past their ability, or their health goes to shit, or they die. Hate to see that happen. Keeping actual trash is a problem regardless though.

I do work on stuff....when i have time...and i do enjoy it. But right now i have 8 vehicles....1 is operational....2 are...semi operational....the rest arent moving without a chain and an auxillary power source.

Ive got atleast 2 garden tractors i havent touched in years....2 boats......various other outdoor power equipment that all dont run. I got a 30x60 polebarn packed full. The shed at my actual residence...full. Instead of dumping stuff i think about buying more storage while also browsing for more stuff.

The biggest thing is especially with the vehicles is i get stressed out cause they need shit....and im to cheap to pay a mechanic...but dont have alot of time to wrench....but i also am stubborn about selling because i hate dealing with people and likely wont get what i feel they are worth...and im fair on prices but everyone tries to lowball or trade junk.

But despite all this i browse....and contemplate bringing anything im even remotely interested in home.

Case in point....as im buried in junk i found a running, driving, pretty solid 71 F250 for 3500. 390/4sp camper special. Not even really a bumpside guy...but it took all i could not to call on it.

Just one example

Wife doesnt understand either do other family or friends...but i figured some of you guys might.