Let’s Get Tidy!

I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz about this book called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo.  I’ve read a lot of cleaning/organizing books and articles before, so I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about with this one.  How could it really be that different?  Well, I finally bought a copy for myself and let’s just say it was worth it.

I can officially say that I drank the kook-aid after reading this book and have started trying to implement the KonMari method of tidying in my home.  First, let me tell you, the book is a quick read.  It’s very easy to sit down and read the entire thing in one fell swoop.  If your’e someone who has tried and tried to keep your home tidy without much success, then I promise you will find that you can relate to the example stories that she shares about various clients she has worked with, and even in reference to her own trials along the path to tidy enlightenment. 🙂

The basic premise of the KonMari method is that you should tidy based on category rather than a particular room.  Her method begins with clothing, so you would begin by gathering all of your clothing in one place.  That means take it all out of the drawers and the closets and put it on the floor to really be able to get a grasp on what you have.  Then, go through it piece by piece.  If it “sparks joy” then keep it, if it doesn’t, then get rid of it.  That’s it in a nutshell.  Pretty simple really, but when you try it it’s a little hard to wrap your mind around until you get into a groove of things.  I spent all day today and some of yesterday going through my clothes and I’m still not done!  I’ve already got 5 bags of clothes bagged up to get rid of so far!

Going through this process isn’t quick, but it’s not meant to be.  It’s meant to be done one time and should inspire you enough to live a simpler life that you won’t need to go through this time-consuming process again.  For me so far, it’s actually been somewhat emotional and eye-opening.  I’ve had articles of clothing that I’ve had for years that I haven’t worn, but I liked at one point in time.  However, there’s a reason I haven’t worn it in that long obviously.  Having each item in your hands as opposed to hanging in the closet while you sort through gives you the opportunity to really take stock in your feelings of the piece and remember why you love it or why you don’t.  I’m somehwat fearful that if I’m already this emotional about tidying up my clothes, I’m clearly going to be a basket-case for the more sentimental things!  ;P  But, I’ll get through it and my house, and my life will be better off for it.  There’s definitely something to be said for a tidy space.  It’s easier to be happy, inspired, and relaxed in a tidy living space.