Let’s be honest, worrying about how to minimize homeschooling books is a first-world problem that we are fortunate enough to experience, right? Nonetheless, the struggle is real. It shows up in questions like…
How many books is “too many” books?
What is a “minimal” number of books?
What do you do with all of your “extra” books?
How do you store all of your books?
Books. They’re a topic that comes up often- whether you’re trying to minimize or not – in homeschooling circles. And, the questions about how many, and what next abound.
Let’s simplify this book question once and for all.
First, it depends on you.
I know, I know, that’s not what you wanted to hear. But wait, I’ll be more specific:
Do you feel like your books bring you joy and help you live the life you want? Do you feel like the space that you have for books is adequate and appropriate? Do you feel like you love each of them, and will likely enjoy each of them in the near future?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you probably have the right amount of books and can move on to worrying about something else.
Conversely,
Do you feel like your books overwhelm you or create stress? Do you feel like books encroach on your space, or you never have enough room for them, or the right space for them? Do you feel like you’re unlikely to look at most of them any time soon?
If you answered yes to these questions, then it’s time to make some changes to your collection of books.
And, you need to keep purging until the first series of questions are true. Easy enough?
Now, how to minimize homeschooling books.
OK. So, you’re convinced that it’s time to minimize homeschooling books. Now, how exactly do we accomplish that?
I’m sure you’ve heard the tips before about what to discard:
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- the books you won’t miss,
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- the books you don’t love,
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- the books you don’t use,
- and the books you don’t have room for.
(I sort of roll my eyes at this point and say “Duh. I know all that. Easier said than done”)
But, here are some ways to get you past the mental and emotional blocks associated with books, which I personally find to be much more useful.
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- Trust that more books (even the same books) can and will still cross your path via the library, future holidays, and more. You know there are lots of books in your future.
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- Speaking of which, get excited about making room for future books! Not that the new ones have to live on your shelves for long, but while they’re there, they’ll be loved (not resented for being messy).
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- Think about the new homes that they will bless. Someone out there is happy to find your books.
- Consider the worst case scenario: what if you do miss that book? What will you do? Chances are, you can replace the book, find it at the library, or download it to your kindle if you really do miss it. Maybe you borrow it from a friend.
In the end, if you’re really worried about missing some books, try testing your theory. Box up your extra books, put a date on the box 1, 3, or 6 months out, and store the box(es) out of sight. Mark your calendar with your “donate books” date. If, by that pre-determined date, you don’t miss any of your boxed books, donate the boxes without even looking at them.
> You might also like reading about What exactly Minimalist Homeschooling is…
What to do with the extra books?
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The obvious answer here is: donate them. There are a lot of options out there: library, thrift shop, local homeschool co-op, another homeschooling family (if it’s a blessing, not a burden)…
Of course, another option is to sell your books if they are in good condition and are popular. Think of advertising in local homeschool groups, curriculum sale groups on facebook, or Amazon. Many areas have local homeschool curriculum sales in the spring or summer each year. Only commit to selling your items if you know that you will follow-through, and the money earned will be worth your time. I have gone to curriculum sales, and they’re pretty cut-throat. Everybody is looking for an amazing deal!
But my best tip when it’s time to minimize homeschooling books, and the most important one is: release them. Just, release them. TRUST that your books will find their way to someone who needs them – you don’t have to control their destiny.
How to store all the books you keep?
Here are a few tips I have for storing the books you do keep:
- Have a lovely designated place for your books. If you love your books, put them in a place where you can spend some time loving them.
- Fill your shelves only 2/3 full. Take a cue from the public library (they know a thing or two about books), and stop cramming your shelves full.
- Don’t spread books out around the whole house. If clutter and mess are your enemy, try to keep all of the books in one location, and preferably the location where they will be used and enjoyed.
- Get in the habit of removing unloved and unused books as a regular order of business.
Looking for more simple in your homeschool? I’d love to help; I’m on a mission to make homeschooling sane again!
Here are a few options:
1. Download a FREE Space-Simplifying Quick-Guide. You don’t have to do a big purge, or declutter all weekend. Here are 10 ways to simplify your space immediately.
2. Join our next Homeschooling with Intention challenge. This 4-day mini-course is all about creating the homeschool you imagine, so that it actually feels the way that you have always wanted.
3. Join our facebook community where conversations like this happen whenever you most need them.
What do you think? What are the best ways to minimize homeschooling books? How do you know if you need to minimize homeschooling books in the first place? Comment below, and share…
Wishing you all the simple things,
Zara
