Over the years, getting rid of books generates the most passionate discussions. I wonder if people fear they might lose the knowledge gained from a book if they give it away?
There is a strong sentimental attachment to books, especially the ones we get lost in. I have no idea what happened during the days I read Water for Elephants. I felt this way about The Great Alone, Small Great Things, The Nightingale, Half-Broke Horses, Educated, Refugee, The Harry Potter Series and so many more!
Reading is good. Owning is the problem.
There was a time when I read less and bought more. But I renewed my interest in reading when I purged nearly all of them.
I felt a weight lifted.
And was free to read new titles. I even joined a book club and set an annual reading goal in Goodreads.
At any given time, I am reading 4 books. One with my son, one non-fiction, one devotional and one for book club. The best part…I take them everywhere on my Kindle and Kindle App. I love my e-reader because I can borrow electronically from the library saving me money and clutter. The library still lends regular books too. 😉
Books are hard to part with
I know! You’re struggling to let go. You are not alone. But if you’d like to read more, try these 5 ideas.
1. Count Your Collection
Yes, all of them! Office, home, attic, garage, etc. Set a goal to reduce by 50%. Books took a few passes for me. But when I acknowledged the burden I felt to read ones that were no longer interesting, it was easy to let go.
2. Curate Your Collection
Set a boundary. The top shelf is mine and the lower shelf belongs to my husband.
I can tell you why I am keeping each one. These “made the cut” because I reference them frequently or know I will read them. I like to donate books to the local library. Their annual book sale supports the services I use. If I’m on the fence, I add it to Goodreads and allow someone else to read it while I’m deciding.
3. Stop Shopping
Commit to not buying a new book for at least 6 months. Give yourself a deadline to read existing books and then donate. Remember, the goal is to read more. If your current collection is unappealing, start over. But this time, leverage the local library or a Kindle. I used to buy a book every time I went to Target. Now, I browse their selections and add any interesting titles to my Goodreads while I’m standing in the store.
4. Start a Wishlist
Start a wishlist on Amazon to track books you like. Resist the impulse to buy each time you hear an interesting title. Better yet, use Goodreads and start a reading challenge of only library books.
5. Remove a Bookshelf
The easiest and most effective way to declutter is to remove furniture. If you counted your books, consider how much storage space makes sense for your home. The new open space will give your eyes a place to rest. Removing furniture from a crowded room creates a peaceful and relaxed environment. Perfect for reading!
Did I mention that Kindle requires almost no storage and transports easily? 🙂
Do you struggle with books? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Helpful advice. I am overwhelmed with too many books. I am going to try to reduce as you suggested by 50 percent. Seems impossible though.
Hi Kim – I’m glad it was helpful. I know this process can be overwhelming for sure. Just start. One box at a time. Pack it up and take them to a library or donation center. You can do it!
Yes, I agree that books can be hard to declutter. I’m guessing you are right that we are afraid we will lost valuable knowledge–and I often think that if a friend wants said knowledge, I can simply lend my books…which rarely happens. 🙂
You’re not alone. books are hard for many people. But I think you’re on the right track to maybe share your books. 🙂
I stopped buying books for several months as I had decided not to buy more books and to rely on the services provided by the library. I borrowed books from the library, but I have realized I don’t feel like reading them so much as they’re not mine and I can’t underline passages, write on the pages, etc. as I like to do when a book belongs to me. So maybe since I like to read, I think I’ll resume buying books and, when finished, if the book is not worth to be kept for reference, I’ll give it to a friend or to a library, meaning I’ll make it circulate instead of having it collect dust on a shelf:-)