5 Reasons I Tossed Marie Kondo’s Book Into My Junk Pile

home insemination Kit

I used to be the queen of organization. Seriously, my closets were a sight to behold, and I could manage laundry like a pro. I was the reigning champion of tidiness—until I had kids. Suddenly, my home transformed into a chaotic scene reminiscent of a toddler’s art project gone wrong. My once-pristine living space is now a disaster zone, and I can’t see a path back to order anytime soon.

In a moment of desperation, I decided to try to regain control by reading the book everyone was buzzing about: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. I mean, the title alone had me dreaming of a magical transformation. But as I flipped through the pages, my excitement quickly turned to irritation. Here are the top five reasons I tossed Kondo’s advice into my personal junk pile:

1. “Everyone Needs a Sanctuary”
   Uh, no kidding, Marie! My sanctuary is buried somewhere in my overflowing closet. If I manage to clear out the clothes that haven’t seen the light of day since before the internet, my kids might actually locate me. You can keep your idea of a perfect sanctuary—I’ll stick with my messy hideaway!
2. “Decorate Your Closet With Secret Delights”
   Sure, I’ve been known to jazz up my closet with a few treats, but I doubt Marie had my stash of chocolate and gossip magazines in mind when she suggested “secret delights.”
3. “Empty Your Bag Everyday”
   Marie, can we have a chat? Do you realize how much stuff I have to lug around for a day out with my kids? Ever tried a pool day with toddlers? There’s no way I’m unpacking the 823 items I packed just to repack them tomorrow. Let’s get real here!
4. “Gather Everything in One Space Before You Start Organizing”
   Well, Marie, lucky for me, most of our clothing is already in one spot—the floor of my laundry room. My kids are pros at maintaining that pile, so I think I’ll kick off my organizing spree right there.
5. “You Should Have Freedom From a Life With Excess Stock”
   Marie, have you ever stepped foot in Costco? Trust me, once you take a trip there with kids during dinnertime, you’ll not only stock up on toothpaste and snacks but score a much-needed break from cleaning the kitchen!

Marie also advises us to pick up each item and ask whether it sparks joy. If it doesn’t, it’s off to the trash heap. Let me tell you, if I tried to toss out my husband’s beloved recliner, I’d be sleeping on the couch for the foreseeable future.

And let’s not even get started on her folding technique. Marie, bless your well-meaning heart, but I’m not about to fold my clothes like origami masterpieces. Thanks for the laugh, though!

In the end, while Kondo didn’t exactly change my life, I did manage to donate a few bags of clothes to charity. And now, when I’m tempted to buy another pair of fancy sandals, I think of her. But honestly? It brings me immense joy to toss her book into my forgotten pile without a second thought.

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Summary:

Finding Marie Kondo’s tidying advice more frustrating than helpful, I tossed her book aside. With kids in tow, her suggestions often seemed impractical. Instead of transforming my chaotic home, they only added to my stress. While I might not be folding clothes like origami, I did manage to declutter a bag or two. Ultimately, it’s the joy of letting go of her book that I cherish most.