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The best and worst thing about spring is that we finally get to do spring cleaning.
I say “best and worst” because, on one hand, everywhere is going to be sparkling clean, but on the other hand, you actually have to do the work.
And as a book lover, you probably have your shelves overflowing, your books scattered in the most random places, and all of that.
Now that it’s time to start cleaning, you’ll want to get ahead on that.
If you’re confused about where to start, I’ve listed seven steps in this post to get you started immediately.
Reading List
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Step 1: Preparation – Setting the Stage
Before jumping in, setting up the right environment can make a huge difference.
Gather Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Microfiber cloth – Dust builds up quickly, and trust me, it’s worse than you think.
- Gentle cleaning solution – If your shelves are wooden, a good wood cleaner helps maintain their finish.
- Storage bins or boxes – For books you plan to donate, sell, or store.
- Sticky notes & a pen – Perfect for marking books you’re unsure about.
- Vacuum (optional) – If you haven’t cleaned behind your books in a while, there’s probably dust hiding there.
Having everything on hand makes the process smoother.
I used to start without supplies and then halfway through, I’d have to scramble for a cloth or a box and I’ll end up abandoning the task halfway. Lesson learned!
Make It Enjoyable
Decluttering can feel like a task, but the right atmosphere makes it much more enjoyable.
I like to:
- Play my favorite music
- Listen to an audiobook or podcast
- Keep a drink nearby
I also like opening a window if the weather is nice – fresh air makes everything feel lighter.
Step 2: Empty the Bookshelves Completely
This is the part that feels chaotic but is so necessary.
Take Everything Off
Yes, everything. Books, decorations, random objects – take them all down.
I used to try cleaning around books, but I realized that’s just a shortcut that doesn’t really work.
Removing everything lets you start fresh and actually see what you have.
Sort & Assess Each Book
Here’s where the hardest part begins – deciding which books to keep and which ones to let go of.
I’ve had moments where I stared at a book for way too long, trying to justify keeping it.
To make it easier, I ask myself:
- Do I still love this book? If I don’t feel excited about it, I probably won’t read it again.
- Have I read it? If not, do I genuinely plan to?
- Would I buy this book again today? This helps me decide if it still belongs on my shelf.
- Does it hold sentimental value? Some books are worth keeping just because. That’s okay too!
I like using the 80/20 rule – 80% of the time, we only engage with about 20% of our books.
It’s hard to admit, but some books just sit there gathering dust.
And while I love collecting books, I don’t want my shelves filled with ones I’ll never actually read.
If you’re struggling with this, feel free to check out my article on the best ways to avoid hoarding books.
What to Do With Books You No Longer Need
- Donate – Libraries, schools, and shelters often welcome books.
- Sell – Websites like ThriftBooks, PangoBooks, or local bookstores are great options.
- Repurpose – Old books can be turned into décor, scrapbooks, or even wrapping paper.
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Step 3: Cleaning the Bookshelves
Now that your shelves are empty, it’s time for some actual cleaning.
Dusting & Wiping
Start from the top and work your way down – otherwise, dust will fall onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to avoid pushing dust around.
Treating Scratches & Wear
- For wooden shelves – A little furniture polish or rubbing a walnut over scratches works wonders.
- For painted shelves – Touch up with a small brush or mild soap.
I always love how fresh and polished my shelves look after this step – it makes the effort so worth it!
Step 4: Organizing Your Books
Now comes the fun part: putting everything back in a way that makes sense.
Choosing an Organization Style
- By Genre
- By Color
- By Author
- By Size
I personally go for genre + a little color coordination – I want my shelves to look nice but still be functional.
And, I wrote an entire post about the best ways to organize your bookshelf that everyone needs to read.
Using Bookends & Accessories
Bookends keep books upright and prevent them from slumping.
Shelf risers add levels, especially for deep bookshelves.
Magazine holders work well for oversized books.
Step 5: Adding Decorative Touches
Bookshelves should feel personal, not just practical.
Ways to Add Personality
Mix in:
- Small plants – A touch of green makes a big difference.
- Photos or postcards – Personalizes the space.
- Candles – Cozy and inviting (just keep them away from books!).
I love having a plant or two, but keeping them alive is another story.
I’ve definitely killed a few before, so now I stick to low-maintenance ones like pothos or succulents.
Balance Books & Decor
I try to keep 70% books, 30% decorative pieces – too many decorations and it stops feeling like a bookshelf!
Step 6: Maintaining the Organization
Now that everything looks amazing, how do you keep it that way?
Regular Upkeep
- Dust monthly – It’s a small task that keeps things fresh.
- Rearrange as needed – If a system isn’t working, tweak it!
The ‘One-In, One-Out’ Rule
For every new book, I try to remove one I no longer need.
It keeps my collection from overflowing (though I’ll admit, I sometimes cheat on this rule).
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It might be overwhelming at first, but trust me, the feeling of a freshly organized bookshelf is so worth it.
So, put on your favorite playlist, grab a cup of tea, and start sorting.
You might just rediscover a book you’ve been meaning to read for years.
Happy decluttering!
