Results: This survey is about hanging on to old stuff we haven't used in years. Even if the stuff hasn't deteriorated, we might have. Even though we continue to hang onto it the need for it may no longer exist. It's a new year. Maybe it is time to "unburden".
Published on 01/09/2026
I am not a hoarder but I do believe in Murphy's Law that suggests that, the moment I get rid of something is the very time I will need it. Some things I have kept I am extremely unlikely to need again - time to say "goodbye"?
QUESTIONS
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Comments
1.
1.
Before I retired in 2014 I had a closet full of business suits, shirts, ties and shoes. I donated some of it but kept some for weddings or other "just in case" situations. I have moved house a few times since then and lugged these items with me - but never used them. What is the longest (best guess) you have kept clothing you no longer wear?
No longer than 5 years.
15%
289 votes
Over 5 but less than 10 years
18%
336 votes
Over 10 but less than 15 years.
14%
274 votes
Over 15 but less than 20 years.
13%
255 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
13 votes
Not Applicable
18%
341 votes
More than 20 years (and I may provide details).
25%
475 votes
- Sports coat and slacks from the days of Miami Vice (1980s?)Hibatchi Hi
- I have some tops that I wore when I was pregnant with my only child who is now 35 years old.
- a 1967 jacket.
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.43% | 7 | |
| I just did a calculation - more than 30 years but not as long as the stuff in the photo above. | 0.06% | 1 |
| 1 YEAR | 0.06% | 1 |
| Less than 6 months | 0.06% | 1 |
| I have no idea. | 0.06% | 1 |
| depends on the item and if I still like the item enough to keep | 0.06% | 1 |
| I have a black sweater from the 70s that people still compliment me on | 0.06% | 1 |
2.
2.
At one time we bought some household items that were "Not available in stores." Several of these items were used less than 5 times and now are not used at all (The George Foreman Grill and the Juiceman JM8000S Juicer for example). What is the longest you have kept one of these "As sold on TV" items? Please tell us what the item is/was
No longer than 5 years.
15%
292 votes
Over 5 but less than 10 years
12%
224 votes
Over 10 but less than 15 years.
9%
171 votes
Over 15 but less than 20 years.
8%
149 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
11 votes
Not Applicable
47%
900 votes
More than 20 years (and I may provide details).
10%
197 votes
- Blender, circa 1970s, avocado in colour, two buttons missing, still works (maybe).
- I have a toaster oven that I was given as a wedding shower gift in 1988 and have never used. It just sits on top of my refrigerator.
- A waffle maker.
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.57% | 6 | |
| Hibachi Grill - free when opening a new bank account in 1975. Last used 1976. | 0.10% | 1 |
| NEVER BUY THEM | 0.10% | 1 |
| Never purchased when they came out | 0.10% | 1 |
| George Foreman Grill lol dad got this for us over 20 years ago! | 0.10% | 1 |
| Foreman about one to two years, then let it go. I moved often and got rid of lots of items not used each time. | 0.10% | 1 |
3.
3.
I must admit to having bought some really stupid items from these TV Infomercials back in the dark days before Amazon. Some of these items were bought for amusement and some under pressure from my daughter who took them to school for reasons best kept secret. Did you or your family ever buy any of the following items? If you "used as advertised" and/or still use, please do tell us more.
Ronco Spray-on Hair in a Can
4%
72 votes
The Flowbee Haircutter (George Clooney demonstrated this).
5%
92 votes
The K-Tel Patty Stacker
6%
109 votes
Anything else that included the phrase "But wait - there's more - if you order now."
9%
170 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
16 votes
Not Applicable
79%
1495 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.96% | 9 | |
| Thigh Master | 0.22% | 1 |
| K-Tel s snow block maker and maybe the Pocket Fisherman from the swame brand? | 0.22% | 1 |
| RonCo $150.00 rotisserie..but wait I still use this!! | 0.22% | 1 |
| I bought these so called vitamin pills that when you take one , it takes gray hair away, | 0.22% | 1 |
| Wearable blanket | 0.22% | 1 |
| My dad (RIP) used to have and use a lot of these products. | 0.22% | 1 |
| The basso magic. From sNL | 0.22% | 1 |
COMMENTS