Book Organizing

To a lot people, books are like treasures.  OldStep 2.  Arranging books
books hold a sense of nostalgia and quaintness for 
so many.  But, the reality is, the knowledge theyCategorize books by genre, topic, use, frequency
contain is the treasure.  Due to technology, theof use.  So examples would be reference books,
information held in books becomes out of datechildren’s books, cookbooks, or travel
more quickly than ever. books. Within these categories, arrange by height
 and line them up to the edge of the shelf so they
When working with our Senior clients downsizing,all appear to be the same depth.
it is not uncommon for us to put entire 
encyclopedias into the recycle bin, along withAlternate stacking methods. Stack some books
several bags of books.  Too many books canupright and others lying down.  Fat books should
cause problems for health and also pose anbe laid horizontally and stacked to create more
organizing challenge. room.  Use these horizontal stacks of books as a
 pedestal for displaying items. 
Scrapbook paper is acid-free so that it does not 
break down and yellow.  However, newspapers,Use magazine holders to tidy up magazine
magazines, and books are not acid free and willsubscriptions.  You can also use baskets or
break down quickly.  Also, they collect dust anddecorative boxes for maps and unbound papers.
mold and the paper disintegrates over time.  This 
contributes to poor air quality.  The more stuff inStep 3.  Getting the right look
your home, the harder it is to eliminate dust andFor a modern look, don’t be afraid to
other irritants.  Cleaning around stacks of booksleave shelves bare.  Bring attention to your
and knick-knacks is more labor intensive.  Paperfavorite books that have beautiful covers by
is also a fire hazard, so it is best to minimize thestacking a few in isolation, as opposed to filling the
amount you have in your home.  Share yourwhole shelf.  Keeping uniform looking books
books with others now, before the informationtogether also appeals to a modern design.
they hold is of no use. Once the books have been placed on the shelves,
 find decorative and sentimental items you would
Step 1.  Thinning out your librarylike to display.  Accessorize with vases, figurines,
 and picture frames.   
Let go of books you won’t read again,Get artistic by choosing items that match the
that are out of date, that you disliked, that havecolor scheme of your room. Try alternating
never been read and you don’t intend to indifferent shaped items: a square box, a curvy
the next 6 months.  Paperbacks were designedvase, a spherical paper weight.  Try painting your
to be inexpensive, not archival.  Consider onlybookcase a vibrant color to make it the focus, as
keeping hardcover books, as these are designedopposed to your ragtag collection of books.
to last.  Remember that your local library hasKeep the shelf balanced in terms of the size of
most of these books and an internet search canthe books and the items you place on the shelf. 
provide you with a lot of the referenceYou may decide to have one shelf just for
information in books.photos or collectables to accent these items. 
 You can lean plates and frames against the back
Remove torn dust jackets. You may choose toof the shelf and place smaller items in front.
remove all the dust jackets, for a tidier look. The idea of a library in your home has a cozy,
Dust jackets are useful when you take hardcovernostalgic feel, but books can take up too much
books along with you, but don’t do muchroom and are too hazardous to keep for just
good when on shelved books.  Use a damp clothdecoration.  Keep the books you use and love,
to wipe down the shelves and books.pass along the rest while it they are still current
 for someone else to enjoy.