Get Rid of It!
A guide to letting go of stuff
Paraphrased excerpts from Bruce Sterling’s Reboot 11 Closing Speech.
Whether participating in a conscious closure, clearing out a house after someone's death, or simply moving, dispersing stuff is not for the fainthearted. It can quickly become a juggling act, with people and things scattered everywhere.
What should you keep? What can be reused or recycled? What’s worth selling? What should you give away, and to whom? When does something that was once valuable become waste? And how do you dispose of this waste in a way that aligns with your ethical principles?
These principles in practice, during the conscious closure of FoAM’s Brussels studio
First, note that getting rid of stuff is HARD (but doable). DO NOT start on impulse. Think hard about it and make sure you’re morally prepared. Then, for each item in your life ask the following questions:
Is it beautiful?
Test: Do you have it on display? Do you share its beauty with the people in your life? If so, then keep it, otherwise…
Is it emotionally important?
Test: Does it have a narrative? Do you share it’s story with other people? If so, then keep it, otherwise…
Is it a useful tool or piece of equipment?
Test: Does it efficiently perform a useful function? Does it actually work? Is it the best possible tool? Do not put up with broken or shoddy stuff: “There’s nothing more materialistic than doing the same job 5 times because your tools are inferior.” If so, then keep it, otherwise…
Are you experimenting with it?
Test: Do you methodically work with it? Do you document or publish your results? “Beware brand-new time-sucking beta-rollout crap.” If so, then keep it, otherwise…
If you can’t answer “yes” to any of these questions, it is unworthy of your space or time.
Get rid of it, or virtualise it, then get rid of it. Make a picture, record the barcode, record any anecdotes about it. “If you ever need it again, get another one from eBay.”
Sterling Machine by Morten Just
Use By: Some Principles for Conscious Closure
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