chessie Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 We're in process of changing use of rooms; need for 'snug' as TV room for OH; and changing one bedroom to become a - small - computer/office room.We have 4 large bookcases filled with large number of good reference books etc; and a whole load of paper-backs. Some of the paperbacks came with us from UK; some have come through the Phoenix super book sale. We have favourites among the paper-backs that are re-read from time to time, and a large number of paper-backs from Phoenix have been returned. However, I find that we tend to come away from Phoenix with almost exactly the same number of books that we've handed in !!! But now a lot of these paper-backs and books just have to go to the next Phoenix sale - and I must be quite ruthless.I keep going through the books - and after 20 minutes of trying to sort through them, I just get dis-heartened and find 'other tasks to get on with'...!!!! Anyone got any advice for how to do this sorting. At the moment I'm trying to hang on to some of our favourite writers; some books I pick up - and can't remember reading - so those go into a box to 'keep'....I'm a magpie, a hoarder, I've always loved books - and the thought of having only one book-case, with only a few books - is giving me the heebie jeebies. It's the thought that I'll run out of books to read, with no local library available - which is at the back of my reluctance to 'move these books on'.How do you all manage to throw things away, get rid of paper-backs....clear away the clutter ? And guess what - by posting on here I'm managing not to 'sort through the books'....!!!Help - how do I become ruthless - anyone have similar problems ?Chessie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frecossais Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Kindle? That's a long-term solution though. Isn't there anywhere you could just store (rather than display) the books you want to keep. Then if you don't look in the boxes for a year, grit your teeth and give away. If you go through them within the year, you're back to making choices, but you may be more detached about it.Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I agree, look on Amazon to see if the book is a) available via Kindle b) the price and decide accordingly. A kindle can store 3500 up to books ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerdesal Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 The last time I checked I estimated that we have approx 80m of book shelving, all full or even double stacked. Our answer is to make one room a library.Some books have been read 2 or 3 times, maybe more, others are straight reference which will never ever be got rid of.Our children search bookshops for interesting old books to buy for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomoss Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Take a hint from the two Ronnies - keep all the red ones. - Or the green ones maybe.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 No such thing.My books are only a problem for whoever inherits them. I will never throw or give away a book I value (and that's about 5000 or so do date.) A lot live in boxes and are catalogued on the pc so I know which ones are where. I always have a few hundred ready to hand on shelves in the sitting room, by my desk and in the bedroom. I've got a Kindle now but that's for the new stuff - it won't replace my collection (many of which were inherited from people I cared for - when I open them, I think of their previous owner.) If this is a problem, then it has never seemed like one to me. I refuse to live a clutter-free life - that is just not me. I have never understood why shedding stuff is considered to be such a virtue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinabee Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I use www.bookmooch.com - it has been a great asset since I found it. If you want a specific book - just put it on your wishlist and an email will appear when it comes available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Coeur de Lion Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 I used to be a hoarder, but 3 country moves later and clutter free is the way to go for me. My basic rule is this:If it hasn't been used within the past year, it goes.Of course I can be flexible with this rule depending on the item, but as I have very little in the way of possessions now, it's an easy rule to keep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemonimo Posted April 26, 2011 Share Posted April 26, 2011 [quote user="cooperlola"]No such thing.My books are only a problem for whoever inherits them. I will never throw or give away a book I value (and that's about 5000 or so do date.) A lot live in boxes and are catalogued on the pc so I know which ones are where. I always have a few hundred ready to hand on shelves in the sitting room, by my desk and in the bedroom. I've got a Kindle now but that's for the new stuff - it won't replace my collection (many of which were inherited from people I cared for - when I open them, I think of their previous owner.) If this is a problem, then it has never seemed like one to me. I refuse to live a clutter-free life - that is just not me. I have never understood why shedding stuff is considered to be such a virtue.[/quote]My feeling entirely, Coops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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