What to Do When You Love Books But Also Want Less Clutter
People often assume that professional organizers must be strict minimalists—like we live in blank white rooms with just one chair and a single plant. But that couldn’t be further from the truth, at least not for me!
Hi, I’m Pinky Jackson, and I love books. I have a lot of them. And yes, I still manage to keep everything organized. Usually. Until it’s not, and then I refresh the system!
I’m rereading a cozy Jan Karon novel—one I first read years ago. These books are special to me because my mom and I used to read them together back when she was earthside and lived here in Louisville. Even though I’ve read it before, it still feels like a warm hug, and it reminds me why some things are worth holding onto.
If you’re a book lover but feeling overwhelmed by the clutter, I’ve got a few tried-and-true organizing strategies that might help.
1. Start with the easy decisions.
Go through your collection and let go of the books you didn’t like, never finished, or know you won’t read again. Donate them to a nonprofit, put them in a little free library, or give them to someone you know would love them, AND who wants them and has the space for them!
2. Honor your treasures.
Keep the books that truly matter to you—the ones you re-read, the ones tied to meaningful memories, or the ones you imagine revisiting in your golden years. For me, those Jan Karon novels definitely make the keep pile.
3. Get honest about your space.
Here’s a golden rule of professional organizing: Let your available space set your limit. Whether you’re organizing books, scarves, teapots, or vintage t-shirts, the concept is the same. If your collection is outgrowing your shelves, bin, cabinet or wherever your collection is housed, it might be time to rotate, downsize, or reconfigure your storage.
This doesn’t mean you have to live without the things you love—it means learning to live with them intentionally, with a volume you can manage.
4. Make it sustainable.
The goal is to create a system where you can actually enjoy your things—not trip over them. Organize your books (or anything else) in a way that’s functional, easy to maintain, and true to your lifestyle. That might mean setting up a rotating display, using labeled bins, or just making peace with letting some items go.
You can be a passionate book lover and still have a beautiful, clutter-free, and organized home. All it takes is a little strategy—and a lot of heart.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go topinkyjackson.com
Photo: Florencia Viadana @florenciaviadana
