Decrease the volumes!

Of course you hoard books. We all do. But if the pile is toppling over, it's time for a trim. Relax, here are some tips. We've got you

- Tanisha Saxena

The first step to decluttering is to confront the truth: You just have too many books. To clear your shelf, you need to figure why you're holding onto them.

Decluttering junk is tough enough. But with books, subtraction is tougher. They represent worlds explored, tales told and retold. Their very presence is a sign of hours spent with imaginary heroes, dragons, tycoons, aliens, blood-soaked proms... OK, before we get sucked into that void. Here's how to manage an overflowing book nook.

• First, take stock. Take everything out. Yes, even the stack in the bathroom. And get a sense of just how many books you own, and how many places you've been hiding them. The first cut – returning all the ones you borrowed. It's a warm-up for the harsher trims to come.