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Worried that your collections might be turning into hoarding or clutter? Looking for a way to stop it from happening?

When it comes to figuring out whether something is hoarding or collecting, the difference between the two comes down to a combination of mindset and habits. In my blog, check out the post Clutter vs. Collecting vs. Hoarding if you are looking to define collecting vs. hoarding.

In this set of articles, my focus is less on definitions and more on providing practical tips to help you keep track of collections and prevent them from spilling out of control. In Part 1, I shared these tips:

1. Keep to a theme.
2. Do not let collections intrude on areas of the home you need for other functions.

Now I would like to share several more tips to help you out.

3. Interact regularly with your collections.

Clutter grows through neglect. It happens when we acquire objects and stash them away without really taking the time or care to organize them and made sure that they have a valued place in our lives. Clutter entails a “later” mindset, i.e., “Later, I will figure out what to do with this.”

If you stay involved with your collections, you are less likely to invite clutter. Take time to regularly catalog, clean and organize the objects you’ve collected. This way, nothing can slip into forgetfulness and neglect.

4. Try to collect items that you like or use.

It may be tempting to collect everything under the sun for a given theme or interest, but this can gradually lead to clutter. Try and only collect items which are thematic and which have personal value to you. Take time to figure out how you define value for your collectibles. Is it financial? Emotional? Aesthetic? Intellectual? Practical?

5. Routinely de-clutter collections.

If collected items have lost their value for you and may be more valuable to someone else, sell them. Doing this prevents clutter and waste, and also should gradually refine the quality of your collection over time. It may also lead to some extra funds which you can use on new acquisitions.

6. Keep collections neatly displayed or stored.

Finally, in Part 1, I mentioned that collections should occupy specifically-designated parts of your house, that you might want to consider displaying them in a cabinet or case. Realistically though, if you have a particularly large collection, you probably will not be able to display all of it. Make sure that you have an organizing system for items which are stored out of sight.

Plastic bins for storage are great for many collectibles. For small objects, consider plastic bins with compartments. Label your bins with care, and consider also keeping an inventory list to help you find things quickly.

There is a fine line between collecting, clutter, and hoarding. But if you follow the recommendations which I have provided above and in Part 1, you are less likely to cross that line. With the right organizing system, your collectibles also should be easier to locate, and should stay in great condition over the years to come.