Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from M.C. Starbuck of Living Tiny, Dreaming Big.
I love books. I love reading them. I love writing them.
I love just looking at them or holding them in my hands.
I even took a book with me on my first five dates with my husband in case he got boring.
And what better excuses to hoard books than an English degree and an occupation as an author?
I balked when I first heard Marie Kondo’s suggestion that 30 books is a good amount to own. I didn’t even think 100 was enough.
How many do I have now? If I counted correctly, I personally own 85 at the moment. That includes cookbooks, books I’ve written, my childhood Bible, and a Greek lexicon. It does not include the stack of 20 more books I’ve already read and am getting rid of. Either way, I no longer have 500… nor the weight that went along with them.
Throughout my process of downsizing books, I had four categories:
- Definitely Keep: books I would read in the next five years
- Not Right Now: books I’ve had interest in but aren’t on the top of my list
- Special Copies: books signed by the author, containing a note from a friend, or with comments and highlights of passages I want to remember
- Decorative Books: books that are beautiful and bring me joy when on display
The majority of the books I got rid of were from the Not Right Now category. After I read the Definitely Keep books, I was much quicker to get rid of them once I’d enjoyed the benefits of owning fewer books. I got rid of a few Special Copies as explained in the steps below.
8 Steps to Reading More While Owning Less
1. Calculate how many books you plan to read in the next three to five years. This allows you to make a realistic calculation of how many books you should keep.
When I first did this, I wanted to cry. It was the saddest realization that there’s no way possible for me to read all the books I want to read before I die. At the time, I read about 20 books a year. Even if I kept five years worth of reading, that would only be 100 books. Why was I keeping 500? At the rate I was reading, 500 books would have taken me 25 years! I would be a vastly different person by then, with different books on my Definitely Keep list.
2. Make a list of the books you most want to read right now. Since you can only read so many books in your lifetime, start with the ones you’re most excited about!
You probably already own some of them. Pull those aside and put them in your Definitely Keep pile. Check your Amazon cart, Kindle, or Audible for other books you might already own and want to read. The total number on this list should not be more than the number you realistically think you can read in the next five years, as determined by step one.
3. Create a pile of books you could easily and affordably buy again if you’d like. Examine the books not in your Definitely Keep pile. Look them up on Amazon to see if you could buy them again at a decent price later. Or see if your library has a copy. This makes parting with these books so much easier!
At this point, you can avoid giving away what I call Special Copies: old books from your grandma, signed copies, or pricey editions. For now, only get rid of books you can replace if you start to miss them. If you’re anything like me, in five years you will have found at least 50 new books you want to read. You will have long forgotten the ones you’re getting rid of now.
4. Keep a list of the books that are hardest to part with. I know it feels like you’re parting with your babies. This step is important for those of us who are still afraid we might be making a decision we would regret later.
What if it was gonna be my next favorite book? Or maybe a friend recommended it and you don’t want to let them down. You might want to give it a chance after you’ve finished your current stack of favorites.
These are your Not Right Now books. Remember, you aren’t completely ruling them out. But you aren’t going to allow them to take up precious space in your home. Add these books to your Amazon “save for later” or wish list so you can rest in knowing you won’t forget them once you’ve finished reading the books on your Definitely Keep books. Pack up your copies of these Not Right Now books, and get ready to remove them from your home.
5. Look for a used bookstore nearby and trade in your books. (If you don’t have a used bookstore, simply donate your Not Right Now books and move on to the next step.)
I hardly ever recommend selling items because it’s too much time and work and not enough reward. But stores like 2nd & Charles (previously Books-A-Million) make it easy. Simply take your books to their store. They will sort through your books while you browse rows and rows of bookshelves, then they’ll tell you how much money or store credit they will give you.
You could potentially trade five books you no longer want to read for one of the books that’s on your list to read in the next five years. Many used bookstores sell new books, too, and may give you full or partial credit towards those items. You don’t even have to spend the credit that day. Just go back after you find out what your book club is reading next. This helps you feel like you aren’t throwing away money.
I’ve gotten over $200 total in store credit just from books. It encourages me to get rid of books as I read them, too, because then I can use the credit from that book to put towards the next book on my list. Plus, a used bookstore is a great way for your beloved books to be cherished after you part with them! Even if they can’t sell them, they will usually donate them for you if you’d like to save the trouble of making another stop to drop them off somewhere else.
6. Take pictures of what makes your Special Copies special. Once you’ve seen how great getting rid of books can be, it’s time to get rid of some that you’ve already read and enjoyed. These books may have significant meaning to you but will still serve you better once they’re gone.
I kept some of my books through many rounds of decluttering simply because I wanted to remember one or two pages and the notes I made in the margins. I also kept books to loan to other people, but I realized I never actually loaned them out. I usually ended up just recommending the book or mailing them a new copy because they don’t live nearby.
Keeping a picture of the book helps solve both of those problems. You could even do that for a book that a friend or author wrote a note in for you. Once you’ve taken the pictures, it’s easier to let the books go. Pack them up so they’re ready to go on your next trip to drop off donations or do some trade-ins.
7. Give e-books and audiobooks a chance. If you already enjoy them, try using them even more.
When I moved to South Korea, I suddenly had a much smaller selection of English books available to me. That’s when I really gave the Kindle app and even Audible a fair chance. Does it replace my love for paperbacks? Nope! But it’s an additional way to enjoy books.
I realized I was “reading” so much online anyway through Facebook. The book lover in me would much rather spend that time reading a book even if it’s also on my phone. That simple change in my mentality helped me go from reading 23 books a year to 46! I learned to love the experience of reading on Kindle in a different way. I didn’t believe my friend when she told me the same thing years ago! Don’t make the same mistake I did.
8. Utilize the library. Remember that place?! This is a great way to surround yourself with all the books and book lovers!
They probably won’t even look at you weird if you smell the books. You can donate your Not Right Now pile to them if you don’t have a used bookstore or if your books are in terrible shape. My library uses damaged books to make crafts for book lovers! While the library doesn’t pay you for them, they also don’t charge you to check out a book. They often have a great selection of audiobooks and access to e-books, if you want to try them out for free.
Life with Less Than 100 Books
It’s been over four years since I first started downsizing my book collection. I can hardly believe I haven’t regretted it one bit.
I’ve yet to have the desire to repurchase a single book I got rid of. I’m too busy enjoying books that are more relevant to me at this time in my life.
I no longer feel guilty about all the poor, neglected books I own that I’m not reading. By hoarding them, I was keeping others from reading them, too. Instead, I now have small, cozy stacks of books intentionally placed throughout my home on beautiful display. Otherwise, my books are limited to a few small shelves shared with my husband—instead of three large shelves just for me.
A few books are more inviting than hundreds calling my name. Reading is even more of a pleasure now. Along with the feeling of accomplishment from finishing a book, I have the excitement of choosing the next book I can’t wait to read… rather than one I simply feel obligated to read because it’s been on my shelf for years.
May your love of books also be increased by owning fewer of them.
***
M. C. Starbuck is the author of Packrat to Clutter-Free. She blogs at Living Tiny, Dreaming Big where she provides simple ideas to make room for what matters most. You can also find her on Facebook.
Annie says
I have two bookcases in my bedroom, both four feet wide, one with three shelves, the other has five. A few years ago they were stuffed full of books, mostly unread. While I do love books I don’t like spending time dusting them or the bookshelves. One day I just got fed up and decided to sort them by type and began the task of actually reading them. (There are less than a dozen reference books and those I kept separate as I do use them frequently. They will be stored where they are truly used, cookbooks in the kitchen, other reference in my nightstand once our place has be remodeled.) As I read through the remaining books I gave them away. Now there is less than one shelf left to be read. I look forward to giving away the bookcases in favor of more room in my small bedroom for a meditation space, something I do daily. Of course I still love to read so once I am done clearing it all out I will borrow from the library, borrow from friends, use an e-reader, and maybe buy an occasional book but will pass it along rather than store it.
Megan Starbuck says
Ohhh, I love this so much! It’s very helpful to think of what we could use the extra space for. I gained so much by letting go of some of my books.
Thanks for reading and sharing your experience!
Maria J Deliz says
When I prepared to retired to less space and income, I looked at the books thst I had on hand. Coupled with my desire to simplify my life physically and spiritually (considering Francisan values), I had re-evaluate thd total cost of my library. I looked at the monetary cost of paying for the space the books occupied as well as the mental and spiritual freedom of “less is more.”
So I classified the books into Essentials, Desirable and Iffy. The Essentials are the books that feed my life and which I consider investments into my life after death. I assigned a small bookcase to these: table height, 2 shelves and 3 feet wide. These are the ONLY books that I allow myself to “lifetime ownership.” Such as my Catholic Study Bible, Bible commentary, the Catechism, writings of/by the Church Fathers, my grandmother’s Jerusalem Bible in Spanish, and other important books. One rule: no fiction.
As a voracious reader (I read between 2-3 books a week), my fiction reading comes from several sources: the public library (both physical and e-books); the libraries at my parish church, my high rise building, Kindle, and family and friends. IF I want to keep a book, it must be worthy of replacing an Essential: if not, out it goes to feed one of my sources or to the huge used book store.
Currently, I have 3 boxes of books ready to feed my sources, and several books earmarked to hand off to friends that might enjoy and value them. Unless I have lent an Essential, no book ever comes back to me.
Occasionally, I do miss having a specific book. Such is the case with my (formerly owned) collection of ALL the Agatha Christie books: but my local library has them ALL and I can re-read them without owning them.
This has helped me to have less clutter,
financial, mental, and spiritual stress & time because of my addiction to books. It has also added more freedom to enjoy what is truly important to my eternal life.
Megan Starbuck says
This is fascinating! Thank you for sharing your process. It seems I’ve picked up a few tricks from you. I may give some of your system a try next time I move.
Ren says
This is such a helpful article. I read a lot on Kindle as well, but I think the feel of a paperback in my hands drives me to continue buying physical books. Storage does become an issue, with all the book cupboards and shelves already full and a new stack growing on the floor.
Megan Starbuck says
Ahhh, floor books! haha You are not alone in that. I feel like I can perfectly imagine your space from your description. It sounds charming!
I’m so glad you found this article helpful! I’m excited to see how implementing it brings you more joy and freedom.
Thank you for your comment and for taking the time to read this.
Nate Peo says
Great ideas. One thing I’ve always done was leave my books behind when finished, like in the back of the seat on an airplane, so someone else could find the book and enjoy. I don’t know if these books make it into anyone’s hands, but I’d like to think they go on a little journey passing knowledge along the way.
Megan Starbuck says
Oh, I’ve never heard that, but I do love imagining where the books end up.
I know one guy who loved The Hobbit so much that he would buy used copies to take on hikes. He’d put them in a weather resistant bag and hide them for other hikers to find.
Dave Bross says
I own a large number of old, obscure reference books that can not be replaced.
These are critical to my interests in that I continue to find things in them that are useful on projects in the making.
they’re not going anywhere…other than to friends with similar interests when I finally shed the meat suit
.
Megan Starbuck says
I love that you are using your reference books!
That’s how I feel about my Greek ones. They would be expensive or difficult to replace, not something I could borrow from a friend, and easier to use than the internet for my purposes. I’m always glad to have them when I need them.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Gary says
I, like many others here, tend to consider my books as an exception to my minimalist practice (which is admittedly in an infant state anyway), *but* this article has at least given me the motivation to take a shot at culling the collection a little. Thanks! Next….the records. :(
Megan Starbuck says
Haha, yes, these comments are great. It’s actually encouraging to see so many bibliophiles!
Your comment about the records reminds me of the torture I went through when decluttering my CDs. I probably still have 20, but I had a lot of those to begin with as well. Again, I don’t even miss them at all!
Your comment is making me thankful for how far I have come. I’m glad you’re willing to test these steps out at least a little. You will be pleased with the results because no one is forcing you to get rid of anything you’re wanting to keep. :)
I appreciate you reading and taking the time to leave a comment. Made my day!
Sammie says
I’ve been living simply for about 30 years and have minimalized everything in my life, even my beloved books. I’ve donated literally thousands over the years. Recently moved from a house to a 650sqft condo and this process was painful in deciding about which books to keep and how to do that. However, books are my most precious possessions. So, believe it or not, I still have about 500 books tastefully arranged and organized in my tiny space. I tell people my bedroom is really a library with a bed in it! For years, I have made a decision every time I read a book. Will I read it again and do I dearly love it? If so, it stays; if not, I donate or give to someone who will enjoy it. I no longer need to keep every book I read. But the only time I can see myself having fewer books than I have now will be when I move to a nursing home!!!! It is true that I occasionally change my mind about a particular book and I can loosen my grip. Because I read 2-3 books each week, that is necessary, but I can’t imagine life without being surrounded by my beloved books. We each choose the possessions that make life rich. For me, it’s books.
Megan Starbuck says
I’m loving meeting so many other book lovers! Thank you for sharing your story. That is amazing!
Your library bedroom sounds cozy. Sounds like you’ve been able to stay on top of your possessions so they aren’t a burden. By getting rid of other things, you’ve been able to hold onto more books. I know my husband can handle and organize a lot more “stuff” than me. It’s always impressive.
My library may get built back up once we stop moving every couple of years, but this has really helped me in the meantime! I sent this post to my brother before I submitted it. He said “It’s good! I mean, I find its core points repellent, but no typos and well written.” Baha! Thought you might like that. :)
Mildred Farmer says
I moved and had a closet full of boxes of books. It hurt my heart to know that they were in there giving joy to no one. I ended up selling/donating 15 boxes of books! It makes me happy to know that someone is enjoying them! As an aside, I grew up poor, and my mom purchased a reader’s digest subscription of classics for me. I’ve boxed them to get rid of several times and just couldn’t! Now I accept that they’re one of the few “things” to which I’m sentimentally attached, and will probably always display them in my home!
Megan Starbuck says
Oh, I love this! So glad this post helped you let go of your guilt though not your books.
That’s a lot of books you’ve already gotten rid of. Impressive!
If I’m thinking of the right ones, those Reader’s Digest books are pretty…and nice that they are the same height. Pleasant for displaying.
I had to overcome many mindsets to get rid of clutter because of growing up somewhat poor…I just accepted and kept whatever I could get, like hand-me-downs and anything free. Good for you overcoming these things, too!
Thank you for sharing your story.
Sarita says
I love to read but for me, once I’ve read a book, I pass it on. I know I won’t read it again because there are other books waiting for me. I recently let go of many brand new books that I’ve had for awhile and decided, I didn’t like that type of literature so I took stacks of books to my local community library boxes and I don’t miss them at all and I know someone else is enjoying them and I still have many books on my shelf left to read. I have enjoyed passing on my books and don’t feel a bit sad about it.
Megan Starbuck says
Yes! Thank you for sharing that (and for reading this post)!
I have always been one to finish each book that I start, but I am getting over that. If I’m not enjoying it, I’d rather move on to one I’m really learning from or can hardly put down. There are so many books!
Ricardo Pereira says
Great to hear all these things but unfortunately (and as a newly minimalist) I really enjoy having books and read them. If that’s not minimalism… I don’t care. It’s simply knowing that I’m a book lover and that’s something I take joy of.
It’s only February and I read 14 books (some e-books too)… so I can’t relate to someone who only reads 20 or 40 books/year.
It’s so nice to read different perspectives (and opinions) but some I know that it’s not for me. :)
Megan Starbuck says
Hey, thanks for reading! I’ve finished 11 books so far this year. I think I can fit another 2 in by the end of this month, so not too far behind you now. :)
I definitely always tell people that you will hear tips and advice that does not work for you, but don’t give up just because of that. Keep looking for what works for you.
I’ve rejected some minimalistic tips at different points in my journey that I ended up coming back to years later when it made more sense for me and others I still haven’t tried.
rosee says
I agree. I am quite minimal in most things — except books. I think it will be a very long time before I get rid of my approximately 500 books. Even if I do not reread the entire book, I often refer back to certain passages in a quick moment, and I like having them.
Sure, moving may be a bit challenging the next time I do so, and I may reconsider then. But I do think I will keep the majority of my books. I do have one wall dedicated to all my books (on shelves) and it “sparks joy” for me.
Megan Starbuck says
That’s awesome! Thank your reading and for sharing your thoughts.
I do hope this post helps when you move again. Baby steps! :)
It’s certainly nice that you’ve been able to make room for your books. It doesn’t sound like they are taking over or in your way. They had become more of a burden for me, partially because I didn’t have great shelf space for them.