Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up Vs Spark Joy
Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant and author of two best-selling books: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy. Both books have taken the world by storm, inspiring people to declutter their homes and change their lives. However, there are differences between the two methods, and it can be challenging to choose which one is right for you. In this article, we will compare The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up vs Spark Joy, so you can decide which approach is best suited for your needs.
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up is Marie Kondo's first book, which hit the shelves in 2014. The book introduces the KonMari method, a minimalistic approach to decluttering and organizing your home. It is based on the idea that by keeping only the things that spark joy, your home will become a place of serenity and happiness.
The KonMari method consists of six rules:
- Commit yourself to tidying up
- Imagine your ideal lifestyle
- Discard everything that does not spark joy
- Tidy by category, not by location
- Follow the right order
- Finish discarding first, before moving on to organizing
The book encourages you to start with clothes, then move on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and finally sentimental items. By tidying in this order, you will learn to recognize what sparks joy and what doesn't, and gradually reduce the amount of clutter in your home.
Spark Joy
Spark Joy is Marie Kondo's second book, published in 2016. It is a follow-up to The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and goes into more detail about the KonMari method. The book is organized by categories, such as clothing, books, papers, and komono, and provides illustrations and step-by-step instructions for folding and storing items.
One of the main differences between Spark Joy and The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up is that Spark Joy emphasizes the importance of cherishing the items that spark joy, rather than simply discarding them. The book encourages you to create a peaceful relationship with your belongings and find a place for everything in your home.
Spark Joy also introduces the concept of the "click point," which is the moment when you feel a physical and emotional shift after tidying a certain category of items. The click point is a sign that you have completed the category and can move on to the next one.
Which Method is Right for You?
Both The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy offer valuable insights into the KonMari method, and their approaches are complementary. However, there are some differences to consider when choosing which method is right for you.
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up is a great starting point for anyone who wants to declutter their home and simplify their life. The book provides a clear and concise method for tidying, and its focus on joy can be transformative. However, the book can be vague in some areas, such as how to dispose of unwanted items and how to deal with sentimental items.
Spark Joy is a more comprehensive guide to the KonMari method, with detailed instructions and illustrations for each category of items. The book provides helpful advice on how to store and organize your belongings, and its emphasis on cherishing the items that spark joy can be inspiring. However, the book can be overwhelming for beginners, and its focus on folding and storing techniques may not appeal to everyone.
In conclusion, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up vs Spark Joy is not a matter of one being better than the other, but rather a matter of personal preference. Both books offer valuable insights into the KonMari method, and it's up to you to decide which one resonates with you the most. Whether you choose to follow Marie Kondo's advice or not, the most important thing is to create a home that brings you joy and peace.
