How do you get rid of books?

[catherine]

When we moved south we had an auction and got rid of almost everything. We hauled a small 4x8 trailer with just a few things. My books were the hardest to cull. I now only have one bookcase. It was really hard deciding what to keep. I kept telling myself I could buy things back if needed. I love my home now. I use all the things I own and have no clutter (other than occasional paperwork). Our wall coverings are photos or canvases of pictures we’ve taken from travels around the world. Our home is truly a reflection of who we are. We’ve radically simplified our domain and I love it! Upon our deaths, the place will be sold fully furnished, as is typical. I’ve set it up so there should no probate and, hopefully, an uncomplicated event for our son. Anyway, that is the plan!

I am with you. There is not one thing, out of the 75-80% of all the stuff we purged before moving, that I wish I had kept. My cousin, who is my age, lives alone in this huge barn-like house that she has lived in with her mother for most of her adult life. There is so much stuff in there, and she is not in good health. When I think about living in a place like that, I get anxious. And I get anxious for her, too! She has no children, so it will be up to her brother and extended family to handle it all.