The KonMari Method™: Embracing Digital to Save Space
A couple of months ago, you may have read my blog on how to embark on the second category of the KonMari Method™, books! You may have gathered all your reading materials (guidebooks, manuals, cookbooks, decor books, textbooks, etc.) and determined which have “sparked joy”.
For some, books hold many memories - childhood memories, school days, and transitions of life. Some consider their books a representation of the story of their lives. In the KonMari Method™, we like to suggest that you approach your books with your eye to your current and future life. The titles in your collection should represent who you are today and who you want to become. Remember to trust your heart! If you can’t imagine parting with any of your books, you may be surprised by how they make you feel as you go through the process. While learning what Sparks Joy for you, here are my three Tidying Tips to help you better grasp the books category.
Tidying Tip 1: If you encounter titles in your collection that are very sentimental, I recommend you set aside to consider during your final KonMari Category - Sentimental.
Some of the titles in your collection may hold significant importance in your life. They could be gifts from a beloved one, or titles that may have helped you through a tough time. If you find that certain titles hold this sentimental place in your heart, it is best to revisit them during the Sentimental category of the KonMari Method™. This is the last category of the method and you will have honed your joy checking skills by the time you get there so decisions will be easier.
Tidying Tip 2: Once your joy checking is complete, try arranging your titles in fun ways. You can organize by topic like in a bookstore or by color instead of by topic for a fun, whimsical look!
There are several ways you can brighten up a room while still staying true to the KonMari Method™. This is a fun experiment I tried in our home’s playroom, and it has sparked much joy for our family. I encourage you to come up with creative ways to organize your own titles for an extra boost of joy as you make your way through the method.
Tidying Tip 3: Eliminate physical clutter by embracing digital podcasts.
Instead of purchasing physical forms of news, try listening to a podcast of your liking on your daily commute. I have personally transitioned 75% of my reading to the digital medium, but still love when I can pick up a new book at the airport or a friend shares a new book they enjoyed. Here are my personal favorite podcasts: The New York Times Daily, This American Life, Spark Joy, Crime Writers On, and Ear Hustle!
Another way I leverage audiobooks is by listening to the specific chapter we are going to cover from Marie Kondo’s bestseller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up on my way to a client lesson. Her books are available on Audible and a great way to reset intentions for the lesson. I encourage you to do the same with audiobooks of your liking, including Marie Kondo’s books. Soak in the literary knowledge in this new, digital way and see how it can make an impact on your books decluttering.
For questions or additional resources on this category, feel free to message me for more information or read some of my other blogs featuring tips to help you get tidy!
