Book Review - The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

Does that spark joy?  

Have you been sucked into the Netflix series that everyone is watching?  Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.  My friend was inspired and purged their house of clothes, toys, and random things, filled up her husband’s truck and brought it all to Goodwill. 

But then Goodwill turned them away!

Can you believe that? They were so full of donated items that they could not possible hold any more.  Apparently, at least where I live, everyone is watching this show!

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up – the book

Get it from Amazon: here

I read the book a few years ago, and I can see how it might really be life-changing.  That is, if I had followed all the steps in their totality.  I mostly devoured the book sitting on the couch thinking: yes, that is such a good idea!

Marie Kondo Is a Japanese woman with a love of tiding and a plan that can make it work for your home.  The idea is if you tidy in a certain order of broad categories (first clothing, then books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and then sentimental items) you will be able to tackle your belongings and bring order to your home.  Her method includes taking inventory of every item in your home.  You hold each item, one at a time, and ask yourself, does this spark joy?  If it does, keep it, if it doesn’t ditch it. 

She has people say thank you to each object before they discard them.  Seems a little hokey to me, but the sentiment is right.  I agree that you should be thankful for what you have. Thank God for the money to buy those pair of shoes, be thankful that your friend gave you that shirt for Christmas, be thankful that you do have enough clothing to protect your body from the elements.  I bet it is easier to get rid of something if you appreciate it’s value.

Can “tidying up” really change your life?

In the introduction Mari Kondo says, yes! IF you “Start by discarding. Then organize your space, thoroughly, completely, in one go.” (pg 1) She has many testimonials of people who get their space in order and it affects them drastically in other areas – starting their own business, getting a divorce, increase sales, get along better with their husband, loose ten pounds, etc.  She says, “…when you put your house in order, you put your affairs and your past in order, too.” 

Mari Kondo points out that her personal coaching on tidying is so successful because no one really teaches us how to tidy.  We are expected to pick it up along the way, but you can’t take a high school home ec class on tidying.  Although, I’d argue, you can find all kinds of ideas on Pinterest!  And I know of so many blogs that talk about organization and purging.  Also, there’s the whole minimalist movement… But, anyway, her point is she has developed a method to teach you – and you need to learn!

Once we’ve learned, and followed through, she is promising huge life results.  

We have too much stuff!

Just an hour ago I rallied my family together to pick up all the toys.  We had a friend over to play yesterday, and between two toddler boys the toys were EVERYWHERE.  Obviously, rambunctious boys who are excited to play together will naturally create a mess, but if we didn’t have so many toys cleaning up would be an entirely different matter. 

Now, I’m not sure my family is ready to radically embrace Minimalism.  However, having toys (and clothes, and kitchen appliances, and – yes even books) everywhere doesn’t mean they are actually getting used.  In fact, I’ve noticed that my kids play with toys more when there are less toys available.  I think it’s time to take some drastic action and cut back. 

Considering our Goodwill is apparently full to the brim. however, I’m going to have to get more creative.  How should I give away our unused toys?

Watch the Netflix show or read the book?

Watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo was a great visual to have of the process.  And you can see the actual people whose lives are changing!  My favorite thing is to see Marie showing her method of folding clothes- so helpful. 

But, as they say, the book is always better!  I think the book will give you more information.  You will be able to see why her method is this way, her childhood influence, and her steps for tidying.

Her writing style (along with the translation) is easily readable, and relatable.  Ok, you might not relate to her urgent need to organize everyone else’s things in her house and classroom, but you will likely relate to her personal stories.  She shares examples from her life as well as from her clients.

And sprinkled throughout her personal stories and detailed, practical advice, are other nuggets of wisdom.  Many of them are bolded on the page so your eye immediately notices them.  For example, when she is discussing why it is hard to get rid of an item, even if we know it doesn’t spark joy, she explains our attachment like this: “But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future” (181).

Ultimately, I feel like the Tidying Up with Marie Kondo is satisfying to watch, and it is motivating me to actually start this process.  But I think the book will come in more useful.  Holding the book in my hands is like holding all the magic knowledge of Marie Kondo.  The steps, the process, the why, even the encouragement. 

 

Instead of a Reading Challenge, a Challenge to DO what you’ve READ

Now, I know I said I read this book a few years ago, and I also started folding my clothes differently, but have I actually followed her program?  No.  eek!  Why not? If all those people profess that it is life-changing for them, why have I not tried?

How about you?  Have you tried the KonMari Method?  Have you been transformed by The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up your own home?  If so, let me know in the comments!  I want to know how this is going for other people!

 Want to try? Get The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Read if…

You’ve been watching the Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

You are inspired to clean up your space and you want to know where to start!

Happy Reading (and tidying!)

Hannah

You might also be interested in:

How to Reduce Stress in Your Life

Slowness, Stillness, Simplicity

Why You Should Stop Reading That Book

Further Reading…

The Complete Bookof Home Organization by Toni Hammersley – I’ve followed A Bowl full of Lemons blog off and on for years.  It’s my go-to when I need and idea to organize something. 

The Gentle Art ofSwedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links.  This means if you purchase something I may get a small percentage at no cost to you.  Thanks for supporting The Cozy Reading Nook!