Principles of Stuff

For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow? And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city? (Kahlil Gibran)

1. Do not give people STUFF just because of the season or occasion. Use the classic definition of a gift: something you KNOW someone would appreciate, but is not likely to buy for themselves.
2. Assume that people view STUFF as a liability, not an asset. Ask permission before giving and never assume STUFF is wanted by family members.
3. When you buy or accept STUFF, realize you are committing to maintaining it (repairing and replacing), and disposing of it responsibly. STUFF is always a liability. Whether it is also an asset is the question you must answer.
4. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with wanting and having STUFF. Want and have as much as you can deal with. But be prepared for your STUFF to depress and weigh you down, if you accumulate it in a way or in a quantity that no longer serves you.
5. Acquire and dispose of STUFF in balance, for the most part (major life events excepted).  
6. Some STUFF is valuable ONLY because it contains information. Consider putting that information on a computer and reducing the cubic feet of STUFF you have. You may be able to free up entire rooms! Digital STUFF carries a psychic burden as well, but it is less.
7. Return STUFF back into the supply chain as soon as you possibly can, once you have determined you no longer need it. Return even trivially cheap unopened items to the place you purchased them immediately, if they will not be used. It's not about the money - it is basic STUFF hygiene. 
8. Do not divide stocks of STUFF. Keep like with like. You won't remember where you squirreled the extra STUFF away.
9. Keep entropy at bay. Protect STUFF from weather, wear, and breakage. Repair immediately.
10. The most evil words in the English language are "this STUFF could come in handy someday." They may have been useful before our supply chain matured. But in a society with a well functioning supply chain they are dysfunctional.
11. Used STUFF can be sold on Ebay and Craigslist. Learn the routine (including posting good pictures) and practice it so you don't feel too much resistance when you need to get rid of STUFF.
12. Used STUFF you can't sell can be given away via Craigslist and Freecycle. It's amazing how many people are watching those posts and how quickly even obscure and apparently useless STUFF is snapped up. Charities are also good for basic STUFF but if you give them obscure things, they may just trash them.Try to find someone who is consciously looking for the exact STUFF you no longer need.
13. Trust in your resourcefulness and ability to find the STUFF you need when you need it.
14. Finally, understand your stock of STUFF as an expression of the life you are creating.