There’s nothing better than getting stuck in a good book, but if you’re someone like me who enjoys collecting hard copies and finishing two novels a week, reading can quickly become a hobby that takes up a lot of space. Every time I glance at my bulging bookshelf, with copies stuffed in sideways and stacked on top of one another, I tell myself that it’s high time for a declutter. After all, do I really still need that annotated copy of Tess Of The d’Urbervilles I studied for my A levels? Or the ‘hot’ book that I picked up because everyone seemed to be reading it, but I didn’t actually like?

While I enjoy a good sort out and find it quite easy to let go of clothing, homeware and unused beauty products that no longer serve me, there’s something about getting rid of a book that always stops me in my tracks. But I’m not the only one.

According to Judith Clarkson, a professional organiser and certified KonMari consultant, there is a reason why we find it much harder to let go of a well-worn copy of Everything I Know About Love than a surplus spatula or other kitchen utensil that gathers dust.

“Books are more than just objects: they are a reflection of who we are, who we’ve been and who we aspire to be,” Clarkson explains. “Letting go of books can feel like letting go of part of our identity. Novels allow us to escape into different worlds. The book itself can feel like a window into that world, making it hard to part with. Unread books represent the person we want to become: more well-read, more knowledgeable or more cultured.”

At the same time, she says, they can also be a source of guilt, reminding us of our unread ambitions every time we look at our bookshelves: “Some books hold emotional significance, a childhood favourite, travel guides from past holidays and books read during life-changing moments can all feel too precious to part with. Letting go might feel like erasing what we’ve gained from them, even if we’ll never read them again.”

So while there’s nothing wrong with having a curated collection of books you love, if you do feel the itch to pare down your bookshelves, Clarkson shares her four-step method to decluttering, even if you’re an avid reader.

Start by bringing everything together

“Books are often scattered throughout our homes. They may be on bedside tables, in the kitchen or stacked in the living room. Bringing them all together in one place is a powerful way to see the full extent of your collection and reflect on the story it tells,” says Clarkson.

Then, split your books into categories

Once you have gathered all your books, organise them into categories such as fiction, cookery books, travel guides, reference books and course books. “Sorting them this way allows you to compare like with like, making it easier to see where your true interests lie,” says Clarkson. “You may notice, for example, that you have multiple cookery books but only ever reach for one or two. This process helps you recognise patterns in your reading habits and decluttering accordingly.”

Take time to reflect on what each book means to you

“As you go through each category, hold each book and ask yourself: does this spark joy? Does it excite, inspire or comfort me? Does it align with the person I am today and the person I want to become?” says Clarkson. “If you are holding onto books out of obligation or guilt, it may be time to let them go. If you have read and loved a novel but know you will not read it again, consider whether you are holding onto it simply as a souvenir of the experience. Most people rarely reread fiction; instead, let it go with gratitude, knowing it has already served its purpose.”

Afterwards, store your books with intention

Only once you have fully decluttered your books and finally let go of that airport read from 2015 that you didn’t enjoy anyway, should you think about how to store the remaining tomes. The books that remain are the ones that truly reflect you, so give them the space they deserve. “Store them where you will use them: cookery books in the kitchen, reference books near your desk and pictorial books in the living room. Keep only your current read by your bedside to avoid unnecessary clutter,” advises Clarkson. “Honour your collection by storing books vertically and in a way that makes them easy to access. This way, they remain a source of inspiration rather than overwhelm.”

Images: Getty