When I decide to kill my library

I love books. I love the smell of books. Even since I could read, I've wanted to read as much as I can from textbooks, library book and of course the Harry Potter series, Twilight series, The Hunger Game series which costed me nights to crave them all.

I was sensible enough to sell the series because I knew that I won't be able to finish them. Other than these popular youth novels, I also love Classics. Charles Dickens, Jane Austen! I have purchased most of their books when they are on sale during the annual book fair and just to hope that ONE DAY I could read them when I have time. Yes, and after all, one day did become a time I have never be able to spare. Books remained on my shelf and turned yellow-ish.

In this minimalism journey (still getting there), I have decided to sell them. I joined Facebook groups which allow me to ensure they go to another book lovers home, and I will give away those which do not sell to a second-hand book store.

Goodbye to my English classics, modern novels, self-help books. I have just killed my library. Since there will not be much space at my new home, I have got myself a kindle paperwhite. At first, it feels different, but since I have never been a book scribbling person, the kindle is just like a lighter form of books which I can carry it everywhere!

Ask yourself:

The books you are about to purchase- Do you really need this book? Are you really going to read it? Do you feel like reading it tonight?

The books on your shelf- Why did you get it? Have you read it? Do you see yourself reading it any time soon like this week?

Second-hand store is always around the corner. Donate and pass your books on to someone who will find value in them.

Bring minimalism to work

Today is the day before Easter holiday. It is also the day I choose to minimise my work desk, so I can embrace my clean desk for my return.

First, I have decided to file important documents. (Yes! Procrastination. I should have done that 4 months ago). All the other papers inside the folders have also been read through for me to decide whether they need to be kept. Bin it/ Recycle used paper/ Reuse one-side used A4 papers for the not-so-important documents. It would be great if we do not need to print at all, but we all know that sometimes we just have to...

Its a pride to work in an organisation with recycling mindset. Just imagine your colleagues not recycling a thick report and bin it instead. DISASTER!

Other than that, I have also taken out all the stationary and the essentials remain. One blue pen, one black pen, one pencil, one rubber, one ruler, one white tape and one stapler.

It's too good to be true that my desk looks fresh and clean!

Sentimental items

Tackling bits by bits.

Sentimental items are the last thing you should farewell. I have hobbies of letter posting for regular contact and cards for seasonal greetings. I am allowing myself keeping things in one box. If it grows out of it, then I am not keeping it.

First, I am going to deal with my cards. There are all sorts of cards I received, ranging from Birthday card to wedding invites. From year 1 to now. Just imagine the number of cards you revived since you are a child.

Since I have already done a clear out once a year ago, my items are really that much. If this is the first time you are decluttering, I believe your situation looks a lot worse than this.

Minimalising the amount of sentimental items is much harder than I think. I have received a lot of heart warming message from my closed friends ( at that time). Especially the DIY cards are hard to say goodbye to. 

 Though I am only keeping less than 20 of them at last and I will review them in a later time. I think Mininalism is a process which it takes you to review and rethink every items you have. You do not have to just go into a place and throw everything away. Especially the sentimental pile, it makes you understand what yourself have treasured.

In my box I have lots of things such as photographs (which aren't scanned), letters. I am going to try to deal with them in a separate time. Don't rush it through. Enjoy your moment!

Packing party shoes

The beauty of the packing party is the review the number of items you truly have. I have one pair of feet but I have 17 pairs of shoes, 18 including the fluffy and warm winter slippers. 

What I did was, throw away 3 pairs torn or don't fit. Keep those 11 pairs that I wear regularly, and I mean regularly. I am giving away 4 pairs which are in good condition.

I m sure yours is worse. I know you want to do a shoe clean out as well. Do you really love every pair of your shoes?