Today’s post has the potential to change your life…….
Before I start I should explain, today’s post isn’t about crafting it’s about me and my life and things that I hope you will be interested to read. My blog will always be mainly crafting but I decided that sometimes I would share a little bit of what happens in my world when I’m not crafting. I have an amazing life, it’s wonderful, sometimes a little crazy, never dull, it’s also often ordinary and extraordinary in equal measure…….welcome to my world!
During April I was having a bit of a tough time, I hadn’t been well, too much going on, lots of stress and just generally feeling bleurgh…..do you know that feeling? Well I was doing a bit of blog hopping and youtube video watching and kept seeing references to this book by Marie Kondo.
Since I know that to get me out of any kind of ‘bleurgh’ taking action of some sort is the way to go, tidying up and clearing out sounded like a good plan. I decided to give the book a read. It was awesome !
I read the book, and it made me smile, laugh, and cry, it was as though Marie was talking to my very soul and although it goes against all the other tidying and clutter clearing advice I have heard I decided to give it a try.
I am going to say here that some of the language in the book is strange, I am sure it’s due to the translation from Japanese to English, and some of the suggestions in the book are a little too ‘weird’ even for me, but as always with any kind of system you take what you want from it, although Marie Kondo is quite strict !
The basic concept is that we have NO idea how much stuff we actually own because it’s spread out all over the place, so in order to tidy and clear out you need to get it all together first.
You start with your clothes and you have to get all of them, YES all of them in one place in a great big heap, and you then pick each item up and see if it fills you with joy. Okay, ‘fills you with joy’ seems a little weird, I can see that, but trust me it works ! Marie goes on to say you can’t keep things because they ‘might’ be useful, it’s not a practical sorting it’s an emotional one. Does that item of clothing make you feel happy? Yes or No ? Simple.
So this was my pile of clothes……. it included every item of clothing I own……gulp! and my shoes and handbags too.
I started at 9am and by 11.30am I had finished sorting, you start off quite slow because it’s a new idea, but once you get into the swing of it it goes really quickly.
One pile was Yes, one pile was No. A few things I wasn’t quite sure about so I put them to one side and it was then easy to sort them at the end.
This is what went to the charity shop……. 5 bin bags, 10 pairs of shoes, 12 handbags, loads of jewellery too, you see once you get started you don’t stop…..
It took me till 1pm to put everything back into my wardrobe and bag up everything. So start to finish just 4 hours.
So do you want to see my wardrobe now…….?
My shoes now live in the bottom of my wardrobe.
Look how awesome my clothes are! I can see everything and each and every item in there I LOVE, it makes me happy just opening the door!
And my handbags have a shelf of their own.
My sock draw is a vision of beauty……..I know you probably think I have lost the plot now……but read the book and you will understand.
Marie explains that clothes crumpled up or balled up in the case of socks ‘ stresses’ them then need to be folded neatly, stood on end and you can then see them all. I told you the book made me laugh and cry ! Well stressed socks had me crying with laughter, but truly my sock drawer now brings me great joy, does yours?
Since my tidying my clothes I have done my makeup and toiletries and books are next. It’s a work in progress but so easy to stick with. My wardrobe always looks tidy, as does my sock drawer and it was easy for me to see the things I needed to replace, you see Marie doesn’t say you should never buy anything again, it’s okay to go shopping!
I would love to know what you think and do share your stories too, leave me a comment please, I reply to each and everyone.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I’ll be back with some crafting soon.
Amazing timing Amanda. Today I did a personal shopper day at John Lewis because I needed summer clothes for my new job as what I wore for the old job wasn’t suitable. So I did what you did – everything on the bed……
Today I took 13 pedal bin liners worth of clothes and 2 of shoes to the local air ambulance clothes bank. I too can now see my shoes and clothes but I haven’t yet tackled my underwear or socks – my socks must be very stressed judging by the state of my sock drawer! Does she give advice for storing tights?
Are you kitchen cupboards next?
Hi Sue, that sounds like you had a great day ! and a huge wardrobe overhaul, I’m so pleased that charities are benefiting from our clear outs. The advice she gives for tights is again to lay them flat, fold into the middle, over and over, if you look just above my socks that’s where my tights are. Books for me next then paperwork……..
Amanda
I’m with you – after ‘flatness’ [my version of bleugh!] ACTION is the only way 🙂
As you might expect my wardrobe is already like this BUT my underwear drawers – aaaaaargh!- and every other drawer in the house for that matter 🙁
Time for ACTION here too – wonderful blog post xxxxx
Thanks so much for leaving a message Jane, ACTION is the best way always ! Once you’ve tackled your underwear you’ll be inspired to tackle those other drawers in your house I am sure.
Amazing – I know what you mean by action getting your brain sorted but usually have so little time. I did something similar on a much smaller scale with embossing folders- I found I had 2 of some things so got them altogether and ‘swatched’ them and photographed them so I would always know what I didn’t need to buy again. Thanks for posting.
I really do understand about lack of time Leigh, I have to say though I was amazed it only took me 4 hours. Sometimes we have to make that time just for us ! But it sounds like you’ve already started with your crafting, excellent!
Last weekend I also emptied my wardrobe completely and sorted my clothes – it was a great feeling throwing out clothes that no longer were needed or fitted. Next will be the underwear drawer and perhaps I will find some matching socks.
Fabulous Val, sounds like you are already well on your way ! I can say that my knicker drawer looks just as organised but I wasn’t that brave to put it on my blog !!!!! Good luck in finding your matching socks.
Must read this book and get started! Just what I need I think to get out of this rut I am in – as you know some of my Family are really getting to me at the moment and think this may be the solution to begin to destress myself and my life! Thank you for sharing. xx
I think is would be wonderful for you Roz, it’s such a weight lift off your shoulders and it’s something you do just for ‘you’ not for anyone else. Sending you a big hug x
What a great post. Just what I needed to read. I can see how this technique could be applied to lots of areas in my home.
Thank you so much for leaving a message Ruth, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post. It really has made a difference for me, do send me some pictures if you tackle your home too.
and I’ve just noticed …. you have Ruby Slippers !!! … AWESOME xx
I do Leigh, I bought them years ago and they are not going anywhere !!!!
Stressed socks made me laugh! Mine are very stressed … Having had 2 babies and a figure change I had to do this. It was sad but positive as it was acceptance of the new me. Good luck with the rest of the house.
Thanks so much Claire, I understand the changes that 2 babes can bring, though mine are 18 and 20 now !!!! You need to go destress your socks !!!!
OMG!!! Might give this ago!! Bit along the lines of a life laundry!!!
Hi Amanda, Awesome. I have a Marie Kondo Book. Unfortunately, my wardrobe is full of craft things, too. I know that feeling you described.
You have given me the inspiration to do so me sorting.
I hope you enjoyed getting stuck into your sorting!