Too much stuff or Too little storage?

[Cato]

I jog regularly around my neighborhood and most folks where I live have garages packed to the hilt with stuff. Now their cars are parked in the drive way or the street - look'n really classy .

Much of that stuff the owners will never see again. Their kids might pull it out for an estate sale once their parents kick the bucket or day laborers might see it as it gets thrown in a rental dumpster.

Do architects just don't build homes with enough storage, or are humans just prone to hoarding garbage? Even the average bums seem to be pushing around carts of garbage when it might benefit them if they traveled a little more light.

 

[The Cobbler]

There's two kind of people, the ones that store too much, and the ones that don't store enough.

 

[zkling]

 

[CJM8515]

Ive been in plenty of garages over the years. People save stupid stuff like you wouldnt believe. They also just stack or toss it all over instead of putting up shelves or cabinets.

 

[MrKona]

I didn't have to look at your location to know you live in California. I figured, because I live here too and see the same thing. I did not see it to the same extent growing up on the east coast. But the difference here is that barely anyone has a basement. No place to store the stuff that would usually be stored in a full basement. That's my theory anyway..

 

[JC23]

Remember that we grow into and out of things. What means a lot to us now, may not in three years. It's hard to keep up with that. Most of us all fight that.

 

[Cato]

I didn't have to look at your location to know you live in California. I figured, because I live here too and see the same thing. I did not see it to the same extent growing up on the east coast. But the difference here is that barely anyone has a basement. No place to store the stuff that would usually be stored in a full basement. That's my theory anyway..

Not only do we not have basements, but almost no one has usable attics, either. My home's attic is so small I can't stand up in it. Our lots in California are generally smaller. I've always envied the guys back east with out buildings and old barns. A couple years ago I bought a Tough Shed to handle storage and keep my car in the garage.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Americans are obsessed with stuff, plain and simple. I'm a big fan of the saying, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." People who live by that often find that their storage spaces go a lot further.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[MushCreek]

We had that problem in FL, too. No basement, no attic, small garage. What's a real man supposed to do? We weren't even allowed to have a storage shed! Fast forward to rural SC, where we live now. Full basement, big barn, separate shed, and an oversized one car garage, just to park in. What a concept!

 

[bczygan]

It's hard to make generalities since different areas build differently. As mentioned, some places have small lots, small houses and no basements or attics.

And how can you have too much stuff in a small NY apartment (Unless you're the Collyer Brothers).

Now, about too much stuff or not enough storage in general.

We live in a consumer society. With our new connectedness, we are bombarded with ads 24/7/365.

Have you noticed that advertising no longer touts the quality of their product, but rather that it's price is lower, and you can "Save" more?

If you are going to consume at a greater rate, you must use up and discard at a greater rate too. We're supposed to have more hobbies and interests too. This requires more stuff. Where to put it all?

We are living in homes designed for 1950's living. The unique solutions shown on this site, show that the average house is just not adequate for the things we have. And smaller lots and smaller houses and more government restrictions keep you from accommodating all your stuff.

The marketplace also is a force keeping you from doing what you might want. It requires you to build the typical house with curb appeal and the usual design and functions. Anything else costs you upon resale.

And the more stuff you have, the more work it is to keep it housed and organized and maintained etc.

What it comes down to is what you are able and willing to do. For those who want more than the average bear, it is a constant fight.

Bill

 

[Squddle]

LOL! Reminds me of the time when I was in high school, and one Saturday, my dad opened up the big garage door to get something, and passers by started stopping to see if he was having a garage sale! LOL! Over the years he tried to organize that stuff until he finally gave up and nailed the doors shut. I guess, never to be reopened until after he's gone.

 

[herbet99]

The military was a good teacher... moving 8 times in 7 years you learn to unload a lot of stuff.

 

[Cypherian]

The military was a good teacher... moving 8 times in 7 years you learn to unload a lot of stuff.

THis ^

But also as stated older houses were never designed with a lot of storage space as people did not have that many things , clothes etc etc. What is funny is an old George Carlin show

. What is also funny and I am sure the people from over seas will chime in we complain about not enough room take a look at what most are working with in the European country's talk about not space or storage.. Just watch one of the international house hunting shows you will see it .

Cypher

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'd say it's a combination of both, too much stuff and not enough room. It seems the standard 2 car garage is now 20x20 instead of the older 24x24. The larger size has almost half as much more sq footage as the smaller size. .. 400 vs 576.

 

[USAFpj]

One of the things that I remind myself while paying for my 30x50x14 pole barn:

My Grandfather was a motorpool mechanic during the Korean War. When he left the Service, he hand built his garage in upstate SC. We're talking about a simple 2 car garage, 6in handmixed crete floor, 4 windows, cinder block walls, and a 'swing up' wide door. The ceiling was about 8ft high, and that man worked on vehicles in there all day, any day, all year round. No heat, no AC, limited power, and to avoid humidity, the roof was wide open to the elements at the eaves. And somehow I think I need something larger??

Man, I wish I was half as hard, and half the man he was...

 

[ratdoggy]

I'd say it's a combination of both, too much stuff and not enough room. It seems the standard 2 car garage is now 20x20 instead of the older 24x24. The larger size has almost half as much more sq footage as the smaller size. .. 400 vs 576.

Cars are a lot smaller than in the 50's...
Park a 2014 Impala next to a 1958 Impala
I've noticed that parking spots seem to be smaller too

 

[Ponchoguy]

One of the things that I remind myself while paying for my 30x50x14 pole barn:

My Grandfather was a motorpool mechanic during the Korean War. When he left the Service, he hand built his garage in upstate SC. We're talking about a simple 2 car garage, 6in handmixed crete floor, 4 windows, cinder block walls, and a 'swing up' wide door. The ceiling was about 8ft high, and that man worked on vehicles in there all day, any day, all year round. No heat, no AC, limited power, and to avoid humidity, the roof was wide open to the elements at the eaves. And somehow I think I need something larger??

Man, I wish I was half as hard, and half the man he was...

You're right, the older generation was tough. My grandfather saved a lot of things, and I kept what I could, but other stuff has to go. I just tossed out an old wooden ladder he had, I kept two of the better ones.

I did find a vintage SK green tote box that was his. That one is a keeper!

I believe it's a combination of things. Plus, don't forget, things have a way of "finding us" as handy people. Someone in the family might say, "Give that to Ponchoguy, he's handy". That's the rep in my family.

I've always said that I am the final spot for "unwanted" cars in my family. I've got two of them....

If you want to see smaller, look here in NYC. It's an act of Congress to get a driveway and a garage and some property. It's out here, but you have to find it.

 

[logical]

Even with most houses here having full (size) basements, I see lots of houses, both newer and older, with garages still in unpainted drywall (another pet peeve) full of accumulated junk and the cars sitting in the driveway. You would think even one morning of scraping ice and sitting on a 25 degree seat would motivate a person to clean up a bit but it just isn't the case.

 

[MushCreek]

It's all about priorities. I knew a guy in FL that had a machine shop in his small two bedroom house. Needless to say, he was single...

 

[Milton Shaw]

My dad's generation lived through the depression and everything had value and was kept. I do mean everything. One of the funniest things I found one time at his house. He had gotten about 100 large metal file storage units, individual drawers about 12x12 x36 deep. He had stacked and organized all his stuff and had typewritten labels on them. He was so proud of it and took me down to see them. About halfway down at eye level was a tagfor "Basketballs that won't hold air", the bad thing is that there were 4 in there. He did eventually see the humor in that and got rid of them but it took a while. I miss him every day, he's been gone about 7 years now and I am still cleaning out his stuff we brought home.

 

[Kennybill]

I don't like a cluttered house but being an old guy that likes old cars I have lots of cars and parts plus tools and yada yada. My goal is to thin the herd and get rid of some parts and stuff now I'm retired, hopefully.

 

[sleepy127]

I have a fair amount of clutter and could be considered novice hoarder. I tend to hold on to things that "I may use later for a project" and end up forcing myself to get rid of it later. I also have things I collected years ago that I am no longer interested in but no one else is either but I can't seem to force myself to let it go super cheap or sometimes for free.

 

[SHOCheapRacing]

There's two kind of people, the ones that store too much, and the ones that don't store enough.

I would have said, ones that will never move and those who are going to move at some point in their lives.


Moving a household a couple of times really makes you understand need vs wants. I will only allow a small area for storage in the basement and the cars will always be able to park inside.

 

[404]

I jog regularly around my neighborhood and most folks where I live have garages packed to the hilt with stuff. Now their cars are parked in the drive way or the street - look'n really classy .

I'm just trying to get my mind around your suggestion that having a car on the street or (gasp) driveway is somehow a moral issue. Don't Californians have whales and little spotted lizards that need saving or something?

 

[MushCreek]

Some of us need to store stuff to be practical. Yes, I have tons of nuts, bolts, screws, etc. But the nearest place to buy them is 12 miles away, which means an hour shot and two gallons of gas for my van for want of a bolt. I carry too much 'inventory' to have a small storage area.

 

[Chevy-SS]

I jog regularly around my neighborhood and most folks where I live have garages packed to the hilt with stuff. Now their cars are parked in the drive way or the street - look'n really classy .
......

Me too. I see this all the frakkin' time. Totally amazing.....

 

[Kevin54]

I think in general, people just have too much stuff today. In years past, and I'm talking 30-40 years ago, you never heard of storage units, now you see them everywhere. People fill them up and forget what they even had. I know that I have too much stuff, and plan on getting rid of some of it this coming year. I'm going to get rid of my CNC mill and my Thompson wet grinder. I'll keep my Lagun mill and my lathe to tinker with. Just like presses, I have a 30 ton, a five ton that will handle 20 easily, and a Greenard 3 ton press. I DON'T need three presses. I've reached a point in my life where I don't need these large items. I want to enjoy other things. And I don't need two of everything, so come April or May, we just may have a large garage sale. I don't want to have to build more storage areas just to keep things hidden away. If I have to do that, then I have too much stuff.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Cars are a lot smaller than in the 50's...
Park a 2014 Impala next to a 1958 Impala
I've noticed that parking spots seem to be smaller too

But look at how many households have a sport ute or pick up or both.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I know that I have too much stuff, and plan on getting rid of some of it this coming year. I'm going to get rid of my CNC mill and my Thompson wet grinder. I'll keep my Lagun mill and my lathe to tinker with. Just like presses, I have a 30 ton, a five ton that will handle 20 easily, and a Greenard 3 ton press. I DON'T need three presses. I've reached a point in my life where I don't need these large items. I want to enjoy other things. And I don't need two of everything, so come April or May, we just may have a large garage sale. I don't want to have to build more storage areas just to keep things hidden away. If I have to do that, then I have too much stuff.

LOL, coming from a guy that put up a garage addition.

 

[bwringer]

When my Dad died, it took over 80 yards of dumpsters just to remove the stuff that was garbage.

That's not counting the scrappers who hauled enormous amounts of metal scrap for four days straight, seven junk vans that needed to be disposed of (we managed to get three more vans and an RV running and got rid of those), the many loads of tools and materials hauled away by friends and family members (per Dad's wishes), and the massive amount of leftover **** that had to be auctioned off.

That experience helped make me fairly ruthless in getting rid of **** I'm not using.

If you're a hoarder or have hoarding tendencies, please do something about it long before you die, mmkay?

 

[logical]

I'm just trying to get my mind around your suggestion that having a car on the street or (gasp) driveway is somehow a moral issue. Don't Californians have whales and little spotted lizards that need saving or something?

You may be trying too hard there. Classy is not a synonym for moral. He's just suggesting it's a little tacky.

Classy suggests sophistication, fashionable, stylish....

Morality is a whole different thing.

 

[Kevin54]

LOL, coming from a guy that put up a garage addition.

the main reason for the garage addition is that I don't like vehicles sitting outside. Last year and the year before, my Cub CUT sat outside. The JD sat in the house garage with the snowblower on it, and my truck sit outside half the time. It doesn't bother me to get rid of items as long s I break even, although I have been known at times to lose my *** on things. This is the first year that I can get everything inside of the garage.

 

[Cato]

I'm just trying to get my mind around your suggestion that having a car on the street or (gasp) driveway is somehow a moral issue. Don't Californians have whales and little spotted lizards that need saving or something?

I think it's a Southern California thing. The better neighborhoods have legal restrictions about parking a car on the street and encourage people to park in their garages. Some neighborhoods might have five vehicles (some not running) parked in the driveway and in the street. Our lots are small so before too long the place looks like an used car lot. I used to have a neighbor who bought and sold cars on the side and always had a car with a for sale sign in the window parked in his driveway. Whenever I mowed my lawn I would get asked about the car for sale. Lots of homeless people who live in their cars like to camp in cities that permit overnight parking on their streets. My sister in law had to deal with an unresponsive local police department because there was a homeless guy who would sleep in his old Camero in front of her house.

 

[404]

You may be trying too hard there. Classy is not a synonym for moral. He's just suggesting it's a little tacky.

Classy suggests sophistication, fashionable, stylish....

Morality is a whole different thing.

You are probably right that I am being too hard.

Still not seeing cars in the street or driveway as lacking in sophistication, fashion, style. May be I am just a simple bumpkin, but car parking locations don't register for me. Would this blue collar house be improved if the cars were not visible?

 

[egnorant]

I spent 25 years of my life as a manager that could move on 1/2 days notice and spend a week to 3 years in an area. Learned to travel light too! However, I had a house with a big building that was being used as storage that I would pass by and dump stuff into before moving to the next job.

If you feel you have too little stuff, stop by and let me fill that void!

Bruce

 

[Off-Street Parking]

Cars are a lot smaller than in the 50's...
Park a 2014 Impala next to a 1958 Impala
I've noticed that parking spots seem to be smaller too

But look at how many households have a sport ute or pick up or both.

Different vehicle segments have changed in different ways..
A 1955 Suburban next to a 2015 Suburban is a good example.

 

[BD1]

This about sums it up. George Carlin Talks About "Stuff"

 

[langss]

When my Dad died, it took over 80 yards of dumpsters just to remove the stuff that was garbage.

That's not counting the scrappers who hauled enormous amounts of metal scrap for four days straight, seven junk vans that needed to be disposed of (we managed to get three more vans and an RV running and got rid of those), the many loads of tools and materials hauled away by friends and family members (per Dad's wishes), and the massive amount of leftover **** that had to be auctioned off.

That experience helped make me fairly ruthless in getting rid of **** I'm not using.

If you're a hoarder or have hoarding tendencies, please do something about it long before you die, mmkay?

I fully understand the sentiment you have expressed. Over the last six years I have been helping my wife liquidate her mother and fathers estate. Its not easy and I had to constantly remind my self that these people were born in a much different era and at many times before my wife and I were born went without, so it was understandable that a lot of things had meaning to them, "STUFF" that had no meaning to anyone else. I brought home a lot of "STUFF", some of which I may never use, but I had a hard time letting it go for penny's on the dollar knowing how hard and long they must have worked to get it. In the end I think one has to look at the bigger picture and appreciate what was left behind as to just what that "Stuff" meant to them. You can see the Vise I brought home below as an example.

 

[pablo94sc]

You are probably right that I am being too hard.

Still not seeing cars in the street or driveway as lacking in sophistication, fashion, style. May be I am just a simple bumpkin, but car parking locations don't register for me. Would this blue collar house be improved if the cars were not visible?

Yes.... braggart!

It makes the neighborhood look tacky if there are cars parked all over the place instead of in the garage. Plus, it's an invitation to criminals - they see cars in the driveway and street, they have to wonder what is being stored in the garage instead.

 

[404]

Plus, it's an invitation to criminals - they see cars in the driveway and street, they have to wonder what is being stored in the garage instead.

At lease some of my cars are bait venus fly trap cars. I thought everyone did this?
Collecting thieves is fun, everyone needs more than one.