Minamalism Monday - Mari Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

My new year 2017 word of the year is Minamalism and this is an ongoing journey.  After being inspired by the documentary Minamalism it brought me back to one of first books that helped me get rid of things and keep items that spark joy.  

That book is Mari Kondo's "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" which I borrowed from the public library to reread.  Mari Kondo's method is to declutter by category instead of room and to keep possessions that bring you joy.  I love this!  It's not about numbers or limiting to a number of items, instead it is about keeping what you love and wear or use regularly.  It makes sense why would I continue to wear something that doesn't make me feel good about myself.  

To help with the space organization, I bought the drawer organization boxes SKUBB Box from IKEA which has been a lifesaver.  This is perfect for keeping the underwear and sock drawer organized and under control.  I no longer hide items in the drawer or keep unmatched socks.  Instead I have a place for each neatly folded item and have thrown away items that are ripped, worn, or are ready to go without guilt.  Then I know the items that I keep are comfortable and bring me joy.    

My next step is to organize my closet with the BUMERANG hangers and then keep only the number of items that I have hanger for thus in a way integrating the Project 333 into the picture.  The part of Project 333 that I do not like is storing clothing, I have moved past that stage and feel strongly that all of my clothing should be in my closet for all seasons as Mari Kondo would recommend.  Recently we have gotten rid of the closet doors so the clothing is displayed and it's easy to see what I have and what to wear.  

Minamalism as a lifestyle is a journey and I'm sure I'll be continuously tweaking and reminding myself of the values and seeing what calls my name.  I look foward to this year where I will find my way to simplify my life. 

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

I'm been introduced to the Japanese book called "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo which has sold millions around the world.  I love how it is the ART of decluttering and organizing your home.  This is a totally new way of thinking about decluttering.  Instead of saying how much stuff you are allowed to have, it is about finding "spark" or "joy" in what you have.  I love it! 

I bought the Kindle version of the book and spent the weekend reading half of book (exactly 64% according to Kindle).  It inspired me to try the method with the category that most people do first which is CLOTHES.  So what did I do?

I organized each of my drawers, learned how to fold my socks instead of tying them in a ball which actually saves a lot of space.  I ended up with an extra drawer that I can give to my husband.  I basically dumped each drawer onto my bed and sorted through them.  I held each item and if it didn't spark "joy", I threw it in the donation bag and a few were so worn they went in the trash.  When I held onto my t-shirts from my old workplaces, initially I felt more "longing" for days long gone instead of "joy".  So I thanked those t-shirts for bringing me joy years ago and let them go.  It may sound kind of corny but it actually works.  There is no guilt.  I'm left with clothing that I will not only wear but also that I feel good in.  

In my closet I followed the method in the book which says to start from left to right.  On the left are your dresses (longer pieces) and then go into your slacks, jackets, blouses, and lighter summery items the farthest right.  That's right I said "summery" items.  This is because nothing is packed away or out of season.  Instead they invite you to bring everything out and find a place for it all.  

In the morning I thought I would struggle with what to wear for work but instead it was easier to choose rather than pre-plan my outfits.  What a joy!  

I look forward to sharing with you as I continue to change my life by tidying up the Marie Kondo way!