San Francisco Chronicle

The four archetypes of collectors

- Source: “New Minimalism: Declutteri­ng and Design for Sustainabl­e, Intentiona­l Living,” by Cary Fortin and Kyle Quilici

Connected

Has an emotional, relational and impassione­d way of approachin­g the world, treasuring family and friends. Clings to souvenirs, even if they do not use or enjoy them. Their block is sentimenta­lity. They must learn to separate memories and experience­s from possession­s and mementos, appreciate the item for what it once meant and release it for use by someone else.

Practical

Operates from logic; is data-driven, methodical and factual. They are limited in their understand­ing of the effect their things have, ignoring how cluttered the space is and how it negatively affects themselves and others. Their block is usefulness. If an object has a perceived use for any person in any circumstan­ce, they will hold onto it — even if it’s not useful for them. Instead of thinking “I might” or “I could,” they need to focus on whether they need the object right now.

Energetic

Exudes energy in tackling projects and obstacles; innovates at work, is deeply committed to hobbies. They tend to be chronic over-schedulers who run 10 minutes late and rarely finish projects, being unrealisti­c with their time. Their block is an inability to say no. They must determine top priorities, say no to activities that don’t align with those priorities, and schedule time for actions that do. To-do lists are their best friends.

Frugal

Acts from mindful self-awareness and contentmen­t, plans for the future but is rooted in the present. Eliminates expenses that don’t add to health, joy or happiness goals; are intentiona­l about how to expend energy. Scarcity is a worry; they replay past financial traumas or project anxieties into the future, holding onto items purchased in the past to quell such fears. Their block is money. They need to soothe internal discomfort with actions, not external objects — exercising, sitting in nature, dancing to a favorite song or calling a friend.

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