20 Days, 3 Ways, __ Bags: Books

Books.

Some people love them. Some people hate them. Some people love to read. Some people hate to read. Some people prefer non-fiction. Some people prefer fiction.

We all have our own opinions about books.

Though, the one thing we can probably all agree on is that they take up space! LOTS of space.

I have to say, BOOKS are probably one of the big bag-fillers of this challenge. In my opinion, I think we keep WAY too many books in our homes. We allow them to take up space in our homes for various reasons. Though some of these thoughts may be hard to think about, we need to start getting to the bottom of why books have at times, taken over our homes.

In order to fill up those bags (to either recycle, trash, or donate), I want to cover a few key questions:

1. Do you keep books because they have a sentimental value? How much is that “value” worth to you, for you to keep them the rest of your life? Are you keeping them out of guilt – that maybe if a family member comes over, they might realize you do not have a certain book on your shelf? Let’s be honest – it will probably never come up.

2. Do you keep certain books because of the money you have put into them? For example, do you have a large stock of hardcover books, but have a hard time parting with them because you know how much you paid for them? If you got rid of them, they would not be sitting on your shelf, staring you in the face, reminding you how much you paid for them – get rid of them!

3. Do you keep certain books because they were gifts to you? Again, do you think the person who gave you the book, will look through every bookshelf in your house, wondering if you still have it? I doubt it. Be okay with letting it go.

4. Do you keep certain books because you think you will read it again? How many books have you kept and ACTUALLY read again? We often live in this “someday I will…” type mindset. Let’s be frank – that someday will never come. Time to part with the books you THINK you will read again someday!

5. Do you keep certain books because of the way it makes your house look or the way it makes you feel/look? Do you keep those big/thick books to make you look smart – or to maybe make you FEEL smart? Be realistic – it’s just a mind-game. Get rid of them.

So now what? You may feel guilty – you may be overwhelmed with how many books you keep for the wrong reasons. Let me tell you, IT’S OKAY. You need to start somewhere and that somewhere is here and now. What to do with them all? Here are a few ideas on how to fill up those bags (or your wallet!)

1. Do you have a plethora of children’s books? Consider donating them to a school, church library, your local library, daycare, or doctor’s office.

2. Do you know someone who may appreciate the very book you are wanting to get rid of? Surprise them!

3. Do you fear that you will want to read it again someday or look up the information that is in it? Could the internet provide the same exact information as the book could? If so, think twice about keeping the book.

4. Sell your books on amazon, ebay, at a paperback shop, or used bookstore. You will not make a fortune (typically), but depending on what the book is, you never know! It is just another way to get rid of your books.

5. Use the library next time – instead of buying a brand new book that will just sit on your shelf, go to your local library. Many libraries offer the ability to look up a book on the internet (instead of physically having to go to the library). If they do not have it in stock, often they can “interloan” it from another library. Yes, you may have to wait a few days to a few weeks (depending on the book’s popularity), but it will save you money in the end!

6. While going through your books, put aside the ones that you want to read. Start to read what you own, instead of buying new.

Hopefully now you have a couple more bags to either donate, recycle, or pitch and more shelf space!