If you’re a true book lover, your collection is probably more than just a shelf or two. It’s a space that feels truly yours. And it’s not just about the books themselves, but the calm and comfort the whole area gives you.
Over time, dust creeps in, books get shuffled, and the space becomes less inviting. The good news? Keeping it tidy doesn’t need a full weekend.
With proper upkeep, you can keep your library neat, organised, and ready for those peaceful reading moments you love. Here’s how.
Take a Quick Look Around
Start by stepping back and having a proper look at your space. Is there dust on the shelves? Are your books stacked randomly or squeezed in too tightly? Probably, a few titles are looking worse for wear.
You don’t need to do anything drastic just yet. This is just about noticing what could use a bit of attention.
While you’re having a look around, give the furniture a once-over. Jot down your remarks, not as a full to-do list, but just a quick note to remind yourself later. No pressure to fix it all today.
You’ll spot one or two things immediately. Maybe, there’s a wonky stack of books that’s about to topple, or a shelf where everything’s leaning like it’s mid-conversation. Once you notice it, it’s hard to ignore, so you might as well tackle it when you get a moment.
Pick Tools That Won’t Hurt Your Books
Books don’t need much, but they do like a gentle touch. When it comes to cleaning, skip the strong sprays and scratchy cloths. You don’t want to end up doing more harm than good.
A soft microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping down shelves and covers without leaving marks. For tight corners and those dusty edges, you’ll find that a clean, soft paintbrush or even an old makeup brush works surprisingly well.
And, if you do need a cleaner, go for something simple and non-toxic. Stay away from anything with harsh fumes or bleach. The aim here is to clean without doing any damage.
Keep a Regular Routine
Here’s a fact that never changes: If you tidy up regularly, it’ll never build up into a big mess.
A quick wipe every week or so does the trick. Start at the top shelf and work your way down. This way, you won’t just move dust from one spot to another. If needed, take the books out, give them a quick clean, then put them back neatly.
Play some music, put on a podcast, or sip some tea while you do it, and it won’t even feel like cleaning. It can actually be kind of calming. You might even spot a book you forgot about and add it to your reading list again.
If life gets too busy or you’re not feeling up to it, there’s no harm in calling a local cleaning service. Their regular housekeeping team usually takes care of most things and leaves your home looking great.
Organise in a Way That Works for You
There’s no “right” way to organise your books. Some people go by genre, others by author, and some even do it by colour, which looks amazing if you have the right mix. The main thing is that you can find what you’re looking for and enjoy how it looks.
Bookends can help keep things tidy, especially if you have a few gaps. If you want to go a step further, you can label the shelves or use a simple tracking system—just a little notebook or spreadsheet is fine.
Don’t be afraid to change things around from time to time. Your reading habits will change, and your home library should grow with you.
For example, you can move all your cookbooks into the kitchen, instead of running back and forth endlessly. It will make a surprising difference! The more your setup reflects your everyday life, the more you’ll use it.
Protect Your Books from Damage
Sunlight, dampness, and rough handling can really degrade old paper. Try not to leave these valuable items in direct sunlight too often, as it can fade the covers and make the pages brittle. A bit of shade or a curtain can make a big difference.
When you’re reading, give the spine some support and avoid bending it back too far. And seriously, skip folding the corners. A bookmark works better and keeps things tidy.
Watch for anything that smells off or has weird spots. It could be mould or bug damage. If something seems musty, it might need a little attention.
Those tiny silica gel packets you find in new shoes or gadgets? Don’t throw them away. They help soak up moisture.
And if bugs are the problem, natural repellents can do the job without needing anything too harsh. Try tossing a few bay leaves or cloves in a mesh pouch, and leave it on the shelf. It helps keep the pests away, and smells pretty good, too.
Use Technology
If you have a big collection or just love being organised, there are some great apps out there that can help you track your books. Many let you scan barcodes to log your titles, and some can even remind you to do a clean-up or reorganise your collection every few months.
It’s totally optional, of course. But if you’re the type who likes to know exactly what you own, these are handy little tools.
As you try those apps, resist getting distracted by looking at all the covers. Before you know it, you’ll be flipping through old favourites and planning what to read next. Then again, it’s not the worst way to spend an afternoon!
Conclusion
Your home library doesn’t have to be spotless to be special, but a little regular care goes a long way. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s all about making your library a place you actually want to spend time in.
So, put the kettle on, pick a shelf to start with, and make it a little project you enjoy. Your future self and your books will thank you.