As I wrote in my End of Summer post, I started purging my books.

It all started as a way to declutter. Like many people, during the covid years, I signed up for all sorts of subscription boxes, as well as just bought a bunch of books, puzzles, Legos, candles, and all sorts of other things. At the time, well, it was covid, what else was there to do?

I also lived in a larger apartment during the covid years. So as my library expanded, I also bought 3 new bookcases. (I admit that some of my other bookcases were appropriated for puzzle storage. So I didn’t add 3 bookcases worth of books. But I probably did add 1 bookcase of books.)

Now it’s a couple years later, I live in a smaller apartment in a different city and my current apartment just feels cluttered and overwhelmed with stuff. I also just found out that I’ll be moving overseas next spring, so that’s yet another reason to downsize—less to move!

I found a local puzzle group that hosts swaps and also a local non-profit that will take used puzzles. So I’ve been able to trade a lot of puzzles. Then I’ve sold some of my covid-purchased Lego sets, along with some other stuff, on eBay.

Another reason I’ve been cleaning out is that I recently adopted a kitten and had to purchase all the kitten accoutrements, including a litter box, toys, scratching posts, and food. Chewy took a lot of my money. And then there’s all the vet costs. Having a pet ain’t cheap, but he’s so worth it!

But I digress.

I then started going through my books.

I won’t say that I had too many books because I don’t believe there is such a thing. But my little 1-bedroom apartment was feeling a bit cramped. I had 6 bookcases stuffed full of books, along with books sitting on various tables, as well as the floor. It was a bit much for my small apartment. So I decided my goal was to eliminate one bookcase.

I don’t view it as getting rid of books. I prefer to think of it as giving my books a new home so others can enjoy the stories that I have.

Through Bookstagram (bookish accounts on Instagram), I learned of PangoBooks, a book-selling app. It is a bit of a dangerous app because it’s hard not to find books I also want to read. But my goal is, save for the few pre-orders I already had, not to buy any more for the rest of the year.

So far, I’ve sold over 100 books. It’s been great fun to ship these books across the country to new homes.

And as I sell books, I post new ones. I currently have over 150 books listed on my PangoBooks bookstore along with a few bookish items, like a couple of book sleeves. Here are just a few.

All these books desperately need a new home, so help me downsize and find a new-to-you book to enjoy. And if you see several that you want, send me a DM through the app. I do deals for 3+ book bundles. You’ll be giving these books a lovely new home and helping me downsize—a win-win!

Have you downsized or decluttered lately? Share your experiences, tips, and tricks in the comments below.