Marie Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing has been a New York Times bestseller for over a year! The appeal of this book is three fold:
Sound too good to be true? Well, it might be for some people, but for the majority, this method provides an easy to follow path to purging. The premise: Keep only the items that spark joy.
Before I even walk into a client’s space, I know that they’re living BEYOND their storage space. It’s America and accumulation is safety. Media encourages us to prepare, and over prepare, for what MIGHT happen in the future. While considering the future is wise and purchasing items in advance MIGHT have positive effects, the keyword is “might.” Home Storage Solutions 101 has written a detailed post on the reasons people don’t want to let go of the things they no longer use and love, which include:
While some of the reasons are logical, in the end, they add a heaviness to our environments. It’s hard to get started when we’re surrounded by superfluous stuff from our past, the past of another, or the preparation of a future we know little about.
Marie Kondo encourages her clients to live in the present, and so do we. When we choose to surround ourselves with only the treasures, the things we love and use, we aren’t bogged down by the weight of the past or the anxiety of our future. Instead, we are free to live in the moment. To take in the beautiful colors of the sunrise or the stillness of trees on a hike. We can enjoy the fellowship of friends and family during the holiday season instead of stressing over placement of clutter.
- Process for easily decluttering & organizing your entire home
- Permission to let go of the things that don’t bring joy
- Promise of a relapse-free transformation
Sound too good to be true? Well, it might be for some people, but for the majority, this method provides an easy to follow path to purging. The premise: Keep only the items that spark joy.
Before I even walk into a client’s space, I know that they’re living BEYOND their storage space. It’s America and accumulation is safety. Media encourages us to prepare, and over prepare, for what MIGHT happen in the future. While considering the future is wise and purchasing items in advance MIGHT have positive effects, the keyword is “might.” Home Storage Solutions 101 has written a detailed post on the reasons people don’t want to let go of the things they no longer use and love, which include:
- Sentimental Value
- Investment Value
- Depression-Era Mentality
While some of the reasons are logical, in the end, they add a heaviness to our environments. It’s hard to get started when we’re surrounded by superfluous stuff from our past, the past of another, or the preparation of a future we know little about.
Marie Kondo encourages her clients to live in the present, and so do we. When we choose to surround ourselves with only the treasures, the things we love and use, we aren’t bogged down by the weight of the past or the anxiety of our future. Instead, we are free to live in the moment. To take in the beautiful colors of the sunrise or the stillness of trees on a hike. We can enjoy the fellowship of friends and family during the holiday season instead of stressing over placement of clutter.
“The best way to find out what we really need
is to get rid of what we don’t.” - M. Kondo
So what’s the KonMari Method look like?
- Envision the space you want, not the space you have. What would it take for you to feel at peace in your space? Be specific.
- Ask yourself why you want that vision. Is it the opportunity to have friends over without the frantic prep? Or is it the ability to spend time with family and friends because you aren’t busy dealing with mass of items that clutter your world? You’ll need this motivation later.
- Discard by category. Marie Kondo recommends beginning with clothing first. Touch each item and if it’s not broken or out of date (automatic purges), then ask yourself if the item “sparks joy.” If there is no joy in that one item, then it’s time to let go.
Letting go can be hard, particularly if you’re struggling with any of the reasons listed above. However, the “magic” of KonMari is the total release of what’s holding you back. Her method is not half-hearted. It isn’t even half-housed. The success rate of clearing the clutter from your life for good is based on giving yourself completely to the process. To help with this, Marie personifies every item. If a vase had special meaning to you at one time but it has spent the last year cooped up in a cabinet, she recommends concerning yourself with the feelings of the vase rather than your feelings toward the vase.
“I truly believe that our possessions are even happier and more vibrant when we let them go than when we first get them.” – M. Kondo
She encourages clients to imagine the next life your cast-offs will live. This may sound a bit strange, but it’s actually quite calming and encouraging to the heart. We have several local ministries looking for your cast-offs. These ministries need your vase, perfect pair of new dress pants, and extra towels! I’d love to help you transfer these once-loved items to their new homes for you!
The magic of KonMari is the renewed space and mindset that comes with decluttering and organizing. You can experience this magic simply by deciding to approach your possessions today, instead of putting them off for the "someday" that never seems to come around.
For more information on the KonMari Method, check out TidyingUp.com or borrow her book from the local library! If you’d like help implementing this method in your home, we’re just a few keystrokes away!
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