Declutter and Organize Your Books
Books are treasures. Whether you’re a voracious reader, a casual collector, or somewhere in between, books can quickly pile up and overwhelm your space. Organizing them not only helps create a more peaceful, tidy environment but can also make it easier to find and enjoy your favorite reads. Here's how to declutter and organize your books in a way that reflects your personal style and keeps your collection manageable.
Step 1: Gather All Your Books
First, collect all of your books into one place. Seeing them together helps you realize just how many you have, which is key to understanding what to keep and what to part with. Place them on the floor or on a large table to get a full view of your collection.
Step 2: Declutter with Purpose
As book lovers, it can be tough to let go, but being selective about what stays will make organizing easier. Ask yourself:
Have I read this book?
Do I plan to read it again?
Does it hold sentimental or reference value?
Is it part of a series I want to complete?
The Golden Rule: If a book no longer sparks joy or doesn’t align with your current interests, it's time to let it go. Consider donating to libraries, schools, or local charities, or selling them online.
Step 3: Sort into Categories
Once you've decided what to keep, organize your books by categories that suit your lifestyle and needs. Some ideas include:
Genre: Fiction, non-fiction, self-help, cookbooks, etc.
Color: Aesthetic organizing by color can create a beautiful display.
Author: Keep books by the same author together.
Size: Arrange them from largest to smallest for a visually neat look.
Reading Status: Separate books you’ve read from those you still want to read.
Choose a system that makes the most sense for you and makes finding a specific book quick and easy.
Step 4: Design Your Shelving
Now that you’ve decluttered and sorted your books, it’s time to find them a proper home. Here are some tips for setting up your shelves:
Keep it Accessible: Place frequently used or favorite books at eye level.
Make it Stylish: Mix up your arrangement with vertical and horizontal stacks, incorporating small decor items like plants or bookends.
Utilize Space Efficiently: Use every inch of available shelf space. If your bookshelves are full, consider under-bed storage boxes for out-of-season books or lesser-used items.
Step 5: Create a Maintenance System
To prevent book clutter from returning, create a simple system for new books:
One in, one out: Every time you buy a new book, donate or give away one you no longer need.
Designated Spots: Dedicate a specific spot for borrowed or new books before they find their way onto your shelves.
Regular Reviews: Every six months, go through your collection and assess if you’re still interested in keeping all of them.
Step 6: Digitize When Possible
Consider switching to digital copies for some of your collection, especially for those you read for reference or research. E-readers allow you to keep hundreds of books in one compact device (my personal favorite is a Kindle), saving you tons of space! The Libby app is great for reserving books through the King County library. Sign up for an account here. When you’re finished with your book, consider writing a short review on a Goodreads account and exploring what your friends are reading too.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Organized Space
Once your books are neatly organized, step back and appreciate the results! A well-organized collection can bring calm to your space and make it easier to find and enjoy your favorite reads.
Let Us Help You Get Organized!
Feeling overwhelmed by your book collection? Contact Signature Organizing for professional organizing services! We’ll help you declutter and set up a system that works for your space and lifestyle.
Jessica is the founder of Signature Organizing, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Washington (servicing the greater Eastside and Seattle area). She loves transforming chaos into functional spaces and is known for bringing creative solutions to improve the quality of life for her clients. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @signatureorganizing
