27 Genius Organizing Books Tips Every Reader Needs To Know

1. Start by Gathering Every Book You Own

I always begin by pulling every book off the shelves, coffee tables, nightstands—wherever they've wandered. Laying them all out in one place helps me see just how many I have and makes the next steps much easier.

2. Sort into Keep, Donate, and Unsure Piles

Be honest with yourself. I ask, “Will I actually read or reference this again?” If the answer is no, it goes in the donate pile. And it’s okay to have an "unsure" pile. I circle back to that at the end.

3. Set Clear Space Limits

I learned this the hard way: your bookshelf is not magical—it has limits. I decide how much space I want books to take up and commit to keeping only what fits.

4. Create a Home Library Inventory

I love using an app like Libib or a simple spreadsheet to track what I own. It’s especially helpful for remembering what I've read or want to lend out.

5. Organize by Genre First

This is where I get a little geeky. I break my collection into genres—fiction, memoirs, cookbooks, business, etc. It helps me find what I need faster and keeps everything feeling more intentional.

6. Then Alphabetize (Or Not!)

For fiction, I like alphabetizing by author. For nonfiction, I usually group by subject or even color if I’m going for a more aesthetic look. It’s your space—do what feels right.

7. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go of Books You Didn’t Love

This was a big mindset shift for me. Just because I bought it or someone gave it to me doesn’t mean I have to keep it. It’s okay to let it go.

8. Don’t Save Books “For Someday” If Someday Never Comes

I used to keep books I might read “when I have time.” Eventually, I admitted those books were just cluttering my shelves and weighing me down.

9. Use Vertical Space Creatively

When I ran out of room, I started stacking books horizontally and adding floating shelves above furniture. Vertical space is your friend.

10. Consider a Bookshelf Rotation

I rotate books seasonally, like a wardrobe. It keeps my shelves fresh and reminds me to read books I might otherwise forget about.

11. Create a To-Be-Read (TBR) Shelf

Designate one shelf just for books you haven’t read yet. For me, it’s motivation. Once that shelf fills up, I pause buying new books until I read a few.

12. Make It Cozy and Inspiring

Your book space should feel good. I added a comfy chair, a warm light, and even a plant nearby to make reading more inviting.

13. Get Honest About “Collector Guilt”

You know that book you bought at a book fair five years ago but haven’t touched? Yeah. Let go of guilt—it’s okay to donate it.

14. Store Rare or Sentimental Books Separately

Some books hold emotional value or are collectors’ items. I keep those in a special box or a separate shelf, so they don’t get lost in the everyday shuffle.

15. Be Careful with Over-Styling

I love a pretty shelf, but I try not to let aesthetics overtake functionality. A few objects here and there? Sure. But if it gets in the way of finding or reading books, it’s too much.

16. Don’t Be Afraid of Digital

I resisted eBooks for years. Now, I read digitally and physically. If I’m tight on space, I opt for the Kindle version, especially for books I don’t plan to re-read.

17. Use Baskets for Odd-Sized Books

Children’s books, graphic novels, or oversized coffee table books don’t always fit nicely on shelves. Baskets and bins are perfect for these.

18. Label Sections if You’re Forgetful Like Me

I use discreet labels for nonfiction sections—things like “Creativity,” “Wellness,” or “Travel.” It keeps everything in order, especially when I’m in a hurry.

19. Keep Frequently Used Books Accessible

Cookbooks I use weekly live in the kitchen. My daily devotional is by my bed. Don’t hide what you use—put it where it serves you.

20. Add Personality with Bookends

Bookends are both practical and fun. I use quirky ones that reflect my style—they make my shelves look put-together without much effort.

21. Try the Rainbow Method (If It Sparks Joy)

Color-coding doesn’t work for everyone, but it can look stunning. I tried it once and loved how vibrant and light my space felt.

22. Don’t Forget the Power of the Library

You don’t need to own every book you want to read. I use my library for new releases or one-time reads—and my shelves thank me.

23. Make Space for New Stories

Whenever I finish a book, I ask: "Do I want this in my permanent collection?" If not, it gets passed along to a friend or donated.

24. Create a Lending Log

I’ve lost way too many good books by lending and forgetting. Now, I write it down—or use a tracking app—to keep tabs on what I’ve shared.

25. Let Your Shelf Tell a Story

I love when someone browses my bookshelf and gets a feel for who I am. I include favorites, influences, and even books that changed my perspective.

26. Make Decluttering a Yearly Ritual

I revisit my shelves every year. My tastes change, and my space evolves. It’s become a therapeutic little ritual—decluttering while sipping tea.

27. Celebrate the Books You Keep

In the end, the goal isn’t to have fewer books—it’s to have the right books. The ones that feed your soul, stretch your mind, or just bring joy. Celebrate them. Display them with pride.

This post is all about organizing books tips!

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