On Our Book Shelf: the life-changing magic of tidying up

From the popularity of this recent book, which has been weeks on Best-seller Lists, it appears that there are many who need guidance in the area of cleaning up their living space, as well as their minds. The author Marie Kondo refers to her methodical approach of disposing of unnecessary and superfluous possessions as "The KonMari Method." Her essential question to those who would seek advice in sorting what should be kept and what should be discarded is "Does the item "spark joy"? This is the "only yardstick" by which to judge what stays and what goes. That correct order in which to begin this process is with clothing, which includes not only dresses, pants, shirts, coats, etc., but also socks, shoes, underwear, handbags, and accessories. The first task is to take EVERY item of clothing in every room of the house and dump it together on the floor in one place; nothing is to be omitted.  When every single item has been gathered, the next step is to handle each one to accurately assess whether or not they satisfy the criteria -- does it provide you with a sense of pleasure? If not, throw it out, discard it, or donate it.

This selection process leaves her average client with a third to a quarter of the clothes with which they started. Then, she provides instructions on how to properly store the various items -- usually folded in rectangles and standing up vertically in drawers or boxes rather than laid flat -- one upon the other as displayed in stores; dresses, coats, and jackets are the exception. Kondo continues this "course" in organizing by category: next, books; then, papers; and lastly, "komono" (miscellaneous or "just because" things).  Her goal is to help us get rid of the stockpiles of junk we accumulate.  She insists that doing so will have a liberating effect on the spirit and mind -- a "life free of surplus stock." Her repeated mantra throughout the book is "Believe what your heart tells you when you ask, 'Does this spark joy?'" It is a short "how-to book" simply written and direct in its message.  Kondo boasts  a three-month waiting list of clients eager for her help, so if you are one in need of inspiration and motivation in cleaning up your mess, this little book might be all you need.