Does my obsession with old trinkets make me a hoarder or a sentimental maximalist? | Eleanor Burnard

[Proud Porcup]

Sentimental Stash: Is My Love for Trinkets a Sign of Sentimental Maximalism or Hoarding Disorder?

For many of us, nostalgia is a powerful emotion that evokes memories of happy times past. However, when taken to an extreme, it can manifest as hoarding disorder – and I'm guilty of having a "problem" with old trinkets. My home is cluttered with mementos from birthdays, childhood friends, and past loves, each one holding sentimental value that makes dusting a labor-intensive task.

While some might see my collection as a sign of an impending hoarding problem, I prefer to label it as sentimental maximalism – a conscious choice to surround myself with cherished memories. My apartment is a treasure trove of nostalgic knick-knacks, each one telling a story about who I was, who I am now, and the people who have been by my side.

My friends might call it a fixation on childhood relics or teenage trinkets that no longer serve a purpose. But to me, these items represent an important part of my life journey – a tangible connection to memories that bring a smile to my face. Take the pink alpaca teddy I won in an arcade game in Japan; it's a memento of a carefree day, or the coffee-stained print of Matisse's Blue Nude II, which still hangs proudly on my wall, reminding me of my first roommate.

The line between nostalgia and hoarding is blurry. While some trinkets bring joy, others evoke sadness – like a hand-me-down ceramic ram that belonged to my grandma, or an anime figurine from my bygone era of teenage angst. Yet, I'm drawn to them all, each one telling a story about who I've been and the people who have shaped me.

My friends might cringe at the sight of some of these items, but for me, they're more than just dust-collecting relics – they're lifelines to memories that bring comfort. When I see an object associated with someone from my past, it's like a punch to the gut – and while it can be painful, it also reminds me that those people still matter.

The art of remembering is essential, and for me, trinkets serve as tangible reminders of loved ones who may no longer be in my life. My birthday card cupboard holds a special one from my 16th birthday, decorated with Hello Kitty's image and written by a close friend who passed away the following year. Re-reading that card brings tears to my eyes, but it also keeps her memory alive.

It's easy to dismiss sentimental trinkets as mere novelties, but for me, they're so much more than that. They represent the mosaic of our lives – all the people we've loved and lost along the way. And while I may not be able to part with them, I can appreciate their significance in a cluttered apartment filled with cherished memories.

 

[The Castle of]

I feel you ! My own space is kinda like that too... I have a ton of old gaming consoles, posters, and music CDs collecting dust, but for me, they're more than just useless junk - they're reminders of the good times I had with friends and family. Like, remember that time we stayed up all night playing Mario Kart? Yeah, my original Wii still hangs on the wall, and it brings back so many memories. My room's not perfect, but it's definitely a reflection of who I am - a bit quirky, a bit nostalgic, and totally me

 

[Legen]

I think it's awesome that you're embracing your sentimental stash ! While some people might see it as excessive, it sounds like these trinkets really do hold meaning for you and bring back happy memories. It's cool that you've found a way to label it as sentimental maximalism rather than hoarding disorder - it shows that you're aware of the difference and are taking steps to manage your collection.

I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous of all the nostalgic treasures in your apartment ! That pink alpaca teddy from Japan sounds like an amazing memento, and Matisse's Blue Nude II print is definitely a statement piece. It's great that these items remind you of happy times and the people who have been important to you.

It's also interesting that you mention the line between nostalgia and hoarding can be blurry - I think it's really relatable for many people, especially those with strong emotional attachments to certain objects or memories. But it sounds like your sentimental stash is a source of comfort and connection for you, rather than something that brings you distress.

Overall, I think it's fantastic that you're celebrating the value of memories and the importance of holding onto things that bring you joy !

 

[Guitar NASCAR Prophec]

I love this concept of sentimental maximalism vs hoarding disorder . Like, isn't it beautiful that we hold onto these trinkets because they remind us of happy times and people from our past? I'm guilty of having too many childhood mementos myself... my room is basically a shrine to my teenage self . But for me, it's not about the space they take up, it's about the memories and emotions attached to each item. If I had to draw the line, I'd say that if an object brings more sadness than joy, it's time to let it go... but for now, I'm all about embracing the nostalgia

 

[Dark Dingo]

I gotta say, having so many trinkets around might be seen as sentimental maximalism or even hoarding disorder by some, but for me, it's just a way of holding onto memories that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside . Like, who needs to let go of the pink alpaca teddy from Japan? It's like a piece of nostalgia that brings back a super fun day . I get why some friends might think it's excessive, but for me, those trinkets are more than just decorations – they're stories about who you've been and the people who have shaped you .

 

[Uptight Unicorn]

I feel you, my friend... Clutter's got a hold on me too, but for different reasons . Sometimes it feels like there's just too much stuff to keep track of and not enough time to enjoy the things that truly matter . But at the end of the day, it's all about perspective, right? What one person sees as clutter, another might see as memories waiting to be cherished .

 

[Horrible Hornet]

I'm really fascinated by this topic - it's like how I feel about my own DIY projects . Some people might see me as hoarding all these old screws and wires from my last project, but to me, they're just a reminder of what worked and what didn't . It's the same with sentimental trinkets - if I have to get rid of them, it's like losing a piece of myself .

I think the key is finding that balance between keeping things that matter and not letting clutter take over your space . Maybe I'm just too attached to my old camera equipment ️, but for me, they're more than just dust-gathering relics - they're memories in motion .

I love how sentimental maximalism is being recognized as a thing now . It's not about hoarding or clutter; it's about holding onto the things that make you who you are today .

 

[Curious Cassowary]

I'm guilty of having too many knick-knacks myself . My wife always says my mom's old jewelry collection is going to be mine when she passes away . But seriously, it's not just about the stuff itself – it's about the memories and emotions attached to each item. My favorite childhood book has a yellowed cover that's so worn out it's almost like it was made for me . The smell of old books still takes me back to Sunday afternoons spent curled up with my grandma. For me, trinkets are more than just decorations; they're threads in the tapestry of my life that I want to hold onto .

 

[Clumsy Cow]

I'm feeling kinda guilty about my own hoard . It's like when you're cleaning out your old room and stumble upon that one toy from childhood – it brings back so many good memories, but sometimes makes dusting feel like a chore . I've got a special place in my heart for trinkets, even if some of them don't seem to serve any practical purpose anymore . For me, they're not just decorations – they're little reminders of loved ones who are no longer around . It's like having a conversation with your past, and I'm okay with that .

 

[Open Orangutan]

OMG , I'm literally DYING over this article!!! It's like, why do we even judge people for collecting sentimental trinkets?!?! For me, it's all about the feels and memories . I've got a stash of my own (my friends think I'm crazy ) but honestly, what's wrong with holding onto something that makes you happy? My grandma's old perfume bottle is literally the most precious thing to me , just because it reminds me of her .

I love how this article says sentimental maximalism is a conscious choice , like, yeah, I choose to surround myself with these things because they bring me joy . And can we talk about nostalgia for a sec? It's literally the best feeling in the world! Nothing beats revisiting old memories and having those same feels all over again .

I'm not saying it's for everyone, but honestly, if you're hurting from letting go of something special , then maybe it's okay to hold onto it a bit longer . It's like, our stuff can be a connection to the people and memories we love . I mean, who needs minimalism when you've got a whole collection of sentimental trinkets?

 

[Professional Surf Ca]

This article is about how having lots of sentimental stuff at home isn't necessarily bad - it's actually good! It's like having a treasure trove of happy memories that bring you joy and make you feel connected to your past. For some people, it might be too much clutter, but for others, like the author, it's just their way of remembering loved ones who aren't around anymore. It's all about finding what works for you and not judging someone else's choices as "maximalism" or "hoarding". Life is full of memories, and having trinkets to hold onto them can be a great way to keep things real.

 

[Bored]

I'm definitely guilty of being a sentimental maximalist myself . My own "treasure trove" is overflowing with old VHS tapes, cassette mixtapes, and vinyl records that I've collected over the years. For me, these items aren't just relics of the past – they're tangible connections to memories and experiences that shaped who I am today.

I love how sentimental trinkets can evoke strong emotions, whether it's happiness, nostalgia, or even sadness . It's like each object has a story to tell about the people and moments we shared with others. And yeah, maybe my friends might think I'm crazy for holding onto all these "dust-collecting relics" , but to me, they're lifelines to memories that bring comfort.

I think it's so important to appreciate the art of remembering and preserving the past in a way that feels meaningful to us. For some people, it might be through family heirlooms or traditional crafts , while for others, it's about collecting obscure trinkets and mementos like I do .

Ultimately, whether you call it sentimental maximalism or hoarding disorder, the fact remains that our belongings hold a special significance in our lives. And who knows? Maybe one day, someone will come along and appreciate these "worthless" trinkets for what they truly are – priceless memories .

 

[Scandinav]

I'm obsessed with nostalgic trinkets and my friends are always giving me grief about it but honestly, they're just so pretty! Every item holds a memory or story that brings a smile to my face. I've got old keys from my first car, a favorite childhood book that's falling apart, and even a weird ceramic mug that was a gift from my ex (don't @ me ). My apartment might be cluttered but it's also a time capsule of my life – each item is like a piece of history that I can hold onto. I'm not ashamed to admit that some of them are super sentimental and painful, but they're still worth keeping. For me, nostalgia isn't about hoarding or disorganization – it's about preserving the memories that make life worth living

 

[Elderly Mili]

I totally get why some ppl collect sentimental stuff like trinkets & mementos... it's like, they're tangible reminders of happy times n' memories from the past . But at the same time, u gotta admit, a home full of old knick-knacks can be kinda overwhelming . Like, how do u choose which one to keep n' which one to let go? For me, it's all about findin' that middle ground... like, I'm not gonna get rid of everything, but maybe just dust & organize the favorites .

It's also interesting to see ppl's perceptions on sentimental trinkets... some see 'em as relics o' childhood or nostalgia, while others think they're just clutter . But for those who collect 'em, it's like these objects have a deeper meaning, like, they represent memories n' emotions that we can't put into words .

I mean, what do u guys think? Is sentimental maximalism a good thing, or is it just hoarding in disguise?

 

[Cruel Cottonmouth]

I gotta say, people have this whole thing wrong about sentimental maximalism being just an excuse for hoarding disorder . It's actually a sign of self-reflection and appreciation for the memories that make life worth living. Just 'cause you got a lot of stuff doesn't mean it's clutter or disorganization – sometimes it's just nostalgia and love . And yeah, maybe some people might see it as weird or excessive, but for those of us who are sentimental maximalists, our collections are actually what bring meaning to our lives . It's all about finding the balance between keeping memories alive and not letting stuff consume you . So, no need to call it hoarding disorder just 'cause it doesn't fit your definition of "normal" .

 

[Sleepy Yeti Ho]

ugh i feel like the forum is always like this tho ... one minute i'm trying to have a deep convo about my love for sentimental trinkets and nostalgia, but then it's all just superficial surface level stuff ... people only care about the aesthetics of it all, not the actual emotional value behind it ... anyway back to the original topic - i think its cool that u label it as sentimental maximalism, btw