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julie00jackson's review against another edition
4.0
Some good philosophical techniques to create a simpler, harmonious home environment.
anneosmer's review against another edition
3.0
I took some great tips from this book that I'm still using, so I do feel it was worth reading. I feel however that to take Kondo's advice all the way would be extreme (and extremely time-consuming), but more to the point I feel that many self-help books go on the assumption that one-size-fits-all. Sure, Kondo's system would work perfectly for me -- if I were her! But I'm not, so much of the book's methods will not work for me. Still, as mentioned, I have incorporated some of Kondo's techniques into my life, and for that the book has been useful to me.
debicates's review against another edition
3.0
I once did Marie Kondo's process, the one where you collect all like things, put them all on the floor, and then only keep what "sparks joy" after touching each item. It worked a kitchen clean-out. But that's as far as I took it.
Recently, I took a four week online decluttering course for those with ADHD by Deniz Perry. It has worked wonders for me! It's got me back decluttering again but without the vast overwhelm I used to feel and also have overcome the decision paralysis.
So why read this book at all? Because, even though I'm actively and successfully decluttering (it's a process), I knew I needed something else too. I needed more help with decision-making (especially with sentimental items) and a clearer vision where I wanted to be at the end of the process.
Kondo helped me with both struggles. But it does take a bit of "suspense of disbelief" to get there. The repeated catch-phrase "spark joy," advice on how not to roll up your socks like little balls, and talking to your possessions was pretty silly to me. But I hung in there and captured some good advice that is perhaps hidden by some part in a cultural difference.
Living in an American consumerism society, we paradoxically don't really have a good relationship with our stuff. We all have too much and, at the same time, feel we have too little. That's where some of Kondo's "spark joy" approach can help I think. The silly phrase is a reminder that objects around us should be objects we enjoy, not merely too much clutter filling our garages, our spare rooms, and our attics while emptying our pockets.
For me, it is a different vision I needed. With Kondo's ideas and funny way of talking about "things," I can now clearly see being surrounded by things that are useful, helpful, and joyful. (And can be found!)
I believe I can now begin to identify items to let go, like things that have a constant association of guilt that has made me keep them. I can more readily let go of a gazillion things that I keep because I "might need" them; those things that I can't find when I do need them.
I also realized how much of my clutter is based on a fear of scarcity that actually takes away legitimate peace of mind. I'd be better off learning to be more resilient and open to new solutions than hoarding in preparation for all disasters. (Covid taught many lessons, including the surprise that ramen and toilet paper were the first to run out, but fresh produce was still abundant, proving we can't really know how to prepare.)
Being able to let go, let go of all the fears and guilts is what this whole book is about. And a clearer space will lead to a clearer mind, and a clearer mind is available to be in the present. And that is my goal.
So, yes, in spite of many eye rolls I had while reading this -- the cutesy phrases, the hyper focus on certain things (clothes mostly) and the too much talky-talky that is a problem in many self help books -- I have indeed come away with some useable advice.
And I feel pretty sure I can use some important information in this book WITHOUT dumping everything on the floor, an approach that instantly causes me extreme stress.
Recently, I took a four week online decluttering course for those with ADHD by Deniz Perry. It has worked wonders for me! It's got me back decluttering again but without the vast overwhelm I used to feel and also have overcome the decision paralysis.
So why read this book at all? Because, even though I'm actively and successfully decluttering (it's a process), I knew I needed something else too. I needed more help with decision-making (especially with sentimental items) and a clearer vision where I wanted to be at the end of the process.
Kondo helped me with both struggles. But it does take a bit of "suspense of disbelief" to get there. The repeated catch-phrase "spark joy," advice on how not to roll up your socks like little balls, and talking to your possessions was pretty silly to me. But I hung in there and captured some good advice that is perhaps hidden by some part in a cultural difference.
Living in an American consumerism society, we paradoxically don't really have a good relationship with our stuff. We all have too much and, at the same time, feel we have too little. That's where some of Kondo's "spark joy" approach can help I think. The silly phrase is a reminder that objects around us should be objects we enjoy, not merely too much clutter filling our garages, our spare rooms, and our attics while emptying our pockets.
For me, it is a different vision I needed. With Kondo's ideas and funny way of talking about "things," I can now clearly see being surrounded by things that are useful, helpful, and joyful. (And can be found!)
I believe I can now begin to identify items to let go, like things that have a constant association of guilt that has made me keep them. I can more readily let go of a gazillion things that I keep because I "might need" them; those things that I can't find when I do need them.
I also realized how much of my clutter is based on a fear of scarcity that actually takes away legitimate peace of mind. I'd be better off learning to be more resilient and open to new solutions than hoarding in preparation for all disasters. (Covid taught many lessons, including the surprise that ramen and toilet paper were the first to run out, but fresh produce was still abundant, proving we can't really know how to prepare.)
Being able to let go, let go of all the fears and guilts is what this whole book is about. And a clearer space will lead to a clearer mind, and a clearer mind is available to be in the present. And that is my goal.
So, yes, in spite of many eye rolls I had while reading this -- the cutesy phrases, the hyper focus on certain things (clothes mostly) and the too much talky-talky that is a problem in many self help books -- I have indeed come away with some useable advice.
And I feel pretty sure I can use some important information in this book WITHOUT dumping everything on the floor, an approach that instantly causes me extreme stress.
mermandy's review against another edition
4.0
Eye-opening
I was quite inspired to declutter and tidy up while reading this book. It brought to the forefront some great tactics to sorting through my possessions. I even got my husband to pare down his stuff too! While some of the suggestions seem a little hokey, the concepts make complete sense. This was a quick and easy read, and one I can reference to remind myself to look for "what sparks joy" in my life.
I was quite inspired to declutter and tidy up while reading this book. It brought to the forefront some great tactics to sorting through my possessions. I even got my husband to pare down his stuff too! While some of the suggestions seem a little hokey, the concepts make complete sense. This was a quick and easy read, and one I can reference to remind myself to look for "what sparks joy" in my life.
primusucks's review against another edition
3.0
this book taught me how to fold my laundry properly... and enjoy it...
I think everyone knows her "does it spark joy" method by now, and while this book doesn't go TOO much deeper into the concept (I would say the book is at least half personal anecdotes rather than advice, and I'm guilty of skimming over some of those portions) I would still recommend it. I think it will help me out quite a bit, and I'm excited to put most (admittedly not all
I think everyone knows her "does it spark joy" method by now, and while this book doesn't go TOO much deeper into the concept (I would say the book is at least half personal anecdotes rather than advice, and I'm guilty of skimming over some of those portions) I would still recommend it. I think it will help me out quite a bit, and I'm excited to put most (admittedly not all
tonireads's review against another edition
3.0
While I can understand the hype behind this book, I'm not sure that this method is for me. I do like her tips on organization and especially the beliefs about the energy surrounding your home and things.
zbmorgan's review against another edition
4.0
Ms. Kondo may seem a little strict and rigid at the outset, but if you read the whole book, you will find she is capable of great humor and whimsy. She is quite circumspect about her own desire to tidy, and while no one who reads this book will be quite as obsessed as the author, she has some good advice, such as only de cluttering one category of item at a time, touching each item, and getting rid of paper things that you won't ever use (yes, the manual for your microwave is probably online now, you can toss it). On the whole, a good read for anyone but the worst hoarder.
rosiefpb's review against another edition
3.0
Well it got slightly better I suppose. It definitely annoyed me less after the waffley introductory bit. I feel like I probably would be happier/more relaxed/thinner/taller/all of the other things she promises you if I followed her instructions to the letter. But I also feel like I'm exceedingly unlikely to do that. Mostly because WHO HAS THE TIME? Sure, holding every single item you own is probably a great way to decide if you really want it, but I have a lot of shit and not a lot of free time so, nah mate. Maybe one day.
jpinheir0's review against another edition
4.0
It was a great book. I really learned some good techniques to become a tidier person but some of the subjects tend to become repetitive