Introduction
Data hoarding isn’t a new phenomenon, but with the advent of digital technology, the capacity to store an ever-increasing amount of information has reached new heights. From family photographs to old work files and documents from your children’s schooling, the question becomes: What should you keep, and what should you get rid of? This dilemma becomes particularly relevant when you discover files that date back years, like a directory from your son’s preschool days, even though he’s now a high school sophomore.
Emotional Attachment and Data Hoarding
It’s easy to attach emotional significance to certain files, especially those involving family and milestones. Keeping such files isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can help you reminisce and reflect on life events. However, emotional attachment can sometimes lead to unnecessary data hoarding. According to Dr. Randy O. Frost, a psychology professor who specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder and hoarding, the sentimental value of an item (or a file) often makes it hard to part with ([source](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4556641/)).
Practical Considerations
1. **Relevance**: How relevant is this directory to your life or your son’s life now? Will it be useful or meaningful in the future?
2. **Space**: Are you running out of storage space, either digitally or physically?
3…
