In the KonMari Method, the first step in tidying books is to take them off the shelves. This might seem like unnecessary work, but there's a good reason for it. Over time, books on a shelf can become dormant. Your eyes will tend to glance over them, seeing them as a wall of spines. Removing the books from their customary place allows you to see them with fresh eyes.
In my client's case, in addition to books stored on shelves, he had books in plastic bins up in the attic. These were brought downstairs and added to the book pile.
After de-shelving, the next step is to sort your books into subcategories. In my client's case, the subcategories included:
novels
writing
games
history
religion
educational and reference
self-improvement
travel
law
business
film
Next, it's time for joy checking! (If you come across sentimental books, set them aside.)
Touch or hold each book, treating each one as an individual as you make your decision. Then ask yourself:
✨Does this book spark joy? Is it useful? Is it beautiful?✨
You'll often know right away when something is a keeper. You can feel it. The longer you stand there ruminating, the more likely it will be that the item can be let go.
Here are some additional questions that may help if you're having trouble deciding:
✨Return to your vision. How does this book fit in with the reason(s) I have for tidying up my home
✨Does this book reflect my current interests and/or values?
✨Have I read this? If not, do I want to read it? Would I be excited to start reading it today?
✨Or does this book feel like an obligation? Like a "should"?
✨If I let it go and then changed my mind, could I easily get another copy?
By the end of our session, my client had pared down his book collection considerably. His shelves are filled with only joy-sparking titles now. As for the rest, they were donated, with gratitude for the knowledge and usefulness they had brought him. For a book-lover, this can be such an important part of the tidying process: knowing that while not all of your beloved books may be keepers, you're giving them safe passage to a new home.
Want a tidy and joyful home library? As a KonMari consultant, I'm here to help. Contact me to learn more. 🌱
Removing the books from their customary place allows you to see them with fresh eyes.
You'll often know right away when something is a keeper. You can feel it.
