Its a version of OCD, if not the entire affliction.
I have a collecting bug and am like a crow flying above the crowd picking out shiny things to line my nest with. It started when I was young as a way for my parents to keep me busy. I was an early member of the Beer Can Collectors of America and had one of the best, rarest and most extensive collections on the east coast. I found two previously unknown brands back in the early 80's... in mint condition... in pairs, along with 30 other obscure and minty cans. All in pairs. It made quite a stir at the "Can-vention" in Atlanta that year. The attention validated my obsessive side and did not help quell the clutter.
Then, several times throughout my life I have dropped everything and liquidated. (twice with beer cans) At an extensive loss of course.
I moved up to motorcycles and cars and eventually liquidated them also. I've gone through the "smaller stuff takes up less room and money" compromises and all the other ways to clamp down but unfortunately, I've got the money and time to waste. This latest pre-war Armstrong bike is weighing on me heavily.
I've given the permission to my family and friends to admonish me and call me out when things get too much. I limit myself to two working bikes for myself and one for my better but I've got parts and knick-knacks of different types all over the place. I have my own 13 step program. The first step being recognizing the problem, and the 13th... Martini.
Exploring different Life Philosophies has helped. "material items are a weight on our souls and un-needed clutter in our minds"
Easy to say....