This month I’d like to write about something I’ve been seeing and dealing with since I started this business in 2010. Magazines, newspapers and books seem to be amongst the items that many, and I repeat many, people have laying around and/or stacked on bookshelves around their homes.
Here’s the thing…newspapers older than a week are no longer relevant. Magazines older than a couple of months are also no longer relevant. Sure, there may be an article or two that can stand the test of time but, for the most part, the rest is not.
Let’s be honest! You didn’t have time to read the newspaper and/or magazine when you received it or bought it, and you probably don’t have time now. You wish you had the time but you just don’t. At least not for the foreseeable future.
If by chance, you did have the opportunity to read them, you then really don’t need to keep them any longer. So, do yourself a favor and toss the newspapers after one week and donate the magazines that are older than a couple of months to a hospital or doctors’ office or recycle them.
Then, there are the books. I can’t tell you how many of my clients have a hard time parting with their books. Why hold on to books that you’ve already read? Other than a special few that you’d like to read again or perhaps the ones that have actual or sentimental value, what’s the point of keeping every book you ever bought or borrowed? They are taking up valuable real estate in and around your home!
I get it. You spent money on it and you’re thinking what’s the harm in keeping it? The harm is that they collect dust and wind up being clutter. Not only physical clutter but mental clutter because they remind you of something you need to do. One more thing you didn’t do! It’s anxiety producing.
The reality is … if and when you have more time, you can read any newspaper, magazine or book on-line on your phone, kindle, computer, iPad, etc. If you’re the kind of person that likes to turn the pages, that’s fine too. Just be realistic about how long they should be kept and when they should be discarded.
So why do people keep these out-dated publications? The reasons I hear often:
- My (fill in the blank) gave it to me as a gift
- It’s valuable (however, other than first editions rarely are they valuable)
- I loved it and I want to read it again
- I’m going to read it soon
I have a few rules of thumb to let go of these items that typically work with even my most resistant clients. The rules are:
- Newspapers older than one week go in the recycling bin.
- Magazines older than three months have to go as well. However, instead of recycling (which is also an option) you can donate older magazines to medical facilities, hospitals, medical offices and/or senior communities.
- Books that have been read and don’t warrant a second go-around, get donated to a local library or charity (but they must be in good condition).
One final note on this subject: If you are receiving magazines or newspapers that you subscribe to but just haven’t had the time to read or are no longer interested in the subject matter, unsubscribe. It’s okay to stop a subscription, even when there’s still time left. It’s better than dealing with the clutter that’s building up.
This time of year, when we’re all getting ready for the holiday season, why not get out from under some of these items that no longer serve your purpose and make room for the things that you do want and that do matter.