A Book Review: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (The Japanese Art of Decluttering)

‘Mom I can’t find my shirt’ - Do you usually having a hard time when finding your personal belongings in your messy room? My room can become super messy especially after tests, with pens, eraser crumbs scattered around and books of all kind of subjects piling up like a hill on table. My wardrobe is packed with clothes but I am actually only wearing like 3 of them.

Typical girl's problems...

This #1 New York Times Best Seller is going to give you tips on how to organize your home into a neat, minimalist oasis. Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing expert. She teaches people new, mindful way of thinking about their homes. In fact, it is more of a lifestyle than an organization method.

The Konmari Organization Method

1. Keep only what brings you joy

You can start off with a simple question: Does this spark joy? If the answer is Yes, you keep the item. If it is a No, you donate it or dispose it in proper way. The Konmari method teach us to keep stuff that brings you happiness and get rid of everything else. This keeps the organizing process positive and allowed your home to fill with items you truly love. I used this method to tidy up my closet during CNY cleaning. I’ve donated several bags of clothes that no longer fit me.

2. Focus on categories

To organize your room efficiently, have a plan first. Divide items into categories start with clothes, books, papers and komono (bathroom, kitchen and miscellaneous items). Finally, tackle with sentimental stuff that you have emotional connection to. This can bring an emotional battle especially things you’ve used for many years. I have a hard time throwing away the purse and sport shoes that I’ve used for over 7 years. We are afraid of throwing away sentimental items because of the fear of losing the precious memories that goes with them. However, Marie Kondo says: '' Truly precious memories will never vanish even if you discard things associated with them''.

The black purse that I've used for over 7 years. It is so damaged that I've to stick the broken part with tape. I am very loyal to my items and I can't throw away belongings that's been with me for a long time because of the feelings developed.

Sport shoes that Nipa passed to me. I wear them since high school until university. The sport shoes that accompanied me through thick and thin, for almost 10 years.

3. Respect your belongings

Marie Kondo suggests readers to consider our belongings’ feelings. Thinking of how your belongings feel, when your clothes slipping off intertwined hangers and your books scattered all over the floor. Taking care of our belongings’ emotions is important regardless of their cost and brand.

4. Konmari Folding Techniques

Kondo has her unique folding method. I think this is the most difficult because I can't fold clothes neatly.

5. Be grateful

Thank your items for their service and your home for housing them. Bid them farewell in a way that respects what it is. If it’s sentimental item that you know was precious and meaningful to a parent or grandparent (family or pet), now dead, or if it represents them to you, Kondo says you should thank them for what they have done and the role they have played in your life. “Giving sincere thanks to an item can significantly reduce or even eliminate any guilt you may feel when you decide that you will no longer have it in your home”.

I implemented these useful tips over the past few months in my Kolej room. My room used to look like a store room/ war zone before. After decluttering, I feel happy and comfortable to live in the room I used to dislike because of its dull concrete floor, old mattress and tiny windows that make me feel like living in a prison cell. I throw away lecture notes and books that I don't read anymore. I also donated household items, food tins and cans to be recycled. Having less items make me feel lighter. Nowadays, I don’t simply buy new clothes anymore, I only buy it when I need it. Always prioritize ‘Quality over Quantity’. By keeping this in mind helps me save money too. I wish these Konmari tips help you declutter your house and make your home easier to manage.

#MarieKondo #Declutter #Tidy #Lifestyle