The Japanese Art of Tidying Up

I came across this wonderful organizing book accidently, and downloaded a free audio book off youtube. It is not often a book makes a huge impact, but this one definitely does.

 The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo.

This is a No.1 best seller and a very popular system, and known as the KonMari Method. You can listen to it here on this Audio Book
                                                      
I recommend you download it onto your tablet as it is 4 hrs. long of listening. I had to convert mine to listen but was guided how to do it on a mp3 converter download. Alternatively  Amazon a reasonable priced  kindle edition.

                 There are a few different covers.

I found it fascinating, basically you sort by category not by location and you start with your clothes, which is the easiest. First step is to take them all out of every cupboard, drawer, box from all over the house. Then you pick up each item to see if it sparks joy. If not throw it. Easy you either like it or not. That expensive dress you never ever wear and only keep because it was expensive, does it spark joy!!! Chuck it out. She has a folding method that takes less room also. Marie talk about what sparking joy is and is a professional organizer world wide. It has been her passion since childhood and tried all sorts of methods, I found her quiet ways, explanations and humour lovely.

TShirts and Blouses first.

Skirts, Jeans, Slacks next

There is a basic  order of, what to do, Clothes ,books, papers, etc. till your whole house is clean tidy and minimal. Because I was listening I then checked out some youtube ladies of what they did .

This young lady youtubes her way through the book section by section so watching these will give you a far better understanding before you read or listen to the book.

 Konmari Method by A Young Mum, youtube series. 

The first one being an introduction and getting started. Then each new video is numbered 1,2,3,4,5 etc as she goes through the house, giving an insight to how she feels and coped with following the KonMari Method.



Folding Method recommend. I must like blue lol.

              
  Marie Kondo's  folding method does take up less room. I am yet to do socks but they are laid flat and rolled up like sushi rolls. "To give them a rest"

Another bag by the front door holds jackets and evening clothes, no longer needed.








Folded Jeans, sorry slightly blurry

 

Pile of throw outs.

So far I am very pleased with this method. Slow and steady,and according to A Young Mum, you need time to adjust to the letting go of things. It took her 6 months in all and wouldn't have as much as I, only having been married 1/3 of the time I have.

Wish I knew this system as a young wife. It trains you into good habits.

Till next time.