Chapter 2: Finish discarding first

The first subtitle is, "start by discarding, all at once, intensely and completely" (Kondo, 34). Kondo lays out a complete system for tidying, arguing that this is the only way to create a clutter-free environment. There are several steps to the process. For example, visualizing the way you want to live is the first step in tidying. Then comes answering some tough questions and hard work. Kondo suggests a six-month time frame for this process.

Selection criterion: does it spark joy? 
I think that the BEST part of Chapter 2 is the following statement that addresses when to keep/discard an item. "Take each item in one's hand and ask: "Does this spark joy?" If it does, keep it, If not, dispose of it" (Kondo, 41). This doll was given to me. It does not spark joy in my heart. Out it goes.

Got my eyes on you... 

Kondo's method is based on sorting by category, not by part of the home. She suggests getting ALL of the items in a category in one place then sorting. Kondo suggests starting with things that are easier to discard first and finishing with the tough stuff last. This way, you can actually make progress.

• Clothes
• Books
• Papers
• Miscellaneous (komono, in Japanese)
• Mementos

I have started the process in my house. What to do with the discarded items? Typically, I donate to a local thrift shop. I feel fortunate to be able to donate. Let objects go with gratitude (Kondo, 61). The more recent items, however, will be sold by may daughter at a tiny yard sale tomorrow. She needs to learn the value of a dollar. I'll post pictures next week.

I have developed a solution for the china cabinet problem from last week. No one in the family wants the furniture, so I am going to sell it. Yes, you read right. I am going to sell it BUT the money gained from the sale will be donated in my grandmother's memory to her temple in Racine, WI. I feel this act represents a small token of appreciation for her life.

Until next week! Please meet me at Chapter 3.

Reference: Kondo, M. (2014). The life-changing magic of tidying up. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.

Chapter 1: Why can't I keep my house in order?

The first subtitle is, "You can't tidy if you never learned how" (Kondo, p. 10). This section goes on to discuss that Kondo is asked if people actually need lessons in being tidy. We in Extension know that yes, people do need lessons. Being tidy is just is one facet of maintaining a healthy home.

Let's create a dramatic change Let's apply the KonMarie method! Kondo basically encourages putting the home together "in one fell swoop. ( in Japanese, the term is ikki ni, or 'in one go.'" Changing habits will require a change in thinking. She argues that this change in thinking can evolve from a dramatic change in the home environment. Kondo states that we should aim for perfection.

Storage experts are hoarders
My favorite part of Chapter 1: "A booby trap lies within the term storage." Have you ever cleverly stored items, only to be forgotten and surprised at the contents at a later date? Maybe, like Kondo, you then realized that you didn't need the items. Before deciding where to put an item, Kondo argues that first, one must identify if the item is REALLY wanted.

My own booby trap
I have a china cabinet that belonged to my grandmother. I do not even recall how it came to be in my possession. It's in the front hall of my house. I don't have room for it.

China cabinet in the hallway

The china cabinet is jammed full of things that are rarely or never used. For example, we received these candlesticks as a wedding gift 15 years ago. Used a handful of times. Out of sight, out of mind.

Bottles, bowls, upside down porcelain baby, teacups, saucers, and who knows what else

The problem with the china cabinet is that it is heavy with emotion. My grandmother died a very untimely death. Later in the book, Kondo talks about those items that are sentimental. I have contacted my Dad to let him know that I no longer want the cabinet. We are coming up with a solution that suits both of us.

Sort by category, not by location
In terms of the rest of the home, where to begin? Kondo suggests tiding by type of item, not by place. For example, tidy all of the clothes, then books, etc. etc. Regardless, of the type of item, tiding must begin with discarding. 

Make tidying a special event, not a daily chore
Kondo also believes that tiding should not be done every day. Instead, tidying should be done just once. This is the big discard event. We are still responsible for "daily tidying," that is, using something and then putting it back.

Kondo states that she does not tidy her room as it is already tidy. "Although not large, the space I live in is graced with only those things that speak to my heart. My lifestyle brings me joy. Wouldn't you like to live this way, too? It's easy, once you know how to truly put your house in order" (Kondo, p. 31).

Until next week! Please meet me at Chapter 2.

Reference: Kondo, M. (2014). The life-changing magic of tidying up. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.

Gina Peek's Book Club

My new fun book? The life-changing magic of tidying up. This book fits into heathy homes programming under the principle, "Keep it clean."

Each week, I'll focus each chapter and show you how I have applied it to my own home. I'll have pictures and quotes from my family.

Please join me! Consider checking the book out from your library. I purchased mine as a Mother's Day gift to myself.

Trixie Belden: Too tired to tidy

Reference: 
Kondo, M. (2014). The life-changing magic of tidying up. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.