How to Organize the Things We Love to Collect

You probably have several collections scattered around your home, even if you are unaware they are collections. Some collections may present as clutter. Other collections filled with items people hold on to can get lost in the shuffle of all the things instead of being proudly displayed.

Whether you’ve inherited a collection, grown something without realizing it, or are an avid collector, they bring joy and sentimentality to our spaces. The problem: many people aren’t sure how to share their prized possessions in a stylish and systematic way. Ot the system of displaying the collection worked until… it didn’t.

At Organized by Keli & Co, we see a TON of collections pop up when working with clients. We decided to take this time to show you how you can define, display, and enjoy those collections in your home. If you are still overwhelmed by everything at the end, searching for a home organizer near me may not be a bad idea! 

Defining a Collection

According to Merriam-Webster, a collection is an accumulation of objects gathered for study, comparison, exhibition, or as a hobby. We aren’t sure about you, but the term “collection” offers a broad range from baseball cards and stamps to figurines, cookie cutters, and prized art. 

Collections may be something you created or fell into on your own. You may also have collections saved for sentimental reasons that you wish to honor. Whether you keep the entire collection or just a piece of it we know how important heirlooms and prized possessions from loved ones can be.

What we love about collections at OBK is that most of the clients we work with are unique in what they collect and why they do it. However, we’ve run into situations where a collection has exploded into something that no longer feels good and is unmanageable.

Collections vs. Hoarding Tendencies: Spotting the Differences

Want to know if you’ve got a collection or a problem on your hand? We don’t talk much about hoarding tendencies as they require a different approach than the process at OBK&CO. At the same time, we know they exist. We also know many people who fall into this trap of hoarding don’t do it purposely. We do our best to be compassionate and understanding when navigating this taboo topic. 

If you have a collection on your hand, chances are you

• Easily find the pieces in your home

• Enjoy them, collectively and individually

• Appreciate the collection and its value to you

• Can easily categorize and sort your piece(s)

• Are not unencumbered by them daily

Hoarding tendencies are a bit more chaotic, and many people feel shame and keep their items private. There is awareness with hoarding that the hoarder can’t bring themselves to face. 

The items in your home may speak to hoarding tendencies if:

• You are unable to sort or categorize them

• You have no way to display the items

• There are no boundaries on things piling up in your home

• The items in your home are impeding your day-to-day life

If you are ready to get organized, you can count on us. We are happy to use our capabilities to bring your collection to life, cute organizers and all. We are also here to help those with hoarding tendencies find the help they need from organizing companies that specialize in assisting those with HD. 

Are You Ready to Organize Your Collections?

We get so excited over at OBK to see what really lights up our clients! We’ve seen so many incredible collections throughout the years, and getting to help you display those collections is just a fragment of what makes our job one of the best.

Before you can even begin to organize your collection, you need to ask yourself one question: do you still love it? If the answer is yes–excellent! However, some people are unsure. You need to answer two important questions

• Does my collection bring me joy?

• Does my collection serve a purpose?

If the answer to these questions is a hard no, you’ve got clutter on your hands that must go.

Now, let’s start separating those collections and getting to work! 

Types of Collections

When collections sprout up in your home, some of them are intentional, but many are not. 

Abundance Collections 

Abundance collectors actively participate in and consistently add to or maintain their pieces. When you have an abundance mindset of collecting, you are aware of your choice. It is very conscious.

Scarcity Collections

Scarcity collections are items you don’t realize you have a ton of until you start sorting through your home. Suddenly, you have 10 different scented lotions in your bathroom and 25 bag clips in your kitchen. Welcome to your new collections!

How Will You Display Them?

Not everyone will want to showcase their collection proudly. If you do, you want it to look like a collection. You do not want it to look like clutter hanging around. There are many ways to display your collections. We have gathered a few of our favorites to inspire you before organizing your collection.

1. Create a gallery wall. Make this a focal point in one of your living spaces where you can talk about and admire your collection with friends and family. If you have a large collection, swap your pieces out regularly to keep things fresh.

2. Install floating shelves. Floating shelves are great for those items that don’t hang well but still make a stunning display when put up. Floating shelves offer space so larger objects can fit nicely, such as figurines, candles, crystals, and other items.

3. Consider built-ins for your collection. Built-in shelves allow you to customize your space to meet the needs of your collection. While this option is not always in the budget, built-ins will offer you what you need to optimize the aesthetics of your space.

4. Use a cabinet (with glass doors). A china cabinet works when you display valuable items, such as china dishes, porcelain dolls, or antique items. Cabinets can be installed in any room and bring a great focal point to your home.

5. Think outside the box. Shelves and cabinets may seem a no-brainer, but you can get creative with your collection too! Pick your professional organizer’s mind and see how they might organize, categorize, and store your collection.

As you are creating your display, consider who will have access to them. Determine if your collection needs to be accessed frequently or if you need to come up with a behind closed doors solution. For instance, your shoe, hat, or handbag collection may benefit from built-ins, but they would do best tucked away in your closet. Also, a few more tips for displaying your items

• Temperature, humidity, and lighting can make an impact on your collectibles. 

• If your collection is massive, it can get tricky to put the entire collection on display.

• Placement comes before the display piece–you need to pick a spot that makes sense before investing in how you intend to display things.

Categorizing Your Items into Collections that Make Sense

Occasionally, items may seem to categorize into one portion of your home when they may make sense in another. For example, you have holiday platters used during a specific season. Initially, you may think this belongs with your serving platter collection. However, it could make more sense to store your holiday platter with your holiday items since that is the only time of year you would use that item. 

Remember: your home only has so much space in it. Give prime real estate to items that are a priority in your home over those that are seasonal or occasional. Think about the action you will take with the object--not the object itself. 

Some Examples of Collections

Essentially anything can be a collection, but some of the most popular collectibles include

• Stamps

• Designer shoes or handbags

• Figurines

  

• Coins

• Comic books

• Vinyl records

• Antique furniture

• China

• Makeup and Markers (Keli's favorites)

Setting Boundaries for Your Collections

Managing an out-of-control collection is imperative. Be honest with yourself about how much is too much. Setting boundaries for your items will ensure you are conscientious about your living space and what realistically can and cannot fit.

You may need to go back and evaluate your collection from time to time. Make sure what you are collecting still matters to you, fills you with joy, and has value. In this instance, a professional organizer can be a huge asset to your home. We come into your spaces and help you realize that you may not need everything you’ve collected along the way. If you feel stuck on what should stay and what should go, search from a home organizer near me.

Get Help From the Best Home Organizer in the Denver, CO Region

Remember: there is no shame in collecting things. Everyone collects something–tangible or intangible. Collecting thoughts and ideas is just as important as collecting old-fashioned camera equipment. Whatever your thing is–hold on to it and display it proudly. Our collections are insights into our personalities and speak volumes about who you are as a person. 

Work with Organized by Keli & Co on Organizing Your Collections

No matter what you collect, make space to access your collection and enjoy it. Also, ensure it continues to provide happiness. Once your items become a burden, it is time to say goodbye and move on to new collections and objects that spark joy.

If you are looking for an organizing company near me which helps you sift through and display your collections, we are happy to help! The team at Organized by Keli & Co is excited to help you make space for the pieces that matter most to you.

Let’s work on organizing your collection together. Reach out to us to set up your consultation and tell us all about the collection(s) in your life! 

Sources

Collection Definition & Meaning | Merriam-Webster

Hoarding Is on the Rise: The Causes of Hoarding Disorder | Spaulding Decon

Home - Hoarding | (iocdf.org)

5 Ways to Keep Your Collection From Looking Like Clutter | HGTV's Decorating & Design Blog | HGTV

JULY 7, 2022