It probably sounds a little squirrelly, but autumn really brings out the collector in me. It seems to be the time of year when I'm most likely to re-sort and re-organize all the Neat Old Stuff I've accumulated over the years.
Of course, autumn also strengthens that urge to add a few bits and pieces to my eclectic assortment of treasures.
This year, in the interest of saving time, money and energy, not to mention space, I've created a few guidelines for managing my collecting impulse a little better. Because my collections, I'm sad to say, have gotten just a wee bit out of control. A few comic books here, a few canning jars there, a few old pictures, tea towels, vintage glass . . . I've got a little bit of just about everything. It's all Neat Old Stuff in my eyes, and I take pleasure in every last remnant, but since I also seem to be collecting Neat New Stuff and Neat Nature Stuff, things are starting to get out of hand.
Make the Most of What You've Got
Perhaps collectors can get more pleasure from the collectibles they already possess, by trying the following:
Learn as much as you can about each piece in your collection. The more you know about an item your collection, the more interesting and significant it becomes. Later on if you decide to sell, you can pass on your knowledge to your buyer. Depending on the item this may even add to its monetary value; even if it doesn't, it will definitely add interest to the entire collection.
Get together with others who share your collecting passion. Sometimes you can meet people who share your interest at garage sales, auctions and flea markets. Sometimes you can actually find an official collector's club whose participating members all share your collecting passion. Just as an example, Collector Online has a listing of over 1100 collectors clubs, some of which have websites you can visit online even if you can't be there in person.
Reevaluate your collection, and narrow your focus. Okay, for years I've been collecting depression glass. And in recent years I've actually managed to concentrate on pink depression glass. Now, looking through my cabinets, I think it's time to narrow that focus even further. Of all the patterns to choose from, I've chosen Block Optic, a pattern that was made from 1929 to 1933 by Anchor Hocking. It's not as rare as some patterns, it's not as expensive as some patterns, and I already have a sizeable number of pieces in my collection.
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