Here's Another Thing I Never Keep
When taking this picture, I wanted to show a pile of product boxes. I couldn't though because I don't have any! Not once have I ever wished I had kept one.
Last week I bought a new external hard drive - and the drive itself is all I kept from the purchase. One day after I saw that it had successfully backed up my computer, I tossed the box, guide, and anything in reference to registration, warranty, etc. If it craps out on me and I'm stuck with it, bemoaning the absent box, then, I guess that's a risk I'm willing to take. The empty space in my home is worth more to me than the sliver of peace of mind that comes with the box.
I've easily seen hundreds of saved product boxes in my 12 years as an organizer.
The #1 reason I hear is "I'll need this box if I have to return it one day."
Other reasons boxes I've heard for keeping packaging are there is a high likelihood of reselling the product or a potential need for the packaging if moving one day. My response to the above reasons: - What are the chances you'll return it? - Under what circumstances will you return it? - Is it returnable at this point? - Is it already working well? - If defective, would you absolutely need the box? - When is the last time you used a box to re-pack a product? - Is it truly necessary if packing the item for a move? - Is the chance you'll need it worth the space it takes up in your space?
I'm not directly telling you to toss them all today, but I am asking you to ask yourself, one by one, why exactly you are keeping them.
Keeping some boxes is fine. Heck, keeping as many as you want is fine! However, if you are short on space and craving freedom from things, this could be an easy place to start. These questions will guide you towards making answer you can live with long after recycling day.
Have you ever regretted tossing a box? For the boxes you've chosen to keep, what are your reasons for keeping them? How do you organize your product boxes? Have you done a good purge of boxes? If so, how did letting go feel? Please tell!
