Il magico potere del riordino (2014)

This is a really inspiring book. I would say the hardest thing about the book was trying to hold off on implementing the recommendations until I finished the whole book. It's repetitive in some sections, but not in an irritating way. She reinforces the concepts she's trying to convey by referencing them multiple times throughout the text.

Some of the Shinto practices that KonMari mentions threw me off at first until I realized what they were. When she talks about things having energy or life or greeting your objects, that's part of her religious belief, but it makes sense in a way, to take care of and value and appreciate your things. The more care you give to your belongings, the longer they'll last.

What did I get out of this book? It helped me to reevaluate the things that I surround myself with. It helped me to think about my apartment as a place for living rather than for storing. Do I really need these old knick knacks from 5 years ago? Do I even look at them? When did I see this pair of pants last? Should I hang onto this shirt because I spent money on it and haven't used it much, or get rid of it because it isn't something I enjoy wearing? Why should I wear something that doesn't make me happy to wear it?

KonMari made me think of what's really important to me and inspired me to turn my living space into a place that I really enjoy being in. I don't expect my screwdriver or every undershirt to spark joy, but as much as possible I want to have things that I really enjoy and use regularly. ( )

Well, I use some work time to finish this... But I just couldn't stop. I don't know if it's the best book ever written but it struck a cord. I'm a hoarder by nature. I got rid of many things after reading a book on minimalism and moving to France around that time. This is kind of the same, yet different. It's not just about how to achieve a tidy home, but how to keep it that way and how to look at your possessions so that you don't accumulate unnecessary stuff. Moving around from country to country, I notice that having less stuff is awesome and I feel less and less need to keep stuff I don't really care about. I will start this weekend to fix the current situation :) ( )

Informative and quirky. ( )

I realize this book might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I thought it was great! Speaking to your clothing is a tad bit untraditional but it worked for me. As someone who gets a strong sentimental attachment clothing, I was able to part with half my wardrobe! I don’t think the title’s claim to be life changing is an exaggeration. I already feel lighter! Next up: weeding through my bookshelf. Wish me luck 😬 ( )

I know. I know. This book has become so entrenched in our culture that it's part of stand-up comedy routines and is salted into movie dialogue. No argument ... it's popular for a reason. And should be read by anyone who has "stuff."

I can say it had impact on me.

1. It prompted me to write a column in 2016. (The author and I don't agree entirely on what to do with books. And I refuse to talk to my clothes. I do talk to my books, though.)

2. I now roll up my underwear for more efficient storage and selection.

3. And she has given me a decent argument for tossing things now and then.

The book title talks about tidying. But think purge. And a warning to husbands if your wife has this book: Make sure you give your her joy. Lots of joy.

Quotes to help you find the magic:

“All the things you own want to be of use to you.”

“Tidying ought to be the act of restoring balance between people, their possessions and the house they live in.”

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

“The place we live should be for the person we are becoming now – not for the person we have been in the past.”

“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest.”

“The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.”

“But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.”

“The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one’s hand and ask: “Does this spark joy?” If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it. This is not only the simplest but also the most accurate yardstick by which to judge.”

“Clutter is caused by a failure to return things to where they belong. Therefore, storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out.” ( )