Do you have a mess of outdated items or is it a collection you’ve been curating over the years? What happens when the line begins to blur between the two? That’s when it’s time to really take a good hard look at the difference between collection and clutter.
What is a Collection?
If left uncontrolled and unorganized, collections can quickly become clutter. However, there is a quick way to determine what you have. Ask yourself the following:
- Did you begin collecting these items? Did you really start that collection of ceramic cats or did you get one as a gag gift? Did your friends or family see that ceramic cat and assume it was your “thing.” If you’ve never once bought yourself an item in your collection then it’s something you never intended to have.
- Does this collection bring you joy? A collection should bring something positive to your life. It can be something that tells a story, brings beauty, or brings a smile to your face. However, if you find yourself stressed, overwhelmed, or simply ignoring your items, it’s time to rethink what you own.
- Are you proud to display these items? Very few of us would proudly display our junk drawers. If there are some hidden gems worth showing off, take them out. Go through the rest with a goal of either throwing them out or passing them onto someone else.
If you’ve answered “no” to any of these questions, than what you have… is clutter. This is when your collection becomes a real problem.
How Do You Deal With Clutter?
Clutter clogs up your space, gives your home a disorganized feel, and affects your ability to relax. After identifying your clutter, the next steps are to:
- Donate It: Is the object is decent condition? Could it bring someone else joy? Is there still a purpose for it? If yes, then it will make a great donation! Call your local charities to find out what items they need. Some of them will even come pick those items up themselves, saving you a trip!
- Sell It: Use this opportunity to make some cash off your clutter. Host a garage sale or post your collection on eBay. Craigslist, consignment stores, Half-Price Books, or antique shops are other options for selling your stuff.
- Junk It: Got more clutter to toss than you thought? Call a professional junk removal company! They’ll supply the labor and vehicles needed to do the job correctly, efficiently, and safely.
