If you're an avid reader, the thought of decluttering your books can be a bit of a scary one. Here are some tips to help you with declutter your books and maybe even make some space for new ones!

How To Declutter Your Books (5 Tips!)

July 5, 2021 - By Fiona Hawkes

If you’re an avid reader, the thought of decluttering your books can be a bit of a scary one. Here are some tips to help you with declutter your books and maybe even make some space for new ones!

Decluttering can be a challenge, but I’ve found taking it in small steps can really help it feel less overwhelming, so today I’m looking at how to declutter your books and make those agonizing decisions over what should stay and what should go.

How To Declutter Your Books

Right time to get started. It’s okay to take your time. Go through your books bit by bit. Make piles of your favourites and box or bag any that you immediately know you want to get rid of. Set aside and label any books that you want to pass on to friends or family members.

1. Discard Any Books That Are Damaged or Out of Date

The first and easiest step is to get rid of any books that are badly damaged or out of date. I’ll admit to having accidentally dropped at least one or two while reading in the bath.

Reference books can go out of date pretty quickly so it might be time to look at disposing of these too as well as any old textbooks that are no longer relevant to what you do.

You might also find you’ve outgrown some books too. I was obsessed with the Twilight series when it was first released. I have companions, parody books and all the originals.

I feel as though I’m not likely to read them again but struggling to let go (especially as I’ve found the Twilight fandom on BookTok!)

That’s not to say your age should define what you read – I still love YA books and have loved buying children’s books with my daughter!

2. Ask Yourself Whether You Really Will Read It Again?

We often keep books, especially when we’ve enjoyed them. But it’s worth asking yourself whether or not your enjoyment will be the same second time around.

I love reading twisty crime dramas for example, but once I know the twist it’s never the same second time around so I’m trying hard not to keep this type of book when I’m done reading.

Other books, however, I can read over and over again. Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett and Joanne Harris are all favourite authors I will never tire of reading.

3. Go Digital

Some people love digital books while others aren’t quite so keen. While I think you can’t beat reading a classic paperback, I also think they have their place and keeping some of your book collection digitally could free up some space in your home.

4. Keep Your Absolute Favorites

When decluttering books, it’s okay to keep your favourites. This could be favourite authors, series, signed copies, rare books, family heirloom books, or anything that makes you super happy to keep.

5. Think of The Joy These Books Could Bring Others

While parting with books can be tough, think of the joy they could bring others. You could sell them, give them away for free, donate them to charity shops or even set up your very own book exchange.

And Finally:

Remember, even if you do get rid of a book and then decide a year or so later that you want to read it again, the likelihood is that you will be able to find it again somewhere. Whether that’s on Amazon, eBay at your local library or even at a secondhand book shop, it’s very unlikely that the book will be gone forever.