Quickly Organizing a Bookcase

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated March 18, 2020)

For anyone that has a large collection of books, they know that they are somewhat mixed blessing. They not only bring endless hours of enjoyment, and the ability to escape the everyday, the books also have a tendency to bring a little element of chaos and clutter. In fact, it is very easy to tell when someone with a large collection of books hasn't been organizing or cleaning anything in a while—the books tend to get rather scattered and dusty. Perhaps the biggest stumbling block that many people have in regards to organizing a bookcase is that it can simply take so long to accomplish. Well, quickly organizing a bookcase has never been easier than it is now. All you need to do is follow these simple guidelines, and you will find that you have your bookcase not only organized, but cleaned, all within 15 minutes.

  • First five minutes. Organizing a book case can often be a dirty and messy job, and doing it quickly is even more so. Take steps to prevent the spread of the dust and dirt by putting on either an apron or a smock that have some pockets, and spreading out a large old sheet at the base of the bookcase. Place some cleaning supplies such as a dry cleaning pad, rags, and other items that can help you clean, also grab a hair dryer and an extension cord. Take a few seconds and scan through the books on your shelf, if you see any that you don't want anymore, toss them aside. Plug in the extension cord and the hair dryer, and turn the dryer onto the highest cold setting that you have. Start at the top of the bookshelf and work your way down, blowing the dust off the tops and sides of the books.
  • Second five minutes. Once again, start at the top of the bookshelf, and pull the books out halfway, but only doing this with a few at a time. Use a dry cleaning pad, rag, or even a duster to reach behind the book and remove the dust. Be sure that you are also getting the unbound sides of the book as well when you do this. Check the spines of the books for any dirt, and use the dry cleaning pad to "scrub" it away. As you are doing this, also keep an eye out for any books that are out of place, and put them where they belong. Make sure that you put all books back against the bookshelf once again.
  • Third five minutes. Use the remaining time that you have to wipe down the bookshelf itself, and to double check that you don't have any other books out of place. Actually use a duster if you have one to remove the dust that is on top of the bookshelf. When you are finished, roll the sheet up, and take it outside to shake out the dust.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

What is a Drain-and-Trap Auger?

If you go to any home improvement store, or talk to any plumber, you will quickly see that the drain-and-trap auger is ...

Discover More

Installing a Pop-Up Drain

If you haven't already got a pop-up drain in your bathroom sink, then you need to think about installing one. Installing ...

Discover More

Removing Powder from Grout

Tile is perhaps one of the most commonly used surfaces in both the bathroom and kitchen today. Since it is so common, it ...

Discover More

Find the Right Tool Right Away Finally, a homeowner's set that includes all the tools needed to complete basic DIY projects at an affordable price! The tools are stored in a molded case for security and portability. Check out Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit today!

More Organizing Tips

Organize Your Books and Bookshelf

A library in a home is the goal of many people today. One of the problems that many people face when building a library ...

Discover More

Organizing Books

People, no matter who they are, tend to accumulate a lot of books throughout their lives. Follow these few simple steps ...

Discover More

Organizing Your Bookshelves

Having a well-organized bookshelf can provide a neater look to your home. Bookshelves can provide an excellent location ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is six more than 5?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)