I work in a library. I'm surrounded by books all the time and I love reading. But I dont need to own every single book I read. I have about 25 favourite books that I like to reread. Anything else I borrow. Join your local library ❤
I like to think that I have a collection of thousands of books. I keep them all in an off-site storage facility with a sign out front that reads "Public Library".
Was raised with piles of books all around and read books such as Gone With the Wind by 7th grade. As a homeschool mom, I see no problem with piles of books as I never know what my kids will pick up and take an interest in. I DO NOT want them on screens so with our local library closing, I'm so happy to have shelves and shelves of books for them. To each his own. I do love minimalism for other areas- towels, clothes etc. If you want to have none, that's fine.
My parents have a huge amount of books & over the years I remember thinking how overwhelming it will be when the time eventually comes for myself & my brother to "deal with them all". A couple of months ago mum asked me what she could do with them & I suggested putting them on Ebay for "like minded" people to get value from (most were Spiritual & Esoteric kind of books that she had accumulated over the past 20+ years). She decided to dip her toes into the world of Ebay with her books & once over the initial uncertainty, the momentum began. She excitedly informed me last week that she has now made over $2000 so far from selling her books. She was like "hah...who knew?!" & I was like "hah...thank god!" I think getting something in return for the books softened the blow & she is now squirelling that money away for her & dad to travel, It's a win win for everyone! 😁
I'm hoping my dad eventually does the same thing. I don't anticipate having to "deal with it" for another 20+ years but he has over 40 years worth probably half of which bring no value and only serve as clutter. I'm not sure he has ever decluttered a single book lol.
When I was first beginning my minimalist journey, I decluttered all the books that I have read and then a few months later, I greatly regretted it. I have come to learn that having books around me brings me a lot of happiness, but I also realize there are few books that I will end up giving away.
This is where I am struggling. I have a kindle but I still love the idea of physical books because I love the aesthetics of having physical books in your home.
Self improvement doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. It just means ever expanding which is our nature. It’s a law of the universe - energy expands. Having said that if those books didn’t serve you then time to let go. Maybe they didn’t help you expand:
My book collection used to be housed in our hallway in 2 large bookcases. I came downstairs one morning to find the bookcases removed by my husband to accommodate an antique that he had just inherited. He had piled up with every single book on our kitchen floor . To say I was shocked by his actions would be an understatement . I was devastated , angry and sad. I don’t think I’ve ever really forgiven him for what I perceived as such a selfish act. My books were relegated to the loft where they haven’t seen the light of day for over a decade . Today , I plan to retrieve them and evaluate each and every one . They haven’t been used in 10 years . It will be like reacquainting myself with old friends . I’m interested to discover how many I will keep and whether I will embrace the fact that , if I’ve lived without them them for this long , then maybe they weren’t such an integral part of my life as I had believed .
I’ve been doing this today! Boxing books. My grandfather inherited 40,000 books. My aunt tossed them in a dumpster because his property was an easy, fast buck. I’ve been in my house eight years and I have six bookcases! They make me feel close to my grandparents and the memories I have of wandering around their house in the summer and finding treasures. But I wasn’t close to my grandparents! So, I’m getting rid of books and planning things to do with my first grandson.
Cleaning out my kids left behind things, I donated many book series in brand new condition to the local library. My way of giving back, and getting them out of the house. Win/win
As a book lover, I really loved this episode. It really resonated with me and gave me some food for thought as well as sparked some ideas for gifting some to friends. I did love the discussion about different formats. I have been trying to limit my physical copies to my absolute favorite authors and my couple of antique first editions., and save the e-book for ones that spark a slight interest. So thank you so much for this episode!
I love the sponsored, but not sponsored section. I'm a marketer, but thanks to your message and documentary, I now refuse to advertise for my clients. And suprisingly, the results are better and clients engage more. Thanks so much!
I aspire to read the books I bought. These are the classics, the ones that have stood the test of time. My favorite authors I collect are Austen, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Twain, G.K. Chesterton, Potter and the like. When I’m finally totally done minimizing my home which is soon then I will have time to read to my hearts content.
one can get tons of audiobooks on youtube- free. I use it while biking to work . I also have a book to read nightly - I love reading. Right now I am starting to reread all my favorites as I am emptying out one large shelf . In the last ten years I have given away 3/4 of my books ( thousands basically) and love that others now enjoy them.
Thank you for that essay it’s very timely and accurate. I’ve shared it with quite a few today. You guys always make me feel more awake and alert to the world.
some books that I spent a long time reading and are not available at the library and even some that are hard to find anywhere I am keep those. The rest are easy to get hold of.
As a former school librarian I was used to keeping the stock up to date and relevant. This obviously included getting rid of books on a regular basis and replacing them with relevant ones. My own books are very much fact books on lots of topics that I like to go to now and then, gardening, birds, flowers, history and lots of other topics. Often with beautiful illustrations. These I keep. Novels however I don't buy and borrow these or now mostly read digitally. (Any good library will not accept book donations that are not relevant to their readers. You can ask them to order them for you but then you have to know what you want and sometimes you can't get hold of them easily.) I often find that youtubers who talk about getting rid of books are mainly talking about fiction!
I'm here because I watched your documentary on Netflix. Guilty of clutter! I had to reassess so many things about my lifestyle! About books, I'm such a tsundoku but I'm enlightened about "aspirational purchase" and confusing owning a book with its value. I have exactly 58 books that I'm ready to list on Facebook Marketplace. I've decided to slowly transition into minimalism.
I found making ultimatum lists for my books very helpful. Let's say the 5 oldest unread books on my shelf. I give myself 30 days to read them and if I haven't touched them I let them go (sell/donate/give away).
I grew up as a homeschooler surrounded by thousands of books. By the time I hit high school I decided I would get books first from the library (or later digitally) then consider how much I want to read it before buying it. Following that I became more interested in decluttering and being intentional about purchases during college. I currently personally own just over 200 hard copies (we have roughly 8000 in the house) and after a recent declutter only have books I will read in the coming months or ones I truly love. If I lived in a smaller location I could live with fewer books in my collection but it would be a challenge deciding which ones would go lol. I love my kindle too because it is digital books without reading on a screen but my personal opinion is anyone under 10-13 should be reading hard copies. Because of that I also still have a collection of my most loved children's books for when I have kids. Since we have the space to store the boxes I see no reason to rebuy all the books once I have them in a few years.
Thank you, we are moving and between 2 adults and 2 children we have a library in the living room, one in the kitchen, and each of us has a library in our bedrooms. I have been working on moving to Kindles for my novels, but only those I know I don't want to pass to my daughters (Maus, Never Ending Story, Harry Potter, C.S. Lewis). While children's books are physical books, and audible, and reference books are only kept for future learning for the kids or health (Grey's Anatomy, Nutrition Research). On this move, I'll be playing the Minimalism Game and books will be a big part of it. Keep up the great work!
I just moved house. I was stunned to see the amount of books I had bought in the last year and never ever read them. Gave them all away and kept the ones I need to read for work or because I like the author. Kept all books I inherited from my late mother and grand-parents.
One thing about purchasing a physical book is that you pay for it once. On the other hand, not so with the electronically stored book. In this instance, there is a small, incremental and perpetual cost that’s associated with keeping that electronic device going!!!! (No electricity - no problem) - “squash the tether”.
I grew up # 10 of 10 children. My mother was a hoarder. I can be accused of being an over purger. I have often been accused of being void of sentiment, because of my ability to depart with things. Not true I have become a acclimatized to the knowledge that I can depart with a belonging and retain the the sentimental feeling. My guilt now lies in the fact that I accumulate more virtual books than I intend or have the capacity of time to read. A self proclaimed e book hoarder. 🤦♀️🤦♀️
I love to share books with people. Instead of letting them borrow it or keep it, I tell them they have to find someone else who will love it when they are done. With the same agreement that they have the next person agree to pass on the book.
The physical clutter that bookshelves create means a lot of stress for me. I don’t know… I love libraries, I like it in my friends’ homes, but I don’t want it in my own space. It makes me super nervous… especially all the colors and different sizes… I read a book once and then pass it on. That works well for me. Also I have switched 90% to audio books - but rather for environmental reasons.
I read so many books each year, between 300-350 each year. I used to have thousands of books at home, but I decluttered most of them. I have now around 50 books at home, ones I love to read again and again. But most of my books (95%) of the books I read each year are borrowed books from the local library and the university library. It changed my life in many ways. I started reading only when I decluttered most of the books I had at my home.
When i still had books i didn t read much, now that my books all live at the library i read more and enjoy going to explore the shelves there or buy at thrift stores then donate them back there once read .. and during covid i get ebooks on my phone, it works fine ..
I had hundreds of books. I read most of them. I donated them to a local library. Why? Because I met a librarian one day and she said "books are meant to be shared." Many of my books were books about women's history and the fight for equality. And I wanted to share that history so I decided that my books were not useful to anyone if they sat on my bookshelf. I wanted to share the knowledge that I gained over the years. My wish is that others have gained the same knowledge.
Absolutely LOVE the Patreon episodes. Best $2 I have ever spent. So much content and value. Highly recommend. Also love these solo episodes. Keep up the great work guys.
Currently decluttering books, especially ones I can get as an ebook if/when I get around to actually reading it. Writing down the titles and authors for reference.
I love books and struggle to let go of them. How do you get rid of books gifted to you with inscriptions or ones signed by the author that hold a sentimental and possibly monetary value but you know you will never read again? Whoever said clutter is a postponed decision was spot on.
I just stick with one bookshelf. Recently was gifted 15 books and am slowly reading and donating them. I average a book a week so this is a non-issue for me. I only keep my favorite to reread.
I always try to buy my books second hand and I return them to the same second hand shop person. He gives me discount whenever I buy something else. Also he saves some good books for me 😉 It's a good deal for both of us.
I'm deeply transformed by this material. A book discussing these subjects was a key milestone in my growth. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze
Having ADHD, I can focus better on audiobooks and end up reading more books if I listen to them. And audiobooks don't take up physical space. So I mostly go for audiobooks now and only own few physical books.
A really good hack is to keep your physical book collection small but use a library! It gives you a deadline to read it, its free and you can give the book back once you're done! All the while still reading in a physical format; without the clutter or the cost.
@@amara560 that's unfortunate! I live in Aotearoa so we have a good system here :) some countries offer free kindle format books via Libby, check to see if your library offers it!
If only there was such a thing as audible but for ebooks. You get the convenience of every title imaginable available to you, meaning you don't have to wait or place a hold on a book. You pay a subscription but with that comes credits you can use on a book. So as long as you are a member you can exchange books pretty freely.
As a professional artist, what about decluttering 'picture' books, large format illustrative books, favourite artist books, books I use to flick through for inspiration and technique ideas? I have way too many but find it difficult to part with them!
I have been able to declutter a lot of my book collection. I’ll get rid of some, think I have decluttered completely, then come back to it another time and get rid of more. After months, I just went back and decided that I don’t need all but 2 of my cook books. I have several and have never used them. It was aspirational-Lauren, not true-Lauren. So...going to declutter them. I’m also going to get rid of some other books that I have in my Kindle, and some more that I know I’ll never use (tarot books and decks). I’m even considering decluttering my special collection of A Song of Ice and Fire books...I will read them as an audiobook or ebook. I haven’t read the physical books. I’ve been keeping them as part of a collection I guess, to prove that I’m a GOT fan. I don’t need to prove that to anyone, not even myself. I know I’m a fan. So...it may be time to let these go too.
Great video! Love to hear a episode on organizing photos as your child grows. How you have organized your daughter photos as she grows up? Some make a digital album they print every year but then you'd have 18 books by the time they move out (give or take). That seems like a lot to me. I have 1 album of my whole childhood. Love to hear your thoughts? Your method? There are tons of videos on scanning old photos but I haven't found much on new methods as your child is growing. Thanks! From dayton ohio here!
But it's an odd assumption that having a lot of books means you're not reading them and using them. I own them, I read them, I reread them, I look things up in them that I want to remember and check. And having ones you haven't read is stimulating.
Books & clothing are the hardest for me 😩 clothing is because I gain & lose weight so im afraid to get rid of clothes "just in case" & for my kids...they ruin clothes quick so Its hard to get rid of them cause i don't wanna have to buy more so its a battle...
I try not to buy any books and use the library. Only when a library doesn’t have a book I really want to read will I buy it, looking for second hand first as after reading find it easier to pass on.
I love books and only buy the ones I read. I save money and space by getting Kindle books. I still buy an occasional book, but I sell them once I’m done and there’s no space left on my small book shelf. I used to keep them, but tons of books sitting on shelves, made no sense, considering my lack of space.
My mom mailed me my dad's bible and my bible. My dad passed away almost 10 years ago and I am an atheist. I don't want to keep my dad's bible and I am trying to figure out what to do. I obviously am not about to throw it away or just drop it at goodwill. How does one re-home a sentimentalish religious item without harming the memory of the loved one that cherished the item so much?
At home I learnt that just two books in your stuff are necessary : the first one is the Bible, the second one is Don Quixote de La Mancha by Cervantes. And so I did...
Thankyou for your very interest ing and stimulating ideas and the stand you take against advertisements. Can I suggest you read or maybe reread marie kondos book. The oft quoted book comments are misquoted and come from a chapter which is about there not being an ideal amount of any thing and how different we all are the number quoted is the amount she has. The book was written in Japan where stuff is prone to mould due to humidity. Keep up the good work.
There is no number of books. I read about 2 books a week. And I reread my favorite books. I own lots of books, but I have started to get rid of those that were cheap buys for a plane or train ride (and that are not worth reading again). I have also started to get the e-book whenever possible (question of space and also of being able to have my library at my finger tips at anytime). I also get rid of all travel guide books - they get old quickly and you can get all the accurate info on the internet at any given time.
I have always had books in my life as far back as I remember. I generally read between 4 to 5 books to read a month and I have a collection of physical books and audiobooks. I'm in three books clubs (a great way to read more) I know of one professor that owns about 50,000 books of African-American and African culture and history and holds them of great value as he uses them for knowledge and teaching. Someone asked how is that he reads so many books and he said, "we know our values by how we spend our time." He knows his value by learning and teaching and I've bought books he has recommended and unfortunately, a lot of them are expensive because they're out of print and aren't digitalized. I was lucky to buy a book by Whitney Young, Jr. was one of the major Civil Rights leaders during the 60s and not well known. He only wrote two books To Be Equal and Beyond Racism and died at the age of 49 in 1970. What's interesting about his books is how relevant they are today but are out of print, so you can only buy used copies. The cheapest copy I found of Beyond Racism was $18.00, the others were over $250.00. So yes, I may not need "How To Win Friends And Influence People" when I read Whitney Young, Jr. who was in the trenches of working with people to help others.
Can you guys please do an episode on toys? I know some moms who are afraid to let go of toys (I’m not making that up to not ask about myself. I really do know some mom homies that are struggling with this), because it reminds them of their babies when they were younger. I’m a bit in the middle. I have grown my declutter muscle so I’m getting braver, but sometimes I think about their childhood ending and it gets me a bit depressed knowing my babies are grown (well one is. She’s 16. The baby is four).. But then I also don’t want to hold onto everything forever and have toys in my house that my kids will have to get rid of simply because I was too scared to let go.
We created a “memory bin” to solve this problem. When going through toys or even baby / kids clothes...we would choose our favorites and put them in the memory bin and then give away or sell the rest of the items once outgrown or no longer used. This really help to let go and the memory bin items are more meaningful then if we’d kept everything.
Audio books, e-books, physical books - how to choose? Not every book is available in every format. This distinction is usually not mentioned. I never understood why there is a "battle of the formats."
Definitely disagree about format not affecting how many books you consume. I love physical books and have refused any form of e-reader for years. I hadn't physically read a book in a long time, for various reasons. I would sometimes enjoy audiobooks when performing tasks that didn't require total focus and concentration or while driving, but that was infrequent. In May I finally gave in and gave the kindle app a try. I am currently in the middle of book number 17 since that time. I have more than two full time jobs and don't have a great deal of time to read, but the convenience of being able to pull out my cell phone (which is almost always on hand) and read for 5 minutes here or there, or read in the dark at night until I fall asleep, or in the shower, or anywhere else where I don't have to make sure the physical book is with me (or can't take it with me), has allowed me to bring reading back into my life again. Format can definitely make a difference.
How do I let go of all of my New Yorker magazines? I probably have a years worth stacked up in my bookshelf. I love the way they look , the way they feel, I love flipping through them, it’s such a cool magazine. But you know what? I never read them all the way through. All I do is flip through and read the comics, an occasional short story, the headlines, the pictures. I feel that if I discard them I’ll be missing something, because they’re intriguing to me. I even have this strategy of flipping through them one by one and highlighting a story that I want to read and discard them one by one. But of course I haven’t done this. What’s wrong with me?! New Yorker magazine, why do you have to be so damn alluring?
We’ve been minimizing/decluttering for last month preparing to move maybe sooner than expected. Your doc film was a catalyst and Joshua’s story about his mom’s things helped thru some tough items while I sort thru a life of memories in things. Thx 🙏. But even w/great intentions to donate/sell/recycle the waste to go to landfill was depressing. And reality is only a % of recycled items in US, Canada etc is actually recycled the rest goes into landfill by recyclers/cities. Would be really great to do a podcast on this. Good video on truth of recycling: ruclips.net/video/oRQLilXLAIU/видео.html
I work in a library. I'm surrounded by books all the time and I love reading. But I dont need to own every single book I read. I have about 25 favourite books that I like to reread. Anything else I borrow.
Join your local library ❤
I like to think that I have a collection of thousands of books. I keep them all in an off-site storage facility with a sign out front that reads "Public Library".
@@MrMightyarmadillo yes exactly. Its all free so those books are kind of like yours. Most you only read once anyway.
My.library allows ebook downloads...
Preach
I love this comment. I love using the library even if I can't finish every single book it's still worth the trip
Was raised with piles of books all around and read books such as Gone With the Wind by 7th grade. As a homeschool mom, I see no problem with piles of books as I never know what my kids will pick up and take an interest in. I DO NOT want them on screens so with our local library closing, I'm so happy to have shelves and shelves of books for them. To each his own. I do love minimalism for other areas- towels, clothes etc. If you want to have none, that's fine.
Agree!
My parents have a huge amount of books & over the years I remember thinking how overwhelming it will be when the time eventually comes for myself & my brother to "deal with them all". A couple of months ago mum asked me what she could do with them & I suggested putting them on Ebay for "like minded" people to get value from (most were Spiritual & Esoteric kind of books that she had accumulated over the past 20+ years). She decided to dip her toes into the world of Ebay with her books & once over the initial uncertainty, the momentum began. She excitedly informed me last week that she has now made over $2000 so far from selling her books. She was like "hah...who knew?!" & I was like "hah...thank god!" I think getting something in return for the books softened the blow & she is now squirelling that money away for her & dad to travel, It's a win win for everyone! 😁
That’s beautiful!
I'm hoping my dad eventually does the same thing. I don't anticipate having to "deal with it" for another 20+ years but he has over 40 years worth probably half of which bring no value and only serve as clutter. I'm not sure he has ever decluttered a single book lol.
When I was first beginning my minimalist journey, I decluttered all the books that I have read and then a few months later, I greatly regretted it. I have come to learn that having books around me brings me a lot of happiness, but I also realize there are few books that I will end up giving away.
The one area I have struggled to declutter I found every other possesion easy to reduce
Me too. I'm a book hoarder, but hoard nothing else.
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The episode I have always been afraid of...
LOL I told someone (jokingly) I wasn't going to listen because I love my books sooo much. ;)
So true 😂😂🙈
This is where I am struggling. I have a kindle but I still love the idea of physical books because I love the aesthetics of having physical books in your home.
I'll never stop buying books because I want to support authors and bookstores but I don't mind letting go of books.
I used to have a self improvement book addiction.. Until I realized there was nothing wrong with me
That’s the energy we need!
SAME! Lol I actually never applied what I learned in those books except maybe atomic habits. But yea lol
Self improvement doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. It just means ever expanding which is our nature. It’s a law of the universe - energy expands.
Having said that if those books didn’t serve you then time to let go. Maybe they didn’t help you expand:
@@jjgems5909That book was actually helpful!😅
My book collection used to be housed in our hallway in 2 large bookcases. I came downstairs one morning to find the bookcases removed by my husband to accommodate an antique that he had just inherited. He had piled up with every single book on our kitchen floor . To say I was shocked by his actions would be an understatement . I was devastated , angry and sad. I don’t think I’ve ever really forgiven him for what I perceived as such a selfish act. My books were relegated to the loft where they haven’t seen the light of day for over a decade . Today , I plan to retrieve them and evaluate each and every one . They haven’t been used in 10 years . It will be like reacquainting myself with old friends . I’m interested to discover how many I will keep and whether I will embrace the fact that , if I’ve lived without them them for this long , then maybe they weren’t such an integral part of my life as I had believed .
How did it go??
Cookbooks! Do not really use them, but always want to. Pretty pictures and inspiration only.
I’ve been doing this today! Boxing books. My grandfather inherited 40,000 books. My aunt tossed them in a dumpster because his property was an easy, fast buck. I’ve been in my house eight years and I have six bookcases! They make me feel close to my grandparents and the memories I have of wandering around their house in the summer and finding treasures. But I wasn’t close to my grandparents! So, I’m getting rid of books and planning things to do with my first grandson.
Cleaning out my kids left behind things, I donated many book series in brand new condition to the local library. My way of giving back, and getting them out of the house. Win/win
I love to donate to schools and daycare centers. Or a kid's Lil Library in our community and at the park downtown.
As a book lover, I really loved this episode. It really resonated with me and gave me some food for thought as well as sparked some ideas for gifting some to friends. I did love the discussion about different formats. I have been trying to limit my physical copies to my absolute favorite authors and my couple of antique first editions., and save the e-book for ones that spark a slight interest. So thank you so much for this episode!
I love the sponsored, but not sponsored section. I'm a marketer, but thanks to your message and documentary, I now refuse to advertise for my clients. And suprisingly, the results are better and clients engage more. Thanks so much!
I aspire to read the books I bought. These are the classics, the ones that have stood the test of time. My favorite authors I collect are Austen, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Twain, G.K. Chesterton, Potter and the like. When I’m finally totally done minimizing my home which is soon then I will have time to read to my hearts content.
one can get tons of audiobooks on youtube- free. I use it while biking to work . I also have a book to read nightly - I love reading. Right now I am starting to reread all my favorites as I am emptying out one large shelf . In the last ten years I have given away 3/4 of my books ( thousands basically) and love that others now enjoy them.
Thank you for that essay it’s very timely and accurate. I’ve shared it with quite a few today. You guys always make me feel more awake and alert to the world.
Honestly I love these solo episodes.
some books that I spent a long time reading and are not available at the library and even some that are hard to find anywhere I am keep those. The rest are easy to get hold of.
As a former school librarian I was used to keeping the stock up to date and relevant. This obviously included getting rid of books on a regular basis and replacing them with relevant ones. My own books are very much fact books on lots of topics that I like to go to now and then, gardening, birds, flowers, history and lots of other topics. Often with beautiful illustrations. These I keep. Novels however I don't buy and borrow these or now mostly read digitally. (Any good library will not accept book donations that are not relevant to their readers. You can ask them to order them for you but then you have to know what you want and sometimes you can't get hold of them easily.) I often find that youtubers who talk about getting rid of books are mainly talking about fiction!
I'm here because I watched your documentary on Netflix. Guilty of clutter! I had to reassess so many things about my lifestyle! About books, I'm such a tsundoku but I'm enlightened about "aspirational purchase" and confusing owning a book with its value. I have exactly 58 books that I'm ready to list on Facebook Marketplace. I've decided to slowly transition into minimalism.
Experiences are inherently meaningful while physical things have meaning assigned to the. SO apt, so true.
I found making ultimatum lists for my books very helpful. Let's say the 5 oldest unread books on my shelf. I give myself 30 days to read them and if I haven't touched them I let them go (sell/donate/give away).
I grew up as a homeschooler surrounded by thousands of books. By the time I hit high school I decided I would get books first from the library (or later digitally) then consider how much I want to read it before buying it. Following that I became more interested in decluttering and being intentional about purchases during college. I currently personally own just over 200 hard copies (we have roughly 8000 in the house) and after a recent declutter only have books I will read in the coming months or ones I truly love. If I lived in a smaller location I could live with fewer books in my collection but it would be a challenge deciding which ones would go lol.
I love my kindle too because it is digital books without reading on a screen but my personal opinion is anyone under 10-13 should be reading hard copies. Because of that I also still have a collection of my most loved children's books for when I have kids. Since we have the space to store the boxes I see no reason to rebuy all the books once I have them in a few years.
and drawings, journals, and photographs can't get rid of them. they bring me joy, as you have said.
Thank you, we are moving and between 2 adults and 2 children we have a library in the living room, one in the kitchen, and each of us has a library in our bedrooms. I have been working on moving to Kindles for my novels, but only those I know I don't want to pass to my daughters (Maus, Never Ending Story, Harry Potter, C.S. Lewis). While children's books are physical books, and audible, and reference books are only kept for future learning for the kids or health (Grey's Anatomy, Nutrition Research). On this move, I'll be playing the Minimalism Game and books will be a big part of it. Keep up the great work!
I just moved house. I was stunned to see the amount of books I had bought in the last year and never ever read them. Gave them all away and kept the ones I need to read for work or because I like the author. Kept all books I inherited from my late mother and grand-parents.
One thing about purchasing a physical book is that you pay for it once. On the other hand, not so with the electronically stored book. In this instance, there is a small, incremental and perpetual cost that’s associated with keeping that electronic device going!!!! (No electricity - no problem) - “squash the tether”.
I grew up # 10 of 10 children. My mother was a hoarder. I can be accused of being an over purger. I have often been accused of being void of sentiment, because of my ability to depart with things. Not true I have become a acclimatized to the knowledge that I can depart with a belonging and retain the the sentimental feeling. My guilt now lies in the fact that I accumulate more virtual books than I intend or have the capacity of time to read. A self proclaimed e book hoarder. 🤦♀️🤦♀️
I am a minimalist, but I can't get rid of my Books.. It's HARD !!!
I love to share books with people. Instead of letting them borrow it or keep it, I tell them they have to find someone else who will love it when they are done. With the same agreement that they have the next person agree to pass on the book.
Great idea 🙂👍
The physical clutter that bookshelves create means a lot of stress for me. I don’t know… I love libraries, I like it in my friends’ homes, but I don’t want it in my own space. It makes me super nervous… especially all the colors and different sizes… I read a book once and then pass it on. That works well for me. Also I have switched 90% to audio books - but rather for environmental reasons.
I read so many books each year, between 300-350 each year. I used to have thousands of books at home, but I decluttered most of them. I have now around 50 books at home, ones I love to read again and again. But most of my books (95%) of the books I read each year are borrowed books from the local library and the university library. It changed my life in many ways. I started reading only when I decluttered most of the books I had at my home.
You deserve a gold star ⭐️
When i still had books i didn t read much, now that my books all live at the library i read more and enjoy going to explore the shelves there or buy at thrift stores then donate them back there once read .. and during covid i get ebooks on my phone, it works fine ..
I had hundreds of books. I read most of them. I donated them to a local library. Why? Because I met a librarian one day and she said "books are meant to be shared." Many of my books were books about women's history and the fight for equality. And I wanted to share that history so I decided that my books were not useful to anyone if they sat on my bookshelf. I wanted to share the knowledge that I gained over the years. My wish is that others have gained the same knowledge.
Thank you for this! You’ve inspired me, I gathered all my half read books and set a goal to finish one per month.
Absolutely LOVE the Patreon episodes. Best $2 I have ever spent. So much content and value. Highly recommend. Also love these solo episodes. Keep up the great work guys.
Currently decluttering books, especially ones I can get as an ebook if/when I get around to actually reading it. Writing down the titles and authors for reference.
Check with your library - often you can request that they'll order a book. I've had about 10+ ordered so far over the years, but I'm in a major city.
My small town library trades with the neighboring small town library. Love it.
I do it all the time. Plus I live in one state but work in another, so I have unlimited access to libraries across two states.
One of my favorite episodes! Thank you!
I love books and struggle to let go of them. How do you get rid of books gifted to you with inscriptions or ones signed by the author that hold a sentimental and possibly monetary value but you know you will never read again? Whoever said clutter is a postponed decision was spot on.
I just stick with one bookshelf. Recently was gifted 15 books and am slowly reading and donating them. I average a book a week so this is a non-issue for me. I only keep my favorite to reread.
I do love underlining some good quotes and sentences in my book. That's the biggest reason why I can't get rid of them quickly.
These comments are fantastic 👍
I always try to buy my books second hand and I return them to the same second hand shop person. He gives me discount whenever I buy something else. Also he saves some good books for me 😉 It's a good deal for both of us.
Liked video because of your opening on advertising. Practicing what you preach!
I'm deeply transformed by this material. A book discussing these subjects was a key milestone in my growth. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze
Having ADHD, I can focus better on audiobooks and end up reading more books if I listen to them. And audiobooks don't take up physical space. So I mostly go for audiobooks now and only own few physical books.
Solo episodes are chill! 🤘🏻
A really good hack is to keep your physical book collection small but use a library! It gives you a deadline to read it, its free and you can give the book back once you're done! All the while still reading in a physical format; without the clutter or the cost.
@@amara560 Really? What country is that? If it makes you feel better, we have to pay for museums where there are so many free ones in Europe. 🙂
@@amara560 that's unfortunate! I live in Aotearoa so we have a good system here :) some countries offer free kindle format books via Libby, check to see if your library offers it!
We don’t buy books anymore. We strictly use the library. Pretty much Saturday is library day with the kids. It’s free and no clutter.
If only there was such a thing as audible but for ebooks. You get the convenience of every title imaginable available to you, meaning you don't have to wait or place a hold on a book. You pay a subscription but with that comes credits you can use on a book. So as long as you are a member you can exchange books pretty freely.
I love how you think. 🤔👍🏼 Perhaps love is too strong of a word. 😅 I find value in how you think. 😉 Jordan 🤣
This is a sign that I need to get rid ofthe books I haven't read for years
@@michellecd4722 yes i think i should
As a professional artist, what about decluttering 'picture' books, large format illustrative books, favourite artist books, books I use to flick through for inspiration and technique ideas? I have way too many but find it difficult to part with them!
I have been able to declutter a lot of my book collection. I’ll get rid of some, think I have decluttered completely, then come back to it another time and get rid of more. After months, I just went back and decided that I don’t need all but 2 of my cook books. I have several and have never used them. It was aspirational-Lauren, not true-Lauren. So...going to declutter them. I’m also going to get rid of some other books that I have in my Kindle, and some more that I know I’ll never use (tarot books and decks). I’m even considering decluttering my special collection of A Song of Ice and Fire books...I will read them as an audiobook or ebook. I haven’t read the physical books. I’ve been keeping them as part of a collection I guess, to prove that I’m a GOT fan. I don’t need to prove that to anyone, not even myself. I know I’m a fan. So...it may be time to let these go too.
Great information, new subscriber by accident. Look forward to more of your podcasts.💕
I think it's good to support authors by buying books...and then passing them on.
Great video! Love to hear a episode on organizing photos as your child grows. How you have organized your daughter photos as she grows up? Some make a digital album they print every year but then you'd have 18 books by the time they move out (give or take). That seems like a lot to me. I have 1 album of my whole childhood. Love to hear your thoughts? Your method? There are tons of videos on scanning old photos but I haven't found much on new methods as your child is growing. Thanks! From dayton ohio here!
Such a valuable episode, Thank you!
But it's an odd assumption that having a lot of books means you're not reading them and using them. I own them, I read them, I reread them, I look things up in them that I want to remember and check. And having ones you haven't read is stimulating.
Really good talk. Super value.
Good answer, Podcast Shawn! Keep the books!!
I really enjoyed this podcast !!
Books & clothing are the hardest for me 😩 clothing is because I gain & lose weight so im afraid to get rid of clothes "just in case" & for my kids...they ruin clothes quick so Its hard to get rid of them cause i don't wanna have to buy more so its a battle...
I love the intro 😂😂😂😂❤
If books are your thing you go ahead and enjoy the beauty _their physical aesthetic_beauty of piles of books_just minimise everything else....
I try not to buy any books and use the library. Only when a library doesn’t have a book I really want to read will I buy it, looking for second hand first as after reading find it easier to pass on.
📖 thank you for great encouragement
I have issues getting rid of my uni text books
I love books and only buy the ones I read. I save money and space by getting Kindle books. I still buy an occasional book, but I sell them once I’m done and there’s no space left on my small book shelf. I used to keep them, but tons of books sitting on shelves, made no sense, considering my lack of space.
great episode
why does it feel like Im being called out... Im going through my books now
Josh and Ryan were you inspired by this quote?
“Love people, not things; use things, not people.” -Spencer W. Kimball
Nice catch! Needs to brush up on some basic grammar too, particularly objects of prepositions.
My mom mailed me my dad's bible and my bible. My dad passed away almost 10 years ago and I am an atheist. I don't want to keep my dad's bible and I am trying to figure out what to do. I obviously am not about to throw it away or just drop it at goodwill. How does one re-home a sentimentalish religious item without harming the memory of the loved one that cherished the item so much?
What do you do with books you have read? Some that have maybe been marked up along the way.
At home I learnt that just two books in your stuff are necessary : the first one is the Bible, the second one is Don Quixote de La Mancha by Cervantes. And so I did...
Thankyou for your very interest ing and stimulating ideas and the stand you take against advertisements. Can I suggest you read or maybe reread marie kondos book. The oft quoted book comments are misquoted and come from a chapter which is about there not being an ideal amount of any thing and how different we all are the number quoted is the amount she has. The book was written in Japan where stuff is prone to mould due to humidity. Keep up the good work.
Hello simpletons!!! Love this!
I love this! Thank you so much!
DF Wallace...lent that out. Need to get it back!
Infinite Jest? Thinking of keeping that since I re-bought it so I could use two bookmarks. One for the main part, and one for the footnotes.
There is no number of books. I read about 2 books a week. And I reread my favorite books. I own lots of books, but I have started to get rid of those that were cheap buys for a plane or train ride (and that are not worth reading again). I have also started to get the e-book whenever possible (question of space and also of being able to have my library at my finger tips at anytime). I also get rid of all travel guide books - they get old quickly and you can get all the accurate info on the internet at any given time.
I have always had books in my life as far back as I remember. I generally read between 4 to 5 books to read a month and I have a collection of physical books and audiobooks. I'm in three books clubs (a great way to read more) I know of one professor that owns about 50,000 books of African-American and African culture and history and holds them of great value as he uses them for knowledge and teaching. Someone asked how is that he reads so many books and he said, "we know our values by how we spend our time." He knows his value by learning and teaching and I've bought books he has recommended and unfortunately, a lot of them are expensive because they're out of print and aren't digitalized. I was lucky to buy a book by Whitney Young, Jr. was one of the major Civil Rights leaders during the 60s and not well known. He only wrote two books To Be Equal and Beyond Racism and died at the age of 49 in 1970. What's interesting about his books is how relevant they are today but are out of print, so you can only buy used copies. The cheapest copy I found of Beyond Racism was $18.00, the others were over $250.00. So yes, I may not need "How To Win Friends And Influence People" when I read Whitney Young, Jr. who was in the trenches of working with people to help others.
I struggle with keeping magazines, books, receipts, paper in general.... it’s a love/ hate relationship:(
Books are easy to get rid of for me. Once I read it, it’s gone.
Can you guys please do an episode on toys? I know some moms who are afraid to let go of toys (I’m not making that up to not ask about myself. I really do know some mom homies that are struggling with this), because it reminds them of their babies when they were younger. I’m a bit in the middle. I have grown my declutter muscle so I’m getting braver, but sometimes I think about their childhood ending and it gets me a bit depressed knowing my babies are grown (well one is. She’s 16. The baby is four).. But then I also don’t want to hold onto everything forever and have toys in my house that my kids will have to get rid of simply because I was too scared to let go.
We created a “memory bin” to solve this problem. When going through toys or even baby / kids clothes...we would choose our favorites and put them in the memory bin and then give away or sell the rest of the items once outgrown or no longer used. This really help to let go and the memory bin items are more meaningful then if we’d kept everything.
current favorite📓 is Circe by Madeline Miller
Audio books, e-books, physical books - how to choose? Not every book is available in every format. This distinction is usually not mentioned. I never understood why there is a "battle of the formats."
Definitely disagree about format not affecting how many books you consume. I love physical books and have refused any form of e-reader for years. I hadn't physically read a book in a long time, for various reasons. I would sometimes enjoy audiobooks when performing tasks that didn't require total focus and concentration or while driving, but that was infrequent. In May I finally gave in and gave the kindle app a try. I am currently in the middle of book number 17 since that time. I have more than two full time jobs and don't have a great deal of time to read, but the convenience of being able to pull out my cell phone (which is almost always on hand) and read for 5 minutes here or there, or read in the dark at night until I fall asleep, or in the shower, or anywhere else where I don't have to make sure the physical book is with me (or can't take it with me), has allowed me to bring reading back into my life again. Format can definitely make a difference.
I would love a free copy of Everything that remains please!! Thanks
I like to keep the books I have for reference but it’s on 13 books- for reference
How do I let go of all of my New Yorker magazines? I probably have a years worth stacked up in my bookshelf. I love the way they look , the way they feel, I love flipping through them, it’s such a cool magazine. But you know what? I never read them all the way through. All I do is flip through and read the comics, an occasional short story, the headlines, the pictures. I feel that if I discard them I’ll be missing something, because they’re intriguing to me. I even have this strategy of flipping through them one by one and highlighting a story that I want to read and discard them one by one. But of course I haven’t done this. What’s wrong with me?! New Yorker magazine, why do you have to be so damn alluring?
I'm going to scan in all my books and then give most of them away.
"Generous Justice" by Timothy Keller, published by Penguin Books, is one of about a dozen books that remains on my book shelf. I highly recommend it.
I wish you were my teacher at college 😶
How do people who own tons of books manage them? Doesn't that create tons of dust?
You can pry my David Foster Wallace Books out of my cold, dead, hand. Dippin' Dots! At the fair!
We’ve been minimizing/decluttering for last month preparing to move maybe sooner than expected. Your doc film was a catalyst and Joshua’s story about his mom’s things helped thru some tough items while I sort thru a life of memories in things. Thx 🙏. But even w/great intentions to donate/sell/recycle the waste to go to landfill was depressing. And reality is only a % of recycled items in US, Canada etc is actually recycled the rest goes into landfill by recyclers/cities. Would be really great to do a podcast on this. Good video on truth of recycling:
ruclips.net/video/oRQLilXLAIU/видео.html
You're always talking about Netflix, and I got rid of it before I discovered The Minimalists! Stop encouraging me to buy things!