At what point do you stop being a “collector”…

..and simply become a hoarder ??

I think I am in an danger of being called the latter (not that my wife doesn’t already).


So I collect various things - mainly vinyl records and knives. My “collections” are basically funded one of 2 ways - either by trading/reselling pieces that I can flip for a profit or whose value has significantly increased beyond what I value at (I/E I find a great deal on something that’s not my taste - but I know I can resell at a profit quickly or know will make great trade bait in a deal later on) or via one of my “side hustles” which mainly consist of scouting out class action suits I’m eligible to claim or opportunities to take advantage of online promo’s for rewards (sign up for credit card/bank account/etc and get points or cash).

Usually what I make on these things is small - under $50. So I just use the funds earned to pick things up as the money comes in. Let’s say I get a check for $16 for a class action / I just deposit to my Amazon account and buy something on my wishlist like a record that is half off. Or perhaps it’s something a bit bigger like a $200 credit card promotion - I use the card ti pay bills - pay it off - wait for my $200 statement credit and buy a knife I like for $150 and take Mrs out to lunch on the remainder and close out the card after collecting the reward.

I mean in my mind - it’s not “costing” me anything but my time - it’s not hurting the household finances and even if I have a bunch of stuff I might not enjoy daily - one day when I’m older and not able to get out as much - I’ll just sit back, enjoy my accumulated treasures and remember. Eventually I will be gone - there will be a large sale and the whole treasure hunt/collection begins for the next person from what I’ve accumulated.

Well - I took on the task of cleaning up a few boxes that have been piling up that I’ve been too busy to open today. I’m kinda starting to feel like I’m getting a bit out of control. First big box I didn’t recognize - open it and it’s workboots. Wrack my brain and then I remember - I hit some kind of promo for a free $50 Wolverine gift card for doing a survey - did survey - saved card until they had a clearance sale online at x-mas and scored a nice set of boots for free - score!

Next 3 boxes were books - none of which I recall buying. All are out of press knife books who now sell regularly for $150-300. Receipts say I paid about $20 each off eBay. Damn - did good there.

Then the records - I think I’m at 43 right now - most Amazon and reissues of classics or 90s grunge - probably nothing I paid over $20 for - some $10 or less. But about 10 we’re record store day releases I bought at sticker that now command more - and another 5 OG 90s stuff.

Getting me thinking - either I need to start posting stuff to eBay or have some kind of sale - or risk being a hoarder. Only thing is time - come f I don’t have the time to open the boxes regularly - what makes me think I’m gonna have the time to write listings/photo and sell a bunch of stiff ? Guess just take it a few at a time - pick my duplicates or things that just don’t fit my likes and start offering away - cash in and then restart the cycle some more. Holy hell I’ve got a lot of stuff - damn COViD collection anyway - all this time we felt trapped at home and spent time online shopping.

 

Contact a shrink you need help.

SPP

 

I pruned a lot of things when I moved in 2014, but it’s piled back up again. Way too many knives, watches, detailing supplies, etc. I won’t let any of the watches go but I could definitely get rid of a lot of the other stuff.
Can barely walk in my garage because of all the crap I’ve kept. Probably won’t need a Platinum Tundra grill, mirror caps, and everything else I’ve taken off the trucks, but you never know right?

 

I've struggled with the same as I collect video game memorabilia and statues. I think the reason why the question has multiple answers is it varies between person to person. In my experience, the common point in most of the responses is organization - in both the mind and physical. Do you have an end goal? Do the things you collect have a physical place meant for them regardless if it's temporary?

Keep in mind that going from collecting to hoarding is always a transition through habit and can always be changed through the same. If the hobby or side hustle doesn't greatly impact your family, then it's a great time to discuss your situation further with them and get their take on how your habits affect them. I believe that can be the greatest eye opener and answer to your question.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordeba...ollect-stuff/when-collecting-becomes-hoarding

 

When all the rooms of your house aren't rooms but just "paths" because of all the stuff stashed in the room ... It's too late.

 

I'm to old and slow, I just collect dust.

 

I think this would go along with anything else thats on the border line of being a "problem". There is no set quantity but you would know if its too late type of thing. I say if it isnt causing you or your family a hardship or taking away from something else, you are probably ok.

 

My compadre loved all sorts of things. He had motorcycles, cars, trucks, cats, dogs, turtles and guns.
He had no issue with any of it.
In the end, I decided he didn't own the stuff ~ instead, the stuff owned him.
There was always a dead battery or a flat tire to fix. Or the vehicle wouldn't run right, it was always something.
He loved it . . . but it would-a drove me 'round the bend !

 

A couple weeks ago I finally used that 2 foot long section of rebar I put aside 3 years ago "just in case". I feel vindicated.

 

Well, that would be a different category called prepper and they are all about just in case and laugh in the face of being called a hoarder.

 

I’d take a photo of my garage but I’m afraid I’d be shamed

That being said, I’m pretty sure I’m the only person in a 5 mile radius of my house with a mag drill..

 

Just gotta be organized. That’s the key

when you run out of space; that’s when the problems creep in..

 

Apologies, but I meant that as a sort of joke since preppers have a different mindset but similar to hoarders.

I do agree on the organization. I had also mentioned the same thing to the OP in my original reply.

 

Bunch of hoarders in my wife's family. I say if you can admit that there might be a problem and can actually throw stuff away to remedy the problem, you're in decent shape.

 

Well - I qualify myself as a “prepper” of sorts. Seriously - I jokingly say that’s why I hold on to the family farm. In case it all goes to shit - I’ve got land to live off of, a well stocked gun cabinet and a safe with a bunch of junk US silver in it - if things get tough - I’m ready just in case.

Nice thing about the farm is I’ll never run out of room either - plenty of buildings to stash stuff in.