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This week, inspired by a New York Times article delving into the stuff six New Yorkers are keeping in their storage units, Alice decided to discuss our relationship with stuff. It’s a fascinating conversation, because Alice and I have very different relationships with keeping things and letting them go.

While I have a hard time letting go of things that hold meaning or memories — especially the things I’ve personified (see Walter, below). And Alice sometimes feels weighed down by belongings, and finds some freedom in a good closet purge.

Although, we both share a love of things with unknown (or partially known) histories attached. Alice has a beautiful antique notebook that Ben gave her as a gift, that belonged to someone in the 1800s.

And I have a recipe box from an unknown woman, found in an antique store, packed full with correspondence and recipes.

And while I don’t have any particular collections anymore, Alice collects miniature food magnets from Italy that are absolutely delightful.

This was another conversation where we came in thinking it would be kind of a simple topic, and then we realized just how many areas of life and memory and self-identity is connected to our relationship with stuff. Do you have a storage unit? Do you keep things to avoid making decisions about letting them go? Do you collect something? Are you someone who hangs on to objects or would you rather have a clean slate? We would love to hear about your relationship to your belongings. Please send us an email at [email protected] and let us know what you think about owning stuff. We may use your message on a future episode! (Let us know if you’d like to remain anonymous).

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

xoAllison & Alice

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