Episode 688: Declutter Your Books in 15 Minutes a Shelf: Forever Shelf vs Flow Shelf for a Peaceful Library
If your books are managing you (not the other way around), this episode is your 15‑minute reset. Kathi Lipp walks you through a simple, shelf‑by‑shelf plan to create a peaceful, findable home library you’ll actually use—without losing the joy of reading. Listeners will learn: • The MEET method to make your library pay you back in Money, Energy, Emotional bandwidth, and Time • Kathi Lipp's three zero‑guilt questions to decide what stays and what goes • Forever Shelf vs Flow Shelf: two simple zones that make your system maintainable • Why capacity matters (and why you don’t need more shelves) • How to stop “buying to become” and end guilt stacks • Practical upkeep: one‑in‑one‑out, return stations, and exit strategies (little libraries, friends, donations) • Where to house TBR so your nightstand can breathe Plus, Kathi Lipp shares a favorite Forever Shelf pick and introduces "Jesus Was," a thoughtful, conversation‑starting book she endorsed—perfect for souls that need a gentle reset. Press play and take back your shelves in the next 15 minutes.
About Our Guests

Susy Flory
Author, Director, Founder
West Coast Christian Writers; Everything Memoir
Susy Flory is the New York Times bestselling author or co-author of sixteen books. She directs West Coast Christian Writers, is founder of Everything Memoir, and is in the final year of an MA in New Testament from Northern Seminary. Her book, The Unbreakable Boy, has been adapted for the screen and will release March, 2022, starring Patricia Heaton and Zachary Levi. Her most recent book, Sanctuary (Tyndale), co-authored with Patrick Barrett, is the true story of an Irish village, a man who lost his way, and the rescue donkeys that led him home, and launches March 15, 2022.
Resources Mentioned
- Clutter Free Academy Facebook Community
Free 'kindest corner of the internet' group for listeners seeking bonus downloads and support.
- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Modern classic memoir about eating locally for a year.
- The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn
Comprehensive compilation of the famed frugality newsletter.
- Jesus Was: Not What We Expected but Better Than We Imagined
Official publisher page with listing and preorder info.
- Bookshop.org – Support Indie Bookstores
Online bookstore supporting indie bookstores; allows ordering while benefiting local stores.
- Kindle Unlimited – Amazon Subscription Service
Amazon's subscription reading service with sign-up details.
Full Transcript
Transcript unavailable.
Episode Topics
book declutteringforever shelfflow shelfMEET methodmoney energy emotional bandwidth timeone-in-one-outread and releaseTBR off the nightstandbook exit strategieslittle free libraryreturn stationshelf capacityorganize books by zonesduplicate booksaspirational bookscookbook declutteringdevotional rotationlibrary audiobooksKindle UnlimitedClutter Free Academy Facebook GroupKo-fi campaignSusy FloryJesus WasAnimal Vegetable MiracleThe Tightwad Gazette
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