Declutter Your Bookshelves: How Many Cookbooks Do You Actually Use?

Let me guess: your bookshelf is looking less like a smart, stylish focal point and more like it’s prepping for the collapse of civilization via literature. And don’t even get me started on the cookbook shelf… unless you’re actively opening that juice cleanse guide from 2014 (you’re not), it’s time to get real.

This one’s for the paper hoarders—the literary dreamers, the “one day I’ll read this” crew, and yes, the cookbook collectors still clinging to a sourdough starter fantasy. I’ve been there. Once had a shelf devoted entirely to airport thrillers and vegan baking manuals. I’m neither vegan nor particularly thrilled.

So let’s cut the clutter, shelf by shelf, with some sassy strategy and actual fun.

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First, The Shelf Confessional: What’s Actually on There?

Before you can declutter, you need to face it. Pour a cup of coffee (or wine—this might take a minute) and really look at your bookshelves. Pull everything off. Yep. Everything.

Sort it into categories:

• Cookbooks (brace yourself)
• Novels you’ve read
• Novels you haven’t read
• “I should read this to become a better person” books
• Random manuals, guides, or college textbooks (unless you’re still writing an MLA-formatted essay, why?)
• Decoration-only coffee table books
• Literally anything else (photo albums, receipts, that one shoe…)

Trust me, half of what’s lurking up there isn’t serving you anymore.

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Let’s Talk Cookbooks (Because We Need to Talk)

Cookbooks are the fake-friend of the bookshelf world. They promise so much—comfort, competence, crusty sourdough—and then… crickets. You flip to one page, once, and never look back.

Ask yourself these:

• Have you cooked more than one recipe from it?
• Are you keeping it because it’s pretty?
• Is that spiral-bound community cookbook from 1998 really holding your best lasagna secrets?

If your answer to any of these is “uhh…” then it goes in the donate pile.

Want to make your cookbook shelf more than a Pinterest fantasy? Choose 3-5 cookbooks tops. Ones you really use. Write down your favorite recipes from the others, then pass them along.

You’ll still eat. Promise.

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The “Someday Reading List” Needs a Reality Check

Oh, the aspirational fiction pile: where optimism goes to die. Be honest—you know which books you haven’t read. They glare at you, quietly judging your attention span.

If you haven’t touched it in:

• Two years
• Multiple vacations
• Or during that weekend you pretended you’d have time

…it’s not happening.

You’re better off reading the same book you actually love again than letting guilt-builders take up shelf real estate.

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How to Actually Let Go (Without the Drama)

Okay, drama might still happen. This might get emotional—but you’re stronger than your copy of “50 Ways to Spiralize Zucchini”.

Here’s how to part with books without spiraling:

📦 The “Try Again or Let Go?” Box

If you’re unsure about a few, give them 30 days in a “time out” box. If you don’t miss them, they go.

💸 Sell or Donate

Re-home guilt-free. Try:

• Local libraries (yes, some take donations!)
• Little Free Libraries
• Book resellers or consignment stores
• Community centers
• Or just gift to friends with a note like, “This book isn’t sparking joy for me… maybe it will for you.”

💡 Repurpose Creatively?

If it’s damaged or outdated but sentimental, consider repurposing pages for decor (you crafty genius, you) or pair it with tips from The Art of Repurposing: From Wine Bottles to Garden Décor to get fun and functional.

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Keep It (Under) Control: Organizing What Stays

Decluttering is only step one—you gotta keep it together! Here’s how:

📦 Go Vertical Only

One row per shelf. No stacking, hiding, or double-lining! Books deserve to be seen, boo.

🌈 Organize It How You Like

Alphabetical? Color-coded? Genre? Whatever makes you smile when you walk by is the right system.

🔖 Keep a “To Read” Limit

Designate a small space (like one cute basket!) for unread books. When it’s full? No new paper friends until something exits.

🧃 Bonus: Include Breathing Space

Shelf styling tip: leave 10–20% of the shelf EMPTY. It gives your eyes a rest and makes the shelf feel curated, not crammed.

For a productivity boost that pairs perfectly with a newly decluttered reading nook, check out Procrastination Shrines: How to Set Up a Workspace You Actually Want to Sit In.

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Wait, Am I Allowed to Keep Sentimental Books?

Yes! You’re not a book-burning minimalist monster. Keep books that make your little heart flutter—just don’t try to sneak an entire shelf of nostalgia past me.

Tips for sentimental keepers:

• Limit memory books to one shelf (or one box)
• Snap photos of books you don’t read but want to remember
• Revisit How to Tackle Sentimental Clutter with Ease for more tips

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Decluttering Book Clutter Comes with Surprisingly Big Wins

Let’s celebrate what’s left when the chaos clears:

• More space (duh)
• More actually-good reads at your fingertips
• More room for calm in your home
• And yes, a valid reason to buy a new (read: functional!) bookend

You don’t need to keep shelves packed to the brim to prove you’re smart, intentional, or interesting. The empty space between the books? That’s the real flex.

Now close War and Peace—you’re not gonna finish it—and go make that shelf beautiful.