4 months later - Marie Kondo - the life changing magic of Tidying up

I thought I would do an update because this book really did change my life and I finally did the last step this week for my wardrobe.

This is my previous post on the topic
http//youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up-the-japanese-art-of-decluttering-and-organizing

So four months later what is different
1. I still fold my clothes and put them all away like the book states - I actually love folding clothes now it makes me happy

2. I take better care of the clothes I have becasue they all make me happy - I do laundry more often and have kinda turned into a laundry snob.
a. I have special whites detergent, delicates, sports and regular detergent
b. I now know way to much about laundry and can get about any stain out - I have a little laundry caddy with my special brushes and stuff for my concoctions
c. I love to iron and fold now- Again I love my clothes so I want to take care of them.

2.5 When I come home from work I now consistently change into lounge clothes (may or may not be my lovely caftan) and hang my clothes up to air out before hanging them back in the closet

3. I am so picky when I shop now - This could be Marie and YLF working together only perfect things come home

4. Today I finally finished the last step - I had sorted my clothes but I never gave them away. Today I took all the stuff in my holding zone and it is now empty. I can say it was freeing and I won't miss anything that was in that zone.

5. In case you are wondering I have kept about three pieces that don't fit me anymore but they make me crazy happy and I also kept the sequin jacket my Mom wore to my wedding (she has passed away) it has been front and center in my closet for years and makes me happy and joyful to see everyday when I get dressed.

It has taken me 4 months to really embrace the clothing part of the book I am now going to move on to the books in my house and let myself go at the pace that works for me knowing i will end in a good place.

10 years ago

crutcher

Veteran

You have done a marvelous job following the directions of her book...I read it and took some notes...Interesting...

Anonymous

Thank you for sharing your experiences since reading the book. It sounds like something everyone would benefit from reading.

Carole

Wow, this is fantastic and I think I need to read this book. Sounds like a soulful way of curating the closet and making you appreciate and care for all that you have. I like that!

Maneera

(website)

Sounds like the book really changed your relationship with your wardrobe...for the better It's so sweet to hear you kept your mom's jacket...I'd do the same. And just 3 pieces that don't fit isn't so bad....I would like to think of them as keepsakes from an earlier size

amiable

Great job! I've been at slowly decluttering about the same amount of time (also read Marie Kondo), and I'm now thrilled with my summer wardrobe, and eyeing my fall wardrobe with great suspicion and some dread. I have a huge box of things to sell, but haven't been motivated to actually get to it. May end up donating most of them.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Very inspiring! I'm happy for you, Frannie--it does sound life-changing!

I look SO FORWARD to reading this. I have to get ready for work now so I will come back later.

Wonderful post. It makes me happy that you are so happy. Good luck with the rest of your house.

Wow, what a positive outcome from reading the book and implementing all the ideas. I'm glad you kept a few items, particularly your mums jacket. I'm not sure I could part with much at all of my mums as she has made everything herself, so each item is so special...

Summer

It sounds as if you are totally at peace with your wardrobe, Frannie. I can almost see your closet - calm, organised and full of beautiful, well-chosen clothes that work for your life-style. Great outcome.
(And we know who to come to for laundry advice!).

Thanks for this update, Frannie! I had no idea from the media reviews that the book covered care tips like the ones you give. Maybe I'll pick it up now I know it's about more than organisation. Your closet sounds positively serene. I'm a total believer in clutter affecting our lives in ways we never realise. I love that you kept your mum's special jacket, too. It must feel like you're getting a little hug each time you see it.

Alassë

Great job!

Author Linda

What a great review! I think it was you from whom I first heard about this book. I picked it up that day. What a world-changer it's been! Like you, I still fold my clothing and put it away in ways she suggested. I can see every t-shirt in my drawer, every cami, every pair of panties. I also got rid of clothing that was literally weighing me down by taking up so much storage space. The result of all this reorganization is liberating in ways I can't fully express. Your journey inspired others.

You seem to have come to a really happy, and uncluttered, place in your lifestyle. Thanks so much for sharing the lessons you've embraced.

krishnidoux

Good for you! Thank you for this update, it's very informative.
Unfortunately, I can't access the link to your previous post.
I find I too like to iron and fold now that I love my clothes and that each piece means something to me.

Marlene

I loved that book. It really made me LOOK at my clothing items and release all those pieces that annoyed me. It has also inspired me to actually WEAR the stuff in my closet and get off the merry-go-round of just buying whatever is new. I really appreciate my wardrobe now.

Word Lily

I think this is the link you intended? (A colon was missing from the URL)

Astrid

I think I need to read the book again...

Jenny H

Thanks for your update! I read the book recently but I have not yet implemented the decluttering recommendations. It's nice to hear your experience and how well it is going for you. Don't we all need more joy in our lives?

frannieb

Author Linda - it is weird but I agree you can't fully express what the system can do for you and it is life changing.

I would tell people to stick with it. I didn't do it exactly like she stated I just didn't have time to pile everything on my bed for one day.

So I my whole dresser, then my whole closet, then all my shoes - This is different then what she recommends in the book but it worked for me.

Aliona
She really didn't have tips about dong laudry in the book - but when all your clothes are folded just so in your drawers and on your shelves you just want to do laundry right and put them away right - hard to explain.

I feel I should mention I was not a slob before - but I was definitely not this precise about my care and storage of clothing.

tulle

You're a wonderful advocate for her system, Frannie. I read the book, too, and although I haven't managed quite the clean sweep she recommends, it has still had an effect on my household. The folding thing--what IS it about that folding? Like you, I now fold everything immediately, and love it. Love the way everything looks in the drawer, too--it's almost like a filing system for clothes. I thought Kondo seemed bizarre when I read the book, but it's true (and makes perfect sense when you think about it) that handling the things you love with tenderness brings order and pleasure to daily life.

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