There are so many self-help books out there that boast amazing results, life changing rituals, and a more meaningful life. Yet how many self-help books have you read that are about organizing, decluttering, and tidying?

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo is a one-of-a-kind self-help book that at its core is about living a life of joy.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is unique, it is the perfect length, and it is a true piece of meaningful content. The book is written by Marie Kondo, an expert organizer and lifestyle consultant. Her whole life has been dedicated to the research and understanding of how organization and decluttering affects our daily lives and well-being. Marie Kondo recently came out with her first Netflix show which lets viewers follow along as she takes her client’s on a journey to finding joy in their homes.

In our consumer culture we are pressured to want more, to buy more, and to waste more. Many of us have items in our homes and clothes in our closets that are sitting unused and unworn. We are pressured to believe that if we do not have the latest gadget, fashion item, or trend that we will not be happy. This leads to buying more products and filling our spaces with pieces that we may not need, and sometimes may not truly want or care about.

This book takes a unique approach to dealing with consumerism, decluttering, and organization. For Marie Kondo, the solution is simple. If something does not spark joy, give it away.

This concept is so simple that at first glance it seems too simple. Yet as it is applied to everything we have in our homes, it becomes a powerful tool. When we start to treat our possessions as having the purpose of bringing joy, life becomes more meaningful because every single item we see brings happiness.

Can you imagine living in a space where everything sparks joy?

The ultimate goal is to be able to walk into your space and feel pure happiness because each and every piece is significant. This process eliminates clutter and leaves us with the items we truly value.

Because the goal of Kondo’s tidying method is to bring joy, this also applies to how to let things go. Kondo encourages her readers to not just give something away, but to be thankful for how that item has served you in the past, to recognize that even though the item is not bringing you joy anymore, it did give you that feeling at one time and to be thankful for that.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up has completely changed my perspective of material goods. I used to be the shopper who would buy almost anything if it was a good deal and if I liked it well-enough. After reading Kondo’s book, I realized I had so many items in my home that I did not need or want. I gave away 75% of my items, and it has taken me two years of constant and mindful decluttering to be in a place where I can say with confidence that almost every single item in my home brings me joy. I have also applied this concept to everything I bring into my house. If it is not something I truly love, I do not purchase it. This has helped keep my home clutter-free and filled with meaning.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is not just a tool to help you live with more organization, it is a tool to help you find joy and meaning in everything. Not just the big things, but the small things too.

Audio book version: Available on Hoopla and Audible