This was a collaboration with the stylish and brilliant, Eleanor Flegg

Here is a snippet:

“For Suzy Kell, decluttering coach, it’s all about creating a balance. “For some people, books are almost like friends, but there is a point at which a collection becomes unwieldy. I’ve seen homes where books were stacked on the staircase, becoming a hazard. People may say they’ll read all those books at a certain point in their life, maybe when they retire, but all the retired people I know are busy. What makes that time different to this time?” There’s also an element of humbling yourself. “If you keep the books that make you look clever, ask yourself if they have become part of your identity. Who are you keeping the books for? Your real self or your fantasy self? Is it time to let that go?”

Like everything else in the home, books require upkeep. “The less you have, the less you have to manage and the more you can enjoy what you choose to keep,” Kell says. “Sometimes you have to give up something you want to make room for something you want even more. That can be really hard. That’s why my job exists.”

When tackling an overflowing bookshelf, first ask yourself how much time and energy you have for the task. “If it seems too much, clear one shelf at a time.” Remove all of the books and place them in piles: ones to be kept; ones to be donated; and ones to be returned to their rightful owners. Because not all charity shops take books, Kell suggests calling ahead before you land on their doorstep with bags. The books you intend to keep can be dusted down and returned to the shelf. “Making it look good is the cherry on the cake,” she adds.”

Link:

https://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/interiors/book-smart-expert-tips-on-how-to-express-your-true-personality-through-your-bookshelf-wealth/a136895162.html