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Pare down your closet and pare down your life

Do you know what was the No. 1 bestselling book in Japan, Europe and the United States in 2015? Can’t guess? It was: “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of De-cluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo.

Well, what is clutter, anyway? Here’s one definition. “Clutter: A large amount of things that are not arranged in a neat or orderly way: a crowded or disordered collection of things. Clutter: A crowded or confused mass or collection; a mass of disorderly or distracting objects or details.”

I can tell you that before I decided to tackle the massive project of my own closet cleaning after reading Kondo, I had no clue. Are you in need of a closet de-cluttering? Do you dread getting dressed in the morning because you cannot find anything to wear.

Here are a few Kondo tips to get you started on your closet de-cluttering project.

Kondo asks that you consider your clothing’s feelings:

  • Are your clothes happy being squashed in a corner shelf or crowded onto hangers?
  • Are your hardworking socks really thrilled to be balled up and stuffed in a drawer?
  • I know what you think, “This is a crock!” But my favorite line from the book is: “Does this bring you joy when you look at it?” If not, toss it!
  • Are you holding on to that dress that you’ve had for 10 years because one day you will be able to wear it again?

 

Kondo suggests that you throw everything out of your closet onto the floor. Pick up one garment at a time. What feelings does this garment invoke? Is this garment the way you live now? I can’t tell you how cathartic and exhilarating it is to de-clutter but don’t take my word for it. Pick up the book or watch the YouTube video. Let me know your results.