Ah, spring. That magical time when we get the sudden urge to clean, organize, and tackle the chaos we’ve been ignoring for months. And if you’re anything like me, your bookshelves are groaning under the weight of way too many books you’ve promised to read “someday.” Spoiler alert: someday isn’t actually on the calendar.

Spring cleaning is in full bloom, and there’s no better time to tackle the great literary mountain growing in your living room, bedroom, or closet. Yes, we’re talking about the art of the book unhaul. Gasp! I know. The idea of letting go of books can feel sacrilegious. But hang with me—we’ll make this painless (dare I say fun?) and maybe even a little therapeutic.

Whether you’re a casual reader or a full-blown book dragon guarding your hoard, this guide will walk you through the steps of saying goodbye to the books that no longer serve you, so you can make space for the ones that do (or at least see your floor again).

Step One: Set the Mood

First things first: make this a vibe.

Put on your favorite playlist. Light a candle that smells like an old bookstore or fresh linen. Pour yourself an iced chai, coffee, or maybe a little something bubbly. You’re not just cleaning—you’re curating a literary sanctuary.

And if it helps, pretend you’re starring in a cozy spring-cleaning montage. Buns up, comfy clothes on, let’s get to it.

Step Two: Gather All Your Books

That’s right. All of them. From every nook, cranny, basket, tote bag, and drawer. Yes, even that random one by the bathtub that’s been there for six months.

Laying all your books out on the floor, bed, or table will give you a visual of what you’re working with. And chances are, seeing them all together will help you realize: you might not need every single one.

Bonus: It’s kind of fun to “rediscover” books you forgot you even owned. (Looking at you, 2012 copy of Eat, Pray, Love, I never opened.)

Step Three: Sort Like a Librarian with a Sassy Side

Now comes the real sorting. Make four piles (or more if you’re feeling fancy):

1. Keep – Books you love, will reread, or reference often. These are the ride-or-die books that spark joy à la Marie Kondo.
2. Maybe – Books you’re unsure about. You’re allowed to be indecisive. We’ll deal with this pile later.
3. Donate/Sell/Gift – Books you’ve outgrown, didn’t enjoy, or are just ready to pass on to a new reader.
4. Recycle – Books that are water-damaged, moldy, or falling apart beyond repair. Trust me, no one wants those.

Ask yourself:

• Would I read this again?
• Did I even finish it?
• Do I actually like this book, or do I feel guilty about not liking it?
• Am I keeping it because it looks good on my shelf?

Be honest with yourself. Keeping a book just because it was expensive or “everyone loved it but me” is not a reason to hold onto shelf real estate.

Step Four: Revisit the “Maybe” Pile

The “maybe” pile is your emotional gray area. Here’s a fun trick: give yourself a mini challenge.

• Read the first page or chapter. If you’re not hooked or curious, it might be time to let it go.
• Try the 6-month test. If you wouldn’t pick it up in the next six months, would you ever?
• Phone a friend. Ask your bookish BFF if they’ve read it and what they thought. Peer pressure (the good kind) might help.

Whatever’s left after this round can join either the “keep” or “donate” pile. Be ruthless but kind to yourself. You’re not breaking up with your books—you’re giving them new lives.

Step Five: Let Them Go (Yes, Really)

Now that you’ve decided what to unhaul, it’s time to actually get those books out of your space. Here are some fun and feel-good ways to do it:

1. Donate

• Local Libraries – Some accept donations for book sales or community shelves.
• Little Free Libraries – These are the cutest way to pass along a book. It’s like a treasure hunt for readers!
• Schools or Literacy Programs – Gently used children’s and YA books are especially appreciated.
• Community Centers or Shelters – Books can be a comforting escape for someone going through a tough time.

2. Sell

• Local Used Bookstores – Some will offer store credit or cash.
• Online – Try PangoBooks, BookScouter, or even Facebook Marketplace if you’ve got newer titles in good condition.
• Garage Sale – Bundle books by genre and label them “$1 each or 6 for $5.” It’s oddly satisfying.

3. Gift

• Host a Book Swap with friends or your book club. Everyone brings a few books they’re ready to part with and picks something new to take home. Add snacks and call it a party.
• Wrap a book as a surprise for someone who needs a pick-me-up.
• Leave a book in a waiting room, park bench, or bus stop with a sticky note: “Free book! Take me home.”

Step Six: Reorganize Your “Keepers”

Now that you’ve lightened the load, you get to do the fun part: reorganizing your shelves!

Go full librarian and sort alphabetically, by genre, or by author. Or go for the Instagram aesthetic with rainbow color coordination. Add in a few bookish trinkets, a plant, or a framed quote to give it personality.

This is your chance to make your shelves reflect you. There’s no wrong way to do it, as long as it makes you smile when you walk past.

Need some help or inspiration? Check out How to Spring Clean Your Bookshelves. 

Step Seven: Set Future You Up for Success

Want to avoid the pile-up happening all over again? Try one (or all) of these:

• Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule – For every book you buy, another one must go.
• Library Love – Make your local library your go-to for books you’re unsure about buying.
• Track What You Read – Use an app like Goodreads or StoryGraph to see your reading habits and catch patterns (like hoarding fantasy books you never read).
• Set Seasonal Check-ins – Add “mini unhaul” to your seasonal to-do list. It’s much easier to do a quick refresh every few months than a full-blown purge once a year.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later

Books are beautiful. They make us feel, think, dream, and sometimes cry in public. But it’s okay to let them go. Letting go doesn’t mean the book wasn’t important. It just means you’ve outgrown it, or it’s time for someone else to enjoy it.

Think of unhauling as part of your reading journey. By clearing out the old, you make room for books that genuinely excite you. And isn’t that what reading should be about?

So take a deep breath, toss on your favorite playlist, and let this be the season you reclaim your shelves, your space, and your TBR sanity. Discover how to spring clean your TBR book list. 

Now go forth and unhaul like the springtime bookish hero you are.

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