Not sure why this book piqued my interest, but it did and especially the fact that it's #2 on the Wall Street Journal's Non Fiction List. I guess I am curious about how other cultures organize their lives, especially their homes. I have always been attracted to the simplicity of Japanese homes, the spareness, the lack of stuff, of things, and so I picked up this book.
My 'Tidy' Tee Shirt Drawer |
So, she has changed my life, not really, but I do like her ideas. Other hints like turn the hanger when you wear a shirt, so you know you have worn it once, or arrange clothes that hang from tall to small so you can see them more easily. She also suggests how to deal with all the papers, warranties, etc, that we tend to save. Her advice, throw it all out. Everything can be found on line.
Keep the obvious, deeds, legal documents, but most of the hanging files that I own, three cabinets of them, could be pared down easily to one if I have the heart to throw most away. And if you haven't worn something in a couple of years, it has to go to some one who might wear it. We have to overcome our reluctance, our nostalgia for that letter sweater, the top coat I wore in college, that high school letter jacket. Let it go.
Boxer Shorts, Drawer, The Kondo Way |
A few of her tips:
* Start with clothes, then books, miscellany, then things with sentimental value: tidy by category. not by location
* Arrange clothes in your closet as follows: coats, jackets, pants, skirts, and blouses (really?).
* Roll socks and place them in drawer so they can be seen, easily taken out.
* Designate a spot for every item, like keys, or purses, or shoes and stick to it.
* Never piles things...store vertically anything that can be stood up, like tee shirts (so you can see at a glance what's there).
* Tidying dramatically changes one's life. This is true for everyone, 100%. I am waiting!
* We learn what we can do without.
* Through tidying, we come to know contentment.
* Have a shrine in your house for items you love (like some of our copper/object/figures from Turkey)
* When you enter your house, it should invite you in, bring contentment, and joy.
* Contentment comes from being surrounded by things you love.
* Life truly begins after you have put your house in order.
Just don't roll up your socks! Remember they need to rest!!
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