My Konmari Journey. Part One

Marie Kondo's tidying bug bit me late last year and after more that 6 months I feel there is a need for second wave. I know there is still much more to improve on. I mean there are still a lot more to dispose of.  If you do not know Ms. Kondo, she is the organizing guru of today. She wrote The New York Times' #1 Best Seller  'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up'. If you have heard of 'Spark Joy'?  She wrote that one, too.

So okay like I said, last year I discovered KonMari-ing (coined from her name).  It started from the new way of folding clothes the way Marie Kondo does it. Check out this video.

After one drawer lol I got so interested I also checked out her book and there was no stopping me. I was so into it. I was dreaming and planning how I would tackle this big task. I know I need to clean up and organize our home. I love buying stuff, so does my husband and the whole family, so I am aware that there are so much things I need to continuously organize and need to dispose.  You know, so much clothes that you seldom use. Baby clothes your children outgrew. Gifts you never used. Double or multiple of every day things like scissors, utility bags, screwdrivers, etc. I am telling you there is just so much stuff. Sometimes, I even question myself if I am a bit of a hoarder, perhaps just a little huh? Because I know when there are big sales, like the Big Nivea sale. I buy deodorants for a year's use, plus lotion and their soaps at half the regular price.  I am a sucker for anything 50% off, well who isn't?

KonMari and The Book Stop Project

The Book Stop Project at Molito grounds

My Konmari-ing last year made me dispose 80% of our books. There were still high school books of my daughter. She already graduated college and is  already working for 2 years now. I am just giving you an idea. I also let go of most of my fave novels. I was so lucky that time The Book Stop PH was in the South of the Metro and it felt good that I am donating my beloved books to a great cause. The Book Stop Project is a well-thought concept of sharing the 'love of reading'. It is just a refreshing idea amidst the overwhelming techie stuff of our times. The joy of turning a page... The thought of sharing your experience after reading a book to another person is very satisfying.  I just kept a few titles which I love rereading every couple of years and a few for sentimental reasons.

Jollibee's 'Maaga and Pasko'

I am sure you notice that big box at Jollibee during December where you can donate children's books and toys. Well, I did just that. There were still lots of stuffed animals wrapped in plastic in our storage, new yet old. My kid and I took photos of each, for sentimental reasons or whatever and donated them.. It is time to pass the joy to some other kid. And since my daughter was already earning she thought of buying new ones to donate as well. I am just proud that I instilled the 'sharing your blessings' in her.  Check ou Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko Website

Donate your old clothes to H&M and get a discount voucher

Now for the piles of old clothes. Some of which were worn only once or twice. There were some that were never worn, just forgotten. Tags and all. My helper's family in the province is often my first go-to for clothes donation. This time I asked her to just choose what we will send to them alongside her gifts for Christmas and the rest we shall donate to others in need.  I still even have stuff that I donated to H&M in Festival Mall ( they will give you a 15% discount voucher in exchange of your donation) and to Japan Home, who was also holding a donation drive for the Christmas Season.

So yeah I am seriously thinking of giving KonMari a second wave. I still have a china cabinet that I consciously avoided the last time I did this. Because I do not know how I am going to dispose of such stuff. Also, I have been reading about minimalism and I am intending to 'minimalize' my wardrobe. I plan to stick to the basics. Basic cuts and basic colors. I am leaning towards white, black, greys, and some muted blues and greens.

A big part of doing this is the feeling of lightness and neatness in your home. It definitely lessens the stress of too much clutter. Plus remembering the spark of joy the remaining things around gives you. At present I am planning and scheduling Part 2. Wish me luck!