Everything in moderation is great. But who decides how much is too much? What you keep many of, I may have few or none – but that doesn’t mean you have too much. I encourage you to share space with your authentic, inspiring collections while following a simple set of rules to keep it from turning into clutter.
I’m a hoarder, too.
How many bathing suits do I have? 12 . Am I a swimsuit model? Most definitely not. Do I live on an island? Nope. Do I even wear all twelve in a year? No. You may judge me a little harsher, too, being that I make it my business to help others simplify their lives. But ever since I was a little girl I’ve been enthralled by these tiny, colorful outfits – are they not way more exciting than regular clothes?! So I continue to collect them, keeping more sets than necessary and I don’t plan on minimizing. Besides, they all fit together nicely in one drawer. I’m obsessed!
And it’s not just bathing suits. I keep books that I’ll never read again, definitely more vases than I need and my closet is disproportionately jeans. I feel very at ease with these items in abundance.
The Rules.
We all have a stash of something- and that can be so endearing if we keep it reined in, making our collections quirky and not overwhelming. I’m not talking medically diagnosed hoarding disorder here*- rather, the cute little pack rat in all of us. Because I want you to keep your treasures, guilt-free, here are the rules:
- Choose your “thing“: It’s give and take. There’s nothing really special about having a bunch of everything. The number one reason your hoard can get out of control is because you start collecting everything. Stop yourself. Don’t indulge every craft idea, every trend or emulate everyone you admire. Get to know yourself and zoom in on what really gets you going – downplay everything else.
- Respect the confinement of your space: Also known as the container method. Remember how I said my bathing suits fit in one drawer? I don’t have another drawer for them, so I can’t have more than will comfortably fit. Apply this principle to your collection, your space.
- Don’t just keep to keep: Remove boring and disheveled items often. We are constantly evolving, and so should our surroundings – create space for change by getting rid of whatever doesn’t serve you anymore. Curate your collections keeping only what you absolutely love. Filler items be gone!
*If you are feeling unsafe or unwell, please seek the appropriately trained medical help.
