We have too much stuff. Actually, J says that we have a normal amount of stuff for where we are in life–but we have it in an apartment that is just too small. I think he may have a point.
Regardless of how much stuff we have overall, we do have a lot of bookcases–and they are full of books. The tallest one has been double-stacked, with the books in front blocking the view of the books in back.
There are also sundry items on the shelves: candlesticks and holders, a tape dispenser and stapler, and–for some reason–a pair of 1983 Campagnolo Super Record brake calipers. For more information on those, you’d have to check with J.
But the assorted items weren’t really the problem, because you can see through or around them. Sure, there’s more on the bookcase than I might normally like, but it’s manageable. The front row of books, though, were a problem.
So I finally went through the books and made two stacks (because one would tip over) that will go to the local library. There are quite a few that I won’t read again, or won’t read. I mean, if they’ve been sitting there unread for all of these years, how likely is it that I’ll read them in the near future? And if I do want to read them, well, I can go to the library. It’s a beautiful system, really.
But the best part is how much better I feel when I look across the room at that bookcase. I can see what’s there, and it’s surprisingly calming.
You know, I really should try this on my desk at work. Now there’s an idea.