Yes, You Can Keep the Fun Stuff (Here’s How)

When I first heard about a clients hat collection, I didn’t quite know what to expect.

She mentioned Burning Man, costumes, and something about hats she had made herself.

So when I finally saw the closet, it made perfect sense. Tall stacks of color and creativity, perched high on a shelf. Hard to reach and even harder to appreciate. They were fun, but buried.

And that’s the thing about a lot of our “fun” stuff. It ends up pushed to the back. Physically and emotionally.

This closet started as a catch-all. Holiday décor. Travel supplies. Costumes. Hats. But like many of my clients, she wasn’t asking for perfection. She just wanted to open the door and not feel overwhelmed. Together, we created zones: travel, seasonal, costume, and of course, a proud little hat section.

I made a simple suggestion. Grab a few pool noodles from the dollar store, cut them up, to help the hats hold their shape on the shelf. We moved the shelves around, gave each hat space to breathe, and made the collection visible and accessible without having to get rid of all of it.

Fast forward six months, and I came back to film a fun video montage. (Yes, she invited me back just for that.) The closet still looked amazing, and her collection had grown. She told me all about a recent international trip. She lovingly carried her new hats through customs only to accidentally leave them in an airport bathroom. Thankfully, a kind security guard found the bag in the trash and returned them in time for their flight.

Each hat had a story. Each one made her smile. That matters.

Here’s the thing: organizing doesn’t mean stripping your space of joy.

You can have a collection.

You can keep the things you love.

The key is:

• Having the space for it

• Making it functional and accessible

• Knowing how to edit what no longer brings you joy

• And thinking about the future of your stuff too

Whether it’s bobbleheads, menorahs, or Burning Man hats, collections don’t need to be hidden or feel like clutter. When thoughtfully stored, they can be a reminder of who you are, what you love, and where you’ve been.

Want to feel good about what you’re keeping and how it’s organized?

Let’s talk. Book a free consultation call today!

Organized closet with colorful hats displayed neatly on shelves