Your cart is currently empty!
The Frustrating Fable of Tidying Up
Hey there! So, guess what I got for Christmas? Yep, you guessed it—The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. I bet someone well-meaning in your life handed you this book too, perhaps a relative with that slightly condescending smile suggesting she has endless patience for your little quirks. But let’s be honest, who couldn’t use a little more order in their home? Hint, hint, nudge, nudge.
I picked up Marie Kondo’s book mostly out of curiosity. What was this so-called magic? Was there an army of tiny elves ready to follow my kids around, putting away their discarded toys and reminding them to stop grinding snacks into the carpet? If so, sign me up! Or maybe she had developed a miraculous way to convince my partner that we don’t need to hoard every broken gadget from the past. I opened that book right after the holidays, just like many of you, eager for some relief from the piles of stuff that seem to multiply overnight.
At first, Kondo’s ideas were reasonable; according to the KonMari Method, everything in your home should have a designated spot. We all need less clutter—throw away the things you don’t need, I thought. I began to envision garbage bags filled with old birthday party favors making their way to the curb. But then, things took a turn for the bizarre, like that one relative who can’t stop talking about the healing power of crystals.
I tried to stick with it, but when I reached the part where Kondo suggests taking your shampoo and soap in and out of the shower with you, drying them off, and thanking them for helping you stay clean, I was done. Who has time for that?! It became clear that the author lives in a different universe from the one I and all my parent friends inhabit. Here are just a few of her suggestions that might leave you scratching your head:
- Socks should never be bunched together; they need to have time to relax in the drawer after working hard all day.
- Off-season clothes shouldn’t be stored away; they need to be loved year-round, or they’ll get sad.
- Empty your handbag every time you get home, putting everything in its designated box, and then repack it all before you leave again.
Seriously? I get it; Kondo may live alone, but does she expect me to care for my belongings like they’re people? No, thank you! The everyday exhaustion of managing my family is already overwhelming. I have a 3-year-old who believes she owns all my time, so my boots are going to have to wait their turn.
Kondo repeatedly emphasizes that to decide what to keep, you should hold each item, close your eyes, and ask, “Does this spark joy?” If it does, it stays; if not, it goes. The problem with this method is that if I followed it, all my toilet paper and at least one child would end up on the curb—and we all know that won’t end well.
So, how about Kondo tries this instead to see what truly sparks joy:
- Comfort a child who is sick and covered in vomit while explaining why they have to go to school tomorrow smelling like puke because you didn’t have a spare hand to grab the soap.
- Explain to your partner why you tossed their vintage magazine collection into the trash, citing that they didn’t spark joy for you, not even a little.
- Attempt to gather all the essentials for your handbag when your toddler has decided they belong with her “treasures,” and you’re already late for work.
If Kondo can spend a day with my family and still feel joyful, good for her! I’ll be eagerly awaiting her next bestseller, The Magic of Getting Your Children to Stop Leaving Their Clothes on the Floor. Now that would truly spark joy for me!
If you’re interested in more insights on home insemination, you can check our privacy policy for detailed information. Also, for reliable resources on artificial insemination, take a look at this excellent guide.
Summary
Tidying up, as promoted by Marie Kondo, can be an overwhelming and unrealistic task for busy parents. The idea of treating belongings like cherished beings brings added pressure rather than relief. In the chaotic world of parenting, some of Kondo’s suggestions may feel impractical and burdensome. Instead, embracing a more realistic approach to organization can lead to a happier home life.