Thread: De-cluttering; do you have too much Halloween stuff?

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This year has been one of simplifying and "de-cluttering", not only at home in general, but also our Halloween stuff. Over the past 20 years, we've amassed quite a collection of stuff, and while packing it up last year, we made a decision to condense and thin out our "stuff." Thus far we've sold 5 masks, 5 tombstones, a few strobe lights, several latex props, 6 costumes, a couple of large props, and several miscellaneous small things. Some of it went to other local haunters and some to other folks on this and another forum. In looking at what's left, we still have a good deal of stuff, and I'm thinking with the exception of a couple new things, we won't be buying much else. We've gained some much needed storage, weeded out things that we're not using any more, and hopefully helped some other haunters out with some good buys.
Looking ahead a few years, I can see some downsizing of our haunt and the idea of "less is better" is more and more appealing.
Do any of you think you have too much stuff? Do you really use every thing you own or are there things just taking up space that you don't want to part with? Some of the things we got rid of were items we used for years and never thought we'd part with, but it truly feels good to have de-cluttered a bit. I remember looking forward to buying a bunch of stuff each year, but this year we'll be focusing on improving our existing display, and making better use of the things we have already.
So what about you other pack rats?

Anything you don't want or need anymore can be shipped to me! LOL

I have zero storage space. Very little is unused in terms of Halloween stuff. I think I have way more stuff that will eventually become props then actual props. I packrat anything that might look like it could end up being useful. I really need to weed through that stuff as opposed to actual Halloween stuff. That is great that you were able to find good homes for your extra Halloween items.

Originally Posted by yardhauntjunkie

I have zero storage space. Very little is unused in terms of Halloween stuff. I think I have way more stuff that will eventually become props then actual props. I packrat anything that might look like it could end up being useful.

I used to do this as well, but figure if I don't use it or make something with it in a year or so, it probably isn't going to happen. About the only thing I have laying around extra is several varying lengths of pvc pipe, most of which will never be put to Halloween use.

UUmmmmm do I have to stand up and say my name.. LOL

and I'm getting another unit so the garage can be used again. LOL

TNBrad, that reminds me of the 'Halloween corner' in my basement, with boxes and bins piled nearly to the ceiling

I think I just might end up going through my things within the next year and getting rid of some items. I definitely need to do something before there's no more room to move down there

It may LOOK like xmas stuff, but it's all Halloween stuff.... We filled backpacks and even suitcases with halloween stuff... Oh and the door barely closes with all of it in there. =) Did I mention we have our patio storage filled with stuff too? and my gf's spare bedroom is also half filled.....

We used nearly all of our stuff last year, though we didn't have a halloween party, so we didn't use a lot of the indoor, party type stuff. We'll be keeping what we have, and probably adding some. At least until we buy a house and see how much storage versus set-up space we have in the new place. Currently, we have limited storage, but lots of set-up space. That lends itself to PACKED STORAGE. Our basement is kept in a continual barely-able-to-walk-through-it condition--we also do Christmas pretty big, so there are a LOT of decorations down there.

Originally Posted by Mandathewitch

It may LOOK like xmas stuff, but it's all Halloween stuff.... We filled backpacks and even suitcases with halloween stuff... Oh and the door barely closes with all of it in there. =) Did I mention we have our patio storage filled with stuff too? and my gf's spare bedroom is also half filled.....

Ha ha. That's a scary prop right there. I would be terrified to stand next to it for fear it's gonna collapse on me

I'm hoping the older kids will move out and stay out, then I can convert one of the bedrooms to my Halloween room so that I can hang costumes in the closet and get stuff out of boxes so that can actually see what I have to work with.