Knickknacks: When Is It Too Much?
Your home should tell your story. Whether you love collecting travel souvenirs, vintage finds, or sentimental treasures, knickknacks can make a space feel warm and personal. But those tiny treasures have a sneaky way of multiplying over time. When the line between curated collection and clutter starts to blur, it may be time to step back and reassess.
At Mission 2 Organize, we love helping people strike the right balance between meaningful décor and visual calm. So let’s talk about how to enjoy and display your beloved knickknacks without them taking over your space.
What Is a Knickknack?
Before we jump into organizing strategies, let’s define what we’re talking about. A knickknack (also spelled nickknack, knick-knack, knick knack) is a small decorative item that tells a story or adds character to your space. Think figurines, framed photos, candles, souvenirs, keepsakes, and collectables.
Where to Draw the Line
There’s no universal “right amount” of knickknacks. What feels like “too much” purely depends on your comfort level. Some people feel peaceful surrounded by collections, some crave open surfaces, and others fall somewhere in between.
How do you know when your knickknack collection is working for you … or against you? Here are a few signs:
When there’s no more space
If every tabletop, shelf, and window ledge is full, you’ve probably reached or exceeded max capacity. Knickknacks should enhance your space, not dominate it. When you can’t set down your keys or water glass without knocking something over, it’s time to rethink.
It’s too dusty
Dust loves to settle on small objects and in tiny crevices. If dusting your knickknacks takes all afternoon, that’s a sign there’s simply too much out at once. Not only does dust hide your items’ beauty, but it also makes cleaning a pain.
You can no longer see all of them
When items start blending together or hiding behind one another, their unique charm disappears. Every piece deserves to be seen and appreciated.
When you start feeling stressed by the amount of stuff
Your home should bring calm, comfort, and joy. If all that visual “stuff” is making you feel anxious, distracted, or weighed down, it’s time to simplify.
Strategies to Manage Your Knickknacks
The good news? You don’t have to give up all your treasures to regain balance! These three organizing strategies can help you enjoy your favorite pieces while keeping things fresh and functional.
1.Declutter
Start by gathering all your small décor pieces in one spot. Seeing them together helps you realize how much you’ve collected. Sort them into categories: love it, unsure, and ready to let go. Donate items that no longer fit your current taste (they can bring many years of joy to someone else). If you’re unsure about something, set it aside for a few weeks and then revisit. When you decide you didn’t miss it, you’re probably ready to part with it. If you’re sentimental, snap a photo before letting go; memories can live on without taking up shelf space.
2. Rotate them out
Who says everything needs to be displayed at once? Choose a few favorites, store the rest in clearly labeled bins, and swap them out every few months. This keeps your décor fresh and your surfaces clear. Bonus: It will make cleaning easier!
3. Create seasonal or themed sections
Try organizing your knickknacks by season. Display your bright ceramics and seashells in summer, cozy candles and warm tones in fall. Label containers like “Spring Décor,” “Thanksgiving Holiday,” or “Football Season.” When that time of year rolls around, simply swap the bins! Check out our Holiday Organizing Product Recommendations!
Determining Factors When Decluttering Knickknacks
When you’re deciding what to keep or let go, ask yourself these three guiding questions to make the process easier and more intentional.
Is it sentimental?
Does it hold genuine emotional value or a memory that makes you smile? Keep a few truly meaningful items, but try not to let every object claim that title. Let the rest go with gratitude.
Can it be displayed or used?
If the item can be beautifully displayed—or even better, used—it earns its spot. Think of a decorative bowl that also holds keys, or a vintage mug that’s still functional.
Is it intact?
Broken or chipped items might carry nostalgia, but they can also make your space feel cluttered or neglected. Unless it’s easily repairable, it’s okay to let it go.
Need Help? Hire an Organizer
Decluttering can be emotional—especially when you’re sorting through years of memories. A Professional Organizer can help you make confident decisions, edit with care, and create systems that make your space both beautiful and manageable.
At Mission 2 Organize, we help clients across Chicago (and virtually anywhere!) transform cluttered collections into curated displays. Whether you need help editing your knickknacks, labeling seasonal bins, or styling shelves that tell your story—we’re here to help.
Next, watch our latest Youtube Video: 4 Ways 2 Organize Your Knick Knacks
What kind of knickknacks do you enjoy decorating with?
