Don't Collect SH*T | Advice to my Younger Self

Don't Collect SH*T | Advice to my Younger Self

I have been thinking of doing a series of things I'd like to go back in time and tell myself. Number one is always learn a trade. If I could tell my 18 year old safe to become an electrician or a mechanic, at least have something to fall back on. Maybe I'll get to that in future posts.

For now, I'm going with this one as rule number 2. Don't Collect Sh*t. There is a quote from Fight Club, the things you own, end up owning you. I have been hoarding crap in the basement for 3 years now. Every time I go on holiday I like to bring something back as a souvenir. Neh, everything I head out the door it seems like I bring something back.

It has become a collection of meaningless stuff, to a dungeon worthy of a mad man. It's the kind of collection that would have justified an intervention by now. Little bits of rock, little bits of sand. I mean please, I'm in my late 40s!

My advice to my younger self, (and by proxy, to you readers) is don't collect crap. Even if you have the space for it, you can always find something more worthwhile in having physical space to breathe a bit more.

I'm talking about clothes. (And I've done a fair few articles on keeping a minimalist wardrobe , more importantly I'm talking about things that hold literally zero monetary value. If I was ran over by a freight train tomorrow, my poor better half would have to clear this sh*t out and even pay someone to come collect it.

There are 21 examples in this blog on the mental and physical benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle, for me I need to just grow up a little. It's not like I'm collecting vintage wines, or Rolex watches. I will keep all my artwork, my books and the very personal items and gifts that people have given me over the years. However, I can't wait 'til Spring to get all this crap out.

I've also invested in these little presentation cases on Amazon. The idea is that I can use them as memory boxes and things can be easily contained. I've even started buying them in different colours and sizes so it doesn't look too uniform.

So my advice is, don't waste your time creating a meaningless collection. You might be trying to buy your way into a club, but unless you're Jay Leno and showing people around your garage, you'll spend more time cleaning it, curating it, photographing it etc, than you will get any kind of pleasure out of it.

In terms of getting rid of stuff, might I just suggest you use your social channels to give it away. Don't try and sell things on eBay for £5 here, £5 there. It will just be a long and painful process. Get the crap out now, and hope that some other idiot will take it off you.

Lastly, just invest in good tools. Invest in good people and foster worthwhile relationships in real life, not just social media. Good experiences, clothes built to last, a decent mattress, a trusty dentist, I'll even allow Vinyl.

Founder of this eponymous blog, focusing on men's fashion & lifestyle.