Decluttering - what to do with that magazine collection!

I was recently asked by a client what my opinion was regarding keeping or decluttering magazines.

Unfortunately, many magazines can be viewed as a longterm 'collection'.  Particularly those related to a specialist subject or hobby.  Equally they can be expensive and as such are unlikely to be viewed as a 'throw away' item. 

Automatically renewing subscriptions can be bad news!  This then requires you to make the effort to cancel the magazine.  Be observant, you'll probably notice that the content gets a bit samey, or simply boring, as you've heard it all before.

As for the lady who asked the question, I quoted her two real life examples.  One woman, a client of mine was a keen home cook and collected recipe magazines and cards. Unfortunately they had all been tossed into a cupboard in random fashion. 

When we decluttered the cupboard we found an empty recipe file right at the back and many recipe cards were duplicated!  I tactfully pointed out that she couldn't live long enough to make all those recipes.  Some favourites were cut out and kept.  The remaining pile went straight to the paper recycling bin.

The second story was told me by a friend and colleague.  She and her husband kept horses and apparently their garage was stacked high with back issues of 'The horse and hound'.  Her husband wanted her to part with them, but my friend was convinced that as soon as the magazines went, she'd need to refer to them. 

My take on this is that keeping magazines for reference is pretty hopeless unless you have some kind of indexing system.  Otherwise you might remember a topic has been covered - but would you remember which year, and which issue?  I doubt it!

So, clear out those magazines, most of the information will be out of date by now anyway.  Donate them to a local doctor's surgery or other deserving waiting room.  At the very least recycle the paper.

Above all enjoy the space you've created.