I was having a conversation with a friend who needed to downsize, but his wife was a bibliophile. I get that! Books can hold strong emotional attachments, especially if they were read as a family or at a time of great emotion, good or bad. It’s almost like they become friends. Here is a tactic to help you pair down any collection (books, clothes, dishes, linens). It’s called the “No Touch” game. Pair up with a friend and have them hold the item in front of you. Without touching the item, you decide whether it goes in a “Keep” or “Donate” pile. Touching our belongings instantly creates a sense of connection, whether deserved or not. If you can make a decision without the pull of emotion, you are more likely to end up with those items that are truly “keepers”.
