How To Start A Collection

Beginning a collection can be a daunting task as well as an exciting one.  With a few basic tips, you can start a collection that you will enjoy for many years.

1. Decide what you want to collect

This may seem obvious, but it can be the hardest step to starting a collection! It may be your first reaction to go with collecting a seemingly high-value item, but that’s not always the right choice. Remember Beanie Babies?  Find something that you are drawn to as you can collect literally anything! Books, coins, art, clocks, watches, plates; the list goes on forever!  Pick something you are going to love being surrounded by and that may hold its value for years to come.

2. Research, Research, Research!

If you hope to have a valuable collection to pass down to your family, you’ll need to spend some time researching how to determine if an item is in collectible condition, the prices they are worth, and how to find the best items at the best prices!  Luckily there are books already out there for starting almost any collection imaginable. Here are some examples:
Coins:

Antiques:

3. Find out where to buy

Thrift stores, antique stores, and consignment shops should be your first steps. They will not only have your most unique items but will typically have resources to find more items for your collection. I guarantee a good shop owner will know someone trying to sell just about anything you’re in the market for.  Another good source is to join Facebook groups and blogs that focus on the items you collect. They share ideas on where they get their items and how they grow their collections.

4. Store, Display and Protect your items

What fun is a collection if it isn’t organized and stored properly?  Good organization will help you keep track of what you’ve already got in your collection as well as make it easier to display. Additionally, having your collection displayed or stored in the right manner will help protect your items from damage.

Coin Storage:

Card Storage:

With these basic tips, you are set to start collecting! A great starting place to start shopping is here at Kelly‘s Collectibles where we have a wide range of collectibles to choose from.  Shop our eBay store!

Tell us in a comment what you are currently collecting or looking forward to collecting.