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

Kondō presents tidying as a journey of self-knowledge, illustrating how choices about possessions influence one’s sense of identity and purpose. For example, sorting through clothing may prompt individuals to realize that they have been holding on to outfits that no longer suit their lifestyle. Letting go of these items affirms one’s current identity by creating room for clothes that reflect present occupations and interests. Similarly, when paring down books, individuals might notice that some subjects excite them while others no longer interest them, guiding future choices about how they spend their time. Intentional living, in this context, means aligning the items that fill one’s home with one’s values. To apply this advice on a smaller scale, readers may try decluttering and organizing their workspace to align with the projects and goals they currently want to focus on. By treating tidying as a reflection of inner priorities, Kondō demonstrates how creating domestic order clarifies self-awareness, laying the foundation for a more intentional life.

Kondō reframes decluttering by shifting the focus from choosing what to discard to selecting what to keep. Instead of asking, “What should I get rid of?” she encourages readers to ask, “What sparks joy?” This positive shift in