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Decluttering problem

(14 Posts)
lilypollen Sun 02-Feb-25 23:07:27

Since demise of my parents in 2003/09 I have been the repository of their specialist interest books with no interest of my 2 siblings. I am now decluttering with regard to my sons inheriting a clear out eventually and want to get rid of the books. Brother is taking some specialist books but sister, up in Scotland is getting anti as I want to dump family bibles. Charity shops are hassle for me but given where she lives has no understanding of this. Feel there might be a fall out.

Allira Sun 02-Feb-25 23:14:37

Send the family bibles to your sister by carrier.
Then she can make the decision.

I think some auction houses specialise in books.

BlueBelle Sun 02-Feb-25 23:15:48

There is a online place that buy books( World of Books) I ve sold a lot of mine not for much money but it adds up and they collect them but it has to be a boxful not just a couple
Can’t you box them and give them to the sister that is upset about it ?

Allira Sun 02-Feb-25 23:19:45

Yes, our charity shop used to refuse to take books but they do now and any they don't sell go to World of Books.

growstuff Sun 02-Feb-25 23:40:21

Offer the family bibles to your sister. If she doesn't want them - are you on any family history sites? Sometimes distant relatives are interested. I've been the recipient of two family bibles from different branches of my family.

It's difficult to dispose of specialist books. Depending how specialist they are and what their subject is, university libraries are sometimes interested.

I know somebody who inherited hundreds of specialist books on a very niche subject and advertised them on her Facebook page. I think she still has some, but she did get rid of quite a few.

crazyH Sun 02-Feb-25 23:44:33

The Family. I le will contain some interesting and valuable information. My sister-in-law has just copied some of my Dad’s bible entries and sent it to me. It’s a real eye -opener. Dates of births and deaths of my great grand uncles, aunts etc fascinating.stuff !

growstuff Sun 02-Feb-25 23:53:49

I agree crazyH. A page from a family bible helped me break down a brick wall. The information pre-dated civil registration. Armed with my new information, I was able to track down some parish records and to confirm the dates and the connection to my family.

RiaBrown Mon 03-Feb-25 02:35:48

I just recently moved home and I cleared out my whole wardrobe only to find out that I only have my work uniform left.

My new course in pharmacology means that my books take up the majority of space in my new place.

Doodledog Mon 03-Feb-25 02:46:20

If you are looking to donate (rather than sell) them, then Anglia Doorstep Collections will take books, and come and get them, so you don’t have the hassle of transporting heavy boxes. They sell items and donate at least some of the proceeds to charity, and you get a say in which charity (from a shortlist) your donations help.

I use them as they are very convenient- I can’t otherwise vouch for them, but reviews suggest that they are legit.

You book online, and if you are going out you can leave boxed or bagged items and they will pick them up.

growstuff Mon 03-Feb-25 04:18:34

Thanks for that Doodledog. This is their website:

anglodoorstepcollections.co.uk/about-us/

I'm moving in a couple of months and in the process of decluttering, so I'm going to contact them.

growstuff Mon 03-Feb-25 04:26:52

Aaaarrggh! I'm gutted - they don't collect in my postcode area sad

growstuff Mon 03-Feb-25 04:29:12

Forget that! Yes, they do! :-)

Doodledog Mon 03-Feb-25 09:49:12

Sorry- it was very late when I posted and I got the name wrong so thanks for putting up the link.

They are very useful, particularly for those who don’t drive.

lilypollen Mon 03-Feb-25 19:17:20

I appreciate your input and will follow up suggestions. Thanks