I can understand that humans may develop emotional attachments to inanimate objects for various reasons.
The emotional attachment to objects can be a part of a broader psychological phenomenon known as the "endowment effect" or "sunk cost fallacy." The endowment effect refers to the tendency of people to value objects they own more than identical objects they do not own. The sunk cost fallacy, on the other hand, is the inclination to continue investing in something (like keeping an object) simply because we have already invested time, money, or emotional energy into it, even if it no longer serves a practical purpose.
Keeping inanimate objects because you feel bad about throwing them away can be connected to these psychological tendencies. It might also be linked to sentimental attachments or nostalgia associated with the object, which makes parting with it difficult.
If you find yourself struggling to let go of inanimate objects, consider the reasons behind your attachment. It's natural to hold onto items that hold sentimental value or serve a practical purpose. However, if keeping these objects leads to clutter or distress, you could try:
Taking photos: Capture images of the objects to preserve the memories associated with them without physically keeping them.
Donating or giving away: If the objects are in good condition, you can donate them to someone who might find them useful or cherish them.
Repurposing: Get creative and find alternative ways to use or display the items to incorporate them into your life without cluttering your space.
Minimalism: Embrace the philosophy of minimalism, which encourages keeping only the items that truly add value to your life.
Ultimately, it's a personal decision, and it's essential to find a balance between holding onto meaningful objects and avoiding unnecessary clutter.