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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: Summary

Everything you need to know about Marie Kondō's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō is a book that offers readers a unique approach to organizing their home and life. It explains that the key to success is taking an intentional approach to purging items, keeping only those things that bring joy to our lives. In order to do this, the author suggests discarding items in categories instead of randomly, and focusing on what we want to keep instead of what we want to get rid of. The book emphasizes the importance of taking the time to create an organized and clutter-free space for greater productivity, self-reflection, and overall happiness.

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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: Key Points

  1. Discard items that don’t “spark joy” – Marie Kondō advocates for the idea of surrounding oneself with items that “spark joy.” To determine whether an item sparks joy, she advises to touch it, look at it, and if it does not evoke a positive emotion, then discard it.
  2. Store items by category, not location – She encourages organizing items by type (e.g. books in one place, clothes in another rather than by location (e.g. all books in the bedroom. This will make it easier to keep track of what you own and simplify the process of finding something when you need it.
  3. Follow the right order of tidying – Kondō suggests following the order of clothing, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental objects when tidying up. This will ensure that everything gets taken care of and help avoid leaving anything out or having to go back over something you already did.
  4. Use storage solutions to create a neat space – She emphasizes the importance of using storage solutions like boxes, shelves and hangers to create organized spaces that are easy to maintain and access. This will also help keep clutter from accumulating in the future.
  5. Make tidying a regular habit - Kondō recommends making tidying a regular habit so that it becomes second nature and requires less effort over time. She suggests using a timer to help you stick with your goal and creating rewards for yourself after completing each task so that cleaning is more enjoyable and motivating.

What to say about The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

  • "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that provides practical advice for organizing one's life."
  • "The book provides a clear framework for transforming our living spaces into calm, serene environments."
  • "Marie Kondō's insights into the concept of minimalism are invaluable for anyone looking to reduce clutter in their lives."
  • "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up offers a refreshing perspective on the importance of keeping our living spaces organized and uncluttered."
  • "The book offers valuable advice on how to prioritize the most essential items and discard those that are not essential."
  • "Marie Kondō has created an effective method for decluttering, which can be applied to any room in a home or office space."
  • "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up gives readers the tools they need to create a more balanced and harmonious living environment."
  • "Kondō's approach to tidying up can provide us with a deeper understanding of ourselves and our possessions."
  • "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up encourages us to be mindful of our material possessions and how they affect our lives."
  • "This thought-provoking book is an important reminder that reducing clutter can have a positive impact on both our physical and mental health."

What to post on LinkedIn or Twitter about The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

  • Marie Kondō's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" is a must-read for anyone looking to transform their life and create a more organized, productive environment. #KonMari #Organization #Productivity
  • Applying the principles of Marie Kondō's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" can help you break free from material clutter and embrace a more mindful lifestyle. #KonMari #Minimalism
  • For those looking to declutter their lives and gain control over their possessions, look no further than Marie Kondō's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up". #KonMari #Decluttering
  • Marie Kondō's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" offers an insightful, practical approach to tidying up and creating a calmer, more meaningful life. #KonMari #LifeTransformation
  • If you're ready to simplify your life and spark joy every day, then don't forget to check out Marie Kondō's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up". #KonMari #JoyfulLiving

Top 5 Quotes from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

  1. "The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life."
  2. "Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest."
  3. "Tidying is just a tool, not the final destination. The true goal should be to establish the lifestyle you want most once your house has been put in order."
  4. "The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past."
  5. "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."

Other books by Marie Kondō

  • Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up
  • Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life
  • The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness
  • Magic Cleaning: Changing Your Life One Room at a Time
  • Kondō on Fire: Letters of Encouragement and Advice
  • Good Life: 10 Rules for Making the Most of What You Have

Did you know?

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The book has sold over 10 million copies worldwide since its release in 2014.