How to Downsize Your Tarot Deck Collection

I’ll admit it: I am a maximalist. While I sometimes fantasize about a Marie Kondo-like home, it will never happen. Frankly, I like being surrounded by my creature comforts, which are pretty much books and tarot decks.

However, sometimes it gets a bit too much. Yes, even a collector has limits. When I feel overwhelmed, and there is no room to stuff another deck, it’s time to downsize.

My tips on how to downsize your tarot deck collection

Begin by assessing which decks need to go. This is where I follow Marie Kondo’s advice: does it spark joy? For me, that could mean:

Do I love the artwork?
Will I use this deck?
Does it hold sentimental value?
Is it worth a pretty penny?

If I can answer a resounding yes to all or any of the questions, shanté, the deck stays. For example, I’ll never part with my Baroque Bohemian Cats’ Tarot. It’s gorgeous. Same with my Weiser Tarot, a deck that I use every day. These are easy yeses.

Some decks may be harder to determine, so I will sit with it for a while before I make a final decision. Other factors may lead me to ditch a deck. For example, I recently parted with two decks because I don’t like the creator. I know that sounds petty, but I couldn’t read with the cards because I got a case of the icks every time I looked at them. So out it went!

Once you have decided which tarot decks are on the downsize pile, it’s time to send them off to better homes. Here are some options:

You can sell them on eBay or other sites. (I do not choose this option because many of my decks are gifted to me by publishers or creators, so it’s not ethical.)
You can give them away to people you know. I usually find someone who will be more than happy to take a deck off my hands. I’ve even passed on whole boxes to collectors!
Check out used bookstores. Many of them will be more than happy to receive your decks. For example, Half Price Books has a metaphysical section. I’ve found great decks there! (Note to self: stay out of that place when you’re in declutter mode.)
My favorite way to declutter: I stick ‘em in Little Free Libraries. They never last. I imagine I’m like some sort of fairy tarot godmother, enchanting the next generation of readers!
Lastly, you can donate to the Goodwill. This is a last option and one that I RARELY use, but sometimes, when the clutter is too much, and I don’t have time, it’s a fast way to say adios to decks I won’t use or don’t love.

If you want to keep your collection trim, it’s best to be mindful of how many tarot decks you purchase in the future. As I mentioned, I receive plenty from publishers and creators in my situation, so my stockpile grows almost as quickly as I deplete it. This requires great discipline on my part. In many cases, I have to figure out whether or not a deck stays immediately. I don’t have room to keep them all (although sometimes I wish I did).

Many people would find my collection to be impressive. If they knew how many decks I had to release into other people’s hands…they might be more impressed by that.

Happy tarot deck downsizing!

Theresa

image from personal collection