Most collectibles are not worth anywhere near the expense of amassing the collection. And certainly not enough to justify the space these collections take up—physically and mentally.
The Longaberger Lesson
Longaberger is an American manufacturer of handcrafted maple wood baskets and other home and lifestyle products. They’re quite lovely and many people collect them. The Longwater Lesson is a phrase coined by the author of this article: Decluttering Collectibles: the Longaberger Lesson.
Here’s the gist:
The author and her husband are moving. As part of their pre-move declutter, they attempt to sell their Longaberger basket collection. They strike out on eBay and then find an auction house holding a special Longaberger sale. The proceeds from selling their collection generates enough to buy ONE Longaberger basket.
ONE!
Why it matters
The Longaberger Lesson sparks a few questions:
- Why do we collect?
- How do we part with that collection?
We collect because something or some item brings us joy first, not with the thought of a payday down the road.
How we part with those items can be challenging. Here are a few ways to make it easier:
- Keeping one – Sell or donate the rest. Be sure to take a photo of the entire collection before you do.
- Finding other collectors – Knowing your collection has a home with another collector brings a measure of comfort along with closure.
- Gifting – Maybe somebody you love would want one piece from your collection as a remembrance of you.
Going deeper
Being ready to part with a collection shows growth. First, in recognizing the joy the act of collecting brought to you. Second, in the recognition that you have now cleared some space for something else to capture your imagination and fill your heart.
Having trouble parting with collections as part of your spring declutter? Give me a call at 508-246-6120 or drop a line.
