Book Review: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing)
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Ten Speed Press (October 14, 2014)
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“Storage … is the sacred act of choosing a home for my belongings.” – Marie Kondo
Introduction
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is a weird book. It is weird because it is written by a peculiar author who is way different from the normal people you meet every day. If you are looking for information that examines how the minds of neat- freaks work, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is the Holy Grail.
The book reads like a manual. It is uncomplicated and straightforward in its counsel on how to declutter your life, embrace an organised and clean form of living. It has practical advice about designating spots for each of your items, the advantages of vertical storage, keeping stuff out of the bath and kitchen sink, etc.
The Marie “KonMari” Kondo Concept
In case you are doubting how much organisation and tidying up means to the author, you will find that she places cleaning your living space right up there with meditation and evaluating your life. She says:
“Ideally, you should not even be listening to music. Sometimes I hear of methods that recommend tidying in time to a catchy song, but personally, I don’t encourage this. I feel that noise makes it harder to hear the internal dialogue between the owner and his or her belongings.”
The main key the author wants us to come away with, the key to decluttering our lives, is to discard anything that does not bring us joy. She says:
“My criterion for deciding to keep an item is that we should feel a thrill of joy when we touch it… when you come across something that you cannot part with, think carefully about its true purpose in your life. You’ll be surprised at how many of the things you possess have already fulfilled their role.”
Conclusion
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is not a book for everyone. However, people who struggle with tidying up their space will find one or two things to help them on the way. Casual, normal individuals looking for few tips on decluttering their lives will find the book helpful in parts but overwhelming as a whole. On the other hand, people passionate about simplifying their lives and living spaces will find it helpful and refreshing.
Upsides: Fresh ideas | Clear & simple writing | Practical tips
Downsides: Some might find it a tad overwhelming/controversial
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Review copy was provided by The Crown Publishing Group’s Blogging for Books.
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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying: A simple, effective way to banish clutter forever: Marie Kondo: 9780091955106: Books
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