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Poll finds Brits cling to redundant items and failing relationships

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 14:58 · Archive

A poll of 2,000 adults found 63 per cent have kept possessions, habits or commitments beyond their useful life.

A poll of 2,000 adults commissioned by Samsung found that 63 per cent have kept possessions, habits or commitments beyond their useful life. The survey revealed that 42 per cent find it easier to stick with the familiar than make a change. Mystery keys, instruction booklets and old mobile phones are among the items commonly retained longer than necessary, with 27 per cent keeping old phones and 22 per cent holding onto chipped mugs. A further 56 per cent have a designated drawer for old tech items such as phones, tablets and charging cables.

The study identified several barriers to letting go. Nicole Everingham, an accredited relationship coach, explained that people are drawn to familiarity even when it does not make them happy. 'Change brings uncertainty, effort and the possibility of regret, while staying where we are can feel like the safer option,' she said. The research found that 43 per cent would be more likely to let go of things if they knew the replacement was genuinely better.

When people eventually made changes they had delayed, outcomes were largely positive. Forty-three per cent wished they had done it sooner, while 38 per cent felt relieved and 36 per cent wondered why they had waited so long. Thirty per cent felt happier with their decision than expected, and only seven per cent regretted making the change. Beyond possessions, respondents admitted keeping jobs (40 per cent), friendships (36 per cent) and relationships (47 per cent) longer than they should have.

Poll finds Brits cling to redundant items and failing relationships
Image: This Is Local London

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