(Yes, It Is Possible to Declutter your Bookshelves and Let Go of Books Without Crying)
If your bookshelves are bursting, sagging, or slowly taking over your entire home (hello, towering pile beside the bed), it might be time for a little bookshelf TLC. We get it, books are beautiful, comforting, and full of memories. They’ve been your travel companions, your late-night therapists, and your coffee-stained kitchen sidekicks. But even the most beloved libraries can benefit from a thoughtful decluttering and home organising session.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about getting rid of all your books. You don’t have to become a minimalist monk with nothing but a single poetry volume and a succulent on your shelf (unless you want to!). This is about intentionally curating a collection that reflects you, your current interests, your values, and the life you want to live now.
It’s about creating shelves that are functional, intentional, and (bonus!) look amazing, whether you’re styling them for Instagram or just want to stop the avalanche every time you reach for your favourite novel.
So grab a cuppa, settle in, and get ready to reconnect with your bookshelf in a whole new way. Let’s master the art of decluttering your bookshelves, without the guilt and with a lot more joy.
Step 1: Take Everything Off the Shelves
Yes, we mean everything. To declutter properly, you need a clear view of what you’re working with. Pile your books on the floor or table and prepare for some bookish nostalgia, maybe even a reunion with that long-lost poetry collection you thought you’d never see again.
This step might be messy, but it sets you up for success. You’ll see duplicates, dusty old paperbacks, and books you didn’t even know you owned.
Decluttering Tip: Keep a box or bag nearby labelled “donate” or “sell” so you can make quick decisions without second-guessing later.
Extra Tip: Give your shelves a good dusting while they’re empty, it’s the kind of fresh start your books deserve.
Step 2: Categorise Like a Home Organiser Pro
Once all your books are out, group them into categories. This step is essential for both decluttering and home organising success and it makes things way less overwhelming.
Try sorting by:
- Genre (fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, etc.)
- Author or series
- Read vs. unread
- Favourites vs. just-okay
This not only helps you see where you may have duplicates, but also makes the decision process much easier. It’s harder to keep that mediocre crime thriller when you see it next to your favourite page-turner.
Organising Tip: Be honest with yourself, if you’ve had it for 5 years and haven’t opened it, are you really going to read it? (Spoiler alert: Probably not.)
Bonus Tip: Stack your “to be read” pile somewhere visible, you’re more likely to get to it that way.
Step 3: Ask Yourself the Hard Questions
Now comes the tough love. As you go through each category, ask yourself:
- Have I read this?
- Will I really read it again?
- Do I still care about this topic?
- Is this a book I love or just one I feel I should keep?
- Would I recommend this to a friend?
Books can carry a lot of emotional weight, guilt, memories, even identity. But just because a book was meaningful once doesn’t mean it still needs to take up space now. Let go of the guilt and trust that you’re making space for better things.
Decluttering Insight: Letting go of books you’ve outgrown makes space for the ones that truly reflect who you are now.
Try This: For books you’re unsure about, place them in a “maybe” box. Revisit it in a month. If you haven’t missed them, you’re ready to part ways.
Step 4: Curate What Stays
Now for the fun part, deciding what earns a spot back on your beautiful, clutter-free shelves. Think of this as curating your own personal bookshop or mini-library, filled only with stories that speak to your soul.
Keep books you:
- Love
- Reference often
- Are excited to read
- Want to display because they bring you joy
Let go of books that:
- You didn’t enjoy
- You’ve outgrown (looking at you, high school algebra textbook)
- Are damaged beyond repair
- You’re only keeping out of guilt
Donation Tip: Local libraries, schools, community centres, or op shops will often gladly accept gently used books.
Kindness Reminder: Decluttering is not about waste, it’s about sharing the love and letting good books find new homes.
Step 5: Style Your Bookshelves with Intention
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organise your bookshelves like a pro home organiser.
Here’s how to make them functional and fabulous:
- Sort by colour or size for visual appeal
- Group by category for easy access
- Use baskets or bins for small items like bookmarks, charging cables or kids’ books
- Add decorative elements like plants, candles, or framed photos for balance
- Leave space, your shelves don’t have to be crammed full to be complete
Styling Tip: Try stacking some books horizontally and others vertically for a curated, stylish look. It creates visual interest and keeps your space from feeling too rigid.
Bonus Idea: Add a few personal touches, your favourite framed quote, a travel keepsake, or that tiny Eiffel Tower from your trip to Paris. Your shelves should tell your story.
Step 6: Label if Needed (Especially for Families)
If you share your space with kids, housemates, or a partner who constantly asks, “Where’s that recipe book?”, labels are your new best friend.
Use simple labels on shelves or bins to mark categories like:
- “Kids’ Chapter Books”
- “Cookbooks”
- “Mum’s Faves”
- “To Be Read”
Pro Home Organising Hack: Use a Brother P-Touch label maker for a clean look, or get creative with a Cricut Joy for fancy, personalised labels.
Fun Tip: Let your kids design their own book labels, turn organising into a creative family activity.
Step 7: Maintain the Magic
Decluttering your bookshelves isn’t a one-and-done job, it’s an ongoing habit. Keep the magic alive by weaving these simple habits into your routine:
- Doing a quick review every 6-12 months
- Following the “one in, one out” rule for new books
- Keeping a donation basket nearby
- Being selective about what you bring in (library, anyone?)
A Bookshelf That Sparks Joy (and Makes Sense)
Decluttering and organising your bookshelves is more than just tidying up. It’s about creating a space that reflects your personality, your interests, and what matters most to you now, not ten years ago. It’s a mindset shift that can transform your whole home and, in many ways, your life.
We strive to create a space that feels light, easy to maintain, and aligned with a more minimalist, intentional way of living. Why? Because it would be much better to spend your time living than constantly tidying.
By letting go of the clutter and setting up smart organising systems, you’ll have shelves that are easy to maintain, lovely to look at, and a joy to use.
So go ahead, crack the spine of a favourite novel, light a candle, and admire those gloriously decluttered bookshelves.
You’ve earned it.
Need help with home organising or tackling the rest of your home?
Through our own journey and expertise in the field of decluttering and home organisation, we’ve discovered that letting go of physical clutter can be an incredibly emotional, and surprisingly healing process. It’s not just about the stuff. It’s about releasing old habits, outdated routines, and the emotional weight we often attach to our belongings.
That’s exactly why we keep on providing practical tips, gentle guidance on how to declutter your home and your mindset. If you’re ready for more than just a tidy bookshelf, if you’re craving a reset from the inside out, this might be just what you need.
Join the Ducks in a Row newsletter for more tips, or get in touch for in-home services via our booking enquiry form. You don’t have to do it alone, we’re here to help you turn your vision of an organised haven into a reality.
