Tips for managing Collection sizes
I recently received a beautiful scarf as a gift, and it got me thinking about something I often hear from my clients: “This was a gift, so I should keep it.” Nope. You should say thank you, but after that it is yours to do with as you please. If you love it and have space for it; if you use it; if looking at it brings you joy; by all means keep it. If not, let it go. Trust the person who gifted it to want you to be happy. If we all kept every gift we ever received our homes would be overflowing and we would not be happy. Trust me. I see it often.
Now, don’t get me wrong - although some people think that because I’m a professional organizer, I am a minimalist - that’s not the case at all! I love beautiful things, and I do have a collection of scarves, books, pottery and other categories. But I have learned (and am still learning!) how to keep only the quantity that I can easily organize (find, use, and care for). Equally important is learning how and when to let things go.
We have recently downsized, and I am looking to have less inventory in my home. So, rather than the “1 in 1 out” rule, I follow the “1 in 3 out” rule that I guide my clients through after we have organized their home for them so they can learn to maintain a more manageable volume. When I bring something new into my home, like the gifted scarf, I first look at my collection of that item. Are there any scarves that I haven’t worn and aren’t a fit for my current lifestyle? As I sort through my scarves, I’m reminded that some things, while beautiful, may no longer fit my life. For example, there’s a scarf that I used to love because it reminded me of a friend, but I haven’t worn it in ages. It’s not the right fabric for me anymore, and instead of keeping it just for the memory, I can let it go—and instead take time to call my friend and catch up with her. Then I look at the space I have allocated for my scarves. Is my collection still easily accessed, cared for and enjoyed? If not, three scarves go. If so, I look at other items in the house and find three of anything I can donate. One scarf in, one coffee cup, one food storage container and one book - gone. Easy peasy.
A new item coming in, or a new item that we are thinking about buying, can trigger this practice of donating three (or more) things so you can make space for the items you DO want in your home. You can release things that no longer bring you joy or comfort, and in doing so make space for what truly matters. You can create a home environment where you can thrive—where everything you keep has a purpose and brings you happiness. Sometimes, it’s hard to let go of things, especially when they carry sentimental value, but it’s all about balance. We don’t need to be minimalists, but we do need to make sure that our possessions don’t overwhelm us.
If you need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
