purging hundreds of books because i'm moving

time to say farewell to my books

want books?? (*affiliate links):

☞ My name is Ariel and I’m a Canadian writer, poet, and YouTuber. I organize my shelves by genre and then colour and my favourite book is Animal Farm. I've been making bookish content online for over 8 years and love spreading a love of reading through videos, panels, articles, and more! Think we could make something cool together? Send me an email!

☞ Thanks for watching! ☜

#bookunhaul

[garbagerat]

”dont tell me i wasted my money because every single one of these supported an author” wow that really changed my perspective on unhauling! Thank you!

[darcyward]

ok but the fact you found an Arthur bookmark while lowkey dressed as Arthur is a mood

[crispsareunderrated]

OH TO BE ARIEL'S FRIEND AND HAVE 211 BOOKS TO CHOOSE FROM

[AsdfAsdf-miks]

It’s funny how some people don’t like this kind of thing. But I find getting rid of books can be a cleansing. It really helps some people’s head space

[nataliamontelongo]

Imagine that one of those books ends up in a bookstore selling for really cheap and someone that really wants to read it but doesn't have the money to buy new just stumbles into it and brings them so much joy. Stories should be shared that's how culture is born.

[spoopywife]

I struggled really hard with the guilt of buying a book, never getting to it, and then getting rid of it. I felt like I wasted my money, like you said. My hubby told me that if the book made you happy when you bought it, it’s fulfilled the purpose of making you happy, even just briefly. So it’s okay to let it go make someone else happy.

You did amazing and got rid of so much! I’m totally amazed!

[davidschmidt]

Because libraries exist, I don't know how anyone can be mad at someone for getting rid of a book. They aren't taking an oath to never read it! It just doesn't bring them joy to own.

[amritasengupta]

Ariel there is no need for a disclaimers. We are all adults here , we understand your problem and love you.

[EpicReads]

Oh, the agony of book purging! Best of luck to you on the purging and the move!!!

[beadsandivorykeys]

Thanks for promoting the benefits of letting go of the possessions that don't serve us. Videos like this always inspire me to critically analyze the things I own. 💕 Much love! - long time sub

[mariehurtado_]

im not upset by the books ariel has to get rid of but i am concerned for all her plants

[rozhansadeghi]

I hope your new bookshelf is just as gorgeous as this one!

[SnehaSrik]

as someone who's always dreamed of having a massive bookshelf I came to the realisation recently that all I really need are the stories that touch me most and I can leave most others as pleasant memories

[akosp]

I'm not moving anywhere, but suddenly I just feel like wanting to get rid of half of my books lol.

[bethaniebentley]

I'm VERY behind.... but I've just started reading as a 25 year old and I'm on my 6th book (started in September). I'm so excited about it

[charlottewoof]

For anyone who really struggles unhauling: something that has changed my life is writing a list in my journal of the books I’m getting rid of. This really eliminates the fear element for me. I think it’s because it means that I won’t forget certain books, but I also don’t have to have them physically present. Books can be found so cheaply these days, or in libraries; just because I have a book I know I want to read at some point in the future doesn’t mean I have to hold onto it indefinitely.

[emmajane]

I used to be a big book purger when I moved around a lot. Moving every year - or more - meant that it was practical and financially smart to cull. Now that I’m in a more stable place, I kind of regret some of the books I gave away. (At the same time, a lot I don’t remember, proving I probably don’t miss the vast majority! So I remain supportive of culling efforts!)
Ultimately what I find super useful is using the library for most of the books I read during the year. Then, at the end of the year, I look back and the ones I simply adore are the ones I purchase for my shelf. A little backward, but it means I’m so happy with what I own! And I save so much money!
Ps. Good luck with the move!

[ruthfisher]

It's not a waste of money!!! Any money you have spent on books thay you didnt love/ didnt read is still money that has gone to supporting bookshops and boosting the book industry!!! ❤

[MiRaMaY]

I was about to donate a bunch of books and then you reminded me to go through them and I found so many pictures and bookmarks I love so much so THANK YOU.

[jessicindel]

I love watching people clean their shelves to main the things they love. I've done it and I really like it. I'm not overwhelmed with books I didn't like (bringing on things I remembered about the books that let me down) and not having a massive pile of unread books. Since I know either way I might momentarily forget I have them or I get so overwhelmed that I don't end up reading anything. With less books I read what's available to me and let myself really sit on if I want a book so by the time I go and buy the book, intentionally seeking out that one book, I'm ready to read it then.

And being okay with the money spent because it like food matters of something I took in, not the physical object. While I still have preferences like really nice floppy paperbacks for instance. I've noticed with the pretty collectors editions, I don't read as well because I don't want to damage or write in those. Yet in the other ones, I do not mind all sorts of annotating and reader damage and that will be the edition i turn to the most to read and reread.

I'm still watching your video. And please don't overthink the length of the videos. You have a thoughtful, calm yet provoking style that I do enjoy to listen to and it brings out these comments of mine, even if it may not completely match what you're talking about, some of the comments you make in the videos like some you made earlier on here, I resonate and agree with. There's always an emotional and mental change for me after I go through my bookshelves for whatever goal I planned. May your future shelves continue to bring you happiness and may the move and everything surrounding this new journey be safe and have a good ending. I know how crazy things can be. <3