Are you a collector or a hoarder

in The MINIMALIST16 days ago (edited)

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Clutter goes unnoticed in larger spaces. Does that make sense?
Yes, it does, because a collection of items that are amassed and never used is simply clutter.

I know that there are sentimental reasons why people collect things, and collecting is indeed a hobby; however, I think that there's a fine line between collecting and hoarding and what quantifies as clutter. Some of the determining factors are the flow of energy in the room, which affects my mood; the aesthetic effect of the display of items, which also affects my state of mind; and, not to be overlooked, the effortless and safe way to clean the collection of items.


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I consider my spatial awareness to be pretty good, and I can even navigate my way well in compact spaces. However, a cluster of glassware and fine crystals makes me uneasy, as I prefer interior decor that comprises more durable materials and elements.

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This display is better as it's more secured in a cabinet than loose, and this enclosure reduces the necessary handling for cleaning dust and grime, so this is pardonable to an extent.

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On the other hand, glassware displays that require a ladder to reach are hazardous, and an above-eye display doesn't add to the aesthetics of the room and instead appears as clutter.




Examining this space of fine crystal right next to the sofa, I'd say that if space is not a deciding factor, comfort and relaxation will take priority in the layout and decor of a lounge or living space.

Placement of items can significantly cause clutter, and just the sight of fine crystal next to where I'm probably going to stretch my arm to relax makes me palpitate.

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Perhaps an elevation would be better?


Generally, I think there's just a fine line between collecting and hoarding, and excessive collection space-fillers give me anxiety. Glass, in particular, makes it tenfold, since I prefer more robust elements for display in my surroundings.

Nevertheless, I give credit to the meticulous display of these collectable items, which makes the room look organised, and reduces the impact of clutter. Also, when a collection gives aesthetic enjoyment to someone, and they're knowledgeable and delight in conversation about their pieces, then it all becomes more tolerable, yet at the same time evokes a feeling of fear of accident in such environments.


Are you a collector, and how do you display your collection without cluttering your living space?
I'd love to hear about it in the comments below, or you could check out this week's KISS prompt.

All the images are original property of millycf1976.



What rocks my boat
“Nature, the outdoors, art, and culture are all essential to my well-being; my soul is nurtured through fitness, photography, meditation, and mindfulness, all of which bring enjoyment to my daily life.
I see environmental stewardship as my responsibility and enjoy using herbs and spices for cooking and also for natural remedies. Cinnamon is one of my favourite spices, and I occasionally sprinkle it on my coffee.

My blog frequently features my minimalist lifestyle and adventures while living on my narrowboat.”

Irie love,

Milly

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 16 days ago  

I know people here who collect this sort of glassware as they think it gives them a touch of class, is that the same there? (No idea why, I guess it's a leftover idea from Commie times when indeed these were perceived as quite valuable). Frankly, I'd be worried about knocking those over! :D Feel much safer if they're collected/hoarded behind a locked door of some kind.

 16 days ago  

As they think it gives them a touch of class, is that the same there?

Haha! You hit the nail on the head here. I refrained from saying that out loud.

Feel much safer if they're collected/hoarded behind a locked door of some kind.

I thought I was the only one who felt that.

They make me so nervous 😆

I see your point about the glassware especially in places that make it seem out of place and precariously housed like a wrong move might topple everything over. I don't like clutter but I do like to collect key pieces that stand out and add character to a space. Other than books, I don't like to display mass quantities of single themed items

 16 days ago  

You have the right ideas!

Key pieces that stand out ✅
Add character to a space ✅
I don't like to display mass quantities of single-themed items ✅

Like a wrong move might topple everything over.

😂 You got the point well :)))

Hi friend @millycf1976 🫂🫂

I'll confess something, with all the respect that collectors deserve I must tell you that just looking at the photos of your publication gave me fear 🤣🤣 is that if I can not even stretch my arm easily as you mention is a deprivation of freedom that generates me claustrophobia 😱

The truth is that particularly large spaces lend themselves to poor distribution of what we have and to accumulate objects that we do not use. I prefer a small space with the essentials.

I loved reading you 💫 💫 💫

 15 days ago  

Just looking at the photos of your publication gave me fear 🤣

It's hard to explain to some people, but it's good to see that you're with me there 😅

The truth is that particularly large spaces lend themselves to poor distribution of what we have and to the accumulation of objects that we do not use. I prefer a small space with the essentials.

I find that to be the case in so many scenarios.

Thanks for stopping by, and I'm pleased that you enjoyed reading this:)))

Not a huge collector but at times I realize I have some. Now I don't consider to be a horder. As far as displaying not many of the things I display. Just a few things like my massive display of fishing equipment which I hold organized down in my man cave. A lot of it is used but I do have some that is display only 😃

 16 days ago  

like my massive display of fishing equipment

I think that's healthy since fishing is an active hubby that gives you much pleasure. Also, you seem to have adequate space to display them, which can give you a sense of identity.
Many people do not have hobbies and lack purpose, and you seem self-aware to not get carried away with your collection, so that's awesome.

Have a happy week ahead and I hope that the weather is mild on your side:)))

you seem self-aware to not get carried away with your collection

Sometimes I tell myself I need more 😆 There are somethings I haven't used but there's always that just in case scenario 🤪 🙃

Same to you hope the weather isn't show stopping there 😊

 16 days ago  

There are some things I haven't used but there's always that just-in-case scenario 🤪 🙃

I know that feeling so well. I have several boots that I haven't worn for ages, simply because they are inappropriate for the towpaths. Yet, I'm a little hesitant to part with them because as soon as I do, I might need to wear a fairly elegant boot into a town... I hate these "just-in-case scenarios. Haha 😝

Haha there should be a set time limit on them, right? But than were missing them when they go bye bye or we need them now 🤣

 16 days ago  

😅 I will bite the bullet one day and just ditch them, cos it's 3 winters now that I haven't worn them 😆

😄 There's definitely a clear line between a hoarder and a collector. A hoarder would have a lot more things and they tend to buy it on a impulse despite having the same thing and even the same type of item. Like for me, I collect books and I don't buy them just because, I am being quite intentional about the content of the book too 😄

 16 days ago  

They tend to buy it on impulse despite having the same thing and even the same type of item.

💯%
The worst thing for me is when someone purchases a gift for me that's almost identical to something they've seen me with... on the premise that I'll like it 😆

I collect books and I don't buy them just because, I am being quite intentional about the content of the book too.


Sometimes I wish I had space for books because I prefer hard copies over digital, but I just have to make do:)))

just the sight of fine crystal next to where I'm probably going to stretch my arm to relax makes me palpitate.

that's what I thought too haha.. I prefer to collect those not fragile..would be a waste if accident make them fall, or an eathquake let's say,.. I think they are better to be placed inside a cabinet... and yeah, they look cluttered when displayed on random corners... one or two is enough, but many are not good for the eyes.
!LADY

 16 days ago  

would be a waste if an accident made them fall

Exactly! I even put tape down wooden stuff on shelves, and I can't imagine the stress the fear of broken crystals would cause me.

One or two is enough, but many are not good for the eyes.

It's amazing how well people can identify differences in items that look identical and think, "Oh, I must have this." 😆

If it's my mom, she would hide them somewhere safe and wrap them with paper or bubble wrap 🤣🤣

 16 days ago  

She would hide them somewhere safe and wrap them with paper or bubble wrap 🤣🤣

Haha! That would be practical for me 😂

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Good morning dear friend @millycf1976

You are quite right when you say that there is a fine line between a collector and an object hoarder

I am not a great collector of things, at some point in my life I have collected magazines that had to do with motorcycle articles, vinyl records, and music CDs

Although these articles do not define a hoarder, I have known people who became compulsive hoarders

I take this opportunity to wish you a happy start to the week

 16 days ago  

Hey @jlufer,

Motorcycle articles, vinyl records, and music CDs

All of these are tempting and remind me of my magazine-collecting days in my early twenties. I had shelves tightly packed with magazines that I just could not seem to get enough of. I've also been through a coin-collecting phase, a clock-collecting phase, and so many more, including some hoarding.
I made a great effort to evaluate my possessions periodically and donate anything that hasn't been used over time.

Thank you and have a lovely week ahead:)))

Perhaps a room with secure, glazed glass shelves?
Well, collections of glass things are beautiful, but honestly, it seems to me that at any moment something is going to break if I'm in that room.

 15 days ago  

It seems to me that at any moment something is going to break if I'm in that room.

I share the same sentiments and strangely, you find personalities and friendships too. They are fragile and it's like you're walking on glass that could break easily:)

Manually curated by brumest from the @qurator Team. Keep up the good work!

 16 days ago  

Thank you Brumest and the @qurator team:)))

Ooooh, I just learnt so much about spatial arrangement, to put and where not to put. This is quite enlightening.

 15 days ago  

I'm glad this was informative for you:)

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 16 days ago  

Thanks for the stats, as always:)

You're making a big impact @millycf1976! Keep up the fantastic work and you'll reach your Hive target in no time.

Greetings! Please, I need help ma'am. I need more enlightenment on how to post on the Minimalist. It's a community that I love but I don't know if there is any mistake I'm making while posting there.

For example, I want you to help me check my last entry to one of the prompts, and the mistake I made that made me not to get engagement. I want to know if there is any mistake on m path:

https://ecency.com/hive-194848/@ainajane/our-eyes-the-gateway-chm
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