The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up question

I was incredibly skeptical as I read the book. To me it felt like treating inanimate objects like living beings. Nonetheless I followed it. I did vary a little and did the de cluttering in 3 sessions instead of 1.

I did notice that it was much easier to maintain the system than anything else I'd tried. Things were visible, and I liked everything I owned. There was the feeling of gratitude she described.

I agree. The book seems a little "out there" at first, but if you really take her advice, it really does change your life. Having closets that aren't bursting at the seems - and still having nothing to wear - is a thing of the past. I read it and cleaned my clothes closets over a year ago. I should read it again to tackle more projects around the house.

My wife and I set aside some time. We had to hire a babysitter to watch our little guy who wanted to grab a hold of the stuff we were letting go of....oh man! I can say the de-cluttering was absolutely worth it! It ends up saving time and money in the long run. I can't tell you how much time I have wasted over the years digging through "stuff" to find what I actually wanted and need. Taking the time to tackle this is an investment that pays off!

Hi Stephanie, what a great question. I too am curious of others methods. It took time to get my mind ready but I do like the premise of the book, that the abundance of stuff we keep affects our lives. The method was extreme for my lifestyle.
I took baby steps beginning in 2015 with my clothes. I began by placing a pretty bag and a trash bag on my bedroom door handle. Everyday, yes EVERY morning when I got dressed, I would find at least 1 item (usually more) to put in the trash bag (that ratty bra) or put something in the pretty bag (that nice top I had not worn in years). Other categories like books could be all at once.

But I hadn't asked myself those questions, so I am glad you did, Stephanie:
If less stress means better health, then yes, this has been a good thing.
Better for relationship? I guess so, as Hubby can find anything in the house, and is not constantly asking "where is so and so?" Yes, this is worth it!
Success - Our Morning routine is EASY! (that means not being late for work which equals reliable which turns into success.)
Working on projects together is easier :) Working in kitchen together is easier. Finding anything in the house is SO MUCH EASIER! Does that equate to happier, Yes, yes it does.

I read the book and was skeptical as well. I couldn't do the decluttering in only 1 stage so did it by category instead when I had time. The results have been amazing and easy to maintain.

I used to go room by room and that was my mistake...things just shifted rooms instead of leaving the house altogether lol. I'm currently working on paperwork which is a big one and difficult to deal with so we'll see how that goes.

I have been doing the categories one at a time. If I try for too much I get overwhelmed. Setting aside one day to do everything is impractical for me.

I also read "Simple Matters" by Erin Boyle and that book almost did *more* for me in terms of inspiration. Her photos of her apartment, and her thoughts on simplistic living have given me an aspirational aesthetic in a way that Marie Kondo did not.

I am much happier, I feel better, and my house and relationship feel renewed!

Hi
Just had to declutter my home of 4000 square feet and 6 people and move to a 900 square foot condo (without 4 of the 6 people !) and this book was like a bible. No, I didn't follow it step by step but like the bible there are great analogies, inspirations and guidance. The systems do work, the questions you ask yourself really work and the bottom line is that if something does not bring me joy, it is better to give it to someone who will receive joy from it. Less is More ! Now reading her second book, Spark Joy.

This book got me to think about my relationship to the things I own. It shed light on how I have created the space in which I live and how it affects me emotionally. I found it interesting and inspiring. When I read about peoples' criticisms of it I wonder if they are interpreting it too literally. A person doesn't have to do all of what she suggests. While her system is very useful, what I most enjoyed was her thoughtful examination of the emotional process of tidying up.

I have read this book and loved it. I am in the process of minimalizing and getting rid of things that I do not need. I had to move from a larger size home to an apartment. It has been an adjustment.

This book definitely inspired me to take an inventory of my possessions and get rid of the "dead energy" items that I was holding onto for no real reason. It also influenced my spending habits and helped condition me to REALLY question whether or not I needed something or wanted to bring more stuff into my home. Some of the tips still stick with me today. I did not follow it step by step but I believe the book as a whole has some great information on how to de-clutter your possessions to live a more minimalist lifestyle which in turn creates space for the experiences and people that you want rather than just the things. I have also now gotten into the regular habit of donating items. I go through kids toys and kitchen utensils/spices/clothing on a regular basis and drop off donations every week or two. The book enlightened me to the fact that I am constantly bringing things into my home but oftentimes, just leave the items stagnant rather than using them or passing them through our home and onto donations where they could be picked up and used by someone who actually needs it.

I'm at the middle of the proces. Now I'm starting w/ komono. I feel so much lighter after i got rid of huge amount of paper, and i really like the folding method. I used to hang all my clothes because I hated folding. There were so much hangers and i never had enough. Now It's much simple. There is a long journey ahed of me but I think that it is worth of effort.