Let’s Clean and Organize Those Bookshelves!

Well hello again, friends!

We’ve made it to Week 34 of the Living With Dana 52-Week Decluttering Challenge — and if you’ve been following along, give yourself a gold star (or at least a coffee break ✨). This week, we’re giving your bookshelves the attention they’ve been quietly begging for.    

Whether your shelves are home to thrillers, travel guides, cookbooks, or a tower of “I meant to read that” titles, today’s the day to declutter, dust, and rediscover a few favorites.

💛 Heads up: This post includes a few affiliate links to items I genuinely use and love. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you! Thanks for supporting the blog.

📚 Step 1: Declutter Books and Papers

Start by taking everything off your bookshelves. I know — it sounds dramatic. But trust me, a blank slate is the easiest way to sort and see what’s been collecting dust. Set aside:

• Books you no longer need or want

• Random papers, receipts, and “why is this in here?” clutter

• Items that belong somewhere else (coffee mug, I’m looking at you ☕)

💡 Tip: Donate gently used books to your local library, school, or free little library!

🧽 Step 2: Dust & Reorganize by Category

Once those shelves are cleared, dust every surface — top, bottom, corners. If it’s been a while, trust me when I say your sinuses will thank you.

These are my go-to bookshelf refresh must-haves:

• Soft microfiber cloths that won’t scratch your surfaces

• Plant-based dusting spray with a light citrus scent I’m obsessed with

• And if you need a new shelf or just an upgrade — I’m loving this simple modern bookshelf that looks way pricier than it is. Don’t forget bookends!

Now for the fun part: put your books back with intention. Try organizing them by:

• Category (fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, etc.)

• Color (hello, rainbow shelf goals 🌈)

• Size (tidy and balanced)

• Or my personal favorite: Books I Read vs. Books I Swear I’ll Read Soon

Add a candle, photo frame, or a small plant to give your shelf a finished look. Bonus points if your cat immediately knocks it over. 😂

MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – 12 Pack, Large 13″ x13” Highly Absorbent Streak-Free Micro Fiber Cleaning Rags Towels for House, Car, Windows, Housekeeping, Household Dusting, Kitchen. Amazon creator ad link to this specific product https://amzn.to/4kmSZqs

🧼 Step 3: Deep Clean the Desk Area

Since you’re already in the zone, take a few extra minutes to clear and clean your desk:

• File or shred loose papers

• Wipe down your monitor, keyboard, and mouse

• Sanitize drawer handles

• Corral all your pens into one place (and toss the ones that don’t work!)

Your future self is going to love this little oasis of order.

This is the shredder I have:

👀 Sneak Peek at Week 35: Kitchen Trash Can TLC

Next week, we’re heading into the kitchen for a job that’s not glamorous but totally satisfying: cleaning and sanitizing your trash can.

I’ll walk you through:

• How to clean the can inside and out (ew but worth it)

• Sanitizing the lid and surrounding area

• Tidying up your recycling and trash bin system

Let’s just say: you won’t believe how good it feels when the worst job becomes one of the cleanest spots in the house!

Let’s Chat!

Are you joining the challenge this week? Let me know how it’s going! The comments section is open, and I always love hearing from you. Or feel free to send me a note through the Contact Page — especially if you found a forgotten favorite book during today’s task!

I’m so glad we’re cyber friends. 💛

xoxo,
Dana 💛