Trying out the KonMari Method [Archive]

Geila

5-31-16, 6:30pm

Well, the library does have 50 copies of the book and they are all checked out and there's about 60 people on the wait list so I popped over to Barnes & Noble and picked up a copy - for 30% off. What a cute little book.

I have to say, the idea of gathering everything of the same type and putting it all on the floor sounds very tiring. Probably means I have way too much of everything. At least she says to start with books, which I've already organized and should be easy to weed through.

What I really need to do is go through my boxes of extra kitchenware and linens though. And picture frames. This weekend we took down a wall shelving unit in the garage to accommodate dh's new car which is longer than his old one. I have about 10 of those clear plastic bins sitting on the garage floor waiting for me to go through and sort/discard/organize. The new storage shelf is about 1/4 of the the old one, which means I need to reduce the stored items there by 3/4. I either need to find room for them in the kitchen and pantry, or donate them.

I've kind of skimmed the book, but one section that stood out to me was where she talks about creating an environment that supports you. That's where I'm at. I want to feel relaxed and happy in all areas of my home. I like the idea of creating a supportive environment. Something that lifts your spirit rather than dragging it down.

pony mom

5-31-16, 10:23pm

Loved the book and did my clothes and books, which I thought would be difficult. I'm 3rd in line at the library for her second book. That will get me inspired to do more stuff.

I still fold my clothes and relocated my daily around the house clothing to a drawer in the bathroom, which is where I change my clothing. Silly thing but it makes life easier.

beckyliz

6-1-16, 3:05pm

Geila, if gathering all books is overwhelming, then start with a sub-group. Gather all reference books, for example. When done with those, gather all self-help, etc.

Lainey

6-1-16, 7:54pm

I think you'll like this decluttering method, Geila. Let us know how it goes after you organize a few categories.

Geila

6-2-16, 10:15am

I do like the intense project-oriented approach and also really like the gratitude-focused mindset that she encourages and that becomes the foundation for interacting with belongings and environment.

I'm thinking of devoting afternoons to this project as the weather has been heating up and I can't be outside during that time anyway. That might allow my the mental/emotional space to not feel overwhelmed by it all.

I'll let you guys know how it goes after I start! Thanks for the encouragement:).

ToomuchStuff

6-2-16, 11:23am

I even bought one of those crazy Tshirt folders and used it to fold every single Tshirt. LOVELY. They take up a quarter of the space and it is so easy to find what I want. Less wrinkled also.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-T-Shirt-Folder
http://lifehacker.com/5986437/build-your-own-t-shirt-folding-board-with-cardboard-and-duct-tape

Or learn to do it by hand, rather then spending the money to look like a tv physicist.
http://lifehacker.com/5981725/most-popular-lifehacker-tip-or-guide-fold-a-t-shirt-in-two-seconds

I picked up herr book after seeing the discussion here, when I found it at a damaged freight store in their book section, cheap. I need to remember to grab it on the way out for reading, since I am out wondering and waiting a lot currently.

sweetana3

6-2-16, 12:59pm

I enjoy using the folder and had the foam core and duct tape but couldn't be bothered to make one. Sometimes it is more about the enjoyment, the process, and getting the final result than in saving the pennies. I got her book from the library. No need to own it. So I guess they balance out.

TxZen

6-3-16, 10:10am

Look on YOUTUBE..she has some videos herself posted.

Geila

6-3-16, 11:34am

I looked up this folding method everyone is talking about and realized it's the method I learned in my days of retail folding!

RoseQuartz

6-3-16, 12:01pm

Dhiana

6-3-16, 2:02pm

Look on YOUTUBE..she has some videos herself posted.

+1
Yes, No need to wait to get started...hit play on the videos she has up on YouTube. There are several videos others have posted of themselves throwing out things using the KonMari method. Good for a laugh and a few OMGs!

Teacher Terry

6-3-16, 2:12pm

Back when I had lots of stuff I found it more rewarding to devote an entire day to purging because then you can really see the difference. Then that is motivating to keep going.

TxZen

6-3-16, 2:43pm

Back when I had lots of stuff I found it more rewarding to devote an entire day to purging because then you can really see the difference. Then that is motivating to keep going.

This is my approach. I love seeing the difference after a few hours work!!! :)

Geila

6-3-16, 4:29pm

I'm afraid to do my clothes because I will be painfully aware of how much money I've wasted.

For those of you who've done the KonMari purging:

Did you actually take the time to touch every one of the items as you went through them? Do you think it made a difference?

And are we supposed to thank each departing item individually or the group as a whole?

Gardenarian

6-3-16, 5:11pm

Teacher Terry

6-3-16, 5:12pm

I skipped the thanking part. I did not put my clothes on the floor but touched them on their hangers and looked at them and decided. I knew right away which brought me joy to wear and which did not.

sweetana3

6-3-16, 5:46pm

When I reorganized my closet, I checked each item for stains, tears and wearability before hanging it in the closet. I did not thank them but was aware of how much use I had gotten from many of my pieces. Cost per wear now very low.

Tammy

6-3-16, 7:47pm

I ask myself "would I wear this to see someone that I only see once a year?" There's the answer on whether to keep it.

pony mom

6-3-16, 8:19pm

The thanking part meant a lot me. I hate waste and get very attached to things. Giving them a send off helped me let go.

Teacher Terry

6-4-16, 2:23pm

Gard: you would be so surprised at how good it feels to have empty spaces and not so much stuff. I would assign your 2 messy people zones where they can live how they want and have the main common living areas clean and not cluttered. When you start it has a snowball affect where the more you do and see the results the more you want to do. I like to donate stuff that is good enough because then it doesn't feel like I wasted $. I only throw away that which is junk. I did a lot of it on weekends when I was still working f.t. Now I don't have to do it much because I am conscious of what I bring in and of course my messy partner can only fill up his designated zones and I can close the doors to those areas when others come over.

minimalisticaspirations

6-7-16, 10:03am

I learned a lot from KonMari. I especially liked the folding tricks. However for someone who have collecting tendencies & a poverty mentality so many things may "spark joy" that you end up just as messy. Noticing that in myself, a far better question/way of thinking was to consider something necessary or truly useful.

It is also a very feminine book. That kind of language really seems to resonate with women. If a man wrote such a book the content would be very different, don´t you think? The book an be very helpful in som e aspects, but it shouldn´t be considered a "bible", more like an nice add on the bookshelf.

Ultralight

6-7-16, 10:19am

Geila

6-7-16, 1:43pm

I've cleared out the living room floor for the clothes. I'm not looking forward to it. Dreading it really. I'm afraid I'm going to feel like a fool for all the money wasted on crappy clothes.

I guess the book is feminine, she certainly doesn't talk about organizing a garage! :). What struck me was the fact that she only talks about clothes, books and misc. I was like, what about all the other stuff? But coming from a young person - 20's I think - it makes sense, especially someone in Japan. When I was young I basically just had clothes, shoes, makeup and accessories.

Geila

6-8-16, 1:27pm

Today is the day for the clothes inventory. You know you're really dreading something when the idea of cleaning the bathroom sounds better! :|(

This morning I was like, the bathrooms need cleaning.... I should do that first. Of course I should have enough time to do both and the bathrooms should be last since I'll want to shower after cleaning them... yeah, I'm gonna feel like a fool very soon here.

Ultralight

6-8-16, 1:31pm

Today is the day for the clothes inventory.

You can do this. It will take grit, but you can do it! :)

Geila

6-9-16, 2:12pm

Well, I got the clothes done. And you guys were right, getting started was the hardest part. It was a bit oppressive and overwhelming when I started dumping all the clothes on the floor. And seeing just how much clothing had been stuffed in my closet and dressers was embarrassing. But once I got going it was much better than I'd expected.

I thought I was going to have a bunch of clothing mistakes and feel bad about myself and my choices/actions. And there were a few items that never felt/fit/looked good, so those should have been returned promptly instead of being kept around. But overall, not much. (Interesting how we always remember and focus on our failures rather than our successes.) Most of the clothes were many years old and had gotten lots of use in that time. I had a good amount of work clothes that I'll probably never use again so I got rid of most of that and kept just a few good pieces.

Ended up taking 6 bags to Goodwill and 1 bag for recycling of clothes too worn out to donate. I thanked all my clothes and wished them a good journey on their next lives and a good rest for the ones who retired. I probably got rid of 70% or so of my clothes. Now my clothes look like pretty store displays instead of warehouse storage. I got all my laundry done and now everything is clean, stored in spacious areas according to how I use them, and it feels great.

Interesting how much lighter my room feels now. It feels more full of air - not weighted down by the heaviness of all that mass.

I'll see if I want to tackle the books today or get others things done - like cleaning those bathrooms that didn't get done yesterday!

Thanks for all the encouragement! :)

mschrisgo2

6-9-16, 2:42pm

TVRodriguez

6-9-16, 3:31pm

Just curious, how long did it actually take you?
I have 9 feet of hanging space, a 3 drawer dresser, and a pile on a chair- most of which needs mending. Was yours comparable?

I had less hanging space than you did, but when I did the closet in a semi-Konmari way, it took only a few hours.

I've done all the kids closets, and DH and I did his, too. I've stalled, though, b/c I'm sort of dreading the books.

pinkytoe

6-9-16, 4:08pm

I am doing books right now. We have an eight foot tall built in bookshelf at the end of a hallway and until a few weeks ago it was full. Although not exactly KonMari method, we found that loading a few books every day into boxes that will go to HalfPrice is working for us. Everytime I walk by the shelf, I find another book or two that I can let go. We have reduced by 2/3rds. It is so bizarre to me the stories we tell ourselves about why we keep certain things. I am keeping only those books that "spark joy". Like my childhood Winnie the Pooh books.

Geila

6-9-16, 5:00pm

Gelia, thanks for sharing your experience. I know I should do this, but... like you said, it just feels really overwhelming. And I also detect a bit of denial in myself; I know I need to buy some "nice" clothes, and I just don't Want to do it. (don't want to spend the time looking, or money) If I really clean out, what I need will be crystal clear.

Just curious, how long did it actually take you?
I have 9 feet of hanging space, a 3 drawer dresser, and a pile on a chair- most of which needs mending. Was yours comparable?

I'd say the space is comparable, maybe not as much hanging space but I have 6 deep dresser drawers and I had a couple of laundry baskets worth as well. Total work time was about 5-6 hours from start to finish. Total project took about 8 hours or so because I stopped for meals, to feed the pets and chat with the hubby, to pack the clothes and take them to Goodwill, etc...

Right now I'm doing books and I'm seeing how a lot of this is kind of an intellectual status thing. I've a bunch of college textbooks and classic lit books; chances of me ever reading them again is maybe 5%. We have all our books in tall bookcases in our spare bedroom and it looks pretty cool - one whole wall is practically filled with books. If we have guests they will surely be impressed with our intellect and level of education! :) That's what a part of me is thinking.... And then there's the part that remembers how dang expensive all these books were! But the books that I really like and that I would read again and have fond memories of are just a small portion and most of them are small and kind of simple books - not dumb books but written in lovely simple form that is enjoyable to read. Those textbooks always felt so wordy and overwrought to me. Yet here I am, having a hard time letting them go.

Geila

6-9-16, 5:02pm

pinkytoe

6-9-16, 5:37pm

How do you feel
Well, we are moving so every box of stuff I can eliminate makes me feel much better. I have become a big fan of getting books from the library anyway and no longer feel the need to amass a collection. So much info is available online that it seems silly to have scads of nonfiction or reference books which I had a lot of. Ditto cookbooks. Most of the books I am keeping are old classics that left an impression on me and that I plan to read again when I am fully retired.

sylvia

6-9-16, 10:27pm

I tried the Konmari purge but it got way too overwhelming for me visually to see so much stuff. I do best in sections.

catherine

6-9-16, 10:35pm

I tried the Konmari purge but it got way too overwhelming for me visually to see so much stuff. I do best in sections.

I agree.. I think I might be overwhelmed by so much to get through at once.

However, when we refinished the wood floor in our living room I found out that it's GREAT to empty a space and then ONLY put into it what you want. In other words, don't try to find a place for something just because you own it--instead only return to your space the things that seem to belong--be selective. It made a huge difference on how my living room looked. When I got to the point where I was happy and the living room needed NOTHING more, I got rid of the rest.

Geila

6-10-16, 3:32pm

Well, the books are done. They were harder than the clothes for me. With the clothes I knew for sure whether I was using them or not, and could accurately predict whether I needed to have them on hand. But the books were very mentally draining because I had a hard time deciding whether I might need them some day and whether I should hold on to them.

I ended up getting rid of a lot, at least half of what I had. And doing the sorting was really quick since everything was in one place and I had already separated mine and dh's books so going thru was easy. I used the KonMari method of deciding what I wanted and getting rid of everything else. I did keep about 10 textbooks that I think might be useful or interesting to keep for a year or two.

When I was done I packed up the books and put them in my car trunk to drop off at the library today. But I felt unsettled and tense all evening long. I kept thinking I was making a mistake and that I should hang on to those books. It wasn't emotional attachment, but mental. Kinda funny that my brain resists letting go of all that information - but understandable when information is what drives my brain. My poor brain is probably sad to see all those books, with all those words, gone! I dropped them off this morning and I feel better now, lighter and more relaxed, though typing this was starting to bring up some of the tension and I was feeling it in my shoulders.

No Konmari for the next few days. Today I have other work to do, tomorrow will be outside play time, then a big day of rest and relaxation on Sunday. The plan is to do paper on Monday.

Ultralight

6-10-16, 3:56pm

Well, the books are done.

Making good progress!

sylvia

6-10-16, 11:49pm

Books are hard to do, I love them and reread them every few years but then I can always use the library..........

Geila

6-14-16, 1:54pm

Ok. Started on paper last night just to get things going - I had an outdoor project and the weather was fantastic so I didn't want to stay inside but I also didn't want to completely push it off. Paper is going to be a bit tough because dh is a bit of a packrat with it. Luckily he's been coming around to the fact that we can throw out most of the stuff that's accumulated. He even mentioned wanting to simplify and declutter the income tax files. There's a pile stacked in a basket about 8" high and I'm dreading having to go through each one of those pieces of paper. I need those plastic fingers that filing clerks use! Or that sticky stuff to avoid getting paper cuts and dry skin. But I don't have any of that :(. I'll just have to rough it. >:(

shadowmoss

6-14-16, 6:31pm

A scanner is your friend. If there is any doubt at all that you might need the paper, scan it. That way you will have it even if the paper copy is no longer there. It also goes with it to keep current backups of your scanned files, and one preferably off-site.

Yes, I do work in IT, why do you ask??? :)

pony mom

6-14-16, 10:23pm

I'm next in the loan queue for Kon Mari's second book. Hopefully it'll inspire me to do another sweep through my things. As in the last book, I'll take lots of notes to read through at another time when I need a kick to get me going.

Geila

6-15-16, 2:20pm

The paper section as been the hardest so far. I'm about 75% done and hope to finish today. It's been tedious and exhausting. Dh likes to keep so much stuff and a lot of it was in envelopes so I had to open everything up and go through a bunch of misc papers just to get to the actual paper that needed to be reviewed (when he gets something in the mail he saves the whole thing!) And then once I got to each paper, I had to decide - keep (which then had it's own set of questions, like how to file, what parameters to use, etc), recycle or shred? We have a ton of financial papers that will need to be destroyed. I'll have to either burn them all or use one of those paper shredding companies - it's too much paper for our small home shredder. It would break the thing. By evening I was feeling mentally exhausted from decision fatigue and the work of reading through all that information.

Dh thanked me for doing the bulk of the work and went through a pile of his papers and got rid of most of them, which was very nice. I thought he might resent me for purging the paper.

With 75% done we had about 5 laundry baskets worth of paper, most of it recyclable. I also have 2 bags of hanging and manila folders to donate, and some binders too. So far, we are keeping less than 10% of the paper and I'm going to spread all that out tonight and have dh and I take another run through it and make sure we want to keep all of it before I file it away.

We now have a big empty HON filing cabinet that I will probably sell or give away. It's a very nice expensive one that retails for about $400 but it was a gift from a friend who was moving and couldn't take it, so it didn't cost us anything.

I'm going to spend some time outdoors before tackling the last bit of the paper. I need to refresh my brain and soul!

Geila

6-16-16, 1:33pm

The paper is done!!! And man, what a rush it was to finish it yesterday. I was psyched all evening. We ended up keeping just a tiny amount of paper - tiny! It feels so good to have all the important documents in one place and organized to find everything quickly and easily. This was hard but well worth the effort. I'm still amazed we were able to get so much paper out in such a short time. This chick Marie knows her stuff! :) I'm officially a KonMarie Konvert. :D

Ultralight

6-16-16, 1:48pm

The paper is done!!!

Sweet!

beckyliz

6-16-16, 5:33pm

Good job on the paper! I think paper is the worst.

Geila

6-17-16, 3:06pm

Thanks Beckyliz!

With the cd's I'm taking my time and enjoying the process. I dug up a bunch of them I haven't listened to in years and I'm popping them in the player and giving them a chance to dazzle. So far it's 50/50 keep and toss. I did toss all the cd cases - a bag full - and that was nice. The ones who make it will live in a 64 count cd notebook. I'll see if I can find new homes for the discards.

Chicken lady

6-17-16, 3:50pm

I find this concept fascinating. I'm not tempted to try it, but I'm fascinated. I cannot even imagine what "all the paper" would look like at my house.

i think I will do paper last, as in "never".

the one thing I like that I have always tried to do is the gathering together. If you have things stashed all over, it's very hard to make good decisions about paring down. My worst one for that is books. I would have a book, and then one of my kids would bring the same book home from somewhere, not knowing we already had it. Then they'd say "well, this copy is mine anyway, I'll take it with me when I move out." Two of them have moved out. 80% of those books are still here.

Putting all the books in one place and then reshelving them would take a couple of days and I see it as a waste of time. Currently I'm grouping books (like, all the cookbooks go in the kitchen) and alphabetizing them by author when I shelve them, which usually points up the duplicates.

when my dad was here though, he noticed I had two copies of "the pooh cook book" - one in the kitchen and one with the Winnie the Pooh stories in the living room.

at the moment I'm trying to group all the canning stuff in one cupboard and cut down the number of jars.

Ultralight

6-17-16, 3:53pm

KonMari is a popular method with female friends and acquaintances of mine.

sweetana3

6-17-16, 4:09pm

My favorite organizing hint was put all like things together as much as possible. Of course, when all my gardening gloves are in one place and I cannot find that place, I am stuck. But I always know where to get a pen, pencil, highlighter, stapler, etc. because each type of thing has one place. When I find a nail clipper, it goes in one medicine cabinet.

Geila

6-17-16, 5:20pm

I find this concept fascinating. I'm not tempted to try it, but I'm fascinated. I cannot even imagine what "all the paper" would look like at my house.

i think I will do paper last, as in "never".

This author actually made me think of you, Chicken Lady. She engages with things as if they are alive and have feelings and emotions. Similar to what you've described. I find it interesting and kind of cute because I've never done that. Now I find myself doing it quite a bit.

I even find myself talking to my various body parts as I do my workouts, as in, "good job ladies! (to my arms after doing my pushups), or great work lefty" (to my left leg during lunges), and I'll even remind the support body parts to do their share and congratulate everyone after each exercise. I find it promotes mindfulness and gratitude at the same time.

But she definitely encourages a certain level of detachment once an item has served their purpose or no longer "sparks joy" so I don't know how her process would work for someone who hoards. It would be an interesting perspective for sure.

Chicken lady

6-17-16, 5:22pm

I keep the things in different locations - scissors for example are in the kitchen, in the studio, in the barn, in my desk in the basement, in dh desk, in the upstairs bathroom, in the sewing basket, and with the scrapbooking stuff. You could argue that I should just make do with one pair of scissors, but those are all points of use, and I save a lot of time not running around getting scissors.

also, because each pair of scissors has it's place and they are different, I know where to put them if they turn up somewhere there should not be scissors.

but when you are figuring out what you have, it's good to be able to look at all of it at once.

Chicken lady

6-17-16, 5:24pm

Geila

6-17-16, 5:27pm

The thing about being a hoarder is that everything sparks joy. I'm not kidding. "I have to keep this folder because it is the perfect shade of blue and looking at it floods my brain with reward chemicals...."

i don't actually have any sense that the things have feelings or emotions, I just have a lot of feelings and emotions that are tied to the things.

If you were to entertain the idea that the things living in your house actually do have feelings and emotions, would that change how you interact with them? Or how you would feel about keeping them?

(I'm starting to sound like UA!) :|(

Chicken lady

6-17-16, 5:42pm

I think that would be like contemplating rubber bands - it might drive me over the edge.

Ultralight

6-17-16, 6:08pm

I think that would be like contemplating rubber bands - it might drive me over the edge.

I don't think you need to contemplate them. Do they spark joy? No? Toss!

Ultralight

6-17-16, 6:11pm

(I'm starting to sound like UA!)
:+1:

Geila

6-17-16, 6:55pm

Cd's and Dvd's are finito! This one was quite pleasant. Got rid of about half of the CD's we had and the ones left are the joyful ones. I even have some space left on my 64 cd folder.

DVD's were pretty much a non-issue; we only have a handful. We only buy dvd's if we've watched the movie several times, still want to watch it and it's not available on Netflix stream. Since we rarely watch movies more than once, we buy very few, usually only ones that have a special meaning for us. I got rid of the one that was bought for a class assignment and which I never really liked.

I was hoping to find homes for these cd's but I doubt it will happen. People are pretty picky about music. Although it will be painful to throw these away since I clearly spent some cash on them, I might have to do it. I guess if I had saved the cd cases I might have been able to donate them. But I don't know, do people buy cd's at Goodwill? I don't know that I would, it'd be hard to know if they were in good playing condition.

Anybody want an "eclectic" collection of cd's? :) for free?

ApatheticNoMore

6-17-16, 7:03pm

I tend to think no possession one owns is going to spark joy except maybe [non-P.G.]

it seems a dangerous path anyway, and pretty soon you are replacing all your good enough possessions with more joyous ones or something. planned obsolescence - the joy just didn't last so I had to replace.

pony mom

6-17-16, 8:48pm

Chicken Lady, just out of curiosity....what does Winnie the Pooh cook? Presumably things containing honey?

Chicken lady

6-17-16, 9:13pm

Aaaaaah!!!! Don't let me have the CDs!

winnie the pooh cooks lots of things with honey and things that piglets and little British boys like.

my dad is a beekeeper.

Geila

6-19-16, 12:31pm

Aaaaaah!!!! Don't let me have the CDs!

No worries - they have all been adopted!

Geila

6-28-16, 2:00pm

Today I'm in a bit of limbo. I find that what I enjoy most is working on one project at a time and going at it pretty intensely until it's done. I was trying to do the KonMari purge while doing some outdoor stuff and it didn't work. So I put KonMari on hold and did the outdoor projects. Got lots done. Very happy with accomplishments. Now I have one last thing outside - painting of side gates - but the weather might prove problematic. So trying to decide if I put that on hold and come back to the purging or work around the weather. I don't like leaving things dangling like that.

On the plus side, I found out a local organization provides clothing and toiletries to the homeless community and that should work well with the next purge items which is toiletries and makeup.

Geila

7-5-16, 3:33pm

I finally got back to the KonMari and tackled the makeup. I used to buy expensive makeup and was loathe to toss it but when I read about the rather short product lifespan, I tossed everything. I stopped wearing makeup about 3 years ago and that means everything was too old to use. It's so nice to have a cleaned out bathroom! It feels so spacious and clean.

I do have one basket of assorted stuff for long hair - curling irons, blowdryer, gels and styling products. Giving myself a few days to toss these. I doubt I'll ever go back to long hair.

I also have a basket of perfumed lotions and sprays that I need to either use up or throw out. It's those things that always seem too pretty to use and that end up sitting around forever. I'm thinking of putting them around the house to be used as air fresheners in case they are too old to use on my skin. I lotion can be used on my feet.

The credit cards and other important documents where dealt with during the paper purge so that is all done.
We have very few electronics and only keep what works and is used so that one is easy.

I think the next thing for me to tackle is cloth in the form kitchen and bed linens. I also have some fabric for sewing projects I've been meaning to do - I won't tackle that right now as I need to make some decisions on whether or not I should abandon those projects. Kondo doesn't really have linens in a category but that's a big one for me. One of my gazingus pins. I probably have about 6 plastic bins full of these linens and I need to get rid of most of them. That's my goal for this week, along with some painting I want to get done.

ps. I've been enjoying the new spaciousness in my house as a result of all the clearing done. It feels twice as big!

Teacher Terry

7-5-16, 5:51pm

I only kept 2 sets of sheets for each bed which my friend thought was a mistake but it has worked perfectly for a long time. The only area where I tend to have more of things is cloth tablecloths and napkins because I use them all the time and don't want to constantly wash. I downsized the towels too and kept a few old ones for camping and dog bathing. Sounds like you are ding a great job!

Lainey

7-5-16, 7:59pm

Geila,
have you ever thought of bringing your extra lotions and hair products in to your gym or your work restroom areas? I've seen people do that before and leave them in a 'free' area so if anyone forgot their shampoo they can just grab one from that area.

catherine

7-5-16, 8:43pm

I only kept 2 sets of sheets for each bed which my friend thought was a mistake

Your friend thought 2 was too few sets? Or too many? I think two is perfect: one to keep on the bed and one to wash. In fact, I would only keep one per guest bed. They leave, you wash, remake, done. Why would you ever need more than 2 sets of linens per bed?

When I lived in my aunt's idyllic summer cottage, we only had flat sheets. So once a week, we would strip the bottom sheet and send it to the launderer. We would then make the top sheet the bottom sheet, and put the newly laundered bottom sheet as the top sheet. It was perfect actually. So efficient and economical. It makes me want to get rid of all my fitted sheets!

ApatheticNoMore

7-5-16, 11:24pm

Why would you ever need more than 2 sets of linens per bed?

for different weather I guess. Not to argue that everyone go out and buy a bunch of sheets, but I have a couple of flannel sheets for colder weather (maybe 3 months a year where I appreciate their warmth), and some low thread count (thus cooler) cotton sheets for warm weather, and well if it's intolerably hot I prefer no sheets at all - nothing but the mattress cover (but fantasize about silk because it's about the only thing that might keep cool). So I have about 5 sheets now, but don't do sheet sets or fitted sheets, just use a flat sheet for the bottom sheet and usually just blankets on top although if it's burning hot I use just a sheet on top no blankets. I think I have about 1 sheet too many. I have no plans to buy any more (except to fantasize about a silk sheet).

Zoe Girl

7-6-16, 8:26am

2 sets sounds perfect, I actually don't use a top sheet so I just have 2 bottoms and probably a top somewhere in the place. I want flannel sheets and they only come in sets, I am sure I can make a craft out of the top sheet! I would like a second duvet cover for washing day, I wash the cover every month since I don't use a top sheet. I do have a lot of towels, and I got rid of so many! But I seem to use them a lot. I had kids on swim team so we had so many towels for years. I gave most of them to my mom for when she has a lot of grandkid visitors.

nswef

7-6-16, 10:07am

ZG Lands End and LLBean both sell sheets singly. I use a king top on the queen size bed as they have reduced the size over the years, and a queen fitted. I have 2 summer sets of cotton and 2 winter sets of flannel. Nothing really matches....I made 2 linen pillowcases that I love. $10 a yard at Joann Fabrics on line. Way cheaper than the cases I saw on line for $40 EACH! None of my pillowcases match either, I change them much more often than the sheets- after all I am clean when I go to bed.

Teacher Terry

7-6-16, 2:53pm

Catherine: my friend thought that 2 sets/bed was not enough.

catherine

7-6-16, 3:11pm

Catherine: my friend thought that 2 sets/bed was not enough.

Thanks for clarifying. As you've probably gathered, I don't see why 2 sets/bed should not be enough. I kind of get that depending on where you live, maybe flannel for the winter/cotton for the summer, but personally, I'm too cheap to spend $50 on more sheets than I need, and I really don't need more than 2--I've lived with 1 per bed for a long time; 2 is a luxury to me, and cotton is my all-weather choice.

Geila

7-6-16, 4:18pm

2 sets of sheets is plenty for me too. In fact, I often just wash and reuse the same sheets and sometimes forget I even have the extras. I'll have to try the flat sheet as a bottom, I get frustrated at how quickly the fitted sheets wear out. I bought a set of flannel years ago and rarely use them.

Marie Kondo was saying in the book that when you store linens for a long time they smell mildewed and the smell is hard to get rid of and I've found that to be true. Often when I go to use my extra sheets (that have been stored for several weeks or months) they smell stale and I end up not using them.

Teacher Terry

7-6-16, 4:22pm

That is why I rotate my sheets.

catherine

7-7-16, 8:48am

Geila

7-7-16, 12:58pm

Just read this really good article (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/10/magazine/marie-kondo-and-the-ruthless-war-on-stuff.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=mini-moth&region=top-stories-below&WT.nav=top-stories-below) from the New York Times Magazine on Kondo, her "Konverts" and the psychology of tidying up.

Marie Kondo and the Ruthless War on Stuff (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/10/magazine/marie-kondo-and-the-ruthless-war-on-stuff.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=mini-moth&region=top-stories-below&WT.nav=top-stories-below)

Thanks Catherine. That's a good (although long) article. I think the most valuable thing that Marie Kondo offers is permission to discard things without guilt. Her theory of releasing things to a new, better, life or a time to rest makes it feel like we are doing our things a service by letting them go. This is in contrast to the Catholic guilt I've been struggling with. She really advocates a gratitude and no shame/no guilt philosophy which is very soothing.

It's hard to describe the feeling of discarding so much unused and unneeded stuff from my house and my life. I wouldn't have believed it if someone had told me.

leslieann

7-7-16, 3:26pm

Thanks for the article link, Catherine. I haven't finished my work on discarding and things are gathering again....good to have some reminders, even though the book drove me crazy.

Teacher Terry

7-7-16, 3:38pm

It is interesting how people collect so much stuff slowly and don't even realize it for a long time. Especially if you live in a house a long time with a basement or attic it is so easy to put stuff there and forget about it. I was lucky that my Mom asked me to help her get rid of stuff when I was in my 20's and lived next door. We took 2 years to sell, donate. She was never a hoarder and her house immaculate but she did have a basement and attic. None of it was junk so we sold most of it and donated the rest. She wanted to be ready to move into an apartment when she felt the time was right. I have had to clean out a couple of homes when someone died and that was not fun.

Ultralight

7-7-16, 3:44pm

I think it is interesting that people collect anything, especially if it is not useful or they are not using it (if it is useful or could be to someone).

catherine

7-7-16, 4:00pm

I think it is interesting that people collect anything, especially if it is not useful or they are not using it (if it is useful or could be to someone).

I agree. I'm not a collector. I once started a collection of vintage postcards from the town I spent my summers in, but then I asked myself, why?

UA, I'd love to know your visceral reaction when watching shows like American Picker, because even I experience anxiety just looking at all the crap people have stashed away. And then I'm astonished at the prices they get for old rusty pieces of metal. I do appreciate history, and pop culture artifacts are kind of fun to look at but worth the burden of storing all that STUFF in big barns and on every surface in the home?? I don't get it.

Ultralight

7-7-16, 4:03pm

I am not really familiar with American Picker. Is it like Antique Roadshow? Should I google it?

beckyliz

7-7-16, 4:05pm

These guys have quite a good business going - they travel around the country and pick collectibles and resell them in their shops. I believe there is one in Iowa and one in Tennessee; perhaps more.
http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers

Ultralight

7-7-16, 4:06pm

That is a career?

"Money changers."

catherine

7-7-16, 4:07pm

I am not really familiar with American Picker. Is it like Antique Roadshow? Should I google it?

No, it is not like Antique Roadshow. These two guys are junk wholesalers, basically and they travel the country to "pick" things to resell. So they wind up in people's homes, yards, barns, outbuildings, you name it, where there is usually junk stacked 20' high. They crawl over it, climb on it, risk life and limb for the 1940s Coca-cola sign, or the rusty Harley with only one tire.

Here's a link to the History Channel website, where you can probably see full episodes. http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers

Ultralight

7-7-16, 4:09pm

I will check out some trailers for it.

Teacher Terry

7-7-16, 4:34pm

My parents were not collectors but they didn't get rid of stuff when done with it. For example, the basement contained all of our ice skates, roller skates, snowshoes, fishing and hunting stuff, toys, books, etc.

Geila

7-8-16, 2:32pm

Yesterday I started working on the bed linens and as soon as a I started I became very stressed out and had to leave it and go outside and spend some time in the garden. And I realized why this item is so hard. Collecting linens is something I shared with my mother and now that she's been gone a number of years, it's hard to get rid of the connection with her. I realized that I collected linens because of her, she enjoyed collecting them, and it was something to do together. I've never really enjoyed the use of the collections, they have been sitting in their bins for years. I tend to use the same sheets over and over until they fall apart and then buy new ones because the collected linens are odds and ends from garage sales and thrift stores that rarely fit the beds we have. I also have some linens that she gave me, some of them embroidered and hand made.

This morning I piled all the linens and curtains on the floor and realized that applying the joy method will mean that I will need to discard a lot of the bed linens - probably most of it. I'm keeping them for complicated emotional reasons, not because I enjoy them or plan to use them. It will be hard to sever this last connection with my mother, but it's something I need to do to better care for myself.

nswef

7-8-16, 5:14pm

Oh Geila, how hard it is. Is it possible to keep one or two that she hand embroidered and let the rest go? This coming from someone who has an attic and basement full of things that need removing....

pinkytoe

7-9-16, 9:08am

Two weeks left to go until we move. I have felt like weeping a few times as I let go of the things that represented memories. It has been and continues to be an incredible experience to let go after so many years of living in one place. As you say, most of those kind of things sit tucked away in a box or closet anyway. Keep one or two things like the linens and let the rest go. It is freeing.

pony mom

7-9-16, 7:37pm

Mary B.

7-10-16, 12:38am

Could you cut up the linens and make them into something else? Like quilted squares, pillow covers, table runners, curtains, etc? Many years ago my great aunt took our childhood clothes and made a quilt using material from them. Looking at it, I can remember the shirts and dresses they came from, just from a small square of fabric.

I just did something similar with my Mom's stash of table runners, doilies, etc. -- I made them into a simple bedspread, cutting out the nicest parts (either fanciest or without damage) and sewing them to the base of a fleece blanket. It works well for her single bed and she's really enjoying seeing them again.

I would only do this if the sewing is a pleasure, though (it is for me) and if you thought you would want the resulting quilt. Letting things go is sometimes the best thing to do.

Geila

7-12-16, 1:02pm

Thanks for the sympathy guys. This part has been harder than expected. Sadly, my relationship with my mother was not a happy one. Rather, it was painful. So this has brought up a lot of emotional stuff from that. I did finish going thru everything and have let most of it go - 4 large bags to GW, 2 bags for recycling, and a stack of fitted sheets for dh to use as drop cloths in his projects. I've been feeling blah and mildly depressed since I started the linens. Not all the time, but enough of the time that I have really slowed down on my productivity and I have even stopped working out. That's a big one and I want to correct it.

I've also been indulging in ice cream as a pick me up, which I know is the wrong thing to do since it actually functions as a depressant with the sugar crashes. Faulty reasoning.

My goal for today is to work out and finish up the linens so I can move forward. All I need to do is wash everything I'm keeping and put it away in a drawer next to each bed to help me remember to rotate the sheets. Oh, and make the GW drop off. I put the bags in the truck on Friday but have yet to drop them off.

I kept just a couple of things that I like and that feel as if they will not weigh me down emotionally when I see them. Perhaps not a wise choice, I'll see. If I find they do weigh me down, I will discard them.

nswef

7-12-16, 1:45pm

Geila, It's good to rest and indulge when you struggle this way. Funny how old things dredge up stuff....I was recording old albums onto CDs many years ago and found myself depressed - I figured out it was the music...I had thought I loved it, but it brought back unpleasant times. So those are gone. I'm impressed with your diligence.

Geila

7-13-16, 12:36pm

Thanks nswef!

I worked out yesterday and did the GW drop off. As soon as I dropped off the stuff I felt lighter and happier. I didn't get to the laundry though. Instead I did errands that I'd been putting off. I'm also trying to decide if I want to keep the bed skirts I have - 1 for each bed. I haven't been using them but it seems a shame to get rid of them.

Let's see... today's goals are: work out, do a bit of housework, a few loads of laundry, try to finish the linens once and for all, and do some tidying with the pet things.

On the food front, I did have a bowl of ice cream last night for dinner. I still need to wean myself off of that. But on a positive note, I've been off of caffeine for the last month and so far so good. I find that being caffeine-free helps me stay more calm and peaceful when faced with stressful situations. During this linens thing I've felt stressed, but have not felt a lot of anxiety. It has felt manageable. I felt like I had choices. In the past I would have felt overwhelmed, helpless and anxious, maybe scared.

But this time, I've been able to stay with my feelings and even find some peace and calm for large chunks of time. It feels good.

19Sandy

8-14-16, 9:22pm

Hi, this is my first post!

I joined specifically because I have been reading Marie Kondo's books. I know she said to start of clothes, but I started with other things first. I have tons of clothes that don't fit or are not just "me: anymore. Years ago, I would purge clothes by taking stuff to consignment shops, but now all of the ones in my county have gone out of business. I won't do a garage sale - been there and done that, and it is a waste of time IMO. My digital camera broke, so I can't post on eBay. I am considering craiglist, but have some fears about it. Anyway, I am putting clothes off for a while ( I have tossed out a few things though, including a drawer full of ancient pantyhose. )

However, I have tossed tons of papers. I have five bags of paper ready to take to the dumpster.

I purged hundreds of books a few years ago.

I have several broken appliances to get rid of too, and I am looking for a recycling center.

My goal is to move with less stuff. I don't know where I am going to move but Marie Kondo says that by cleaning, your life will change, and I really want my life to change!

19Sandy

8-14-16, 9:28pm

Look on YOUTUBE..she has some videos herself posted.

Ditto for the retail thing - I don't have a lot of T-shirts though. I still like hanging clothes, but I am just starting this thing but am loving it!

19Sandy

8-14-16, 9:31pm

It sounds so time consuming! I've read a lot of people say it changed their lives and so on, but ugh, sitting in the house going through stuff - no fun.

I'm not that motivated to declutter as dh and dd are packrats, and even if I got rid of nearly all MY things it, it would only be about 5% of the whole.

I am doing the hanging on hanger thing too. It would be my luck that that is the day that my landlord did one of those spur of the moment inspections. Maybe over a holiday weekend, I can do the toss it on a floor thing.

19Sandy

8-14-16, 9:57pm

I just read every post in this thread, and I am grateful that I don't have a basement, cellar or attic. I don't have garage, but I would like to have one to avoid the snow clearing in the wintertime.

I am going through my vcr tapes. My vcr broke, and I don't plan on buying a new one.

I threw away a lot of plastic containers in the kitchen.

I sorted my socks and tossed the old ones.

I am looking for a consignment shop for clothes.

I wonder what Marie Kondo would say if she saw the size of some of the homes in the USA or if she has watched hoarders?

19Sandy

8-15-16, 4:02pm

I stayed up late last night to discard more things.

I slept in as a result and found out is National Relaxation Day.

In addition, there is a hoarders marathon on TLC, and it raining!

Hoarders always makes me want to discard!

Lainey

8-15-16, 7:43pm

Hoarders always makes me want to discard!

Same here, I find it oddly motivating.
Did you see the Hoarders episode where the woman in Hawaii lost her home due to failure to pay back taxes, I think it was about $25,000? Two real estate investor guys bought it, cleaned it out and repainted and refurnished it, and then sold it back to her for a very cheap price. She had to qualify for the mortgage, and did, and the look on her face when they gave her the keys to her house and she walked back in was priceless! Who knew that there were some gold-hearted real estate flippers out there??

19Sandy

8-15-16, 11:55pm

I think I have seen every Hoarders episode multiple times. I would love to be a home organizer or therapist to help these people. I suspect that episode was scripted though. I so wish they would make new episodes. Can you imagine if they hired Marie Kondo to work with these people? Of course, I suspect she is at the total opposite spectrum. For instance, she wants you to put your dressers and bookshelves in your closets. And, you are supposed to fold your plastic grocery bags. I am so NOT at that point in my cleanup! Most of my furniture would not fit in a closet, and my landlord would freak if heavy furniture was in a closet. I am making some headway on the clutter. I am looking for a metal dealer and a consignment shop to make some cash off of this stuff.

The last one that was on tonight really ticked me off - I know the diabetic woman had issue, but I suspect she was over medicated for most of the episode. I wonder what the other 12 disabilities were?

Oh, the cockroaches and mice episodes freak me out - in my area, they would arrest the people and tear the house down lickety-split.

I has no idea that a ton of cockroaches could create an odor - yuck!

So, your house is filled with mice, but you don't put on plastic gloves, and use a dustpan and broom to clean it up?

Hoarding to that extreme has to be a serious illness IMO.

19Sandy

8-16-16, 12:52am

Okay, I just found another box filled with VCR tapes that have to go - so much wasted money!!!

Underneath that was another box of skinny clothes from when my thyroid was messed up, and I was So! excited to be thin again, but I gained it back with more.

And, what is with the random shoelaces and twisty ties from bread bags and such?

I could start my own clothing consignment shop right now with all of these clothes!

I would say 90 percent of it won't fit me anyway!

A lot of wasted money!

Okay, and broken stuff - 2 tvs, 1 microwave and an electronic typewriter that is outdated.

Then I have an ancient washer and dryer that have to go too because they aren't worth fixing.

And, I only live in an apartment with few closets.

None of this stuff was sitting out in view either but stacked in the closets.

I so need to find a resale shop for all of these new or almost new clothes!

Teacher Terry

8-16-16, 12:31pm

I actually can't stand to watch hoarders as all the filth makes me sick. Sometimes people will come haul away appliances that are broke for free because they fix them and resell. You should look to see if you have any near you. If you have a ton of stuff thrift stores will come with a truck. If not just start stuffing your car and make multiple trips.

19Sandy

8-17-16, 5:10pm

Some of the stuff on hoarders does make a person gag and we can't even smell or feel it.

What amazes me is when they live in an apartment or rental home because in my area they would just arrest you can evict you in 48 hours.

In one of MK's books she talks about students procrastinating studying for an exam and cleaning their spaces up instead because it is impossible to think around clutter.

I tend to organize and clean before something important too.

I just thought it was avoidance but maybe not.

She recommends tearing labels off of things too to get rid of words and color.

19Sandy

8-17-16, 11:01pm

I know MK says to use cardboard boxes for storage, but I am pulling some old ones out of the closet to sort through stuff, and the material is degrading and has absorbed dust. I think I prefer plastic totes. The items last longer, and you can wash the items. If you store in cardboard, then dust can filter inside too. Anyway, these dusty and degraded boxes are going in the trash pronto.

19Sandy

8-18-16, 3:18pm

I'm a night owl, so I do a lot of organizing after dark. I started to dig out boxes from my closets and the boxes were degrading. So, those boxes are sitting by the door. Some of the things inside are in different boxes now. I usually pull everything from my closets in the winter when I am snowed in but this year I was sick for about 8 weeks and couldn't do much. I know MK says not to clean but there were massive cobwebs and loads of dust behind the boxes. So, I vacuumed, swept and mopped those floors. I have some things that are out of the boxes that I need to make a decision about but I can see more space already. I still haven't done much with clothing, but I will eventually. As soon as it stops raining, I have a bunch of stuff to put into a dumpster up the street. The more I throw away, the easier it will be to move when the opportunity occurs.

My home does feel more airy and fresher, but the kid's old room is a disaster zone with stuff everywhere instead of in the closet.

Stacking paperwork is easier to find things, I had no problems finding a document I needed today.

I haven't done much with clothes but don't think that I can fold much, but that system is going to be fantastic for moving! Just think how much you can place vertically in a laundry basket rather than leaving on hangers to pack things into a vehicle.

19Sandy

8-18-16, 11:19pm

I had to shove everything left back in the closet to avoid a landlord hassle. I will get back to it soon though to purge some more.

19Sandy

8-19-16, 11:07pm

I am so exhausted that I can't go to sleep so I read an article/interview with Marie Kondo.

1. She no longer wears slacks so that means she doesn't have to fold any in her home.

2. She now only wears white clothing (that should make getting organized easy!) because it represents cleanliness

3. She now has a KonMari app (I won't be getting it because I am frugal and have a minute phone).

4. She is annoyed by foul odors (I guess we won't be seeing her on any hoarding shows!).

5. She might start training classes around the world to be a KonMari consultant (wouldn't that be a blast!).

Chicken lady

8-20-16, 10:19am

H sandy, if you haven't "met" me yet, I'm the resident hoarder.

that said, I sort of get some of the kondo stuff, but she seems a little extreme to me. Obviously not my style. But your last post makes me look at her as "how to write a book and turn your personal obsessions (mental illness?) into a lucrative cult."

what at kind of lifestyle would you have to live to only wear white clothing? How hard would that be to keep clean? Why did she stop wearing slacks?

i am impressed with your cleanout goals and progress. And I think anything that helps people is great, but I feel like she's sort of over the edge. What are some of the things that you think are helping you, and do you think any of it is a little over the top?

oh, and edited to add, I totally agree about the cardboard. One of my goals is to get all the cardboard boxes out of my house. They are not mouseproof, the collect bugs, and they absorb moisture. They also deform and crush more easily that plastic, wood or metal containers, or even sturdy baskets in some cases.

19Sandy

8-20-16, 4:23pm

In MK's second book, she says that people can select her methods or not and pick and choose what to do.

I don't know if I can ever get to her point, but I think it is also part of her spiritually.

I don't think she is mentally ill, but maybe does have some OCD issues.

White clothing - personally not a good color on me.

Registered nurses and medical staff often wear white.

Chefs often wear white coats and hats.

Some Nuns wear wear.

Some brides wear white.

People wear white on hot summer days.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ________________________________

I am not sure that all her suggestions work but if someone wants to try it there is no reason not to.

Getting rid of stuff makes it easier to move, keep your home clean and live in a smaller space.

It makes it easier if something happens to you and your relatives have to clear out your home.

There are women all over the world who don't wear slacks - but I do!

There are also men who don't wear slacks in some parts of the world.

If you want to discard stuff, just consider if it makes you happy or you have to keep (legal documents and so on.)

Don't worry about the other stuff yet.

I have already taken out 4 bags of stuff today, and put both wastebaskets inside the cabinets rather than on the floor.

I tried taking labels off of things and that isn't easy to do.

I started with other things than clothing because apparently that is a tougher issue for me.

Chicken lady

8-20-16, 5:35pm

Oh, I know plenty of women who don't wear slacks, I just wondered if she said why she stopped. I also wear white, but not all the time. There are many things I do that would result in permanently stained white clothes. Although, maybe not - my heart daughter's gf is a chef and heart daughter actually gets the uniforms clean. This won her awe and adulation.

I personally don't want the laundry challenge.

OCD is a mental illness. As someone who fights hoarding and depression, I don't think identifying mental illness is a bad thing. I'm not saying she's OCD either, which is why I put it in parentheses with a question mark - she finitely has behaviors that would be maladaptive in some settings, but so do many people who live squarely in the "norm"

i'm not trying to advocate against clearing out, or even any of her methods, I was just curious about how some of the people employing them felt about the whole package. - you said you were "trying it out" so I thought you might have some interesting reflections on it.

19Sandy

8-20-16, 7:15pm

I started with other things than clothes.

I can't imagine folding everything though - but it does open up space in drawers.

Keeping only what sparks joy makes perfect sense.

Removing labels might seem extreme but maybe it creates better energy in your home.

Having too much stuff makes it difficult to clean or move to a new location.

Plus, if something happens to you, other folks have to clean up your mess.

I just started though and she says the average time to finish is 6 months.

ApatheticNoMore

8-21-16, 11:17am

OCD is a mental illness. As someone who fights hoarding and depression, I don't think identifying mental illness is a bad thing. I'm not saying she's OCD either, which is why I put it in parentheses with a question mark - she finitely has behaviors that would be maladaptive in some settings, but so do many people who live squarely in the "norm"

there is no doubt and it's obvious, not psychotic, but neurotic to be sure. If she took the big 5 personality she'd blow the roof off on neurotic-ism (I would NOT score low myself). But hey very few manage to turn their neuroticism into fame and fortune, it's usually far more liability than asset. That's quite an achievement there. And if it helps some people so be it. Like I've always said "keep things you like" or something might be the way to put it accurately, things and possessions do not spark joy, that's looking for joy in all the wrong places, if you only keep what sparks joy get rid of all your possessions and only keep your relationships maybe. Eh, I just don't get the language, I guess it's some kind of poetic exaggeration.

Geila

8-22-16, 12:48pm

Hi Sandy! Welcome to SLF :) I'm so glad to see that the method is helping you!

I took a break from this to do other things but it's time to get back to it. Today is my housework day so probably won't get much tidying done but tomorrow I'll be back to set some goals for the week.

Hmmm... I just realized that tidying is no longer part of my housework process because most of my rooms are already tidy from doing the Konmari and are so easy to clean.

Geila

8-23-16, 11:24am

My goal is to finish my big tidying - house, garage, outdoors - by the end of the year. That's roughly six months from start date so it's doable and will still allow other projects and activities in between.

This week's goals:
GW - Drop off carload of stuff I put in there last night.
Inquire if GW accepts hanging file folders. If so, drop them off.
Inquire if GW accepts pillows. If so, drop off. If not, find out if I need to recycle or trash them.
Organize all baskets and store/display them on spare room bookcase.
Sort plant pots and discard the ones not needed/used.

This week we're having unusually cool and beautiful weather so I will want to spend time outdoors. I might tackle a couple of outdoor painting projects since the garden is in good shape.

19Sandy

8-23-16, 4:29pm

Ditto on the weather thing!

Every consignment shop I have contacted only accepts children or teenage clothing.

My county used to have several consignment shops for women's clothing and that is why I have so much stuff piled up to get rid of.

My digital camera is broken so eBay is not a choice.

My county isn't even listed on Craigslist so I got no responses from those postings (except spam).

Chicken lady

8-23-16, 5:16pm

Well, at this point, you're going to have to ask yourself "is this clothing an investment that I need to recover as much of as possible? Or is it just stuff I want out of my house" - in which case, I bet there is somewhere you can donate it.

Geila

8-23-16, 6:24pm

I never try to sell any of my stuff. Too much trouble. I just donate or find a home through someone I know if the item is of value.

Right now I have some older - now back in style! we're talking adorable Bebe stuff from the 90's - very cute and very small clothing that I would love to find a good home for. But that's just to feel better about all that money wasted. In reality, finding someone who is the same size, taste, body shape, etc... is just not likely to happen. So someone at Goodwill is going to be very happy one of these days. And it's not a lot, maybe a dozen small pieces I've been holding onto from my glory days. :)

pony mom

8-23-16, 9:23pm

Please donate your pillows (blankets, towels too) to your local animal shelter or rescue. They always need them!

Geila

8-24-16, 10:55am

Please donate your pillows (blankets, towels too) to your local animal shelter or rescue. They always need them!

Thanks pony mom! I didn't know they take pillows too - I'll def take them there.

Geila

8-24-16, 11:09am

Yesterday made a trip to GW to drop off a bunch of stuff and donated all the office supplies to a local non-profit. Today I'll drop off a bunch of pillows to my local animal shelter on my way to do my Costco run. Also found a neighbor who will take any plant pots I don't need so I'll get those together and email her when they're ready for pickup.

I need to repot some of my plants so I will try to do that this week. It feels like a lot of stuff to do when writing it all out, but none of these items takes all that much time. And the rewards are sure worth it.

It feels good to be back on the Konmari train! :cool:

TVRodriguez

8-24-16, 11:27am

I haven't read the second book, only the first, but I found her method to be much more flexible than I initially thought. She says stuff like "Hang clothes that you think would prefer to be hung" and "Follow your feelings." The two main takeaways I got were this: discard/sort/keep by category instead of by room, and keep what you love/need/must have in your life.

She also wants you to do an entire category or subcategory at once, which is great but honestly not always possible, especially if you can't dedicate a full 4-5 hour stretch of time at once. Subcategories can help break that up into 1 hour increments, though, sometimes.

As someone else said, I haven't completed everything, but already my house is easier to keep clean. No one will mistake my home for a minimalist home--I still have tons of books, but now I only have the ones I love. I still have a file cabinet with papers in it, it's just not chock full, and I can find whatever I need. I still have old papers and stories I wrote (from 6th grade), and now I can find them. I still have a 12 bottle stock of fluoride rinse, but I know I'll get through that this year with my kids so I kept it in the closet. But now my bathroom counter is empty--everything is in the closet or in a cabinet. Now my dining room table/home office desk is clear of papers. Now all the pencils are sharpened and in one place. All the crayons are usable and not stubs. And now my books are all visible.

Also, having learned how to apply her method that teaches "touch it and ask yourself if it sparks joy (or if you really need it)," I find myself keeping less "extra" stuff. For example, my kids just went back to school. They brought home a TON of flyers and papers the first day. I used to keep these "just in case" or for reference, and now I realize that they are almost all unnecessary to keep. I reviewed them that same night, marked my calendar with important dates, and recycled them all. This may be common sense to some, but for me it was a revelation. My house is not a hoarder house but there was a lot of stuff I didn't need.

Alcohol, for example: DH gets lots of gifts of alcohol even though he almost never drinks, especially not hard liquor. I was holding onto it b/c 1) it was a gift, 2) it was worth money, 3) we might have a big party one day, and 4) goodwill won't take alcohol and it's a waste to throw it out. Even before KonMari, I had started to give it away to anyone who came over, but I tossed most of the rest of it in the trash last week. We're never going to drink it and no one wanted to take it with them! So why was I holding onto it and turning my house into a storage facility? GONE.

I'm also terrible about getting rid of my kids' toys and things b/c I remember my mom getting rid of stuff I loved as a 4 yr old and hating that. Well, last week I went through a subset of my kids toys and papers (mostly my daughters). I started with my daughter by my side, and she soon lost interest and told me to keep whatever I thought she would like. I got rid of 4 garbage bags full of broken and crappy toys, completed workbooks (she likes to do workbooks), torn books, bad markers and crayons, birthday party favors, etc. When she walked back into her room, she hugged me and said "Thank you, mommy!!!!" She was thrilled to have so much space to play.

I have a lot more to do, like Geila. I have yet to do CDs/DVDs (although I did makeup/skincare/health items already), electrical, kitchen items, linens, and more. I have done most office items, but haven't touched medical. And I won't even touch tools -- that's DH's baby. But already it's so so much better. I'm definitely a "Konvert" hahaha.

Geila

8-25-16, 10:29am

Hi TVRodriguez! I'm a Konvert too! And you're right about the fact that her method does leave plenty of room for personal adjustments. I always think it's funny when people complain about how 'strict' something is. We're adults! :) We can pick and choose what we want to do. As they say... keep what you like, leave the rest. I have plenty of storage space so I haven't done any of the recommended folding, there's no need and I'd rather focus my energy elsewhere.

Yesterday got busy with lots of errands and some visiting of family so today I need to make sure I get some serious outdoor time. I'm feeling some cabin fever setting in.

TVRodriguez

8-28-16, 8:34am

Geila et al,
I notice that for me it's been awhile since I've decluttered. I have not had time alone in my house since I took my vacation time. It's not easy for me to do it with my family here, partly because I would rather spend time doing other things with them, and partly due to approach avoidance. And partly because I am really wanting to finish another library book that has been on the waiting list despite being really old and that I only have for a couple more weeks. Yup, I think this new book will be putting the decluttering on hold.

19Sandy

8-29-16, 3:46am

Sorted through one box, and consolidated into a smaller box and tore up previous box that was degrading and larger.

Geila

8-29-16, 11:24am

Discarded a bunch of stuff during my outdoor time this past week. Mainly stuff that was just laying around and not being used or needed. I've been in this house for 25 years and we've done lots of work on it, indoors and out, so there's leftovers from that too. It was nice to clear out the side yard. Got lots of gardening done too, which was fun.

This week I'd like to focus on our spare room/library. As I've been decluttering in other parts of the house, some of those things have migrated to this room for temp storage and now all the other rooms in the house are done except this one. I'll use the closet for storage of things I want to keep but are not being used. But I want the room to look as nice as the rest of the house. I have an extra side table I don't like but not ready to discard yet cause I'm hoping painting it will make it usable again. So I have to figure out a way to make the room nice and airy with the extra furniture and storage in there.

I also want to create some kind of daily schedule for myself so I can get stuff done but also enjoy some time outdoors every day.

19Sandy

8-29-16, 11:13pm

Marie Kondo is right in one of her books about finding a lot of change in your home (apparently the Japanese also do this). I rolled up about $30 so far and need more penny wrappers from the bank. I will have to remember to ask for those when I take the rolls of change to the bank this week. I hate carrying a heavy handbag so always toss the things in a container. Occasionally, I find time to take the things to the bank. Any leftover quarters or dimes are great for the library though when I need to make copies.

Chicken lady

8-30-16, 7:18am

Wow! I never find money. Except the time I found a savings bond my aunt and uncle got me when I was little and my mother gave me in an envelope with my grades and stuff after I moved out. (Found the envelope and opened it 20 years later - bond was mature.)

i think it's because dh empties his pockets onto his dresser every night - including his change mug. and I rarely have cash. I am not a good spending tracker and dh is a spending tracker, so his solution has been to have me always use the cc. Sometimes this means office supplies, dish towels, and motor oil get recorded as food, but it's close enough.

Tybee

8-30-16, 8:45am

I put change in a jar and yesterday went to the bank and got 39, which we converted to groceries and a bundt pan. I love saving change.

Geila

8-30-16, 10:01am

I rarely find money either but I did find an old bond from a previous employer when I was doing my paper - $150 reward.

Did a bit of housework yesterday and visited with a friend so didn't get anything done on the konmari front. We'll see how today pans out. It feels like fall here already and I'm feeling the urge to cuddle up with the furry babies on the couch with a soft blanket. :)

19Sandy

8-31-16, 7:56pm

It is supposed to stay cool over the weekend, so I am hoping to do some more Spark Joy discarding along with some outdoor time. Now, back to my regular scheduled programming!

TVRodriguez

9-1-16, 2:07pm

I found a bunch of change when I went through my stuff. I followed her advice and put it in my wallet. Then the next time the kids and I went past a fountain, I gave them all coins to toss in for a wish.

I wish I can push myself to sort and discard more things! ;)

19Sandy

9-1-16, 11:04pm

Well, I will be applying for jobs this weekend - sigh - I hate job hunting!

Maybe inbetween I can discard but got to find another job superquick.

19Sandy

9-4-16, 12:44am

About a year ago I found some old travelers checks and tried to cash those out. NO stores will take those or the local banks. So, I called American Express and they told me tough - just throw them away. I still have them and again am trying to figure out how to cash the things. On the American Express site it says that they never expire. Also, there is a drop down window to check your zip code of where to take the things. Only one merchant in my city takes them and that is Wal-Mart and I tried to cash those last year and they said that they were too old. So, I expanded my search and found a location in another county. I am going to have to call long distance to see if they will cash the things. Not sure it is worth my time and trouble though. If the things don't expire, then why won't anyone take the things?

I also have a $2 dollar bill and numerous Canadian coins!

I suppose Marie Kondo would say to toss those things but there has to be a way to get money for those.

I wonder if Canadians get stuck with USA coins?

Tammy

9-4-16, 9:26am

I've spent Canadian coins - years ago - a few at a time mixed in with USA money. The small coins are often accepted without comment.

You could also take the Canadian coins to bank for exchange.

Now I just give them to my daughter when I see her as she lives in Toronto.

Tammy

9-4-16, 9:28am

And the two dollar bill spends like any other money. It's USA two dollar bill, right?

19Sandy

9-5-16, 5:32pm

I think they call it off-gassing when stuff degrades. Obviously, our stuff is degrading at a slow rate and is off-gassing all of the time. Cardboard boxes breathe or have some air circulation but plastic totes with lids don't. I have some breakables and such in plastic totes (not that many), and when I open the lid it is like YUCK from the smell. I am going through the stuff to discard, organize and store since I don't have shelves or cabinets. Each time I go through a box, I find more to get rid of too. But the plastic, glass, fabrics, paper, ceramics degrade and off-gas when stored in air-tight containers. The more I get rid of the more possibility of moving to a new location that is smaller and nicer. I watch those tiny house shows or the shows about people living in RVs and think that it is doable in the future. Letting go of emotional attachments to things is sad at the time but also feels freeing.

19Sandy

9-5-16, 7:28pm

I needed to mend something so that was a good excuse to dump out my sewing kit (a shoe box size plastic container with a lid). I fixed the spools of thread, threw away bits and pieces, and the plastic kit is sitting in the sink soaking. Remember when sucrets were in metal tins. I still have one of those to hold needles and bobbins.

It sure was tough to thread the sewing machine needle though -despite wearing glasses it took about 15 tries. Now that the vintage machine is on the table, I need to mend everything before I put it away. It might sit there a month between other things though.

Today, I planned to go outside but the temp is soaring again. So going to discard between other things.

Teacher Terry

9-6-16, 12:16pm

Sandy, once you get your house cleaned out you will see how good it feels and won't want to go back to the way it was. I now take things to the thrift store on a regular basis and also do not buy much stuff. Before I buy it I ask myself whether it will end up in a thrift store in a year or 2. Plus it is so much quicker/easier to clean without a bunch of junk to dust. I like a few things out so it does not look sterile and then what you do have really catches the eye.

19Sandy

9-7-16, 2:04pm

One of the first things that I did was put the wastebaskets inside cabinet. I can always pull the things out if I need to when cleaning out a drawer or something.

19Sandy

9-10-16, 9:49pm

Cleaned the vehicle since the temperature finally dropped!

Mopped the bathroom floor.

Need to vacuum the carpets but I am procrastinating on that.

TVRodriguez

9-12-16, 9:47am

I've done nil.

BUT the categories that I sorted last month are staying sorted. So that's good at least. And I'm keeping less crap.

19Sandy

9-14-16, 2:50am

Okay, you are supposed to keep what sparks joy. So, dug out my old childhood books from the totes, and many are degrading with falling off covers and yellow pages that probably are emitting gases and dust into the air. Love these things, but eventually, the things have got to go I think. Some of these are over 50 years old! Not even sure it is a good idea to open the pages one by one to read the things and my old eyes can't take that much reading anyway. I probably read some of those a hundred times as a child to escape from life. Each week I would get my allowance and buy a book. No, these aren't in libraries because they are old-fashioned books.

Anyway, some day I want to move, and if I live long enough, then I will get stuck in a nursing home and they won't let me keep this stuff. I will have to think about it for a couple of days to say goodbye to these things.

It reminds me of Marie Kondo and her stuffed animal that she had to let go.

Then I also have the pile of ancient homemade doll clothes that were stored in my parents attic (why did they bring that stuff here like 10 years ago?). Most was made my aunt (now deceased) and the other siblings tore the stuff up and got it dirty. But, that stuff also needs to go.

No digital camera to take a picture but I just have to get into the right mood to toss it all.

Then I have knickknacks and glassware that I used to display but I tossed the big shelving unit it was on about two years ago because the wood was degrading.

There is no point in keeping this stuff.

Also, tons of costume jewelry (no value), hair bows and such from the kids when they were small.

Like I said I could open my own clothing and accessory consignment store!

I need to read Kondos books again for inspiration.

19Sandy

9-14-16, 7:56pm

I have 3 bags and a box to take out to the trash as soon as no one is out there to watch me.

This quote inspired me in Kondos book on page 4 - when you put your house in order, you put your affairs and your past in order too.

Chicken lady

9-15-16, 6:23am

Why are you concerned about people watching you take the trash out?

leslieann

9-15-16, 8:46am

freshstart

9-15-16, 4:10pm

19Sandy, the books probably have dust mites, which I think you can't see, I don't remember. My childhood books that were so precious to me to pass down to my kids, had mold. It broke my heart to get rid of them but the mold was good because it gave me no choice. Some of my favs, I found in the library for the kids. I think old books are hard to store inn a way to keep them pristine.

19Sandy

9-16-16, 12:34am

Hung a new shower curtain and discarded the moldy one.

Then I went to the park because it nice out. Better enjoy that while I can.

After I got home, watched Project Runway, and then walked again.

In between went the grocery store for what I thought would be fresh veg and fruit, but the store was a mess.

19Sandy

9-16-16, 12:38am

So many experiences with KonMarie are inspiring me. Also I have discovered that many people I know (women) have read the book and applied the method. If you visit someone and their towels are rolled, it seems to be a clue.

Anyway, I am still working at this but not in the clearly systematic way some of you are. DH and I set a goal around organizing the basement so we can move upstairs stuff down to repurpose a room to dining space, and I hope this is a way to get him on board. He doesn't like letting stuff go but he is capable of doing it. He figures if there is room to store it, we should store it. He's already had the experience of sorting through his parents' stuff so I kind of thought he'd want to minimize to save DD the trouble (later on) but so far that hasn't clicked. However, he likes organization so maybe this will help.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for posting your progress and that is helps me to read about it...even if it takes me awhile to get going.

L.

I must be the only one in my county doing it because I have renewed the books two time because no one has them on hold.

I still have a long way to go but know that I have tossed a bunch of stuff.

Still looking for that clothing consignment store though.

Yep squeezing the air out of stuff makes it smaller but I find it time-consuming.

A lot of stuff is degraded - so it is a no brainer to get rid of it to avoid the toxins.

19Sandy

9-16-16, 6:46pm

So, a friend told me about a consignment shop for clothing but when I call it says my phone number is blocked so they won't answer.

I don't have phone number blocking!

In other news, researched a lot of this glassware (vintage)and it is selling for big money online!

But my digital camera broke and I can't upload photos on my old puter - another reason to get out of nowheresville!

In a big city there are people who do that as a service for commission.

freshstart

9-16-16, 6:51pm

you may be able to find someone to do that kind of work for you on Craigslist, put out a help wanted ad

19Sandy

9-17-16, 1:59am

you may be able to find someone to do that kind of work for you on Craigslist, put out a help wanted ad

Too scary to have a stranger come into my home for that.

Or for me to go to their home (breakable stuff) and you don't know what they might do.

I posted a bunch of stuff on Craigs and got nothing but scam responses.

Thanks for the thought though.

19Sandy

9-17-16, 2:08am

Marie Kondo talks about her embarrassment of still having a seal and an eraser collection from grade school as an adult.

Kids are supposed to do stuff like that for fun.

Fortunately, I never got into the beanie baby craziness that people spent hundreds of dollars on.

I did have a VCR tape OCD collection though (self-taped) but still a waste of money, time and space.

I have an a friend that has thousand of DVDs and CDs - pretaped!

Back when my kids were small people were always giving them junk such as stuffed animals for gifts and I suggested a college fund instead - I was mocked by those folks. Before my kids moved out there were hundreds of stuffed animals and at 5 to 20 dollars each - what a huge waste of money. Most of the stuff just collected dust! And of course, it all degrades.

I got stuck with the old dolls and toys from me and siblings at a kid (the ones no one wanted at yard sales)

I am going to pluck up the courage to toss this junk soon.

Bit by bit it is going going gone!

When I move, I am not going to haul this junk into a different place.

19Sandy

9-23-16, 9:50pm

Two more bags and a box are gone now.

Now on to some other things for the weekend!

19Sandy

9-29-16, 10:32pm

Behind in my goals right now because of the flu.

19Sandy

10-3-16, 5:45pm

Had to take my Marie Kondo books back after renewing twice (no wait list). Had the flu for the past week, but want to get back on the tasks soon.

19Sandy

10-5-16, 12:43am

Lainey

10-5-16, 8:40pm

Marie Kondo says that on average her client have about 90 tops(this includes, tank tops, T-shirts, blouses and sweaters but not outerwear)

However, experts state that we wear 10 percent of our clothes 90 percent of the time.

I don't know how many times I pull out the same blue shirt and comfy drawstring pants out of the closet to run errands but let the other stuff just hang there.

Ironic isn't it?

I'm thinking that clothing generally is more of an issue with those who live in a multi-seasonal climate. Also an issue for those of us still working who need business clothes and casual clothes. After I retire next year I know it will be easy to discard maybe 40% of my clothes.

19Sandy

10-5-16, 11:13pm

Yes, clothes for all weather conditions, and sometimes all of those weather conditions happen in just one day. I have clothes for different purposes too. Of course, men can wear the same thing to most anything but women have to have whole different ensembles for various events. I might only need those dressy shoes once a year but won't toss the things.

catherine

10-6-16, 7:52am

I'm thinking that clothing generally is more of an issue with those who live in a multi-seasonal climate. Also an issue for those of us still working who need business clothes and casual clothes. After I retire next year I know it will be easy to discard maybe 40% of my clothes.

I agree--and I don't agree with Marie Kondo when she says you shouldn't have two places for your off-season wear--you should have one closet. I think that's way too distracting when I'm looking for things to wear in the summer and I have to flip through my winter clothes. I prefer to use an unused closet in my house to store the off-season stuff. I always switch my clothes. It doesn't take long at all. I also don't organize my clothes the way she does--I do mine by color, and I love it. I stick with just a few colors (black, beige, white, red and a little bit of blue).

leslieann

10-6-16, 12:07pm

DH and I share a very small closet in the bedroom. Both of us store our "outdoor" clothes for all seasons in the basement, which means when I dress for walking the dog in winter, I am in the basement pulling on woolies and snow pants. But I also have a big bin with my seasonal storage of clothes in the basement. It also serves to hold those very few items that I want to keep but don't want to wear.

My best ever story of tidying happened on Monday: in sorting through a "junque" drawer, I found 2015 receipts for massage and physio therapy...took them to Blue Cross and came home with a cheque for $180.00! That was pretty darn good compensation for tidying up.

I am looking forward to Kondo-izing some more on the upcomiing weekend. We are trying to organize our junk room's contents into the basement so the room can become a dining room. That's been pretty fun, actually, since DH is on board and doing a lot of the work. Normally he dismisses my desire to declutter.

19Sandy

10-10-16, 6:09pm

Three bags and a box full of stuff to trash when I go outside again.

I used a bunch of extra large and sturdy skirt hangers to hang winter blankets, I like this better than folding right now.

19Sandy

10-11-16, 4:35pm

Starting to discard clothing more - I knew this would be the hardest part for me in the Marie Kondo method. Apparently, I have more of an attachment to clothing than books or knickknacks or photographs.

19Sandy

10-12-16, 6:35pm

I am glad that I started this decluttering thing early on this year, apparently, things are brewing in my current rental community that are not too great right now.

19Sandy

10-18-16, 8:02pm

Two more bags out the door. The space is looking emptier today for sure.

19Sandy

10-24-16, 2:58pm

Someone has checked out one of MK two books from the library, I would love to talk to them to see what they think!

19Sandy

10-26-16, 8:09pm

Starting to Kon Marie clothes.

When I get rid of the clothes that I had to wear for a job that I didn't like (hateful bosses), then the rest will flow easily.

Books - easy

Knickknacks, dishes, cookware - Easy

Clothing - So far not easy

Totally the opposite of Marie Kondo.

TVRodriguez

10-31-16, 2:46pm

I got the second MK book (my turn came up at the library), and I'm about halfway through it. Finding it interesting. Actually went into my closet and refolded some things in my dresser this morning. Can't wait to get to the "komono" section, which is where I got stuck.

19Sandy, I'm amazed at what you list as "easy." I've not even begun dishes and cookware! Clothes were simple for me, though. Different strokes . . .

frugalone

10-31-16, 3:07pm

ApatheticNoMore

10-31-16, 3:36pm

I keep looking at her book, and then putting it down. What I have trouble with is this "does it spark joy for you?" I'm very cynical. For pete's sake, very few things spark joy for me, but that doesn't mean I want them out of my life. And that means one of my pets, occasionally.

Yep. Or as someone was saying here for a hoarder everything sparks joy. And I just thought but for a depressive nothing sparks joy. "I gave away everything I owned in my last bout of clinical depression". Ok, ok, dark humor. I'm not super depressed, but like I've said I just don't get the joy in things thing. I could see how it could lead to massive decluttering, because joy no nothing does, but at a certain point it's better to own clothes than to go nude etc. whether or not your clothes spark joy.

19Sandy

10-31-16, 6:29pm

I get really depressed and tend to get all blah about things. But, MK says it is okay to take a looooong time to make a decision about what sparks joy. In addition, she suggest if NOTHING sparks job, then maybe it is time to find things that do. Of course on a tight budget, that is not so easy. For instances, she doesn't get into the furniture thing, I don't think my furniture sparks joy, but I can't afford to replace things, and since I want to move, it wouldn't make sense to do that right now anyway.

MK describes having a client taking 20 minutes whether or not to keep a tattered T-shirt. By the way if a tattered T-shirt brings you show, then you should keep it. Alternatively, something brand-new might have been a bad buy and not spark joy.

I think for me, some of my clothes are newer - and in good condition and usable - so yes those things spark joy. However, some of my komono is falling apart (think stuff from childhood for a baby boomer). A rock found on a vacation might spark joy for someone - but then they should have that rock where they can see it to make them happy - not stuffed in a drawer or box under other stuff.

pony mom

10-31-16, 8:47pm

A helpful way to compare your feelings about different things is to take something you KNOW without a doubt that you love and won't get rid of. Then a few more things like that. Then go through your things and see if they all live up to that feeling.

I'll admit that all of my things don't spark joy, but I do enjoy having them. A lot of them I really like a lot, and are a step below the "spark joy" stuff. But that's where I'm at now, and at some point I'll be ready to let go of the second best.

Chicken lady

10-31-16, 9:13pm

So if I could just find the sweet spot on the depressed hoarder roller coaster, I could clean out the whole house!

greenclaire

11-1-16, 8:37am

I keep looking at her book, and then putting it down. What I have trouble with is this "does it spark joy for you?" I'm very cynical. For pete's sake, very few things spark joy for me, but that doesn't mean I want them out of my life. And that means one of my pets, occasionally.

The things that irritates me about the whole KonMari thing is it has almost become a religion to some people. I know some people who are evangelical about the book and use any opportunity to suggest this book will alter your life. I've read it, it has some good ideas in it but everyone is different. What works for her will not work for everyone as people work in different ways. For instance she suggests early mornings and working alone - some people are naturally night owls and thrive working with other people, it doesn't make them wrong.

If the whole 'spark joy' thing isn't working for you then don't sweat it. It doesn't mean you're wrong to not get it, it might just not be the right approach for you.

herbgeek

11-1-16, 8:43am

I tried to read this book, but put it down when she started anthropomorphizing socks. There socks for cryin' out loud, not animate beings.

Mary B.

11-1-16, 12:48pm

I tried to read this book, but put it down when she started anthropomorphizing socks. There socks for cryin' out loud, not animate beings.

But herbgeek .... they don't want to be rolled up like potatoes!!

I laughed at the sock part too. I did refold my sock drawer, though, and it does seem easier to find pairs than it did.

frugalone

11-1-16, 1:15pm

Amen!

So if I could just find the sweet spot on the depressed hoarder roller coaster, I could clean out the whole house!

KayLR

11-1-16, 3:26pm

The things that irritates me about the whole KonMari thing is it has almost become a religion to some people. I know some people who are evangelical about the book and use any opportunity to suggest this book will alter your life. I've read it, it has some good ideas in it but everyone is different. What works for her will not work for everyone as people work in different ways. For instance she suggests early mornings and working alone - some people are naturally night owls and thrive working with other people, it doesn't make them wrong.

If the whole 'spark joy' thing isn't working for you then don't sweat it. It doesn't mean you're wrong to not get it, it might just not be the right approach for you.

This is so right on how I think about this book.

19Sandy

11-1-16, 4:11pm

Tammy

11-1-16, 4:21pm

Elastic in socks stretches out too much if folded wrong. I just read her sock story with that in mind and it made sense.

greenclaire

11-1-16, 4:39pm

First, the book is translated from Japanese to English - so maybe what some of you think as real statements are being taken the wrong way. In my mind the thing about socks is meant to be funny or amusing and just a way to lighten the task of tidying. One thing is true is that everything does have energy - it it is alive it has cells and if it isn't then it has molecules. So by having things that feel positive around you, you have positive energy. The air is fresher too and you can think more clearly. The people who like the book are ready to make a change, just like if someone joins a cigarette smoking cessation program - they are ready. Someone else doesn't want to stop smoking - not good for their health or those around them but that is their choice. Having a lot of clutter isn't good for for someone's health, and it might not be healthy for those around the situation - but it is their choice.

People can be ready to change and still find this method unhelpful. Using your own analogy, people can be ready to stop smoking but some will find nicotine replacement therapy useful, others group therapy, others going cold turkey etc. People are different and different things work for different mindsets. Just because someone doesn't devote themselves to this method it doesn't mean they are destined to always live in clutter. Personally, I decluttered successfully using flylady where you do 15-mins each day and work around a room instead of doing all clothing at once. That worked for me but it won't work for everyone.

Also, the physicist in me has great problems with this 'true' statement "everything does have energy - it it is alive it has cells and if it isn't then it has molecules. So by having things that feel positive around you, you have positive energy". Perhaps I'm too scientific for Ms Kondo.

freshstart

11-1-16, 4:39pm

This is so right on how I think about this book.

ITA, just because some of her ways do not work for you does not mean you aren't ready to gain control of your clutter. When it came to really decluttering my basement, I could not face it alone, it took a team, nothing wrong with that. And I disagree that everything that doesn't fit should go. I kept one size down because losing that much weight is doable and it will save me a lot of money to have those clothes.

pony mom

11-4-16, 9:41pm

To avoid balancing my checkbook, I Kondo-ed my health and beauty items. I consider myself pretty low-maintenance when it comes to stuff like that--minimal makeup, having only one product of a certain type and using it up, etc. I emptied my shelf of the linen closet, my space under the sink, my makeup drawer and O.M.G!!! And this didn't include the medicine cabinet, where I know I use everything stored there almost daily. Sitting on the floor (with my tiny dog doing her best to help), I went through everything, threw away anything old (Bach flower remedies that expired in 2007!! Vet strength calendula cream from 2003? Ew!! Hair ties, pins and clips from the short time I grew my hair long (never again!).

In the end, a bag went to my mom to go through, a lot went in the garbage, and it all looks better. There are still lots of things, which all get used but not regularly (handmade goats milk soap, body butter and thick lotion for the winter, natural bug repellent for summer, things like that). All of these things will get used, some won't be replaced when gone.

Why is it so exciting to get something new, and even better to use it up?

catherine

11-5-16, 9:07am

I tried to read this book, but put it down when she started anthropomorphizing socks. There socks for cryin' out loud, not animate beings.

I know it sounds weird and "new age-y" but think about how some people, myself included, are guilty of anthropomorphizing our stuff. When I was a little girl I walked lightly on the floor because I didn't want to "hurt" it--not in the damage sense, but in the pain sense. I cried when we threw our Christmas tree out on the curb because I felt we were rejecting it.

Some things are so wrapped in my memories, you might as well paint the faces of the people they remind me of right on them--like the old Victorian secretary that used to be my great-aunt's.

I also remember ironing my son's t-shirt, and then when I was done, I kissed it.

As a matter of fact, I later wrote a poem about it..

I Kissed It

I was ironing the other day
And I found myself
Kissing
My son’s white T-shirt
Size 8
It was a silly thing to do
I did it anyway

I was wondering what to cook the other day
And I found myself
Kissing
A small rutabaga
It was a silly thing to do
Kissing a rutabaga
(Purply-waxy little thing!)
I looked around sheepishly
To be sure I was alone
And I kissed it

Some things make sense to kiss
You kiss a spouse
You kiss a cheek
Or two, if you’re in France

But there are things
So beautiful
So wonderful
So awe-inspiring
(To my eyes anyway)
That the desire to kiss them
Is irresistible and I…
Sshhh,,,
Just have to sneak a peck

A silly way (to be sure)
To simply say
Thank you

SiouzQ.

11-5-16, 9:46am

I don't think your poem is silly at all; I love the sentiment, honoring these things by a simple act of taking a moment of your time to acknowledge their presence and significance in your life. But what one does with the objects beyond their useful purpose is where different personalities diverge- I have finally learned to let go and purge so much stuff (well, moving 1500 miles is a great way to do the final push)! I've decided that if some of the stuff I deemed important enough to haul all the way to New Mexico thinking I'd really need it isn't used in the next three or four months, then I will donate it to the local Humane Society Thrift Shop. I literally have no room to keep extra stuff lying around anymore.

JaneV2.0

11-5-16, 10:58am

Ha! I kissed my little flip phone the other day. I really thought it was dead--and it came back to life. So happy!

Teacher Terry

11-5-16, 3:39pm

Different methods work for different people. It used to be hard for me to get rid of things and now it is easy. I have used different methods or no method. I am the type of person that likes to devote an entire day or days and make a huge impact that I can see. That makes me feel good. I have always been an all or nothing type of person. I never just clean for 15 min.'s, etc. I either clean the whole house or at least a whole room. It doesn't matter what you do as the end results will be the same.

sylvia

11-5-16, 9:14pm

ToomuchStuff

11-6-16, 10:05am

I want to jump in quickly that Marie KOndo has published an additional book "Spark Joy" a detailed book about folding , organizing etc. But to save time she has her own Youtube channel and demonstrates her whole technique on video . She came to New York to help two American ladies. Save time and watch the youtube channel. you will learn faster than reading her book. After a few times I get her technique and it works well for me.

So why don't you list the Youtube channel? I don't find any folding ones one the one that at least appears to be her channel, but find her folding on other channels. I would be interested to see her actual channel.

sylvia

11-6-16, 9:32pm

In the youtube search engine you type her channel which is "Tidy up with Konmari". You will then see all her episodes!!! Enjoy!

catherine

11-7-16, 12:41am

19Sandy

11-9-16, 1:34am

I have shifting furniture this week from one bedroom to the other to get away from the carbon monoxide outside that is entering. What a chore! Too time-consuming so doing it piece by piece as I have a chance. It requires moving heavy stuff, changing wire systems and so forth. I can still hear the vehicle (it shakes my apartment like it is an earthquake) but am hoping the gas stays out of my bedroom.

Aqua Blue

11-9-16, 9:58am

I just redid my drawers today, folding my shirts and skirts her way. I didn't think I'd like it, but it really does work, especially if you have enough things to go from end to end in the drawer so that they all stand up straight and don't slouch. Let's see if it's sustainable.
I haven't tried her method, but when I saw it the first thing I thought was I would have to buy more t shirts so they would stay standing up, and then non could be in the wash! I hang all shirts up. I don't have a dresser anymore, just some bins on the closet shelf for undies and socks.

Tybee

11-9-16, 10:57am

She is weirdly against hanging, but that's all I have, as I don't have much drawer space.

ToomuchStuff

11-9-16, 11:28am

She is weirdly against hanging, but that's all I have, as I don't have much drawer space.
How much of that is culture and how much of that is space/traditional housing/pre closets?

Teacher Terry

11-9-16, 1:30pm

Yes it is lack of hanging space in Japan. I have a ton of hanging space so don't fold much up.

sylvia

11-11-16, 11:25pm

Strangely her methods work, it took a few weeks for me to really put it to action if felt silly folding up-but really it works its a whole process then it becomes a lifestyle. Now I fold my plastic bags and paper bags. Neatly in a big shoe box inmy pantry. Im just getting started.

19Sandy

11-12-16, 1:04am

I am focusing more on discarding first but have tried some of the folding. I think the folding is great for seldom used things or off season stuff. I can imagine that folding her way is awesome for packing a bag for a vacation or for moving. I can't imagine folding my plastic bags, I simply stuff those in a drawer in a kitchen. But, if you have a small space, then folding bags would be a good idea. I definitely believe folding my extra extra large clothing (as compared to a tiny Japanese female) is much more difficult and time-consuming. For instance, if I was to fold and store a toddler's clothes, then it would be quick.

Maybe Japanese homes don't have chest of drawers - the rooms are supposed to be small. I even have some of my linens and blankets hanging from skirt hangers and it works.

I love having countertops in my kitchen that are almost clutter free. Not 100 percent like she suggests but close.

She suggests have a minimal amount of furniture too but I think most Americans have a lot of furniture.

Right now I am behind in my goals of discarding but plan to get back at it some time this winter.

pony mom

11-12-16, 10:02pm

I've been working on getting rid of cassette tapes (yes, still have lots of those). Most of them are going, either to thrift or, for the ones I recorded, in the garbage. I was surprised at the ones I got rid of, but most of them are in the library on discs. Poor me is still in the non-Smartphone stone age so I still listen to CDs. Out went Phantom and Les Miz B'way recordings. The West End recordings of Cats and Les Miz I'm keeping, as they're probably not in the library and I most likely won't buy on CD.

Emptied and decluttered a cabinet and jewelry. Just wish I could get rid of the two flat bins under my bed; it would be nice to vacuum under there without steering around them (and the printer that's kept with them). One is filled with stuff from my trips to London. Last month I went through all the theater programs, kept only the covers and cast bios and tossed the rest. Went through a few years worth of photos, kept the best and tossed the rest. Why do I keep all the Harrod's bags?

Tybee

11-12-16, 10:15pm

19Sandy

11-12-16, 11:08pm

Maybe you could frame the program covers and have them on the wall to look at.
I just got around to framing a poster I bought and two prints I got at the art fair. I put too many things away for "later" and I want to see them now.
One of my favorite things about my mom is that at about the age of 88, she decided to use her wedding china as her everyday china, and she also burns all those ornamental candles in shapes that you buy and never burn.

Good for your mom, there is no point in having good stuff stuck in a drawer forever, enjoy it now.

I agree with framing stuff or just stick it to the walls in your closet like Marie Kondo suggests.

She also says to use jewelry and trinkets as decor. (not necessarily fine diamonds but costume stuff).

Cassette tapes and video tapes degrade rapidly too. I bet CDs will also degrade or be obsolete in a few years.

I have the bad habit of having new stuff that I save for several years to wear for special but then my weight changes and I didn't get to wear it.

No, I won't be wearing a new something to clean the house but there is no reason to stick to the 10 percent that I normally wear either.

I am approaching a big BD this year that ends in a zero and it has me thinking completely different thoughts about my future.

TVRodriguez

11-22-16, 4:46pm

I got rid of all my cassette tapes in one go a few years ago when I realized that I no longer owned a cassette player. I later had a momentary pang of regret for a few mix tapes that were in there. But that passed quickly. I still kept many of my CDs. I have a CD player in my car and one in my kitchen that I use regularly. Now that I sorted my CDs, I have been reaching for them more often. Before I sorted them, they were all mixed up, with discs out of cases and a general mess. Generally, I can find almost any song or music I want online now, so "losing" old tapes or CDs is less threatening than it used to be. I still kept the CDs I have, though. Sometimes it's just easier to put on a CD rather than deal with pandora or youtube.

About the china: I purposefully got china that I could use everyday, but we have been guilty of using paper plates (!) instead of real china most of the time. A bad habit, as it is not only bad for the environment and wasteful but also rather expensive.

Teacher Terry

11-22-16, 7:31pm

catherine

11-22-16, 8:49pm

Tybee: good for your Mom! When Erma Bombeck was dying she was interviewed on TV and she said one of her biggest regrets was saving all her good things for the future and not using them. I always remembered that and now use stuff. Some people may be too young to remember her.

I definitely remember Erma Bombeck. But wedding china may also be as much of a distant memory as she is now. I don't know if people care about china and crystal. I have boxes of Waterford glassware that I really don't want, but they probably don't even have much value now. I guess I could be like Tybee's mom and use the water glasses for my morning orange juice. Maybe a wine glass could be put in the bathroom for rinsing my teeth :) Being concerned about breaking them would take the fun out of using them, and I have a slightly rowdy family, so I'm not sure using them every day is a good idea for me right now. Maybe in another decade.

Teacher Terry

11-23-16, 7:09pm

About 5 years a go I found a set of crystal wine glasses (set of 8) for $20 at Goodwill in the original box. I bought them and 2 have been recently broken. I got rid of my china years ago and have a set of good dishes that can go in dishwasher. I have some other expensive wine glasses that we use when we have company and a few have broken but I want to enjoy them. I also bought a nice set of water glasses and only use those when I have company. However, we entertain 2-3x's/month so they get used frequently.

Tybee

11-23-16, 7:16pm

Lately I have been hankering to replace the Waterford that I sold when I got divorced. It put a little food on the table. I should look on Ebay.
Funny, I have been more upgrading and upsizing lately than downgrading/downsizing.
Catherine, drink your morning orange juice out of Waterford! Mom eats her eggs on French Haviland. (No one buys that stuff anymore, although give it time, it will probably make a comeback.)
I have been using my vintage 60's Midsummer dishes, very Mid Century modern, and enjoying them greatly. I have also decided to replace my Iittala glasses. Why not? I love the idea of using everything I love and loving everything I use. And I do love china--why not, think of how much time we all spend eating--it is a useful thing to own.

19Sandy

11-23-16, 10:28pm

I have some wineglasses that I use occasionally but I don't drink anything but lots of water now so mine are collecting dust. I am working slowly on decluttering because I haven't have much time to dump out boxes or pull everything from closets. I definitely have some empty dresser drawers though.

frugalone

11-25-16, 8:41pm

I might try that folding method, particularly for a couple of overstuffed drawers.

iris lilies

11-25-16, 9:03pm

I definitely remember Erma Bombeck. But wedding china may also be as much of a distant memory as she is now. I don't know if people care about china and crystal. I have boxes of Waterford glassware that I really don't want, but they probably don't even have much value now. I guess I could be like Tybee's mom and use the water glasses for my morning orange juice. Maybe a wine glass could be put in the bathroom for rinsing my teeth :) Being concerned about breaking them would take the fun out of using them, and I have a slightly rowdy family, so I'm not sure using them every day is a good idea for me right now. Maybe in another decade.
Waterrford is classic and expensive and you could get something for it, b probably not what you expect. Besides, there is the packering and shipping problem

I got "wedding china"long before I was married and same for sterling. I still love the patterns as much as when
I picked them out. And funny, my second choice still draws my eye, 35 years later. I would have been happy with that one, too. Both are still manufactured. But my silverware pattern is no less nger made. Its ok, there is a lot of it around and for sale, if I need some.

frugalone

11-28-16, 7:00pm

OK, I tried the folding method in my long johns drawer, and guess what? It really worked! Everything fits so much better now!:cool:

catherine

11-28-16, 8:22pm

OK, I tried the folding method in my long johns drawer, and guess what? It really worked! Everything fits so much better now!:cool:

And guess what I JUST discovered today! I've been doing the folding method, which I love...

But I just learned that you can apply that to packing your suitcase! I travel a lot, and I'm always frustrated by how messed up my clothes get EVERY DAY because I have to dig out stuff I want to wear and I wind up having to repack every day. With the KonMari folding method, I can easily see and get the clothes I want without disturbing everything in the suitcase!

19Sandy

11-29-16, 1:19am

And guess what I JUST discovered today! I've been doing the folding method, which I love...

But I just learned that you can apply that to packing your suitcase! I travel a lot, and I'm always frustrated by how messed up my clothes get EVERY DAY because I have to dig out stuff I want to wear and I wind up having to repack every day. With the KonMari folding method, I can easily see and get the clothes I want without disturbing everything in the suitcase!

Good job. I find folding tiny things like socks and undies annoying but like folding the bigger stuff. I have been busy but sometime this winter I want to do some more discarding.

TVRodriguez

11-30-16, 3:45pm

I've started to use her folding method for my husband's shorts, pants, and boxers. It does make the drawers (no pun intended) much more orderly.

As for china, I love my wedding china, which I chose to use as everyday dishes when I picked out the pattern. I probably don't need all the teacups and saucers, so I'm deciding whether to only keep a few or to keep the whole set. They don't take up much room, at least.

But the crystal--I have 12 crystal wine goblets and only have ever used 7 at most at once. I also have, ridiculously, margarita glasses--two sets of four and five--that were wedding gifts. We used to use them when we were first married but really only in the first year of marriage. DH doesn't drink hard liquor almost ever, and when he does, it's not a margarita. I'm the one who likes tequila, but I'm really more of a bottle of beer or glass of wine type myself. I mean, margarita glasses? The only reason I hesitate to discard them is that the kids liked to drink lemonade out of them -- but they haven't done that in a few years, I think, and besides, I never liked it b/c they invariably spill it and make a mess and I'm sitting there worried that it's going to break as they slosh it all over the place. If I got rid of them, I'll have to do it when no one else is around to stop me. I also have old champagne saucer glasses that I bought at flea markets, which we use every New Year's to toast (kids drink Martinelli's sparkling apple cider). Those are fun. But maybe I'll just take the margarita glasses out now and put them in a bag/box while I'm working from home today with no one to stop me . . .

pony mom

12-18-16, 12:08am

Tybee

12-18-16, 10:34am

That's a cool idea, pony mom, and you can use dividers in the box to alphabetize.

beckyliz

12-19-16, 3:01pm

TVRodriguez

12-20-16, 1:53pm

If you read through this again, I think you've answered your own question! I'm sure by now you've taken care of them. Good going.

Thanks, beckyliz!

They're gone!

TVRodriguez

12-21-16, 3:06pm

For anyone who wants to cut down on the size and weight of their CD collection, I use these and love them: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FTJL7U/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

The disc and inserts easily fit in them (even two discs will fit) and they take up hardly any space at all. All my discs now fit in a decorative photo box.

This is neat!

I like the idea. I still am keeping my CD cases b/c I like to look at the spines as they sit in their cases so I can choose one without flipping.

messengerhot

12-22-16, 12:40pm

Where can i buy the book? can you please give me the exact title of the book so i can search for it. I'm already organized but would like learn more and maybe teach my kids to be organized too.

TVRodriguez

12-23-16, 11:23pm

The book is called:
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

The author is Marie Kondo.

She wrote a follow-up called Spark Joy.

sweetana3

12-24-16, 7:01am

Dont know if mentioned before but there are some Youtube videos available about and with Marie Kondo.

pony mom

12-24-16, 9:52pm

There's also an audiobook version floating around on YouTube.

ToomuchStuff

12-26-16, 3:33am

Where can i buy the book? can you please give me the exact title of the book so i can search for it. I'm already organized but would like learn more and maybe teach my kids to be organized too.
Bookstores or online. Did you try looking through the 23 pages of THIS thread?

Dont know if mentioned before but there are some Youtube videos available about and with Marie Kondo.
The video's have been mentioned in this thread, but I don't think she yet has any software before he asks.;)
Sometimes I wonder if this is a real poster, or one of those id's set up by companies, that then insert product information into threads, for future Google searches to find.

Tammy

12-26-16, 4:52am

Messengerhot sounds like messengerbot to my ears.

sweetana3

12-26-16, 8:19am

There is one facebook group I finally unfollowed when I counted 36 different women asking the same question. I finally found out that they probably only read it on their phones and did not know how to back up and read the thread. Every year the same thing happened.

I have started giving instructions on how I looked things up on Google or found an image on Google or otherwise how I found something so hopefully the lesson will reduce the "where is and how can I find" questions.

19Sandy

12-29-16, 11:42pm

I am working on this again between other things this weekend. I keep saying - do I love it? In order to make a decision.

19Sandy

12-31-16, 3:44pm

I need to tell other people about Marie Kondo - the amount of stuff coming out of these tiny apartments in my neighborhood is astounding!

Teacher Terry

12-31-16, 4:14pm

Sandy: it is also kind of addicting because the more stuff you gt rid of the more you want to let go. You start to see how good the open space feels, how much quicker it is to dust/clean when you don't have so many nik-naks, the more you appreciate what you do keep because it stands out, etc. That is one reason that I think if people go at it slowly they rarely make any real progress because they don't build the momentum and see the big changes. It is like you get a reward for your behavior by how nice everything feels. Also the more you let go the easier it is to do in the future because you realize you won't miss the item. I have never missed a thing I have gotten rid of. Also now that I no longer exchange gifts with friends that really cuts down on the amount of stuff coming in. We usually will take the other to lunch for b-days and just have a get together in dec for the holidays. Just as much fun without all the junk.

mschrisgo2

1-1-17, 12:33am

I have been satisfied with all types of decluttering, and each has it's upside and downside, I think. With the slow process, the suddenly clear space is such a delightful surprise!! I experienced it this week, cleaning off the bathroom counter, and deciding to put the last nik-nak in the give-away box, instead of into the cupboard, where it would also have been in the way. Over and over I've stopped to appreciate the clear and clean counter! I find myself truly delighting in it.

When I moved out 5 rather large pieces of furniture in as many days, I had to spend significant time re-arranging, because the empty space was so dramatic that I could not easily accommodate it in my consciousness.

Pluses and minuses, for each.

19Sandy

1-4-17, 12:06am

I need to check out the Spark Joy book again to get rid of things.

I have two long sleeve shirts from a job that was horrible hanging on the closet doorknob.

I could really use these shirts as pajama tops but I can't bring myself to do it.

I washed the things in boiling hot water to get rid of the bad vibes but still haven't worn them.

I did get rid of the short sleeved shirts though.

Just having them hang there is a daily reminder of the garbage I put up with in that job.

In my defense it was when the economy sucked and there was nothing else available but I still have those.

I also have some of the slacks that I wore.

Sigh.

Maybe I can find an after Christmas sale to buy new stuff.

I should toss those.

I don't love those shirts and they have a bad vibe.

beckyliz

1-4-17, 3:25pm

19Sandy! Get rid of those shirts! Burn them if you can, but at least get them out of your home. Read through what you posted. I remember years ago working at a bank and the owner was a real SOB. They did provide a very nice Christmas party for the employees and guests and at one, they gave us each a beautiful silver reindeer-shaped ornament. Every year, I'd bring that ornament out to hang it on the tree and all those old, negative memories came with it. I finally decided it didn't matter how beautiful it was or what intrinsic value it might have (probably not that much), it wasn't good for me to have that item in the house. I donated it somewhere, I guess.

If you need shirts, God or the Universe or whatever will provide some, but you gotta get rid of the negative crap first.

19Sandy

1-4-17, 6:20pm

Your right Becky, and I usually have to drive past the place frequently too. Now out of business because it was so bad! Totally bullying environment. I am digging through my close for alternatives or maybe there is an after Christmas sale calling my name.

Gardenarian

1-7-17, 12:52am

I'm listening to the book (via hoopla) and find it very inspiring. I haven't gotten down to work yet on the decluttering, but want to finish by July.

I really like what she says about family... Not to nag or force them to discard because your example will be enough. We'll see!

19Sandy

1-7-17, 4:42pm

Wow, my spelling and typos are bad when I am taking sinus decongestants!

Teacher Terry

1-7-17, 6:46pm

It did not rub off on my DH unfortunately. His office, garage and shed still a cesspool.

TVRodriguez

1-27-17, 3:37pm

Some of it rubbed off on my DH--his outdoor tools are a bit more orderly. There are still way too many of them, but when I walk out the back door, I can more often than not actually find a clear seat on the patio instead of one covered in tools. So that's good.

Did you get rid of the t-shirts yet, Sandy? Drop them at goodwill and then go around to the entrance and spend $3 on two new-to-you t-shirts.

I haven't finished the whole house, but I've gotten through a LOT of stuff, and it's so much better than it used to be. I almost missed something this week, and then I found a substitute and went back to being glad I'd gotten rid of the thing. It was a mortar and pestle--an ugly plastic one that we never used and that took up space in the kitchen. I realized I could use a shot glass and the butt end of a wooden-handled spatula.

19Sandy

1-27-17, 7:22pm

My goodwill store is a sale only store - does NOT accept donations because it is too small. I haven't been there in months because they rarely get a truck of stuff. At this time of year I can probably find better bargains on a clearance rack at a local store.

Give your husband time, once he sees how easy it is to find stuff and remain organized, then he will get rid of more. I know MK says to do it all in one go but some us need to take more time with it.

sylvia

1-29-17, 1:25am

I think this systems does work permanently because I havent really had a mess piling up, things are being put in their rightful places, and I have less stuff more ease in streamlining our home.Our small house has room to breathe.IT's been almost a year and gotta say Im not bring in anymore things.

19Sandy

2-12-17, 11:35pm

Filled up a bag while doing some warm day cleaning. I am getting there slowly but surely.

19Sandy

2-13-17, 8:31pm

Dumped my handbag/shoulderbag and sorted through everything. Put excess change in a container to reduce the load and noticed that my ancient wallet is in deplorable condition but most people never see it. Something to look for on a clearance sale though. One thing about this method is that if forces you to really look at things to notice small problems that aren't attractive.

19Sandy

2-14-17, 12:54am

Back when I was a kid, I was taught to keep your nice stuff for special activities, last night I couldn't sleep and had an epiphany that this is a dumb idea, especially at my age.

So, going through my closet and I have this fun sweater that I bought many years go with the tags still on it! Why, because I was keeping it for something nice!

Well, I am going to wear that sweater now when I go to the library, store or park, and I plan to enjoy it.

I am not going to wear it while I clean house or cook food.

Then, I found some dress shoes and again the pleather is peeling off the things!

I probably need to buy some dressy shoes rather than just having lace-up type shoes.

I have put life on hold for too long by waiting until that special time.

Does anyone else have this bad habit?

I mean if I don't treat myself better , then no one else will either.

19Sandy

2-15-17, 12:10am

I am going to see if I can start a Marie Kondo support group at my local library. I don't know if they charge money for using a meeting room or not. Plus, I am shy and not the leader type. But, it is spring, and a lot of people might want to do this system. I am thinking about having a meeting once a week for an hour to an hour and a half at the most since that is probably what will work for people. I will have to talk to someone at the library about it. I also think there might be a meeting location at my park that I will check into.

leslieann

2-15-17, 2:41pm

19Sandy, I am totally with you on saving the "nice" clothes. It was about two years ago that I decided to give that up. I don't have a lot of clothes and I would not wear my nicer sweaters except to work. Well, I work in my house, literally, and I want to be able to someday maybe buy a new sweater, so I now practice wearing my clothes when I want to wear them. I don't wear cashmere to bake bread but I do wear my cashmere sweater when I want to wear it.

I am probably severely lacking in the "dress up clothes" category but I don't have those kinds of occasions, generally, so I don't struggle with whether sequins are appropriate for the grocery store. But I don't have to wear my gardening clothes any time I am not working. Good for you, 19Sandy, wear those nice things!!!!

19Sandy

2-15-17, 3:36pm

I am home today and put on a cuddly warm turtleneck sweater that I would normally save for the future. At my age, it is time to think about now. I am somewhat warmer due to that choice. Yes, if I needed a really dressy outfit, then I would be in trouble. My dress shoes degraded and my dressy clothes are way to small. I might need to think about getting one dressy outfit, it is hard to shop in nowheresville at the last minute. Then again, what if I buy and never need it? Decisions.

I tossed out two huge bags last night, and want to get rid of more this weekend (due to have warmer weather which motivates me.)

19Sandy

2-16-17, 8:58pm

This system is working!

I want to shift my desk away from a window so that I can open it easier in the spring/summer.

I have a large 10 drawer dresser that was easy to move. Normally the drawers are stuffed and I remove each one to place on the floor to shift the dresser.

I took some of the drawers out (2 completely empty!) along with 4 others. Then I shifted the base of the dresser across the hallway into the extra bedroom.

I have one dresser that is ancient that I want to get rid (not this one but another one) and I have a junior size desk that is almost empty of stuff too. I want to get rid of it. If and when I move, I might just start over rather than pay to move stuff. Even if I do hire someone to move the large stuff, it wouldn't take long. My living room furniture is ancient and not worth moving either. My mattress and box spring should be replaced too.

I haven't found a cheaper place yet though than here, but I really want a change from nowheresville.

sylvia

2-27-17, 12:09am

Yes her system really works because things have homes and I have temporary clutter. The it goes back where it belongs.

TVRodriguez

2-27-17, 2:18pm

I was also one to keep my "nice" clothes for "someday" but found myself wearing crap regularly and "saving" even my clean t-shirts for someday. Marie Kondo's method has definitely helped me avoid this.

Her method really has worked for me. A friend recently visited from out of town -- she used to live nearby and used to be in my house all the time so saw it in its normal state. This was her first visit since my Konmari cleanout, and she immediately noticed the difference! It was so heartening to hear her say over and over how "open" my house seemed. "It seems bigger," was one of her comments, along with "I like how you've opened things up," and "there's so much more space." That was quite validating!

Especially since my friend came during a week I'd been sick. In the past, if I'd been sick, there would be no way I'd have been able to clean up and put away and "prepare" for a guest. This time, however, I was more than able to do it b/c it didn't take that long since there wasn't that much to put away.

I find that my life is actually much easier now. I looked back at an old journal this week, and I was reading all about how before I could sit down in my front room to do whatever it was that I'd planned to do, I first had to spend hours on a Saturday clearing out my front room of junk paper and kids' artwork that had built up or been moved from another part of the house where we had to clear out for something else. Moving clutter from room to room was the norm. That simply does not happen now. I can clean up my front room in less than a half hour, and most of that is kids' stuff that needs to be put away. My closets stay organized and it's easy to find things. Someone using my kitchen could find anything they need.

I have not even completely 100% finished the Konmari method. I have some more komono and then the memorabilia to get through. And I have more kids' toys still than I need to keep. Plus my husband still has a ton of tools and things. But even so, things are so so much better. If anyone is considering this method, I wholeheartedly endorse it!