Wikipedia defines clutter with the following: Clutter (organizing): A confusing or disorderly state or collection; or the creation thereof. We all know it when we see it, but how many people would include books in their definition? Books have a magic of their own which seems to keep them in a special category. "Don't touch my books" is a phrase frequently uttered by people who are actively downsizing. Indeed, there are books which hold many memories for us and will always be a part of our lives. However, there are others — books bought in airport bookstores, books which were left by house guests, and books which just appeared mysteriously taking up permanent residence. There is one group which may be most easily fall into the category of "clutter". Almost everyone has at least one shelf of paperback books in their collection. They are relatively inexpensive, portable, and great when traveling. However, how many of us receive tactile pleasure from a paperback and unlike a good hardcover, they do not age well. It pays to examine your paperback collection. How many of these books will you actually read again? How many are unread and should go on your "to read" shelf. Are some of them falling apart? How many were popular 20 years ago but have become dated? Do your shelves include almanacs or other reference works which are dated or could be replaced by websites? Do you have an inexpensive paperback version of a classic work? If so, wouldn't you rather be reading a hardcover edition? There are homes for paperbacks in good condition. Libraries accept paperbacks for their book sales. Frequently these donations become a part of the "honorback" or "Read and Return" collection. Prisons, homeless shelters, women's shelters, and other such organizations also accept books. Recent paperbacks can be left at your gym for someone to read while on the treadmill. There are also book exchange groups like BookMooch (bookmooch.com). Books in poor condition can be recycled. We recommend starting with your paperbacks and trying to clear a bookshelf. You will have room to either collect more books, display some treasures, or just enjoy having some clear space in your home. And if you decide you need help with your books, contact us at . We help sort out these books and bring order to your entire book collection.