Do you have a pile of books you meant to read but never did?
Maybe they’re stacked on your nightstand, lined up on a shelf, or still sitting in a shopping bag. You picked them up because they looked good. Some were gifts. Some you bought on a whim.
But life got busy. And now, that pile is just sitting there.
Instead of making you excited, it might be making you feel a little guilty—like one more thing you haven’t crossed off the list.
If that sounds like you, this guide will help. I’ll walk through how to deal with all those unread books in a way that feels simple, clear, and right for where you are now.
Why It’s Hard to Let Go of Books?
Well, it’s simple because books can feel personal to us. (even if we haven’t read them)
Maybe you picture yourself with a cup of coffee or tea, flipping through the pages on a quiet afternoon. That’s why it’s not always easy to let them go. Because it’s not just about the book, it’s about what we thought we’d do one day.
Aside from that, some books may also be meant to teach us something. Like how to eat better, how to start a garden, or they were popular at the time.
However, life changed. Our interests shifted. Maybe reading got harder, or other things started to matter more.
But still, the books stayed. You might see them in a basket by your chair, on your nightstand, or in the kitchen near the recipe box. Some might even be packed away from your last move.
A few were gifts, and you kept them because they meant something. Others came from a sale and just seemed like a good idea. But now, there are more books than time, and the shelves are running out of space.
That’s when it’s worth asking:
Do these books still fit the life I have now?
If the answer is no, it’s okay. Letting go doesn’t mean you failed. It just means you're making room for what matters now. And that can feel like a relief.
Where Do All Your Books Usually End Up?
Over time, it’s easy to lose track of where books go. You set one down, then another, and before you know it, they’re all over the house.
Maybe there’s a small stack under the coffee table or beside the couch. Some might be mixed in with papers on the kitchen counter. Others get placed in a closet, a tote bag, or even a drawer—just to get them out of the way.
If you’ve ever had a sewing room, a craft area, or a guest room, there’s a good chance a few books were set aside there for later. Some might be in plastic bins in the basement or garage, packed away during a cleanup but never sorted through.
If you’ve joined book clubs or picked up deals at library sales, those books may have gone straight into boxes when your shelves got too full.
And don’t forget digital books. Many of us have old e-readers or apps full of titles we downloaded but never started.
What Books Are Worth Keeping and Which Ones Can Go
It’s not always easy to let go of books, especially when they’ve been in your home for years. But you don’t need to clear out everything. Just keep the ones you still use and enjoy and let go of the ones that no longer fit your life.
You can start by thinking about the books you actually use. Maybe it’s a daily devotional, a cookbook you still open, or a mystery you’ve read more than once. These are the books worth keeping. They’re part of your day, and they still bring you joy or comfort.
Then look at the ones you never seem to finish. Maybe you’ve started them a few times but never got very far. Maybe you bought them because they were on sale or someone recommended them, but they just didn’t click with you.
Some books made sense during a certain phase of life. Like diet books, hobby guides, or home repair manuals. But if you’re not doing those things anymore, you probably don’t need the books either.
You might also have books from authors you used to enjoy, but now their stories don’t hold your interest. That’s okay. Your tastes have changed.
For books you’re unsure about (ones that you’re keeping “just in case”) you can set a limit. Pick one shelf, box, or bin for those. When that space is full, take a moment to go through them again.
And ask yourself: Would I still buy this today? If not, it may be time to let it go.
If a book makes you feel guilty every time you see it, or if it’s been sitting untouched for years, that’s a sign that you need to let them go. It may have mattered once, but it doesn’t have to stay forever.
How to Manage Your Books So They Don’t Pile Up Again
Once you’ve made decisions about what to keep, the next step is figuring out how to manage your books in a way that is doable and not overwhelming.
Try giving your books a clear space in your home. Whether that’s a bookshelf in the living room, a small cart next to your chair, or a drawer in the bedroom, the key is making sure the books you keep are easy to see and reach.
When your books are organized and not buried in piles, you’re more likely to read them and less likely to forget what you have.
Aside from setting a specific spot for your books, you can also keep a little reading list. If you come across a book that looks interesting at the store or from a friend’s recommendation, write it down instead of buying it right away. This way, you’ll only bring in books you’re truly excited to read when you’re actually ready for them.
Another helpful idea is to set a small goal. Choose one book you already own and plan to finish it in the next few weeks. If it doesn’t hold your interest, that’s a sign it’s okay to pass it along. You don’t have to finish something just because you started it. (though I understand that sometimes, that’s the hardest thing to do)
And finally, give yourself permission to release the guilt. You don’t owe your books anything. They were there for a season, and that season might have passed. The gift was in the possibility not the pressure to get through every single page.
Creating a Bookshelf That Reflects Your Life Now
There comes a time when holding onto books becomes more about the past than the present. If your shelves are full but nothing catches your interest anymore, that’s a sign it’s time to change your focus.
Clearing out old books doesn't mean you’ve stopped caring. It means you’re choosing what fits your time, your energy, and your interests today.
Whether that’s a handful of favorites, a small “to read” stack, or space for something new, what matters is that it feels right for YOU.
And if you’d like a little extra help sorting it all out, the Printable Declutter Binder is a great tool. It gives you simple worksheets to help make those tough decisions feel a bit easier.
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