‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing’

I am a confirmed pack rat. Despite my propensity to move every few years, I still seem to justify hauling around the same stuff, over and over again. Boxes of pictures that could easily be scanned, art projects from third grade and oh, so many books! I claim sentimental attachment, perhaps, or that I really will use it someday. I may fit into that shirt — eventually. I know many people can relate to this mind trap, but at some point it has to stop or you risk ending up on a reality TV show — and no one wants that.

By Marie Kondo
Ten Speed Press
Oct. 14, 2014
$16.99
213 Pages
Courtesy of Beaverdale Books

In her new book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” Marie Kondo is changing my life. With great insight into why we keep the things we do, the methods we use to convince ourselves of the need for stuff and how to break the habits, this book is a must-have for anyone with a hoarding habit, a cluttered closet or a materialistic mind. Kondo offers a straightforward, focused plan for slowly, carefully and ruthlessly ridding yourself of anything that doesn’t have a purpose, bring you joy or fit into your carefully and simply organized life. There are no baby steps in this system, no going room-to-room or working on small piles, this is a complete overhaul that, once complete, requires almost no maintenance. Think Spring Cleaning on steroids. The author brilliantly taps into the psychology of clutter and helps to change the readers thinking, so you can reclaim your life from your things. For me, it has worked wonders. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s a perfect gift for anyone contemplating a move or a big life change. What better time to clear out the clutter and start fresh? CV

Julie is a collector of homemade art, cheap jewelry and catchphrases. She lives in Grimes with a (diminishing) library and a pair of evil wizards currently stuck in cat form. She has a lifelong fear of automatic car washes.