By Marie Kondo
The secret to success is to start by discarding. Then organize your space all in one go. 2
A dramatic reorganization of the home causes correspondingly dramatic changes in lifestyle and perspective. It is life transforming. 3
When you put your house in order you put your affairs and your past in order too. 4
You should only be surrounded by things you love. 5
Success is 90% dependent on our mind-set. 5
Changing lifestyle habits acquired over a span of many years is generally extremely difficult. People cannot change their way of thinking. 15
The Art of Discarding – Nagisa Tatsumi
You must set a deadline for your tidying. People tend to complete tasks at the very last minute leading up to the deadline. (Robert Green mentions this in Mastery as well) 19
Strange phenomenon: Many people get the urge to clean up when under pressure, such as before an exam. This urge occurs because they need to put something else in order. Their brain is clamoring to study, but when it notices the cluttered space, the focus switches to “I need to clean up my room”. 20
A messy room equals a messy mind. 21
Putting away things creates the illusion that the clutter problem has been solved. This is why tidying must be done by discarding. 23
Hotel rooms are stark and clear of clutter for a reason, with nothing obstructing the line of sight. 37
Does it spark joy? If not, discard.
People have trouble discarding the following things: functional, informational, emotional, rarity. 45
If you don’t remember you even had an object, then it obviously didn’t spark joy. Discard. 67
What you wear in your house, at home impacts your self-image. 70
Arrange your clothes so that they rise to the right. Hang heavy items on the left side of the closet and light items
on the right. Heavy items include those with length, those made from heavier material, and those that are darker in color. 79
The purpose of a present or gift is to be received. Presents are not “things” but a means for conveying someone’s feelings. Don’t be afraid to discard or part with a gift. 108
Sentimental Items: no matter how wonderful things used to be, we cannot live in the past. The joy and excitement we feel here and now are more important. 114
Everyone needs a sanctuary in their house. You must have your own space even if you live with a family. 140
Putting your house in order is a great way to discover what your passion is. At their core, the things humans like do not change over time. Think back to your school days and the things you enjoyed doing. Perhaps you were responsible for feeding the pets or liked drawings. Whatever it was, it should be related to something you do now, as a natural part of your life. 175
“Letting go is even more important than adding.” 177
Tidying has far more effect than feng shui or power stones and other spiritual goods.
There are only two reasons you cannot let go of something: You have an attachment to the past (sentimental value) or a fear of the future (you think you can use it in the future). 181
The question of what you want to own is actually a question of how you want to live your life. 182
When you realize than discarding your belongings will never be life threatening, you can move on much quicker.
If you know that you don’t have something, it is much easier than knowing you have it and being unable to fine it. 186.
When we reduce what we own and detox our house, it has a detoxing effect on our bodies as well. 193