For years, I've tried to keep many of the misc equipment and parts that I wind up accumulating. Old gear the client doesn't need any more; one off parts and bits of equipment that I bought for a project, wound up not using and couldn't return; old inventory; extra hardware that comes with new equipment; so many cables and connectors that aren't part of my standard stock; etc.

The thought is that one day I will need this or that for my test bench, training, a client in a tight spot, etc.

Sure, from time to time these items come in handy. But the overhead of trying to manage it all is painful.

Do I need a better system for managing these items, or do I need to purge?