What to do With Your Old Books? 5 Options and Help Deciding

We’ve all been there—standing in front of a towering stack of books, wondering how it grew so large and what to do next. Maybe you’re moving and just realized you have ten boxes of books to deal with, or perhaps your overflowing shelves have forced you to make a decision. Should you purge, buy another bookshelf, or get creative?

Books hold sentimental value and represent pieces of our lives. But let’s face it, not every book belongs on your shelf forever. Deciding what to do with them can be overwhelming—even emotional.

So, how do you decide?

The SAVE Method – Decide What to Do with Your Books

Let’s break it down with an easy, actionable framework, The SAVE Method.

S = Sentimental Value

Start by asking yourself, “Does this book have a special place in your heart?”.

Maybe it’s a dog-eared paperback you read during a summer abroad or a cherished gift from a loved one. Sentimental keepers deserve a place on your shelf. But be honest, if the emotional connection isn’t there, it might be time to let go.

A = Actual Usefulness

When was the last time you used or referenced this book?

If it’s a cookbook you haven’t cracked open in years or an outdated manual, consider whether it’s genuinely serving a purpose. For books you don’t use but feel guilty about parting with, ask yourself, “Would someone else benefit from this more?”.

V = Volume (How much space you have)

Be realistic about your storage capacity.

Books are heavy, sometimes bulky and take up space. If your shelves (and sanity) are under strain, consider keeping only the ones that truly matter. Prioritize quality over quantity.

E = Environmental Impact

If you’re hesitant about getting rid of books because it feels wasteful, consider that books don’t have to end up in a landfill.

Consider eco-friendly options for rehoming or recycling. Friends, libraries, schools, and literacy programs can give books a second life. And if a book is damaged or moldy, recycling is a responsible choice.

Next Step, Decide What to Do With The Books

Keep – Curate Your Collection

Not all books have to go! Here’s how to store the ones you keep…

• Store Properly – Use climate-controlled storage to protect books from moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations. Keep them upright to maintain their shape.
• Curate Thoughtfully – Create a collection that reflects your current interests and lifestyle. Organize by genre or personal importance for easy access and aesthetic appeal.

For those books you can’t display at home but still treasure, a small, climate-controlled storage unit is a perfect solution. Check out our 5 x 5 storage unit, a great size for book storage.

Gift – Share the Love of Books

Books make wonderful gifts. Here are creative ways to give them new life:

• Handwrite Notes – Add a personal touch by writing a message inside the cover before gifting a book to a friend or family member.
• Turn Books into Art – Use old books to craft unique decorations or sentimental art pieces.

Donate – Pass Them On to Help Others

Donating is a great way to ensure your books find a new home:

• Local Libraries – Many accept gently used books for their collections or book sales. Here are some of our area libraries that accept donations:
  • Framingham Public Library
  • Newton Free Library
• Little Free Libraries in Your Neighborhood – If there isn’t one yet, see if local codes or HOA covenants allow for one in your yard.
• Schools and Nonprofits – Donate to literacy programs or under-resourced schools. Here are some local organizations that accept book donations:
  • More Than Words
  • Friends of the Morse Institute
  • Book Shed at the Newton Resource Recovery Center
• Prison Libraries – A meaningful option that supports rehabilitation and education.

📚 Pro Tip: Check donation guidelines before dropping off your books. By understanding what they will and will not accept, you are saving them the time and money it would cost them to sort and dispose of items they cannot sell.

Store – Plan for Long-Term or Temporary Storage

Moving or downsizing? Temporary storage could be the best option:

• Temporary Storage – Perfect for short-term needs while moving. Look for accessible, climate-controlled units.
• Long-Term Storage – Ideal for sentimental collections or rare books you want to keep safe. Use airtight bins and silica packs to control humidity.

Throw – Permission to Let Go

It’s okay to part ways with books that are beyond repair or no longer relevant. Moldy or damaged books can’t be donated and should be recycled responsibly. And remember, letting go of a book doesn’t mean letting go of the memories associated with it.

Ready to Tackle Your Bookshelves?

Start small. Grab one pile of books and go through it using the SAVE method, then save, gift, donate, store, or throw. You’ve got this!

And if you’re saving books for later, consider a climate-controlled storage unit at EZ Storage. With locations in Framingham, Natick, and Newton, we’re here to help keep your cherished collection safe and sound. Contact us today to learn more about our flexible storage solutions!