Take the aforementioned table for example (16 Jan 2012) :
What is it? A table for use in the garden. I have six garden tables!
Why did I buy it? It was a bargain, I couldn't afford anything else at the time and I enjoyed using it for a few years.
Why am I keeping it? I got kind of fond of it....Hmm..
When did I buy it? About ten years ago before I got nicer and larger ones.
How do I use it? I don't.
Where is it? Hanging off the end of the garden shed, because it is rusty and unsightly.
Who bought it in the first place? Me. So who should decide if it goes? Me.
Are any of the above answers reasons to keep it?
No.
Get rid.
What a relief!
I have a Simply Bin It category, and a Simply Get Rid category - and have to think of the difference. Freecycle, as Liz says is a brilliant way to Get Rid to someone who can use the things. Look at www.paulgraham.com/stuff.html for a wider view of the modern day problems with stuff. Thanks Julia. I like his line Hardly anyone is so poor that they can't afford a front yard full of old cars....