I have very limited space and it’s a constant challenge to keep the number of books manageable. We’re often over-run with books! A few things I have found helpful:
* Be willing to read a book and then “let it go.” Give books away freely or sell them as you finish them. This works for books you are unlikely to read again, or unlikely to read in the near future.
* Refrain from buying books for the future. I practice “just in time inventory” with books and clothes because of my space limitations. Buy books as you need them, or shortly before you need them, rather than years in advance.
* If you have a stack of unread books, avoid adding new books to your home until you’ve read what you have. This is hard! I’m embaressed how many books I’ve purchased and then never opened once I got home. If there are books in your unread stack that you are not reading, go ahead and get rid of them rather than hang on to books that no longer appeal to you. If the books still appeal to you, read them before adding more to your shelves.
* Keep only books that are useful to you, that have special meaning to you, that you want to re-read again in the future (or re-use for younger children), or that you intend to read for the first time soon. If the book is likely to sit there unread for years and year, toss it out. If you happen to regret decluttering a partiular book, chances are very good you’ll find another copy if needed.
* Let the library be your strorage area. In other words, use the library as much as is convenient for you.
Hope that helps a little.
