I totally get the “keep it just in case” mentality—my garage is practically a museum of leftover project bits. But honestly, after a decade of tripping over random PVC pipes and half-used paint cans, I’ve started getting stricter. There’s a fine line between being resourceful and just hoarding stuff you’ll never touch again.
Here’s the thing: I used to save every screw, hinge, and mystery bracket, convinced I’d find the perfect use “someday.” In reality? Most of it just collected dust. Now I ask myself—if I haven’t used it in two years, is it really worth the space? Nine times out of ten, nope.
Donating is a solid move, though. I’ve found local schools and maker spaces are thrilled to take weird odds and ends off my hands. Feels better than tossing things, and my shelves actually have room for tools now. Still, every once in a while I’ll toss something and immediately need it the next week... Murphy’s Law, right?
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I get where you’re coming from, but isn’t there a risk in getting too ruthless with purging? I’ve tossed stuff before, only to end up rebuying the same thing a few months later—feels like wasted money. Sure, clutter’s annoying, but sometimes those random bits actually save a trip to the store. Maybe it’s about finding a balance, not just a time limit? Curious if anyone’s found a sweet spot that doesn’t lead to double spending...
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I’ve tossed stuff before, only to end up rebuying the same thing a few months later—feels like wasted money.
Story of my life. I swear, the second I finally get rid of that “useless” box of random hardware, I suddenly need a weird-sized bracket from it. But then again, keeping every leftover bit turns the garage into a treasure hunt every time I need something. For me, labeling bins by project type helps a bit—at least I’m not digging through three years of mystery screws. It’s not perfect, but at least I’m not rebuying as much... or tripping over boxes.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
For me, labeling bins by project type helps a bit—at least I’m not digging through three years of mystery screws.
I get the labeling thing, but honestly, even with bins and labels, it still feels like organized chaos in my garage. I know everyone says keeping extras saves money, but half the time, I end up buying new stuff anyway because I can’t find what I need or what I kept isn’t quite right for the next job. Plus, hardware is cheap compared to the time wasted searching.
Sometimes it’s just easier (and less stressful) to keep basics on hand—screws, anchors, that sort of thing—and let the oddball stuff go. If I really need a weird part later, I’ll just make a quick run to the store. At least then I’m not stepping over piles of “maybe someday” leftovers every weekend. Just my two cents... I’d rather have space to work than a museum of old hinges and random bolts.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve gotta say, holding onto those “weird” parts has actually bailed me out more than once. Last winter, I needed a specific bracket for a shelving job—nothing fancy, just something not stocked at the big box stores. Dug through my bin of “random metal bits,” and there it was, saved me a trip and a few bucks.
I do agree about not hoarding everything, though. But for me, keeping a small, labeled stash of oddball hardware pays off, especially when deadlines are tight or a project goes sideways. Maybe it’s just how my mind works, but I like having options on hand, even if it means sacrificing a little space.
