Bookshelves can quickly become clutter magnets. In addition to your most treasured titles (mine is Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye), your bookshelf can also become crowded with knick-knacks and books you're so-so about. I tapped professional organizer and founder of The Social Brunch Club and Closet Therapy, Shaniece Jones, for her advice on how to declutter bookshelves correctly. After learning her methods for decluttering the closet, I knew she'd have great advice for tidying up this other clutter-prone space.
Most people should aim to declutter their bookshelves at least twice a year, according to Jones. "If you’re constantly adding new titles, more frequent check-ins help prevent shelves from becoming overcrowded,” she says.
Decluttering your bookshelves can be a quick way to make your space look tidier. Bookshelves are often one of the places in a room where the eyes land, so a disorganized one can make the entire room look messy. Luckily, decluttering and organizing your bookshelf doesn't have to be time-consuming. You can set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes — we're willing to bet you'll be surprised at how much progress you can make in that time.
Keep reading for expert-backed tips on how to declutter bookshelves correctly so you can make space for those new releases you're genuinely excited to read.
The Decluttering Process
In order to organize your book collection, you need to get rid of books to free up space. Jones says start by setting aside your favorite books. Think about whether you'll read them again or prefer to give them away.
After you've made these decisions, take stock of any unread books on your shelves. “Ask yourself two honest questions: Do I plan to read this book in the next six months? Am I genuinely interested in this book, or did I buy it on impulse or because someone recommended it? Your answers will usually be very clear,” Jones says.
It's always a good idea to find new homes for these books, too. “Begin by passing books along to friends who would genuinely benefit from reading them,” Jones says. “If they pass, check with local school libraries, many accept donations, or look for book drop boxes, often located outside public libraries.”
You can also search for a local charity, like Goodwill, that accepts books in good condition (I've donated to Housing Works in New York City in the past). “You never know, the one book you give away could end up changing someone’s life. There is real power in books; a single one can shift perspective, direction, or even purpose,” she says.
Pro Organizing Advice
Follow Jones' tips to get your book collection in order after decluttering.
Don’t organize books by color. One of the top mistakes Jones says people make is color-coding books. “While the ROYGBIV method can be visually appealing and may work well in closets, it doesn’t work for books,” she says. “You’re not going to search for ‘the red book,’ you’re going to look for a title, an author, or a subject.”
Try organizing by topic or author, then height. As you start organizing your collection, consider how you typically search for books. “Books are personal and should be organized that way. After decluttering, I recommend organizing books by category or author first, based on how you naturally search for them, then refining the look by height for visual balance,” Jones says.
Don’t be consumed with aesthetics. We’re all guilty of obsessing over immaculate bookshelves on social media. That shouldn’t be the goal, though, Jones says. “When organizing books, don’t get caught up in making your shelf Pinterest-worthy. Focus on functionality and practicality first. Your bookshelf should feel personal and inviting, set up in a way that actually encourages you to reach for and read the books you’ve been meaning to get to,” Jones explains.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
