There was some sale that was on at IKEA a couple of months ago, and I purchased a second bookshelf then. I clearly knew that I had more than enough shelf space, be it for figurines, CDs or reading materials. Yet, I was some way or another, convinced that it would be better to get an extra just in case all my storage space runs out.
And so, all the stuff which could be packed nicely into 1 bookshelf is now split into two. This is what it results in.
When there’s an abundance of something, one will tend to take it for granted. It’s the same thing in this case. Back when I only had 1 shelf, everything would be packed compactly. However, after the second shelf came into the picture, the habit of dumping whatever I bought on the shelves soon took over. I realised that all of the stuff in the second bookshelf could actually be compactly packed into 2 shelves, instead of the currently used 5.
Even without the second bookshelf, I doubt I needed extra space. For figurines, the top shelf has more than enough for 7 to 8 regular figurines. For CDs and DVDs, I have more than enough space since I only purchase them when I have people to share the shipping cost with, or when I head over to Japan. The only thing I might have needed more space for is manga, but I couldn’t possibly fill more than 2 shelf levels with manga. I would be pathetically broke, and I would probably not be able to finish reading through everything either.
I remember how my previous home stay guest went “スゲー！” when he first entered my room, and proceeded on to snap some shots as if it was some art exhibition centre. I wonder how the next one’s going to react next weekend, now that double the storage space will appear like a larger collection. If my home stay guest conveniently happens to be a 2次元 hater, things are probably going to get interesting >_>
Anyway, one thing I really hate about the unused space is that dust gathers fairly quickly as compared to shelves which are being occupied. I have a thing against dust, so I have to clean it rather frequently.
Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to have purchased a second shelf after all…
Well you can always compact the stuff again and make it easier to clean the dust off those unused shelves.
And you never know when extra shelves might come in handy…
2nd shelf will be compacted over time. More shelves results in more compaction results in more spending than ever before.
No shelf results in lesser or slower spending.
You never know. Like Panther said, it might come in handy in the future.
PP speaks wisely. To paraphrase Parkinson’s Law: “A collection expands so as to fill the space available.” I’m sure you’ll fill up that bookcase faster than you can say “Urusai!” thrice.
But before that hated free space vanishes under a mountain of fresh manga and figures, here’s something you can do with it. Set aside one of the unoccupied shelves - preferably the uppermost tier - and, within that space, create a mini-shrine to your favourite manga/anime/character/whatever. Arrange all goods related to the object of veneration (DVDs, CDs, figures, etc.) not to maximize efficiency but to create the best visual impact (say, a figure at the centre and various other goods laid out beside it in eye-catching formations).
believe me, before you notice, you will need extra space for all the figures, magazines, mangas, etc… lol
Cool blog btw.
^_^
animoe.net
Like the people before me said, it’s probably better, so long as you keep it organized and don’t dump whatever wherever. Now you won’t have to worry about getting a new shelf for a long time. I, on the other hand, am in great need of a new shelf right now, and I have to put lots of my new manga on the floor >.>
shelves are an otaku’s best friend, trust you should save them
Well…. Extra space compels you to spend money to fill them up.
I don’t even have a room to call my own. I just sleep in the space where the computer is.
Panther, Stifler > The keyword is might. Actually, from how I see it now, the first shelf can last me for at least until next year. Or even longer.
pp, Diego, The Sojourner > In actual fact, I’m trying so very hard to cut down on my spending.
Garnet > I never leave manga on the floor. That’s just asking for it to be stepped on.
otaku dan > And to think that I thought tissue paper’s an otaku’s number 1 best friend.
Shin > Oh, you poor thing.
Pass me one of your shelves then. I need one. @_@
Haha, but sadly, no. Not after all the effort I put to lug it home.