Step 1: The Challenge
In my continuing quest to better myself and really enjoy my life, I wanted to actually try one of the things I read about. I have a Pinterest type habit of seeing or hearing something I think would be fantastic for me and then “pinning” it to a board in the back of my mind to be lost forever.
I watched the Marie Kondo program on cable a few times and was intrigued by her absolute confidence that you would never go back to old un-tidy habits. I raised my brows as she had clients talk to their clothing. I marveled at how much “stuff” people owned, and how much they could part with. And, part with it happily. So I decided on my latest trip to our fantastic city library to check out her book. And I read it. I found myself agreeing with her; the logic behind her reasoning was making sense. I wanted to try it for myself.
Step 2: Diving in
I announced this plan to Franky who basically rolled his eyes and smiled. But I will prove to him that this was not my knitting, dieting, baking, gardening, exercising, painting, or daily blogging type of commitment. I am serious about this. I want to be happy with less and by God I am going to do it so I can find joy in my damn tidy house!
This is where you come in, my tens of fans. I need the accountability of knowing that someone will follow up. What better way than for me to blog through my steps and show my progress. Plus I really want to follow through on something I start for once. I will not just “pin” this!
This absurd pile is ‘step one’ in the Marie Kondo method: clothes. I love her requirement that you do not clean room by room but by category. I was to take all my clothes from all 3 closets, my dresser, side table and floor and put them in a big pile. She divided them into sub-categories for people with off the chain issues and that is me for sure. This pile is just tops.
Step 3: Don’t sink
At first I just stared at the mountain of clothes (tops ) in front of me, embarrassed by how much I had. Even more ridiculous is that there are sweaters decades old, threadbare and torn shirts, and jackets that look horrible on me. I don’t even wear more than half of this. Yet, I let it accumulate and shove in whatever is new. Enough!
I did exactly what Marie suggested: I held up each top and waiting to see if it made me feel joyful. If it did, I kept it, regardless of size (which is important and I will get to that later) or age. If it didn’t, if I felt it’s usefulness was over, even if it was relatively new, I put it in a bag. At the end of the pile I had five Glad bags full of top. And it felt good to let the clothes go. I kept going. Bottoms, suits/hang-up item like dresses, socks, underwear, bras, swimsuits, even hats, gloves, scarves and belts. It didn’t stop there either. I was so excited and actually felt lighter and lighter as I let things go. I then hit those things sacred to women everywhere:purses and shoes. And even then I was fine. The safety net is that if you really love something you will keep it. So there is nothing to worry about. You will keep everything you love and makes you happy. Even if it doesn’t fit and is faded and worn. If it brings you joy, it belongs with you.
So many of my past attempts at purging were unsuccessful because I would reason that I may loose weight so I’ll keep it. Or the worst idea, if you haven’t worn it in a year throw it out. Those methods didn’t work for me. Kondo’s method did. At the end of the clothing purge I had nine full Glad bags of items to donate. And more closet and drawer space than I ever imagined. One closet will be plenty for me. With at least 1/3 of my unwanted, non-joy-giving, clothes gone for good I am ready for the next steps.
Results: Still Swimming
I can’t say I am anywhere near finished yet. In fact, in her book, Kondo suggests that to fully “tidy-up” you home may take six months to a year. After clothing comes books. And boy will that be a big process. But I am excited and motivated to keep going. I folded all my clothes in the particular way she suggests and put them neatly in the drawers. Now I just have to hang my clothes back up. But I already feel less cluttered, lighter and more organized. I love being able to see every piece I own and that I love each of the pieces I see.
Care to join me?!
Alright, who’s in? I know my daughter Morgan started this even before me and she loves her newly organized closet. I know my friend David in NYC started and was thrilled with getting some space opened up in his dressers. I’d love to hear if you have tried any of Marie Kondo’s suggestions and what tips you might have! Leave me a comment and let me know. I will be posting my progress here as I go along and any other fun tips I get!
Yeah, I’m totally NOT going to do this, BUT, I am appreciating everyone else who IS doing it. My visits to the thrift store are far more exciting now, with all the new donations! 😉 What I especially love about purging, though, is that many times, you are allowing someone else to find joy where you cannot. You’re passing on the love and joy!! ❤️
I totally agree Alisha! I love the thought that something of mine may possibly be just what someone else needs and wants!