A GON Reader Asked:

A reader wrote, 'I love to collect anything country, but I don't have any more room to put my collections that I have been keeping for all these years. I don't want to get rid of my treasures or give them away because they mean so much to me. I just want to display them somewhere in the house without having too much clutter. What should I do?'

--Judy Miranda, Accokeek, MD

Maria Gracia Responded:

Hi Judy,

I know what you're saying. A friend of mine has an entire room filled with 'I Love Lucy' memorabilia and she would never dream of getting rid of it. It's very special to her and that room is a 'showcase' room whenever she has visitors. Here are a few thoughts:

1. Part with other things. If you don't want to pare down your country collections, consider reducing something else you have. For instance, let's say you keep your collection in your den along with a whole bunch of books. Maybe you'd be willing to donate a whole bunch of books so you're able to fit more of your collection in that room.

2. Don't forget wall space. If your collection is taking up a whole lot of surface space, determine if there's a way you can display on your walls, with the use of floating shelves, hooks, etc.

3. Keep some on display and some stored. Consider not having your entire collection out at one time, but rather displaying some of it and keeping the rest in storage. Every now and then, rotate some items into storage and some back on display. This way, you get to keep all of your treasures, without having a cluttered look in your home.

4. Apply some decorating know-how. When displaying your collections, it's almost always better to display them against a neutral background. Doing so draws your eye to the item and gives a less cluttered, chaotic look. In addition, group like-items together in one display which provides more cohesiveness.

5. Pick and choose. If, after all this, you discover you still have way too much for your space, you may have to part with some items in your collection. Decide on those that are most important to you and that bring you the most joy. Think about it this way. Let's say you had to move to a home half your home's size tomorrow. If you absolutely had to, which would you bring and which would you leave behind? This may help you make those tough decisions.

Hope this gets your brain churning and gives you some ideas to ponder.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the OCTOBER 2021 issue, 12-pages and all in full color. I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html
 

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the OCTOBER Issue...

Setting Intentions
Recognizing your personal values and living them

Same Room, Different Purpose
Just because a room was included with a specific purpose in mind, doesn't mean you can't be creative

The Pros and Cons of Retail Therapy
A little shopping, when done in moderation, can lift your spirits

Getting Ready Early for the Holiday Season
A few early preparations can release stress and pressure and invite more enjoyment

Nails: Keep Them Nice and Healthy
Easy Tips for Excellent Nail Care

The Art of Art Journaling
Make Your Own Visual Diary

Enchilada Meatballs
Quick, easy, delicious and a great comfort food for fall

Find Your Enthusiasm
10 strategies to find that spark and light that flame within you

Do Something Fun This Halloween
5 unique, not-scary ideas

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on OCTOBER 8: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!
 

___ 1. Do today's task on my October Monthly Organizing Checklist. The October 7 TO DO focuses on the eating utensil drawer. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my October Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Assess your collections. Are they still meaningful to you and do you have space for them? If so, great. For those collections that are no longer meaningful to you or that you don't have space for, consider giving them away or selling them.

___ 3. Clean the toilet in your home. Learn how to clean the toilet bowl and how often. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my cleaning secret on this topic.
 

'Decoration is really about creating a quality of life, and a beauty in that life that nourishes the soul, that makes life beautiful.' (Albert Hadley)
 

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comments, suggestions, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

 

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-- Maria Gracia