Declutter Diaries: Seforim Room

By Y.M. Lowy

Welcome to another post in our Declutter Diaries home organizing series! Today, we’re diving into a space that can easily become cluttered with paperwork, books, and miscellaneous items. Still, with a few simple steps, you can transform this space into a serene, organized sanctuary that invites focus and inspiration.

Organize This:

1. Sort Through Your Books and Seforim: Start by organizing your seforim. Sort through them and see if there are any that require repair. Consider making a bin for Sheimos items. You don’t have to save this task for Erev Pesach, many local places accept it all year round.

2. Organize Your Desk Area: Your desk should be a place for focus, not chaos. Keep your desk tidy by organizing essential items like pens, notebooks, and electronic devices. Consider drawer organizers or desk trays to keep your workspace streamlined.

3. Label Everything: Label shelves, bins, and folders so you always know where things belong. Labels also help anyone else who may be using the room to quickly find and put away items. Whether it’s a bin of loose paper or a shelf of books, labeling makes it easy to maintain organization in the long run.

4. Create a Filing System for Papers: Papers, notes, and documents can quickly accumulate. Use a filing cabinet or hanging file system to sort important documents by category. 

5. Go Vertical with Storage: Don’t forget about wall space! Wall-mounted racks are great for storing books and materials. Vertical storage is a great way to keep things organized without taking up valuable floor space.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the first paperclip was invented in the 19th century? While it might seem like a small and simple item, it revolutionized how people organized papers. In the study or office, a paperclip can save the day by keeping important documents together.

Myth Busting:

Myth: A study or seforim room must be completely clutter-free to be functional.

Reality: A functional study room can still have some personality and meaningful items. It’s about balance, keeping things organized and focused, but don’t feel the need to purge everything that adds to the atmosphere of the room.

One Item Purge Challenge:

Take a look at your study and check if you have any old calendars or planners from previous years. This week, challenge yourself to get rid of outdated calendars that are just taking up space. Let it go and make room for a fresh start!

How Do You Do It?

Do you like to keep tchotchkes and decor in your study, or do you prefer a minimalist approach with just the essentials? Share how you like to organize your space in the comments!