6 Question & Answers When It Comes to Book Organization

Being a professional organizing company we are constantly answering various organizing related questions to a wide array of media outlets in order to hopefully get exposure. Below are some questions related to book organization and various tips and tricks that we have when helping clients organize their book collection. We submitted these answers to various questions, which the questions have been condensed below. 

What are some questions you have related to book organization or getting your book collection organized?

1. Questions you are ask yourself when organizing books and deciding what to keep, donate, give away or toss:

Ask yourself these questions:

Do you reference it? 

Have you read it?

Will you read? 

Does it serve a specific purpose?

Why do you have it or how did you obtain it?

What is your reasoning for holding onto it?

2. Places you should take unwanted books you no longer need or want:

Your local library, school, donation center or free little library

3. Favorite ways to organize to organize books:

By category, by author, alphabetically, by color, &/ or by height

4. Helpful hints as to why organizing books this way below are helpful:

- Organizing books by color: People are stimulated by color and can often remember the color of something so it makes them happy to see it on the shelf and they can often quickly find what they need. When organizing by color, organize from big to small within the colors.

- Organizing books by author: Organizing by author is the classic way that you often see at the library &/ or bookstores within certain genres. This makes it extremely easy and helpful when you know what you are looking for.

- Organizing books by genre: If you have an idea of how you like books to be organized then organizing by genre is great because you will be able to find what you need when you are looking for it. Often times we organize by color within genres.

5. Creative ways people and clients like to display their books: 

People display books in all kinds of ways. Some ways include turning them backwards so you on see the pages, not the spines and taking the dust jackets off to give a monochromatic look. 

6. Unconventional ways to display books:

Displaying them on the floor rather than on a shelf, in bathrooms, in mudrooms, etc.

7. Advice when decluttering your book collection:

Think about the space that you have and see what books can be shared by others or passed on. Organize in a way that is functional and fun for you.

ecomodernconcierge.com

Easy Gift: Book + Booze

I think this is such a  fun, easy gift to give. A book and booze. This is a fun little book, which is perfect for any literary friends, and it has various cocktail recipes. You can pair it with a small or large bottle of liquor. We have given this as gifts and it seems to be received well. What are some of your favorite gifts to give?

ecomodernconcierge.com

Currently Reading

What are you currently reading? I have made it a goal to read more this year and in January pushed full force ahead reading several books. I didn't expect to read so many, but I did. I made it a point to make time to read instead of saying I never have time.

Here is what I read so far this year:

• Overtime is SO Over
• Sweet Bitter
• Goop Clean Beauty
• Present Over Perfect
• Chasing Slow

Here is what is currently on my list:

• 5 Love Languages 
• Big Little Lies
• Commonwealth
• Gut
• The Universe Has Your Back

ecomodernconcierge.com

Made in the USA: Absorene

Have any of you used Absorene on your paper and/or books before? I was reading an article about it and immediately placed it in my Amazon cart. It is a non-toxic putty and gets dust, dirt and smoke off of paper. Plus, it is made in the USA!

ecomodernconcierge.com

Currently Reading

This is what I am currently reading. Have you read either one? I love all of Brene's books and plus she is a fellow Coog, although I never took any of her classes at UH. I am finally digging into The Untethered Soul after so many recommendations. Love that it is about the journey and looking inward. I love these kinds of books. What should I read next?

ecomodernconcierge.com

Inspiration Book Organization

I have been saving magazine clippings for years and years and years. I subscribe to far too many magazines, but I read everyone cover to cover. Plus, it is great research for my clients and I can stay on top of things. One day I will have to tell you guys all the magazines I subscribe to, it is wide range.

I have had these inspiration books I made many years ago from the magazine clippings and always flip through them for many things whether I am looking for organization tips or gift ideas. This was well before Pinterest came around. About 4 years ago or so when I started working with a new client and I saw that she did the exact same thing I did. For me it is a whole process. I love these books and reference them a lot.

This is what I do:

• I dog ear the pages I want to rip out. 
• Every month or two I go through the past magazine issues and tear out those pages.
• I put them in a folder until it becomes full and should deal with it, which is every 4-6 months or so.
• If something needs to be cut out of a particular page I cut it out
• I get sheet protectors and put the tear outs in those or the small pieces I cut out I glue on a plain piece of paper and make a collage type page. 
• I put the sheet protectors in the respective binders. 
• I have tabs on each section like organization, eco, gift ideas, travel, home, etc. 

This is my client's inspiration books

This is from my client's inspiration books

ecomodernconcierge.com

Current Reading List

Since today is the last day of National Reading Month I thought I would post what I have been reading recently. Lately I have not been reading as much or consistently like I would like to. These are some books that are currently on my nightstand that I read a little hear and there when I get a chance. I like to page mark, highlight and reference back to books, especially non fiction books. That is why I also prefer to have an actual book in hand, rather then reading an ebook.

Full Catastrophe Living: This book talks a lot about how stress can affect our life and bodies in various ways. It is a beginner introduction into mindful meditation. I often stress the small things and have been trying to work on it. 

The Power of Now: This book is really a great book and a plus was that part of my 40 Day Challenge with Big Yoga they gave us this book for completing one our weeks of yoga. How cool is that? Many love this book. This book is all about letting go of the past and being present. 

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: Maire Kondo This is a book I have seen so many different people talk about it, so I thought I would give it a go. It does have some very helpful hints. Although, I do not agree with all of her suggestions as an organizer. I can totally see why people love her way of doing things. This book is all about getting rid of things and simplifying your life.

BooksApp

I read somewhere about the BooksApp on some blog (I can't remember which one). I love it. You can inventory your books by entering the ISBN number or scanning the barcode. When you do that with most of the books a picture and info about the book is automatically put into the app.You can put notes into the app regarding each book, who has borrowed the book (s), etc. You can export a csv file to your computer and have it for your files. I have a ton of books and love this app. Although, it does take a little time to enter all the books if you have a lot. 

www.ecomodernconcierge.com