Trash or treasure?

Do you know someone whose house looks like a museum? From postage stamps to ornate jewellery, from art pieces to antique furniture, from hello kitty dolls to watering cans – the list of collectors’ items is endless. 

Why do people collect stuff? Of course some collect as a relaxing hobby or to create a decorative space in their home. For others there is the thrill of a chase – who can resist a treasure hunt? It may not have started so intentionally, but with each acquisition the chase becomes more intense. Almost everyone has a small collection of personal memorabilia that has familial and emotional meaning - a keepsake in remembrance of a treasured relationship or event or journey, a reminder of a particular time in history that they hold dear. Looking at their collection gives them happy, sometimes bittersweet nostalgic feels. 

While some collectors do so for pure enjoyment and appreciation of the beauty of their artistic pieces, many individuals think of their collections as investment - items that will ultimately be profitable and provide a measure of financial security. These collections may be art pieces, or rare and vintage items like antiques, stamps or coins. There are others who want recognition and prestige for their notable collection. Many of these collections are ultimately donated to museums or learning institutions.

Regardless of why they started, many people continue collecting because they enjoy the social interaction of flea markets, swap meets and auctions. These are collectors who enjoy exchanging information with fellow collectors.

Some people may go overboard and blur the line between collecting and hoarding. Hoarding however, is an obsessive-compulsive behaviour. Collectors pick and choose what they collect and have control over their behaviour. Whatever the reason for their collections, there is always a story behind it and creates an interesting talking point.