It teaches us to throw away before you even think to store. Nothing new under the sun, we agree. Except that the key is stored by category rather than parts of your home, to collect all the objects in that category in one place and take all of them in the hands to determine whether or not it gives you joy, thanking them for helping you in your daily or you have learned something. Contact our objects may seem totally wacky but makes sense if, like me, you feel guilty about the idea to throw anything ... And it is probably this animist vision related to the culture of author (it is Japanese Shinto and) that can most put some people: the idea that even inanimate objects or natural elements have a soul, a life force, can effectively divert. However, by using his method, storage becomes almost a meditation session, a dialogue with oneself because all objects we own are the result of our choices (keep this gift that I do not like not to hurt the other, keep that garment that I never wear, etc ...). However, Marie Kondo does not tell us how to live in spartan, but simply to surround yourself with objects you love to live happily. I find it refreshing and liberating. I devoured the book a first time and then I reread my army and my highlighter stickers-bookmarks. Lol.
I just finished phase "clothing" of my store and my husband and I separated from 6 100 liters bags in one intense sort morning! Some were recycled into rags or trashed because of their bad condition, others left at Emmaus and the last have found a new home with owners who were burning with desire to have a long time. And I've lived all this without feeling guilty: a first! My closets are now much less but are only filled with clothes in which I feel good and are really tidy (there are videos on the folding method available on the web if you need to view it explains in the book). I will go to Phase "books" - a large piece for me - but I'm sure it will happen as well and so on for categories to follow.
One caution though: the sorting phase of paperwork can not be followed to the letter (unlike some countries, French law requires us to keep some paper and a note from the editor wisely reminds us).
I highly recommend this book even if it is certain that it will not suit everyone. If you need a book that give you specific methods on how to compartmentalize your drawers or other standard patterns - even if there are really interesting tips and tricks - this is perhaps not the book he you need, even if you stumble on the animistic vision of the author. Same if you have no trouble throwing objects, this book may not be bring you much although I'm sure he can help you anyway because Mary Kondo rather leads us to change our relationship vis-a -vis the things we own.
I am only at the beginning of this change but I can already glimpse what it means by "storage of magic." I look forward to seeing the results of my efforts when everything is sorted / cast / tidy. This is really a positive reading that makes me want to go through this process. I think to update the comment in a few months.
