Who's ready to do the Kondo?

I just finished reading “The life-changing magic of tidying up: the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing”, written by Marie Kondo. She actually works full time as a consultant for helping people tidy their homes/lives. I really enjoyed the alternate perspectives that she places on the task of tidying. While reading the book, one must remind themselves that it was written by someone from the Japanese culture, as a few of the ideas might be a bit odd for the typical American.

A few of the unique perspectives that struck me:

-Clean/tidy all at once. If you tidy just a little bit every day, you’re whole life will be consumed by tidying. Clean all at once and you will feel the immediate relief and peace from a tidy environment.

-Dump all items in one pile, all at once. All clothing items need to be in one location, one pile, for impact of their volume to take hold. Also, one can better sift through all clothing categories if all clothes are present.

-What if you have never worn the clothing item before? Or have used the item? These things have then taught you what you don’t like. Their presence in life hasn’t been useless because you have learned what you don’t like. All items have taught us something. Recognize the items for this, thank them, and send them off on a new journey.

            Example: I had a black, vest/shrug thing that I can recall the exact store, moment, etc. when I bought it. I have never worn it, and cannot forsee ever wanting to wear it. Does it spark joy? No. Perhaps it sparks stress in that I don’t know how to wear it. Do I feel bad that I wasted money buying it only to donate it? Nope. I am at peace with the idea that it taught me what I don’t like. Thank you Marie Kondo for putting “letting go” into a perspective that makes sense!

Now for a few quotes and thoughts from some of the chapters of the book.

Sentimental items

“By handling each sentimental item and deciding what to discard, you process your past.” Pg. 116

“It is not our memories but the person we have become because of those past experiences that we should treasure. This is the lesson these keepsakes teach us when we sort them. The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.” Pg. 118

-I purchased a red, long sleeved Under Armor shirt in 2005 (?). That shirt has been with me during my time doing undergraduate research, working with the Minnesota DNR, leading winter camping trips, crossing the finish line of five Birkebeiner ski races... It was loved. Thin enough to be a second layer but not so much as to make me too hot. I could go on. But, it was also worn (it WAS ten years old). One sleeve was shorter than the other (I had to cut it as there were holes and pieces hanging from it). The center of the back was very thin and pilled from where my waterproof waders rubbed upon it. Thus, as I do have other shirts that can work similarly well, I let the shirt go. Of course, I thanked it for all the times it has kept me warm and the moments spent together.

Now Marie does suggest beginning your tidying with clothes, as those are the easiest to part with. I still have other sentimental items that will have to be parted with when I have more time to be home. Picture frames with hearts/jewels on the border? My high school days are past, and those frames can be let go as well.

Miscellaneous items

“Presents are not ‘things’ but a means for conveying someone’s feelings. When viewed from this perspective, you don’t need to feel guilty for parting with a gift. Just thank it for the joy it gave you when you first received it.” Pg. 108

-I received a bridesmaid gift and it was an item I had no use for, but was certainly much appreciated. In lieu of it going to waste and being buried in my closet for years to come, I exchanged it at the store where it was originally purchased for an item that I did need, really loved, and still use daily. No guilt to be had.

Selection criteria

“We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.”

“Take each item in one’s hand and ask: “Does this spark joy?” If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it.” Pg. 41

-I had long brown sweater that I did wear a few times. However, as it was long, it was hard to find a coat that matched its length so I could wear it out in public. Wearing it, it felt heavy, like an unnecessary weight upon my body. Certainly, I did not feel joy emanated from this sweater. So, out the door it went for someone else to enjoy.

Alas, not only is there is a method for sorting through your belongings, but also a certain way that Marie Kondo likes to fold clothes. Although initially it takes an investment of time to reorganize your drawers, already I am enjoying the ease at choosing a shirt to wear without having to dig and mess up a stack of folded clothes.

                      

First things first: folding underwear. On the right you can see the finished look of the drawer. All the underwear has been folded following the KonMari way so that it can stay upright on its end. I used two small boxes to place the underwear in, thus keeping them retained in their own section of the drawer. (Ha! After re-watching the video of Marie folding undergarments, I realize that while I folded the same, I stored them differently. Whatever, the way I stand them on end saves more space).

                       

Next were the shirts, short and long sleeve, sports bras and exercise tank tops. Again, I folded these in the KonMari way: A video for short-sleeve shirts, and a video for long-sleeve shirts. Can't you imagine how easy it is to choose what shirt to wear as you can view ALL of your shirts at once?!

Now, Marie Kondo would want to see the shirts lined up in color order, from lightest to darkest, but lets not get too crazy. If you want to research a bit more about Marie Kondo, check out this article from the Wall Street Journal.