The Aftermath of Decluttering a Bookcase
In a previous post, I spoke of how I’d decided decluttering would be beneficial—not only for my room, but also for my creativity, mental health, and motivation. I started digging through my collection, creating a keep pile and a donate pile, and I was constantly surprised by books I owned that I had outgrown or forgotten about.
By the end of this, I saw myself doing something I had never imagined doing: I filled five boxes with books (a significant portion of my TBR!) and donated them to a thrift store.
Was it challenging? Yes. Was it worthwhile? Absolutely.
A thrift store haul (irony!)It was such a satisfying feeling, each time I dropped off a box of donations. Not only was I leaving books for people who would enjoy them (as opposed to hiding them in their shelves, like I had been doing) but I got to return home and look at a bookshelf I found familiar to me!
You see, after I had removed the “noise”—as in, the books I wasn’t going to read—I saw melody in the titles I’d read in the past and enjoyed. It taught me about my preferences in literature. Just as importantly, the process taught me a lesson about who I am.
I’m a storyteller who sees value in every tale, but that doesn’t mean that I need to hoard every book. Doing so creates physical clutter that reduces the value of the titles.
Simply put, I know what I like to read; I know what I’m probably going to read. There’s no direct benefit in owning things I know I will not read. There is no moral need for me to keep all the books (at least, not until I can upgrade to a library the size of Belle’s; then there wouldn’t be a problem.)
The result?
I now have a shelf designated for black-and-white Penguin classics, something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve got shelves featuring works of YA fiction and fantasy. I’ve got a nonfiction bookcase, where I keep my tomes about history and nature. My favorite religious works have a designated corner.
Best of all, I have a shelf for my own journals, where I have recorded my thoughts over the years. These, in particular, will be interesting reads one day, when I am old and gray.
I wish I could capture in a photo how lovely it feels to know what and where everything is. I love these stories more now that I’ve figured out which ones I need, and what they can do for me.
If you’ve been thinking about decluttering your space, particularly against the challenge of books, this is your sign to give it a shot. Don’t feel guilty: someone else will buy and read them. You’ll have more space for your own self. And your room will be free from chaos; you’ll know what to read next.
I am optimistic that this will reflect in my writing. I’ll be able to tell clever stories, craft storylines that aren’t all over the place, and create worlds similar to those that I adore in books.
Have you ever cleared out your book stash?
Did you learn about yourself in the process?
Have you got any tips to share for other readers who might be considering this?
