The Difference Between a Collector and a Hoarder

Photo from Charlotte Lee / Associated Press

An article I read recently reminded me how people get emotionally attached to their stuff. 

Something that looks like clutter to you might be someone else’s beloved collection.  What separates collectors from hoarders is the collector’s ability to maintain the acquisitions, often cataloguing them, then displaying them for his or her enjoyment.

There is a fine line, however, between maintaining a collection and having it become an obsession.  The homeowners who were interviewed for the story admit that they work to keep their collections from overtaking their homes.

“We seem like normal people, until you see our basement.” - Charlotte Lee

In the article, interior designer Sandra Espinet encourages people to live with their collections, although she does recommend rotating items in the collection and editing so that the best examples are displayed.

Do you have a collection that you enjoy?  How do you display it? Click on Post a Comment, below, and tell us.

Organized by MarcieTM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
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