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Writer's pictureJohn Lim

MF 446 : Decluttering series: purging books and a look at PangoBooks

Updated: Dec 5, 2023



Today, I cover purging book clutter. On the second half, I take a look at the PangoBooks app for selling your old books. More at ⁠⁠www.bemovingforward.com⁠⁠.



[Note: Links to Amazon and Audible products are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.]


Decluttering series

Purging book clutter

If you've followed the podcast, you'll know that I'm an avid reader. For the past five years or so, the library has been my go to place for books; physical, e-formats, and more recently, audiobooks. I even use the library to check out movies and TV shows. However, growing up and well into adulthood, I collected a ton of books, which I bought or received as gifts. This included textbooks from college and graduate school. I rarely got rid of any, and they were spread out in my condo, including my storage unit, and my dad's house, in his garage. As I was purging paper and clothing clutter, I came across boxes of books and decided this would be my next decluttering category.


As I unearthed several boxes of books, I also removed a bunch from my shelves. I donated a bunch to the VVA and PH, especially the hardback textbooks from school. However, many of the books I came across are still in good shape and in demand. These I've decided to list for sale using an app called PangoBooks. Think of it as "Poshmark for books." I started around early August, listing 15 fifteen and got my first sale that same evening: a new unread copy of Lonesome Dove (affiliate page link) that I've had for years but never got around to reading. I've increasingly listed more books and now have 80 listed for sale. To date, I've sold six at around a pace or 1 book or 2 every other week. I'm hoping to continue the momentum and clear out as many as I can within the next six-to-eight months with a backup plan to donate titles that don't move within that period.

Books can be tricky as we often have great attachment to them, both for the joy they bring in reading them and memories associated with when we got them. However, I've also discovered a different kind of joy in letting them go to someone who may find their own enjoyment within those pages.


Decluttering tip

If you haven't read a book you own within the last two years, chances are you won't. Donate or sell it. You can easily borrow a copy from the library or buy a new one if you really want it again.


PangoBooks is a great platform to sell used books. Make sure to double check the weight to ensure it affixes the correct postage as that is usually purchased by the buyer. Disclosure any markings or flaws with photos and in the text description.


Decluttering resources

My bookstore on PangoBooks

Join me for a six week class on writing your first book (starts today at 4 pm ET (Thursday, Nov. 2nd))

Check out the Moving Forward mini-series collection

My books on Poshmark

The office party or holiday white elephant gift

Book a coaching call

  • Book a coaching call with me through Clarity.

Check out the Moving Forward mini-series collection

Get your news with Morning Brew (free)

  • Morning Brew (affiliate link): a fantastic free newsletter that's a quick read and a great way to get your morning briefing on what's happening in the market, the economy, and the larger world.

What I’m reading / read

Audiobook narrated by John

Support the Podcast

  1. The Poshmark Guide for Individuals and Small Businesses -and- The Poshmark Journal for Individuals and Small Businesses are available on Amazon.

  2. The Corporate Cliches Adult Coloring Book: makes the perfect stocking stuffer or white elephant gift.

  3. Try out Audible (affiliate paid link).

  4. Try out Amazon Prime (affiliate paid link).

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