I’ve always been the sort of person that collected things because “I might have a use for it someday.” But that really isn’t serving me anymore. Times have changed. Other than historical ephemera and found objects, most everything else is just a click away on eBay. Or I can just build it in Sketchup and 3D print it.

I inherited my Dad’s Märklin train collection. I’ve already sold most of the locos and cars on eBay, but a ton of track and other accessories remain. I don’t look forward to trying to sell it because that takes time, and there aren’t a lot of Märklin buyers in the US. Getting rid of it would save a lot of space. Same with fishing stuff. I’ve accumulated so many lures, tackle, old float tubes. All of that can go, I think.

It’s really about redefining what I hold on to. It’s balancing nostalgia with it actually getting in the way. It’s one thing to hold onto something because it has meaning and memories. It’s another when it’s actively harming you by preventing you from moving forward with new projects.

What are you holding on to that is getting in the way?