Have You Become a Collection Hoarder?

Do you ask yourself this question about your autograph collection?  "Should I sell them or not?"  

My thoughts - What is the value of the collectible to YOU? Are you really enjoying the item — or is it just sitting in a box under a pile of junk?

Many collectors wonder... “When should I sell my stuff??” To be honest, I’ve never regretted selling a single item. I don’t miss the item once it’s gone. I’ve owned that item. I’ve enjoyed it for a period of time – and now I can let go of it and move on to the next item.  Remember: There will ALWAYS be another collectible to own. 

Always reevaluate your collection: What do I really want to keep?

The truth is many collectors are simply hoarders. They have TOO MUCH stuff laying around their houses or apartments. I understand this mentality.  Selling off your collection, especially when it is very large, is a long, slow, process.  And you know what? I don’t miss a single thing I’ve ever sold. Collectors are constantly redefining their collections. Hoarders simply want to stockpile material possessions. Which are you?

Here’s my advice to hoarders:

1. Decide what you REALLY want to keep. Do you truly enjoy the collectible or is it sitting in a box somewhere? If you’re not really displaying the item or at least taking it out and looking at it occasionally – get rid of it.

2. Ask yourself this question: Do I really need more than one item autographed by the same person or group?

If you already OWN that person’s autograph – why do you need 100 examples of the same person’s signature?  You probably don’t – unless you are a ‘completest’ (SEE BELOW)

3. What sort of collector are you? Are you a ‘completest’ or simply a casual collector?

Be careful, because the more casual your collection becomes – the more likely it will devolve into a hoarder’s mess. If you are a completest – a person who wants to collect the ‘complete’ collection of a given topic or artist – it probably doesn’t make sense to have autographed items by people in unrelated  fields.  True completests generally focus on one or two subjects. Their collection is more defined. They don’t collect a wide variety of artists across an endless spectrum.  You don’t want to turn into a hoarder, right?

Here’s a clue that you might be a hoarder: Can you sit on your couch or is it too cluttered with autographed items? Is your wife constantly telling you “to sell your mess"?  Has the local Department of Public Safety and Health visited you recently to investigate an odd smell spilling of out your ’collection?’  Are you afraid to have guests over to your place for fear they might fall over your boxes of collectibles and break an ankle? 

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions: you sir, have become a hoarder.

Most collectors arrive at the day when they realize they’ll have to downsize their collection. It’s just the natural progression of collecting.  Sooner of later your house or apartment reaches its limitations.  If you’ve clearly defined what exactly you’re collecting - it will be easier to depose of the stuff that doesn’t fit into those parameters.

Remember, its okay to let go of your autographs: allow other fans to enjoy those amazing items. Share the joy!!

If you want to stop hoarding: Refine and Define – that’s my advice.

To order your copy of Autograph Hell, please click HERE. 

*article found on hollywoodautographnews.com