I get the whole “clear the clutter” thing, but honestly, I’ve saved a ton by hanging onto random scraps and hardware. Sure, it looks messy sometimes, but when a weird project pops up and I already have the part, it feels worth it. I’d rather dig through some bins than drop cash at the store for something I tossed last year. Maybe not everyone’s style, but it works for me.
I get where you’re coming from—having a stash of odds and ends can be a lifesaver for those unexpected fixes. Still, I sometimes wonder if the time spent searching through clutter outweighs the savings. There’s something to be said for knowing exactly where everything is, or just having a streamlined workspace. I’ve found that when I keep only what I know I’ll use soon, projects move along faster... but maybe that’s just my preference for order talking.
I get the appeal of a super organized workspace, but honestly, I’ve run into situations where having a random bin of leftover parts saved me a trip to the store. When I was running ethernet through the walls last month, I thought I had everything mapped out, but then needed a weird size grommet. Dug around in my “junk” drawer and found exactly what fit.
That said, I do try to keep things somewhat sorted—like, all plumbing bits in one box, electrical in another. It’s not pretty, but it works for me. If I tossed everything I didn’t think I’d use right away, I’d probably end up buying the same stuff again and again. Maybe it depends on how much space you’ve got or how often you’re doing projects... but for now, my semi-chaotic stash is staying put.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve lost count of how many times a “junk” bin has bailed me out mid-project. You can organize all you want, but there’s always that oddball part you didn’t plan for. As long as you’ve got some kind of system—doesn’t have to be pretty—it saves time and money. Honestly, tossing everything just because it looks messy seems wasteful to me. If it works for you, stick with it.
Funny how the “junk” bin always seems to have exactly what you need when you least expect it. I’ve had days where I’m knee-deep in a backyard project, only to realize I need some random bracket or bolt—and sure enough, it’s hiding in the chaos of my parts bin. It’s not pretty, but it works. I get the appeal of a tidy workshop, but sometimes that organized mess is what keeps things moving. Tossing everything just for the sake of order feels like missing out on those little moments of DIY serendipity.
