Simplify your bookshelf

I used to have over 2000 books, some only reference and hardly used, but mostly a functional library of books with a large collection of escape stories. I also lived in a FOUR bedroom farmhouse with TWO living rooms and only one other room mate. In this house I had furniture and a large collection of things. Over a decade ago I started moving quite a bit and this was one of the catalysts that helped me to simplify my life....but today, I just want to start with your bookshelf.

Books, music, files, gadgets and sentimental things seem to be the hardest to let go. But let's look at the reality of it. If you move a lot and have a large book collection there are a number of downsides.

1. They are heavy (quick moving tip use a wine box, it is about the right size and weight)
2. They take up a lot of space
3. The cost to move and ship them is expensive
4. They often stay in the box for months or go into storage (hint - this means you don't need or use them)
5. They will get damaged over time with many moves

Here's a few ways to reduce your book collection.

1. Look at the books that are getting worn - get rid of them.
2. Ask yourself the question could someone else enjoy this?
3. Reference books that are dated are no longer needed
4. Can you use the Internet as a source for info instead
5. Do you really need to keep your University text books that you last looked at in 1987
6. Is there a rummage sale that would benefit a good cause?
7. When you read a book, start a pile of "trade-ins" and get replacements only when you get rid of the pile (this saves money as you don't need the space on a bookshelf, therefore you may even get rid of a bookshelf and have a "bigger room" and you are getting money back for your book)
8. Go to the library - they have books there, you can return them
9. Do you really need the book or can it wait (how many books do you have unread in your house)
10. Remember - you can always buy the book again later (and they are really cheap on Amazon, Ebay, Used Bookstores and at Garage Sales)

This is just a start. Each time I move or go for an adventure somewhere, this summer it was the Yukon, I go through my books and reduce them. It is down to about 75 now and I will reduce that by another 10-20 by year end. Some of these are yearbooks & some are green, writing or web reference books that I do use but otherwise I only keep a few favourites and even some of them I have removed because I know that I can buy them again for a couple dollars.

It's time to rethink your bookshelf. You can apply this rule to so many other items and if you do it slowly over time you will eventually get yourself to a more simple, peaceful and decluttered world. Try it - you just might like it.