Collector of Crap
04-02-2011
Q: I got a question. My husband is a collector of everything. There is sports memorabilia crap everywhere. There is an empty beer can collection in my bedroom!!! My whole house is full of clutter. I can't stand it. I wasn't raised that way and I'm almost at the point where either the junk has to go, or hubby does! I've told him a million times, and now I feel like I'm just being a nag and he's tuning me out. What to do?

A: I'm feeling you on this one girl. If there's one thing I hate, it's clutter. I'm the antithesis of a hoarder, the polar opposite of a pack rat. Clean house to me means free of crap; notably empty beer cans.

Here's the thing though: after watching simultaneous episodes of Clean Sweep and Hoarders, I learned a few things. One being that one person's junk is another's treasure. Second, that people have attached sentimental value to their possessions. Third, that hoarding is like any other addiction. Not that hubby is a hoarder.

Since we don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water here, I suggest you have conversations with hubby about his collection, sans "clean up this junk." Ask questions about the sports crap (collection). Where was he when he got this? How old was he? How much did he have to pay for that signed jersey? Who is this player? I will bet a dime to a dollar that he has an emotional attachment to his collection, which, by the way, is hard for the XY chromosomes to admit.

Is there a specific place in your home where he can showcase his collection? Because when he feels like his possessions are valued, you get to keep the other rooms free of crap. Win-win for everyone. Except for the beer cans. You're on your own with those.