I'm Giving Away My Books. Here Is Why: 

I really wish people would stop spreading the whole “30 book” thing. She never said that people should keep only 30 books, that’s a PERSONAL number that she keeps for HERSELF. Her whole philosophy doesn’t include numbers because it is personal for everyone else. If keeping 1783718 books sparks joy for you then keep them! That’s her real message, not what everyone has been spreading.

Good for you for tidying up!! I can’t wait to see what books you keep! I recommend donating to local libraries, schools, or charity shops. Your unwanted books will definitely be loved there :)

Marie Kondo only says that keeping a 30 book collection works for her. The meme that went around of her saying to keep no more than 30 books was made by someone who clearly misunderstood. Just keep however many spark joy. It's not about numbers :) Edit: I just want everyone to know that I made this comment with the intention of educating, not belittling and I don't agree with the people who are doing the latter in the replies

Please check local schools. Many teachers spend their own money to buy books for their classrooms because the schools don't have the funds to provide them. So many children and teens love to read but can't afford to buy books. They rely on what is provided by their school which often is very little. Awesome of you to want to share your books and the love of reading with others.

Well now I am impatiently waiting for all of these unhauls! I NEED!

Let me know what organization I should send the books to in the comments!

I don´t think that Kondo made it a "rule" to not own more than 30 books. But you still deserve all the love for your decision to donate your books Sasha!!! I think it´s a great idea and I really believe that you will feel better afterwards. So much looking forward on your purching journey

Make sure the books you get rid of are books your really don't care about. In my mid 20s I was convinced by a "friend" to get rid of about half of my books because I had to many. All I got out of it was having to go buy a bunch of the books again.

Over the summer of 2018, there was a man on Twitter asking for books, specifically mid-grade and YA. He works with preteen boys that were the victims of sexual assault/abuse and wanted to create an escape library for them. I don't know if he still needs books (a ton of people reached out offering to help) but you could always get in touch. His Twitter handle is @caseykarger.

I usually donate mine to the library for their book sales. I live in a small town and the local library does not get a lot of the newer books due to funding.

Everyone keeps getting her views wrong. If books give you joy then keep them. It's about what makes you happy and as long as they are organized. . . . . Also I sent you an add request on snapchat if you want to add me

What you, and several other booktubers are doing, with decluttering and donating your books is amazing. For me being able to buy a book is a luxury and I usually reserve that privilege to start building a library for my son, so that you're giving other kids the access to new worlds and the possibilities that come with reading, is simply awesome. Suggestion. Is there a chance for you to install (where you currently live or where you're moving) like a little "free" library? Is this thing where people install like a big mailbox or something similar to a big birdhouse with books in it and people get to borrow them and put new ones in if they like. I'm going off of some posts I've seen here and there over the years, I'm not sure of how it's called since I'm in Chile and we don't have those things. Good luck with everything!!

So awesome! I actually just made an entire series about this on my channel! I ended up getting rid of about 400 books and love my shelves so much more now 😁 good luck on your purging journey!!

I think the thought of giving away books that you have duplicate copies of, because you've really enjoyed them, is so fantastic! You could be giving a child the chance to be a part of a world you've loved!

If you want to donate the books to my future classroom. I have one year left until I obtain a job as a middle school language arts teacher. If you have any middle grade appropriate books (they read more ya so most books would be fine) I would happily take them off your hand for my classroom!

I remember when you had a smaller bookcase that covered your bedroom wall and the one behind you now shows how much you’ve progressed and grown wow

Firstly, just to clarify, Marie Kondo’s personal policy for herself is 30 books. She is not saying that other people should hold themselves to that amount, but instead find what is right for them. So whatever amount you feel happy with aligns with her process. Secondly, a place to donate books that I haven’t seen mentioned are prisons for both juveniles and adults. While there are likely some limitations on what can be donated, prison libraries are underfunded and under stocked.

I think you should donate them to a title I high school or middle school English teachers in your town. Title I schools are underfunded and it’s hard for teachers to get resources for the students that aren’t deemed “necessary”.

depending if most of them are YA maybe donate them to a childrens hospital/hospital

Ahhhh the beginning of this video kinda made me like very stressed... cause I’ve always wanted a library like yours but, I understand where you came from. I think a great place to donate some of these books are public schools and/or women’s shelters. I don’t know if this would work but another possibility would be to do a meet up/book sale and donate the profits to an organization!

I grew up in a very small town with a high school with a total number of 100 students. Reading was an escape for me, but we didn’t have a proper selection of books. We had two bookshelves for the entire school. I was lucky since I was able to buy myself books. But many in that school have no inspiration or motivation to keep going. And as you’ve said, many kids can find their motivation in words yet they don’t have access to them. The majority of the students are indigenous and don’t have the money to buy any books. The name of the school is Maniwaki Woodland Highschool. I have already graduated, but I would like to be able to give these kids a chance to have access to literature. Thank you so much! And I hope this reaches you 😊

Hey, Sasha! If you want a tip, try going slowly. If you try to get rid of a lot of them at once it might get overwhelming and you’ll attach to books you usually wouldn’t. If you go slowly you might purge more than you first thought you would. I know that from experience. Good luck!

Geez I forgot just how big your collection was!

I give my ARCs and YA books to our public high school. They are so grateful. And it’s so easy to do! Just call the office and let them know you have a donation of books. Sasha, they will be thrilled!!! I’ve been doing this for years. Public school libraries are one of the first line items that are cut from school budgets. Fund raising money usually goes to athletic programs. As a substitute librarian, I will guarantee that the students adore new books. And I will also guarantee that you will feel so happy and relieved that your books will be shared with many, many teens.

I'm so glad to hear this. It'll change your life, Sasha. You're going to really treasure the books you decide to keep.

The problem with "does this spark joy" is that i'm depressed as hell and nothing sparks joy, so what, do I get rid of my life?

I definitely understand and support what you’re doing. If I’d watched this two years ago I wouldn’t have understood why people unhaul books and I would have been so angry and jealous, but that’s because I didn’t own any books, I was one of those kids who didn’t have the chance to read books- not even e-books. Thankfully now I have a small collection of books that’s constantly growing and it’s one of the few things that puts a smile on my face everyday. What I’m saying is that some people who watch booktubers can’t afford books or don’t have access to them, so maybe you should consider giving away a few books to your viewers 🙂

The important thing is you have arrived to this awareness....GOOD FOR YOU....there are tons of places who could use these fabulous books...childrens hospitals....children homes (kids who are living in the state system) veterans hospital....raise money for from uour subscribers and donate to animal shelters....the options are ENDLESS....I am happy you are going to do this 💜

I'm actually super excited for your unhaul tidying up adventure! I'm really interested in the idea of keeping books you want to read and books you loved. Can't wait!

Like... all of them? Well, I assume not. *deep breath*

You look so gorgeous with that necklace Sasha so happy your donating your books to people who don’t have the means to get them❤️❤️

I'm minimalistic in every other way, but I allow myself one thing; books. I own very little clothing, furniture, dishes, electronics, just books.

I’m the library director of a small library in Hollis, Maine. Depending on the books you will be giving away (and if we have them in our collection or not), I would love to “bulk up” our YA collection. Regardless of whether you send the Hollis Center Public Library any books, I recommend donating books to libraries, schools, homeless shelters, and Goodwill. We give books we have weeded from our collection to all of these various organizations and they’re very appreciative.

Oh wow, what you're doing is amazing! I personally wouldn't be able to do what you're doing because it is my dream to have a library room full of books when I have my own house that I will share with my kids, but it's so great that you're able to!! I've seen in the comments already that local libraries, schools or opportunity shops are great options to donate your books to :)

She actually just said that keeping books is what works for her in her own life. I don’t recall her saying that’s what everyone should do. Her show is so calming and lovely to watch!

For the past 6 years I have run my own Children’s book drive collecting over 13,000 books benefiting a local organization called Read to Grow. If you have any middle grade books you are getting rid of I am happy to take them for my yearly collection or you can give them to Read to Grow directly. Thank you and what you are doing is amazing!

I'm so happy that you get what Marie Kondo meant about keeping things that spark joy. Proud of you!

Love this video! I love book collecting but totally believe in the philosophy of passing along the ones that don't bring me joy, I won't re-read, or don't have sentimental value to me so they can find a home with someone who will really appreciate and enjoy them! :) You explained it all so well in the intro!

Props to you! I try to go through my shelves every couple months or so to get rid of books I’ll never read or didn’t love. I value my book collection more because I can say with surety that I’ll read all the ones I own and that I love all the ones I read.

It's great to give books new homes and put a smile on other people's faces every now and again. Better for a book to feel loved by a new owner than neglected and forgotten :) Good on you for providing some of your books with new homes. :)

I would recommend the Love of Reading Foundation, which is a part of the Indigo bookstores in Canada.

I'm so glad you're not getting rid of all of them lol go ahead and "hoard" all the books you love. You have a beautiful and magical bookshelf. I love you!

I am a book collector too & also a librarian so I have alot of books in my personal collection. That said, since discovering my local bookstore I have weeded my collection as I go & unhauled alot over the last 14 years. I unhaul books at: -local used bookstore (A Ton in Boston, I visited a bunch when I visited my sister who lives there) -give them to friends who are readers -donate them to teachers for their classes/classrooms -the local public library -women's shelters often take books, especially about women -homeless shelters sometimes take books

I’m so proud of you Sasha! I was a bit shocked when I realized this wasn’t clickbait, but your reason changed my mind. I move and travel around a lot as well, so I totally get where you’re coming from! I’ve lost some of my favorite books that way.

I actually just got rid of most my books thanks to Marie, and it was a good thing, I am giving away some to my loved ones, and now when I see my book collection it sparks a lot of joy seeing the books that I absolutely love.

I've read all of Marie Kondo's books and watched the whole show and there is no 30 book rule. Her only rule is keep what sparks joy. With books she also recommends hugging them, especially entire series to see if they bring you joy.

As a teacher, I highly recommend finding a school or classroom that could use books. I know my kids are vivacious readers but don't have a wide collection of newer books because we don't have the funding to stock newer books in our libraries.

Local schools are always a good place to donate books. Many schools are lacking funding for certain resources, books included. Public libraries are a good place to donate as well.

Good idea! 👍 Getting rid of books is not easy! Especially the ones that hold sentimental value. Good Luck!! Looking forward to seeing how this works out 🤗♥️

I'm glad you brought this up. In the summer of last year, my family had the upstairs remodeled and I was in the position where I couldn't keep my massive library anymore. I had been collecting books for the past ten years, and 80% of it was unread and I was finally faced with the tough decision of either keeping books I'd probably never get around to reading, or creating more space for my new puppy to play around in. So I eventually bit the bullet and gave 90% of them away. I only kept the books I knew I'd really want to read, or were such beautiful collectors editions, I couldn't part with them (not without a price anyway, lmao). Since then I've been utilizing libraries. It feels so much better to borrow a book, then give it back so someone else can read it (and it felt even nicer seeing my pup play in her new open space). Plus there is nothing better than stepping into an old, quiet, place, filled with books, dvds, and other media you can easily take home with you without worrying about your 'budget'.

Libraries, give them to libraries or school libraries, more than one kid will be able to read them in this way. Libraries are sometimes looking for books different from classics and manuals for people who just enjoy good novels, but sometimes they are expenses that can't be handled, giving priority to other things. So, as a librarian, my advice is to find a good and small library, maybe in a small town nearby, and donate your books to them. Small libraries have smaller budgets so can't grow by themselves, so donations are always great and well appreciated ❤️

I really encourage you to give them to schools and teachers. Teachers often buy books by themselves to help get their students to read, I fell in love with reading after a teacher let me borrow one of her books.

Definitely ask at local libraries - as a librarian myself I really appreciate when people donate books in good condition (maybe not in the 100s, but a box or two!) You could choose several charities/libraries and let even more people benefit from your books, without overwhelming the responsible people there. 😊

I recommend a local kids group. We have one here called Brothers and Sisters where kids go after school. They have a 'buddy' system. Or a women's shelter. Good luck with deciding what should stay and what should go.

I am a high school English teacher in a low income school located in Central Illinois. My classroom library could definitely use some updating so my students can be more readily exposed to current book choices.

I believe in each to his/her own. What works for one won't work for all. And I hope that noone judges others for keeping or getting rid of books.

I always donate my books to my library because it's a not-for-profit and I love it when I see one of my books show up on their shelves or if I see a kid buying them at a sale. Also, I need to support my library or else I won't have anywhere to go to buy or get out books. I also leave some in lending libraries around my school and town.

One thing I started doing is keeping track of how much unread books I have and generally decreasing how many books I buy. Getting rid of books that I have been keeping even though I read them and I was just ok with them. But good that you are being organized. Nothing wrong with giving away books to local libraries

Great idea! I am currently buying myself books for my kids at school, as I found out our local library sucks and turns out all this time they were opened to reading "cool" books but could not find any.

I get where you are coming from. Local libraries always need donation love. Books are a great sense of comfort and happiness in my life, there is no way I would unhaul books to tidy up my life I would rather give away almost all of my clothes lol they bring me no joy. I've moved several times and book boxes are always very plentiful a new location is not a home without my books. Good Luck!

I work at a school in China teaching English, and a part of that is reading. The school could always use more books and increase it’s library. The school is called DT Club. I would definitely think about donating books there, and helping kids around the world not only discover a passion for reading but also increase their chance of success in school and work in China and around the world.

I think it’s so great you’re doing this! I love that you’ve giving them to underprivileged kids and spreading your love of reading

If you live near a major city, try to find an organization there that distributes them to families. You would be surprised by the amount of families in underprivileged areas that don’t have ANY books in their homes. I live near Detroit and unfortunately this is the case for many children and families. If there are no organizations, you can contact libraries who are usually able to take them.

That’s super awesome you cleaning out! I suggest libraries in towns or schools, donation places local ones or even big ones like good will or lupas or big brother big sister.

Ive been tyding up too but i have to confess i kept my books as they are the things that spark constant joy

I've also been super inspired by Marie Kondo! I watched her show in 2 days, and have already read both books since then. My husband and I just bought our first home, and her organizing and de-cluttering tips have saved my sanity! However, I've actually always kept my book collection fairly low, simply because of the possibility of moving in the future. As much as I love seeing huge shelf collections, and wish I could have my own personal library for my inner Belle, I just would not be able to handle moving that huge collection, someday. So yeah, one large book shelf is about all I can stand. I try to only keep books I know FOR SURE I will read again someday. I'm excited to see what books you end up keeping, and wish you luck on your journey to tidying up!

All the best Sasha. Do what's right for you.

I love the idea. And I can't wait to see how your bookshelfs will be. Also i love unhauls. I live for them and I do unhauls almost all the time. And it makes me happy

Such an amazing idea! I suggest donating some to your libraries and local shelters

Also look into local schools and libraries and see if they have need. If not you can always check out group homes for the disabled and mentally ill or children’s wings in hospitals.

I agree with those who claim that “30 book rule” is actually only useful for some people. One may own objects, including books, for various reasons. However, getting real with your reading life’s and how the books you own fit in it, is very mature and in the end makes your life easier.I love interchanging books with another book lovers, and if not, I usually give them away to my local smaller libraries, schools and my parents friends who have multiple children(in case of YA and middle grade books).

So thoughtful of you. I highly appreciate that you will give those books for children who can’t afford to buy. I don’t know if you can donate books internationally.

Love this, Sasha! A great place to donate books is your local children's hospital. The teen patients don't get a lot of love. ☺️

Where did you get your necklace I need to know is I luv your videos

Definitely consider donating to teachers and schools! English teachers get approximately no money to supply our classroom libraries, yet we NEED to have books available to try to encourage kids to read. Most of your books are probably Young Adult, and middle school and high school teachers need books the most. Buying YA lit is a lot more expensive than children's books, and we need to have such an extensive range to cater to all of our different students.

I'm literally watching this sat right next to my bookshelf - there are SO many books I will probably never pick up again, what a lovely idea to donate them to people who will xxx

E.G Fisher Public Library in Athens, TN has the smallest, saddest YA section in it. I worked there for a little bit and a lot of kids would come in looking for the latest books and I think you should send at least one there. It would be absolutely amazing to have one of your books at our public library.

Do a very detailed diclutter video. And I loooove that you are going to do this. And I looove that you are going to donate them!! Books are created to be read by people not sitting on a shelf❤

This sounds really cool and I’m super excited for you!

There’s no organisations coming to mind now, but there are some really good ones who give books to people who really don’t have them around the world.

I love this idea of giving away books to other people, to libraries or starting a little book exchange box. I've been planning on doing this a lot with books that I liked but didn't absolutely love so I feel it would be better to give them away, rather than hoarding them without hope of rereading them.

I recommend donating them to your local children’s hospital for the YA books. My brother (he has CF) spends many a time there and we know a few kids where he frequents who would love to have a little library that’s not all children’s books.

I did all those things you listed and I was still left with tons of books. Final step- I read the first page of all the ones I had left. Got rid of a lot more! Good luck :D

Hi I'm from Albania 🇦🇱so I don't know how can I help you from there (because I don't know organizations of your country) but I want you to know that your idea is awesome and it's great to hear that you are using your books to make someone's face smile and I really enjoyed this video and I got really emotional . Can't wait to watch your journey through the next months. 👏

I'm tidying my dorm room at the moment. I'm not throwing away books, most of them are at home anyway, but there is a lot of other stuff here that I just want to get rid of because I don't have the space and my room at home is already to full of stuff I'm not using anyways.... Clearing out at home will be the next step!

I also watched Marie Kondo on Netflix and she was so inspiring, she made me realise how much stuff I have but don't use and could go to a better place. Looking forward to watching how your journey unfolds with sorting and donating. Will be tough but so rewarding!

The thought of my room being overrun by books sparks joy

I agree, and i too am currently going through my books because, like you, I need to decrease my hoarding because I'll be moving far far away and most of my possessions is books...I got rid of clothing and shoes no problem, books I held like I birthed them...woops. Good luck!

This is so exciting! Something I've done and there's no way I have as many as you but its fun and you'll feel so much better after it! You go girl!!!

Oh that is so cool that you’ll be donating them! What an awesome idea!

Contact the Principals of your local schools because they will know of a childhood organization where you could send them or they will also know which kids in their district are having the hardest times and which ones of those kids would love to read them and benefit from your generous gift.

You should also see if there are any women shelters near by that will take donations. They usually will take any level of book as well.

Hailey in bookland has a bookshelf at her old school because they no longer have a library so thats where all her unhauls go. Maybe you can try that.

I donate the books I unhaul to my local library 😄 good for you for going through your shelves and downsizing your collection! Best of luck with that and I can’t wait to follow along this journey ❤️

I could never get rid of my books, they all mean so much to me I grew up with a library in my house filled with old/new books my parents collected over the years and I spent my childhood and teenage years reading all of them and always finding something awesome to read. So I hope I can do the same for my kids, and that's why I'm keeping them all lol

marie kondo is tidying up every booktubers shelves, love it!

Since you live in greater Boston I totally think you should check out More Than Words. The books are resold to the general public BUT the charity supports that runs it is staffed solely by homeless youth. Their goal is to teach them life and business skills so they can have future success.

I love Sasha's wall I think she's, from all the booktubers that I've been watching, with the largest collection, tbh.

I know you mentioned you live in the Boston Area. There’s this great organization in Waltham called More Than Words that is a book store run by local youth who are in hard situations for one reason or another. Totally recommend checking them out.

Good luck! You can do a book fairies video! Take some of the books you want to donate and leave them at random places for people to find. With a note...