If you’ve ever stopped in to read my blog, you might have noticed that I have an easier time than most getting rid of unwanted stuff in my life. This hasn’t always been the case, however. Back in my single days, I distinctly recall schlepping a box of mementos from one tiny apartment to the next. Somewhere along the way I realized how futile this was, and I began to toss away stuff that didn’t elicit joy in my life.
I guess that’s why I felt such a profound appreciation for Marie Kondo’s decluttering methods. I recently finished her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and learned some lessons I think would benefit us all (I, too, needed these reminders!). Also notice the tabs in my library book (NERD ALERT! Does anyone else add stickies when they read?).
- Know the sequence for optimal decluttering: clothes first, followed by books, papers, kimono or miscellany, and (finally) mementos
- Don’t let your family see what you are doing. Of all the lessons in this book, I took this one to heart especially because I tend to hold on to things that were gifted to me by family… perhaps out of a sense of obligation?*
- Arrange clothes so they rise to the right, by hanging heavy items on the left side of the closet and light items to the right—this is actually supposed to create a sense of peace and helps to reduce overwhelm when you stare into your closet in the morning
- Empty everything and take care of sorting in one fell swoop (that means going under the bed, looking in sock draws, emptying ALL closets, etc.). Taking everything out allows you to see the scope of what you own
- Touch each item to determine whether it brings joy; if yes, add to keep pile, if no, donate or discard
*We have the tendency to hold on to things we receive from friends or family members but they don’t bring us joy. This is often why younger siblings are saddled with the responsibility of a closet full of things they don’t need/want—they are hand-me-downs they feel guilty to toss. Marie explains that this is a great opportunity to thank the item for coming into our life before we send it on it’s next journey. And isn’t that just a much nicer way of looking at it?
What have you been reading lately? And yes, reading books about decluttering truly makes me THIS happy. Ha!
I read the manga version of this book – it’s essentially the same ideas but told in story/graphic novel form. It was fun! I now roll my t-shirts (especially when I travel – makes things so much easier!)
-lauren
I’m really good at getting rid of things. I don’t like clutter or unnecessary things and I don’t form attachments very often but my husband….he’s a keep it just in case we need it one day kind of person lol
I realized I had to embrace #2 on your list and purge when he’s not home. But I have to get rid of ALL evidence of the purge just in case he opens a trash bag because he’ll see what I did and question me lol
I also have a lot of things from his grandmother that I can’t get rid of but that’s ok.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
I’ve heard great things about this book. I liked how you listed the take-aways for you personally, Charlotte. I have a hard time getting rid of anything sentimental. But if I’m not seeing it and it’s stored away in a box under the bed, does it actually do anything for me? I hung my small ballet slippers so I can see them everyday where once they were stored away in a box. The reason is, I sewed the ties on myself. I was nine years old. This is a reminder to me that I was independent and my mother didn’t sew…haha. The thread is red. Red! I was on my own on that one.
So, getting back to the subject (ahem). Marie would be proud of me since I recently cleaned out my towel and linen closets. I threw out raggy, used up linens and organized everything that remained. It feels great to open the closets. Now, I will try the dark to light in my clothes closet!
I do go through my closet a couple of times a year but I definitely get the “guilt” because it came from a family member thing. I like Marie’s way of thinking that “thank it for being there for you but then send it on it’s way.” I need to take the Marie approach to a lot of other areas in our house! If it doesn’t bring us joy it’s just gotta go.
I’ve heard great things about that book. I have to add it to my list of books to read. I leave tabs on my books as well and I also jot down notes in my journal when I read something interesting. I haven’t really read much since my little one’s arrival, but I’m hoping to get started on a book soon.
I am doing most of this right now as we get ready to move. Over the years I have really used some of the methods – especially one about thanking a pair of great boots I owned as it was time to let them go. I do think it is important to gather everything at once as we always have something hanging somewhere else or put away in another room. then you find out how much you really have.
I thought this book had some great tips! It’s changed the way I fold clothes 🙂
I love the idea of decluttering – but does feel so overwhelming. I’m far from a pack-rat and I’m really not super sentimental either, but there’s definitely some stuff around here that could go!
I bought the book a while ago but still haven’t read it. I think the worry of getting rid of momentos is what keeps me from moving forward but if they are the last things on the list of stuff to let go, I think I no longer have any excuses left for reading the book.
Oh my goodness I need to read this book urgently.
I have a habit to keep stuff – I have so many things that I’ve hung onto just because of sentimental value and it is time I address this.
Unfortunately it doesn’t end there. I also keep random pieces of paper, post its, reminders, receipts and old diaries at work. I’m convinced it will be needed one day.
Cassidy read this! Most of it made so much sense to me, and some of it I wasn’t quite ready to hear.
Still awesome, though!
I have been wanting to read this book. I think I may need it. I’m pretty good about getting rid of things, but not so much when it comes to getting rid of sentimental things.
XO