Storing Books on Open ShelvesI bought a 72 inch H, 48 inch W, 24 inch D storage shelf. I made a burgundy panel to go on the end to prevent books from falling. Books can be shelved from both sides. Will house double the books from a single book shelf.
Protect Books with Plastic CoverAt a very young age I was taught to organize and take extra care of my books. Until this day, I still have those kept in a box intact with their covers still in very good condition.
Arranging Books on the ShelvesAs an old person with an arthritic neck I have dreamed up a better way to shelve some of my books. I place the ones whose titles can be read while the book is lying flat on the shelf in that position.
Use DVD Shelves for PaperbacksRecently, we got rid of many of our DVDs and video game cases so we no longer had a use for these tall narrow shelves. However, they are just the right size for paperbacks.
Packing and Storing BooksI have moved a number of times and have found through experience that when moving my many books it is best to use a smaller box, when possible. A good choice for me is one that is 1 foot square. This will require the use of more boxes, but has saved my back and the consistent size makes stacking easier.
File Cabinet and Binders for Organizing MagazinesI collect craft magazines and I have to organize them carefully, because I also sell them and have to be able to find them quickly. I have two ways to organize them for sale after entering them on Amazon.com.
Note Library Due Date On BookmarkWhen you take out a book from the library, I always use a bookmark. I write the due date on a post-it note and stick it to the book mark, as I read the book and move the bookmark the date is always right there.
Storing Books and HobbiesMy son purchased a pantry for the apartment. It is the kind that comes in a box to be assembled at home. Last weekend, he put a lot of his collection of books inside the cabinet.
Start By Sorting Books AlphabeticallyMy solution has four facets. First, go through and alphabetize your books according to title, laying them on the shelf flat with one pile for one or two alphabet letters. If the pile gets too large, start another one.
Ideas for Storing BooksBooks are among my most valued treasures! I believe they are part of what makes my house a home. As a senior citizen, I'd like to share with you what I have learned.
Swap Instead Of Selling PaperbacksThis really isn't a pointer on selling your old books but it is an option if you are an avid reader with lots of paperback books. There is a club online called paperback swap and you can visit it at paperbackswap.com.
Book OrganizingI have organized my books first by subject, for example: home improvement, health, autobiographies, gardening, true crime, Oprah collection, spiritual, fiction, and non-fiction.
Make a List of Your BooksIf you have a computer, for the simplest way to organize your book would be to list them in alphabetical order. With that list, place them in a book shelves, starting from left to right (directional reading).
Store Children's Books on Plate StackerA plate stacker is a nice way to store children's books. Since I had one, I decided to use it for this purpose, and it is really nice. I don't put tons of books out at once. I change them periodically so the kids don't lose interest.
Use Post-Its For BookmarksI use post-it note paper as bookmarks. You can get the really small ones in a variety of colors, they work really great. Plus, they don't slip out of books like regular bookmarks.
Use Dresser Drawers as a BookshelfI have purchased quite a few books over the years. I spent so much money on the books themselves that I didn't have enough leftover to buy shelving, and that's where I got the idea for this helpful little tip
Protect Books With Fabric Book CoversReading library books? Borrowed books? New books? I purchased a number of the new stretchy fabric book covers found in school supplies to keep on hand to use. That way, all books I read will keep their fresh pages.
Video Boxes For Organizing PaperbacksI was getting overwhelmed with paperbacks, they would be 2 deep on my shelves and I would have trouble finding the one I wanted.
Paperclip BookmarkA paper clip works well as a bookmark, especially if you are carry books in a bag or backpack. The paperclip won't fall out the way a loose bookmark can.
Contact Paper For Longer Lasting BooksIf you want to have paperback books last, cover them with clear contact paper, leaving a margin of 2 plus inches on the inside edge. For some reason, this seems to help the binding, as well as keeping the cover from getting frayed.
Lending BooksI lend my books a lot. In order to remember who has what book, I remove the dust jacket and place a post it note on the inside with the person's name and the date.
"Books I Have Read in My Lifetime"Recently as part of some estate work, I arranged for the removal of the contents of the deceased person's home library. There was a Journal at the end of the book shelf and when I opened it, it read "The Books I Have Read In My Lifetime".
Organizing Magazine InformationI've always enjoyed home and garden magazines. So much so that they quickly began to pile up. Soon I realized I couldn't keep each and every magazine because my house just doesn't have that kind of space.
Marking Good Magazine ArticlesMy hubby and I like to read magazine articles about saving money, investing, etc. Hubby does not have the time, like I do, to read the magazines that contain articles such as these.
Sending Out the Old MagazinesI have an old antique crock that I store magazines in. To keep it from getting out of hand and too full, as soon as I receive the newest version, I replace it and give the older one to my daughter or a friend!
Cheap Magazine HoldersI save my empty laundry detergent boxes to make cheap magazine holders. They can be cut on an angle like the ones seen in office supply stores or just left uncut. I then spray paint them or cover with contact paper and plop my magazines inside.
Keeping Books From Becoming MustyTo keep books from becoming musty, pull them out, away from the back of the shelf. Line up the spines along the front edge of the bookshelf.
