For avid readers, book collections can become a source of pride and joy. However, as any book lover knows, books have a habit of multiplying and taking over available space. If you find yourself struggling to organize your overflowing book collection, don’t worry. There are several effective ways to keep your books in order and make the most of your available space.

Feng shui consultant and design magazine editor Emily Grosvenor shared a few tips with Lithub for book lovers whose home is overstocked with books. “You can love everything about books and book culture but still feel a sense of overwhelm when faced with packed shelves. That’s why I often find myself counseling people on how to rethink their displays,” Grosvenor explained. To get started organizing your home library, here are a few tips to consider:

Free Up Space

Grosvenor believed one of the first things you can do to tackle your enormous book collection is to choose your preferred medium. While e-books and audiobooks give you the best option for space and decluttering, knowing what type of books you want to keep can help. For instance, if you are a fan of book jackets and covers, you may find hardcover books might be easier to store. Hardcover books are much heavier, so you can rest easy knowing they won’t be moved much. Grosvenor picks literary novels and design books to keep in physical formats and puts all her romance novels on her tablet.

This tip can is easier said than done, but start by editing your entire book collection and donating any you can part with. I know it’s painful to consider, but do you really need all those books? Those old college textbooks may be something you can get rid of. Grosvenor adds, “It can be a fun and freeing exercise to let go of any books that are not integral parts of the story you want to tell yourself about yourself in your space. If you are well-read, you don’t need a library filled with every book you have laid eyes on to know that at your core.”

Consider Bookshelves

One of the easiest and most obvious ways to organize your books after cutting down your collection is to consider the use of bookshelves. Bookshelves come in all shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose one that suits your needs. Consider the height of your ceilings, the size of your books, and the overall aesthetic of your space. Once you have your bookshelves in place, organize your books in the most logical way for you. This may mean alphabetizing, organizing by genre, or even by color.

Utilize Vertical Space

Lastly, consider utilizing vertical space. This can mean installing shelves above doorways or using a ladder-style bookshelf. By making use of vertical space, you can maximize your storage capacity without sacrificing floor space.

Organizing an overflowing book collection may seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of planning and creativity, it can be done. By culling your collection and utilizing bookshelves and vertical space, you can keep your books in order and create a space that is both functional and stylish.