Confessions of a Stationery Squirrel: Are You One of Us? 🐿️

Intro into the Life of a Stationery Squirrel

🛍️ So, you walk into a stationery store ‘just to browse.’ Five minutes later, you’re clutching a stack of notebooks, pens, and stickers you absolutely need—but will you ever actually use them? Probably not.

It’s a common thing among stationery lovers; we want to own all the pretty stationery. But to crack that gorgeous notebook’s spine? To use that special ink? To remove that beautiful sticker from its backing and stick it somewhere forever? 😨Who in their right mind would be able do that?

The Stationery Squirrel Checklist: Are You One of Us?

A fun, highly scientific (not!) quiz to see if you belong in our clan. How many statements do you relate to?

✔️ ️You own multiple notebooks that are too nice to write in.
✔️ ️You have a stash of stickers, but using them feels like a permanent decision.
✔️ You buy multiple copies of washi tape you love, but still can only use it very sparingly.
✔️ You buy special pens… but only use cheap ones for everyday writing.
✔️️ You’ve said, “I’ll save this for something special,” and then never used it.
✔️ You own multiple planners but don’t actually…plan.
✔️ Looking at your stationery stash makes you feel happy.

✅ If you checked off 4 or more, congratulations—you’re a true Stationery Squirrel! 🐿️

Why Do We Hoard Stationery?

There are many reasons why we hoard stationery.

For some of us, it’s like we’re scared of messing up something special with something boring (“No way am I using that gorgeous notebook for writing down boring house chores! 📔”)
For others, it’s all about that panic of running out of something awesome—like, “What if I never find that perfect sticker or washi tape again? 😱”
Sometimes, it’s just because you’re doubting yourself: you worry you’re gonna screw things up ’cause you think you don’t have the talent.
And for some folks, it’s not even about fear; they just really love owning and collecting stationery just to look at it!

It’s a thing that goes way back to our childhood when we collected rocks, leaves, and little figurines to make our own ‘treasure.’ Sure, what we consider ‘treasure’ has changed over time, but the instinct to own cool stuff is still strong. The only real difference is that while rocks and leaves are just, well, rocks and leaves, stationery actually has a purpose, and it feels like we should be using it.

But it doesn’t mean that you have to.

If you love just collecting stationery because it brings you joy, then go for it! But if you’re thinking it’s time to actually use some of it (and maybe feel a little less guilty for owning so much and not using it), here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Breaking the Hoarding Habit (Or At Least Trying!)

The best way to start using stationery is to, well, start using your stationery. But do it in ways that make you happy. For example:

Open that beautiful notebook and just jot down “This notebook belongs to [your name].” Add a few flourishes if you’re feeling creative! Stickers and washi tape are totally welcome, too. And hey, if you’re a bit nervous, just use a pencil! 😊
Get some backups of your favorite stickers and washi tapes (that’s how I get to use mine without stressing too much!). 😉
Grab five of your prettiest pens from your stash and make it a fun challenge to use one for each day of the week. On your chosen day, stick to that pen for everything — grocery lists and all! 😬
Lastly, this might sound a bit grim, but my grandpa always said we can’t take our stuff with us when we go, so we might as well enjoy it while we’ve got it! Also remembers that papers tend to yellow over time, stickers might fade, washi tape might be less adhesive. So use them while they’re still at their best! 😍

Stationery Squirrels, unite!

So there you go! How’s your stationery hoarding game? Are you all about it, or trying to kick that habit? Drop your thoughts in the comments (so I know I’m not alone in this!)