Hey everyone!
I wrote about Marie Kondo’s Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up years ago, and now there’s a series on Netflix about it! I only saw the first few minutes of the first episode, but it seems to focus on the common person instead of having a lot of dramatics. It may not be some people’s cup of tea, however it’s a good introduction to decluttering and minimalism. There does seem to be some confusion because of the show. The show isn’t as in depth as the book so it’s important to read the book and understand the core concepts of declutttering using Marie Kondo’s method.
Myth #1: You have to get rid of everything that doesn’t spark Joy.
Truth: You have to get rid of anything that doesn’t spark Joy or make your life easier.
You can have a large library if you love reading and having physical books. You can keep a juicer if you use it every other week. You can keep an item that you use once a blue moon because it makes it easier to do something. You don’t have to get rid of everything in your life especially if it’s a hobby that you enjoy.
Myth #2: You can’t have any hobbies.
Truth: You can have hobbies, but you have to be realistic about it.
I use to love making jewelry in my high school years. However, it’s been months, if not years since I’ve picked up any of jewelry supplies. I’m more into water coloring and drawing than jewelry making so I made more space for them. I did keep some core items from my jewelry making days since they help with other chores around the house.
Myth #3: Decluttering is for rich people.
Truth: Decluttering is for everyone.
I come from a low income family who is drowning in things we don’t use. I’ve let go of a large amount of clothing and only wear what makes me happy. I’ve gone to a cluttered room to a more manageable one. I’ve let go of who I used to be to become more secure of who I am now.
It’s a method to get release yourself from the past by letting go of items that don’t serve you anymore. You don’t have to cling onto the you that you tried to create in the past, but instead you are creating space to become the you that you are now. You don’t need a lot of organizational storage. The less you have, the more space you have. You’ll naturally end up with the right amount of storage for you.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of myths surrounding decluttering and the KonMari method. Do the research, read the book, and come to your own conclusions about the method. And if KonMari isn’t for you, find another cleaning solution.
January 20, 2019 at 7:01 am
Back in 2007 I saw an episode of the ABC series 20/20 which focused on hoarders. It wasn’t until I watched that show that I realized that I was a hoarder myself. Consequently I converted stacks of VHS recordings to DVD format and made it possible to get around my small apartment like a normal human being. Since I might be moving to a different apartment later this year, I face the task of disposing of a lot of stuff I have no intention of taking with me. It will be labor intensive, but absolutely necessary.