Decluttering Ideas for Authors and Readers

It’s April, which means the beginning of spring and the perfect time for a little decluttering!

The thought of decluttering may not sound like much for either an author or a reader (or someone who is both!), but in doing so you’ll find that you make more space for what matters most … you know, more book-related items!

Not sure what exactly you need to purge?

Here are some ideas to help you with your spring cleaning.

5 Spaces for Authors to Declutter

As an author, it's important to keep your workspace and mind clutter-free to ensure maximum productivity and creativity. Clutter can be a major distraction and can hinder your ability to focus on your writing. Here are five areas that authors should declutter to optimize their writing process:

• Your Workspace

Your workspace should be clean and organized, with all unnecessary items removed. This includes stacks of paper, empty cups, and anything that doesn't belong. Make sure your workspace is conducive to productivity by removing anything that might distract you from your writing.

• Your Digital Devices

Our digital devices can easily become cluttered with emails, notifications, and various files. To declutter your digital devices, start by deleting old emails and files you no longer need. Organize your files and folders in a way that makes sense to you, and keep your desktop free of unnecessary icons.

• Your Schedule

To optimize your writing process, you need to declutter your schedule. This means identifying time-wasters and eliminating them from your day. This might mean cutting down on social media or television time or delegating some tasks to others. By decluttering your schedule, you'll free up more time to focus on your writing.

• Your Mind

To write effectively, you need to have a clear mind. This means letting go of any negative thoughts, worries, or distractions that might be clouding your mind. Meditation, journaling, and exercise are all great ways to clear your mind and increase your focus.

• Your Writing

Finally, it's important to declutter your writing itself. This means editing your work to eliminate any unnecessary words or phrases that might be distracting from your message. By decluttering your writing, you'll ensure that your message comes across clearly and effectively.

5 Spaces for Readers to Declutter

In a world where we're constantly bombarded with information, it's easy to become overwhelmed and cluttered. That's why it's important to regularly declutter the areas that can cause the most chaos. Here are five areas a reader can declutter to live a more organized and peaceful life - and make room for more books!

• Bookshelves

As a reader, it's easy to accumulate a large number of books. While it can be tempting to hold onto every book you've ever read or plan to read, it can quickly lead to cluttered bookshelves. Take the time to go through your collection and donate or sell the books you no longer need or want. This will free up space on your shelves and make it easier to find the books you truly love.

• Reading List

Similar to bookshelves, it's easy to accumulate a long reading list. While it can be exciting to have a list of books you want to read, it can also be overwhelming. Take some time to review your list and prioritize the books you really want to read. Consider removing books that no longer interest you or that you've been putting off for too long.

• Bookmarks

Most, if not all, readers are bookmark collectors. We can’t help ourselves. But odds are you use the same one or two placeholders over and over again. Take some time to gather up all your bookmarks and then decide which ones to keep and which ones to let go (it might also help to set a number limit and work within those boundaries). Any leftovers can be donated to other bibliophiles.

• Digital Library

If you use an e-reader or digital library, it's important to regularly review your collection. Delete any books you've already read or that you no longer want to read. This will free up space on your device and make it easier to find the books you're currently reading.

• Reading Space

Finally, take some time to declutter your reading space. Remove any distractions, such as electronic devices or clutter, that can take away from your reading experience. Create a peaceful and calming environment that will help you focus on your reading and reduce stress.

Now that you have an idea of what and where to start decluttering, what will you work on? Leave us a comment below and let us know!