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Decluttering - but how do I say goodbye to books?

(84 Posts)
granjura Fri 25-Sept-15 10:23:27

when we made the BIG move, that was the hardest thing to do. Fortunately we had 2 specialist charity book shops which we happy to take any 'good quality books'. Some I gave to the wildlife rescue I used to volunteer with, and they sold for pence, and others went to a Holiday complex I worked with, for guests.

Those specialist charity bookshops are my downfall when we visit- especially the one in Market Harborough which is full to the brim of superb books.

WilmaKnickersfit Fri 25-Sept-15 10:20:42

We've been talking about this too. We're both hoarders so it's hard to give away something like books and CDs. At the moment we're thinking about storing them in the loft. It might sound daft, but I can't get the idea out of my head that we might find ourselves some day without the Internet and access to our devices with books and music.

harrigran Fri 25-Sept-15 10:16:58

I have no problem with getting rid of books, at the end of the day they are just bits of paper. I read them and pass them to friends or put them in the recycling. Books are clutter and attract dust.

Anniebach Fri 25-Sept-15 10:10:55

Unless you really have to part with your books - don't ,or store them for a while and see if you like your home without them . No warmth in a kindle , no memories of books given to you or books you bought

Auntieflo Fri 25-Sept-15 10:10:36

You could try local charities first, but if they are overloaded, you could try Freecycle. I felt the same about my well loved books, but in the end a lovely lady came, via Freecycle, and took loads. She asked whether I minded if they were sold on as she was having a fund raising for the local bell ringing society. Job done. I have shelf space and the club hopefully made a bit of cash. smile

Luckygirl Fri 25-Sept-15 10:08:46

I know how hard it is to say goodbye to books - but jingle is right about the kindle. I have had several mass book chuck-outs and found it a wrench.

Also, some charity shops are not mad about books any more, simply because people have kindles and the like and they do not sell as well as they used to.

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 25-Sept-15 10:01:27

Just take them. You will have forgotten about them by next day.

And then get a Kindle? Any of your old books that you do miss will probably be cheap on Kindle by now.

Teetime Fri 25-Sept-15 09:45:38

The British Heart Foundation are particularly looking for books to sell in September - think about your books going towards helping someone else heart in a different way. I know its hard but you will love the space you have created - we're doing it to- all or books are my husbands babies!!

petitpois Fri 25-Sept-15 09:38:01

I am having a massive clear out. So far I've been really ruthless and there are boxes and boxes of things ready to go to charity shops. But...I've now got to my books. There are many on the shelves I loved when I read them but I'm unlikely to read again. Still, I feel quite emotionally attached to them - I don't know why. How do I do this with no regrets? They're just gathering dust. But they feel so much a part of me. Any advice welcome!