Simple ‘Tidying Up’ Tips are Spreading Joy

If it does, kept it,
and if not,
put in the discard pile.

When I used the simple “Tidying Up” Tips, I  was surprised at the large pile of tops I was not feeling any love for, especially considering I had just sorted them a few months ago.

What I Learned About Marie Kondo’s Simple ‘Tidying Up’ Tips

1. We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.

When we are focused on what to discard, we forget to cherish the things that we love and want to keep. The moment you start to focus on “how” to choose what to through away, you veered off course.

Watch a video on folding techniques

2. Organize by Category, NOT by Room.

The first step to the Magic Of Tidying Up is to collect everything that falls into one category.

Search every room! Then bring everything in that category into the same room and spread them out.

3. Start with a category you know will be easy to get rid of.

The degree of difficulty increases if you start with mementos or items you attach a functional or emotional value too. Start with items that are easier to make decisions about, like clothing, then work toward the harder categories when your decision-making skills will be perfected.

4. Create subcategories, like tops, pants, jackets, to make the task less daunting.

5. Ask Yourself, does it Spark Joy?

Marie Kondo’s selection criterion is simple: “Does it spark joy?” If the answer is no, get rid of it.

When you touch each item, your body will react differently to each item.

If it does, keep it.
If it does not, get rid of it.

6. You must finish discarding first before you organize.    

Failure to completely finish the process of discarding before you put things away is the one reason many people do not make permanent progress.

7. The best way to organize your drawers and closets.

• Fold your clothes so that they stand up vertically.
•  The key is to store things standing up rather than laid flat.
• Organize the contents of your drawers so you can see every item at a glance, just as you can see the spines of books on a bookshelf.
• To store clothes standing up, they must be made very compact, which results in more folds.

• Every piece of clothing has a “sweet spot”, which will depend on the type of material and size of clothing.
• Fold thin, soft material more tightly and thick, fluffy material less.

Arranging Clothes

• Arrange the clothes in your closet so they rise to the right.  Heavy items on the left side and light items on the right.
• Heavy items include those with length, made from heavier material and those dark in color.
• Organize by category, coats would be far left, then dresses, jackets, pants, shirts and blouses.
• Organize the clothes in each category from heavy to light.

8. Downgrading Clothing to “Lounge Wear” is Taboo.

When you come across an item that you bought by never use or wear, examine why you bought it.

Tell it “Thank you for teaching me what does not suit me” and put it the discard pile.

9. Don’t keep gifts out of guilt.

After the joy of the gift-giving moment is through, you can donate the gift without guilt. It has served its purpose.

10. Storage experts are hoarders.

A “clever” storage solution will never really solve anything, it will not make you tidy.

11. The Best way to get your family to buy into The Magic Of Tidying Up.

Getting rid of your own excess of things is the easiest way to get your family to tidy up. If you are annoyed with your family for being untidy, it is usually a sign that you are neglecting to take care of your own space.