The Life-Changing Art of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

This week I’m writing about Marie Kondo. Marie Kondo is a decluttering-celebrity. A few years ago, I didn’t even know that was a thing. She runs a consultancy, to help people declutter their house (and life). She is also the author of two books. A friend of mine had both the books and lend them to me. I’ve read them and I’m convinced, Marie Kondo is amazing! Today I am sharing a must read: The Life-Changing Art of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.

The Life-Changing Art of Tidying Up

Her first book is called: The Life-Changing Art of Tidying Up, released in 2014. The book is a best-seller and was sold over 400 million times worldwide. A book about tidying up, that popular? At first, you might think, just like me: do I need a book to tell me how to clean up? But trust me, this is book is something else. The book tells you the difference between decluttering and tidying up. The basis is minimalism. The book is highly informational, but also so much fun (I finished it in two days). This book explains the renowned KonMarie Method (it’s a concept, really!).

Spark Joy

With the first book you can come a long way, it’s the base. However, Marie Kondo still released a second book (and a Netflix show) in 2016. This second book is an addition to the first book. Unfortunately, I think it was a little repetitive, but that’s quite logical since you need to understand the Marie Kondo method too if you’re only reading the second book. But still, I would recommend the book. Spark Joy contains a lot of graphics. This way you can physically see how to store certain items. Very well done, since I had a little trouble visualizing how to fold clothes.

Minimalism

This book is not so much about zero waste or trash, but it is about minimalism. So, when you do throw items out, please consider to get rid of them in a responsible way. A thrift shop or something. Anyway, minimalism is mostly related to sustainability. Producing stuff has a huge burden on the environment, the biggest of all things. If we’d all need a little less, the world will be better off.

And another tip regarding sustainability: lend the book from someone, like I did. Or you can lend it at the library, also a great option!

Yours sincerely,
Romee