'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo is a Japanese author who teaches people how to clean and organize their homes. She believes that a tidy home can make people happier. Her book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," shows a new way to clean and organize. This way is called the KonMari method.

Why Tidy?

Marie Kondo says that when we tidy our home, we can feel better. We often have too many things, and these things can make us feel stressed. A tidy home helps us feel calm and relaxed. We can focus better, and life becomes easier.

The KonMari Method

The KonMari method is different from other ways of tidying. It focuses on joy. Kondo says we should only keep things that make us feel happy. If something does not make you happy, you should thank it and let it go.

Step 1: Visualize Your Ideal Home

Before you start tidying, Kondo says you should imagine your perfect home. Ask yourself, "What do I want my house to look like?" "How do I want to feel in my home?" This step helps you understand why tidying is important to you.

Step 2: Tidy by Category, Not by Room

Most people clean one room at a time. But Kondo says it is better to tidy by category. A category is a group of things. For example, instead of cleaning your bedroom, clean all your clothes in the house. Then, move to the next category, like books, and so on.

Here are the five main categories in the KonMari method:

1. Clothes

2. Books

3. Papers

4. Miscellaneous items (Komono) – this includes things like kitchen items, makeup, or tools.

5. Sentimental items – things like photos, letters, or gifts.

Step 3: Does It Spark Joy?

This is the most important step. When you pick up an item, ask yourself, "Does this spark joy?" This means, does the item make you feel happy or excited? If the answer is yes, keep it. If not, it’s time to say goodbye to that item.

Step 4: The Right Order

Kondo says it is important to follow the right order. Start with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous items, and lastly, sentimental items. Clothes are easier to decide on, while sentimental things are the hardest. This way, you will practice and get better at knowing what brings you joy.

Step 5: Folding Clothes

Marie Kondo teaches a special way to fold clothes. Clothes should be folded in a small rectangle so they can stand up. This way, you can see all your clothes at once. It helps you choose what to wear and keep things neat.

Step 6: Thank Your Items

Marie Kondo says you should be thankful for your items. When you decide to give something away, you should thank it for its service. This may seem strange, but it helps you appreciate your belongings and understand their value. It also makes it easier to let go of things.

Tidying is a One-Time Event

Marie Kondo believes that tidying should be done only once. This means, after you use the KonMari method, you should not need to tidy like this again. Once your home is tidy, it stays tidy because you only keep things that bring you joy.

How Tidying Can Change Your Life

Marie Kondo says tidying can change your life in many ways:

1. Less Stress: A clean home makes you feel calm and peaceful.

2. More Time: You do not have to spend time looking for things or cleaning again and again.

3. Happier Relationships: When your home is tidy, you feel happier, and this can make your relationships better.

4. Better Focus: You can think more clearly and focus on what’s important in your life.

5. Appreciation: You start to appreciate the things you have and take care of them better.

Conclusion

Marie Kondo’s book teaches us that tidying is not just about cleaning. It’s about creating a home that makes you happy. When you only keep things that bring you joy, your home becomes a place of peace and happiness. By following the KonMari method, you can live a simpler, happier life.