The Life Changing Magic of Tidying / Spark Joy

by Marie Kondō

Life changing magic of tidying up, spark joy 2 books collection set by marie kondo. The Life-Changing Magic of A simple, effective way to banish clutter forever Transform your home into a permanently clear and clutter-free space with the incredible KonMari Method. Japan's expert declutterer and professional cleaner Marie Kondo will help you tidy your rooms once and for all with her inspirational step-by-step method. The key to successful tidying is to tackle your home in the correct order, to keep only the things you really love and to do it all at once – and quickly. After that for the rest of your life you only need to choose what to keep and what to discard. Spark An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying Spark Joy is an in-depth, line illustrated, room-by-room guide to decluttering and organising your home, from bedrooms and kitchens to bathrooms and living rooms as well as a wide range of items in different categories, including clothes, photographs, paperwork, books, cutlery, cosmetics, shoes, bags, wallets and valuables. Charming line drawings explain how to properly organise drawers, wardrobes, cupboards and cabinets. The illustrations also show Ms Kondo’s unique folding method, clearly showing how to fold anything from shirts, trousers and jackets to skirts, socks and bras.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Ebooks

Paperback

About the author

Marie Kondo (近藤 麻理恵) is a Japanese organizing consultant and author. Kondo's method of organizing is known as the KonMari Method, and one of the main principles is keeping only possessions which "spark joy."

Kondo's best-seller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing has been published in more than 30 countries.

She was listed as one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time Magazine in 2015.

Personal website: http://konmari.com/en/
Book website: http://tidyingup.com/
App website: http://konmari-media.com/

Reviews

[Clarence T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first got to know Marie Kondo from a Netflix series named "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo". Then, I started to read her book too! The book was very interesting. In the book, I learnt about the importance of tidying up your house / space around you. There were also many tips on tidying up everything, from accessories to clothes. In the book, there was also a process that Marie Kondo uses, where we would have to hold the item. If you feel happy when you hold the item, it means that the object 'sparks joy' to you, and you should keep. However, if you do not feel happy holding the product, the book suggests that we should discard the item. This is called the 'KonMari' method. Another useful tip I found in the book is we should not pack by area, but by categories instead. For example, we should take all our clothes in the whole house, then do the 'KonMari' method, instead of just taking our clothes in just one part of our house. This way, you will get a clearer understanding of the things around you and therefore, you would be asking yourself if you really need it, or it is just taking up space and collecting dust at home.

All in all, this is a really good read and I highly recommend this, especially during this COVID19 situation, where we are all at home.

[Zahidah Azman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative guide. The book explains step-by-step process in the Konmari method in an easy-to-follow narration.

My favourite takeaway is 'Tidying is the act of confronting yourself; cleaning is the act of confronting nature.'

[Allison Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not isolated to the topic or simplifying and organizing - gets to the heart of "stuff" in our lives.

[Cristian Bacinschi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this book has definitely been a much lighter read compared to other books that I’ve read this year. However, it was a little inspirational, a little practical and a little good on all fronts I could say. For me personally, most of the lessons in the book were known for me because tidying has always been an important part of my life for some time already. Other than that, I didn’t read the second book from the series because I believe I don’t really need to do that, but I believe this book is a great one to get your mindset right about removing clutter from your home. I don’t know much about the author, but I have seen one or two series of her Netflix show and it was just nice to enjoy and maybe also changing something about our home along the way.

[An Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. **The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up:**
- **KonMari Method:** Marie Kondo introduces the KonMari Method, a holistic approach to decluttering and organizing. The method involves evaluating items based on whether they "spark joy" and discarding those that do not.

- **Categories of Tidying:** Kondo organizes the tidying process into specific categories, such as clothing, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items. This systematic approach helps individuals tackle clutter in a structured manner.

- **Folding Techniques:** The book includes detailed instructions on Kondo's unique folding techniques, designed to maximize storage space and make items easily accessible.

- **Mindset Shift:** Kondo emphasizes the importance of a mindset shift toward valuing and cherishing the items that truly bring joy, rather than holding onto things out of guilt or obligation.

2. **Spark Joy:**
- **Deepening the KonMari Method:** "Spark Joy" serves as a companion guide to "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," offering additional insights and practical tips for implementing the KonMari Method.

- **Visualizing an Ideal Lifestyle:** Kondo encourages readers to visualize their ideal lifestyle and use that vision as a guide for deciding which items to keep. This approach adds a personal and aspirational dimension to the tidying process.

- **Categorization and Subcategories:** Building on the concept of categories introduced in the first book, "Spark Joy" provides more details on subcategories within major categories, offering further guidance on tidying specific items.

- **Decluttering Sentimental Items:** The book addresses the challenging task of decluttering sentimental items, providing advice on how to approach and make decisions about possessions with emotional significance.

- **Sustainable Tidying:** Kondo discusses the importance of maintaining a tidy and organized living space over time. She offers practical tips for sustaining the benefits of decluttering and preventing a return to cluttered habits.

3. **Impact and Global Phenomenon:**
- **Cultural Impact:** Both books have had a significant cultural impact, inspiring a global decluttering movement. Marie Kondo's unique approach to tidying has resonated with people seeking simplicity and order in their homes.

- **Television Series:** The success of the books led to the creation of the popular Netflix series "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo," further spreading the KonMari Method and its principles.

Marie Kondo's books have become synonymous with the idea of intentional and joyful living through decluttering. The KonMari Method outlined in "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" and expanded upon in "Spark Joy" continues to influence individuals seeking to create organized and harmonious living spaces.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Joy to Read - These books are amazing insights into how you have so much stuff and how you don't need most of it. I learned a lot reading these books. They have transformed the way I think about what I choose to keep and treasure in my life.

I feel like The Life Changing Magic Of Tyding was the key to unlocking my habits and the benefits and motivation and habits required with some real practical advice and Spark Joy goes into greater detail and gives you a handy guide to help you as you you are going through the decluttering journey. Would highly recommend reading both to get the full benefits of wisdom and help to gain skills and tricks to tidying folding organising and getting on top of your mountains of stuff!
Good luck and enjoy your journey :)

[Zhijing Jin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows a great example of how to make our home minimal. It's an example of "less is more," where the less stuff there are around, the less mental burden we have about cleaning them, searching them, and maintaining them. This book was a timely read when I just moved to Hong Kong for my undergraduate, and needs to manage lots of luggage in a small room.

Disclaimer: later in my life I also encountered personalities who are very attached to material ownings. If life can afford that (in terms of time, money, and mental burden; like an economic model balancing the spiritual gain with these costs), I think that is reasonable too.

[Sian Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 3.5 if I could. A must read of anyone is who likely to tidy and declutter their home. I read it because we are moving and I need to sort! I’m glad I did. I thought it would be a little dry but MK talks about emotions and feelings related to tidying as well as the practical advice on tidying. I have started tidying and am certainly using the principle ‘does it spark joy’ as to whether I keep it or not.

[Paris Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It was entertaining and informative but also not pushy or boring. I think the important thing to remember with this book is that it has a very specific audience as there wasn't additional techniques for people with limited abilities etc. This doesn't limit the philosophy but maybe minimizes the likelihood of following all the steps suggested.

[Bitsy Kemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great motivating book on getting your act together and cleaning up your clutter. The book was very often repetitive if not redundant but the message and process it talks about make so much sense, and are encouraging to start. It shouldn’t be as hard as we think it is. I’m starting tmrw so fingers crossed!

[DANNY C OSWALD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book helped me to see “things”in a new light. I no longer feel guilty getting rid of gifts from special people. I seek joy and comfort in “things now. Also I purchase clothes that bring me joy.

[Lyn-Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've learnt so much and I've been able to implement so many key daily tasks after investing the time to listen and then read this book.

Definitely a recommend.
We don't get taught as children how to tidy up.

[Valentina K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A me è piaciuto particolarmente. Probabilmente perché rispecchia tantissimo l'animo giapponese, tra zen e shintoismo. Consiglierei oltre di riordinare, che ha una funzione psicologica interessante, anche di acquistare, di meno e con consapevolezza.

[Kim Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both are GREAT!

[Belinda Vidal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this, I started on my clothes before finishing the first book! A great philosophy

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this for ages ... it's become quite the classic in all things minimalistic.
Very interesting!

[Diana Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding insights. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to eliminate clutter in their homes and in their work life

[Jack Lonergan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a pleasure to read a book by someone who is so passionate about their subject matter.

[Anne Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little strange to me but some good ideas which I’m going to try out

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips in cleaning

[Sophie Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the perspective it gave me of my own belongings and generally has helped me declutter more frequently but it isn't really a book you'd read twice (and that's OK!)

[Phoenix LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️’s
A very appropriate book for January 🧹

[Oleia Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearing out before 🌎 🌍 🎒

[Fi Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is essentially about tidying, it also encourages the reader to better value their possessions and have a sense of gratitude for what they have in life. Some good practical tips and nice themes. Good to refer back to.

[LAURA SIMONIN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spinta da un trasloco imminente, e per alimentare un po' le mie manie di controllo, ho deciso di leggere "il Magico potere del riordino". Devo dire che mi ha molto aiutata da un punto di vista pratico ad organizzare le cose per categorie, e ad eliminare buona parte di quel senso di colpa che ci lega alle cose per il solo fatto che ce le abbiano regalate, o che ci dispiace buttarle via. Il processo per il quale dovremmo "sentire" se un oggetto "sparks joy" o meno, forse è un po' lontano dalla sensibilità occidentale, o per lo meno dalla mia sensibilità, ma ho trovato molto utile il modo di dare nuova vita agli oggetti, donandoli o adattandoli a nuove funzioni. L'autrice esprime con concetti molto semplici, forse a volte un po' ripetitivi, delle regole base per semplificare gli spazi dove viviamo, e trarne un vantaggio anche mentale/psicologico. L'ordine esterno porta un po' più di chiarezza anche all'interno secondo la Kondo, perchè permette di vedere le cose con più lucidità e nel lungo periodo di farci chiarezza sulla persona che vogliamo essere. Alcune cose forse sono un po' maniacali, ma devo ammettere che è una lettura molto rilassante: la pacatezza tipicamente giapponese, e il rispetto espresso per le cose che ci circondano e per la costruzione di una casa a misura nostra e che ci rispecchi è un calmante naturale.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Al netto di alcune esagerazioni, come il suggerimento di parlare con gli oggetti per ringraziarli di aver svolto la loro funzione, il messaggio è forte e chiaro. Mettere ordine negli ambienti in cui viviamo ha un impatto psicologico positivo. Quindi buttare tutto ciò che non ci suscita sensazioni positive e non è strettamente utile e ordinare il resto in un modo razionale seguendo alcuni semplici consigli. Provare può essere un’esperienza interessante.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

See my reviews on these books that I posted separately

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Now I need to try and implement this concept to my everyday life. I will update review upon completion of following the full KonMari method.

[Lefty Jeans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great combo of books.

[Karolina (kbodychek)]

(only read ‚The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying’)

I already tried the KonMari method once, with informations from different blogs and videos etc.
But there‘s been kind of a rebound effect, especially after moving a few times since getting rid of stuff.

Reading the book really has made me understand what‘s important in the process - it has given me an insight into really being able to change my mindset regarding the topic of tidying (I‘m the kind of person who hates to tidy and to clean - or maybe I used to be that person, because now I‘m actually excited to start the process and cherish my possessions and my home ♥️). Strongly recommend!