How a Book and a Netflix Show Changed My Life

The book that started it all, and that changed my life: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm Kim with Tidy for Good. I’m a Certified KonMari™ Consultant and professional organizer. My goal is to transform your life using the KonMari Method® of organizing and tidying.

Why? Because it’s worked for me. But have I always been organized? NO. 

I grew up the youngest of five and definitely had too much stuff. My childhood bedroom was bursting with hand-me-downs. I held on to things because someone had given it to me or I didn’t want to waste it. I also have fond memories of going over to a neighbor’s house in elementary school and helping her declutter and rearrange her room all the time. Another early memory I have is seeing my mom and her siblings declutter my grandma’s small apartment during a visit to Hong Kong. These are two experiences that have truly impacted the way I think about stuff.

Yes, this was my childhood closet!

I first read the The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing in 2015, and thought, "Wow, this lady is extreme. I will never fold my underwear like she does." (Plot twist: I do now!) I simply read the book and did nothing with the information. Fast forward to New Year's Day of 2019, and I watched her Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and this time something clicked. I started re-examining my relationship with my physical items and letting go. Going through my own KonMari® Tidying Festival has allowed me to say goodbye to the things that weren’t serving me and to honor the things that I truly want in my life. 

My clothing mountain!

I love the structure of the KonMari Method®, where you tidy and organize your possessions by category, rather than by location. For example, you pull out ALL your clothing, not just one closet at a time. I also love that you focus on what you're KEEPING, rather than what you're discarding. Lastly, I love that the criteria is "Does this spark joy?" This allows for such an individualized experience, because everyone is different! My succulent shaped throw pillow might not bring you joy, but it sure does for me!

Here’s my closet “after” photo. Disclaimer: it doesn’t always look like this, but I am confident in my ability to get it back in order.

Peep my joy-sparking Lazy Egg collection in the bottom right!

Personally, tidying has had the “side effects” of strengthening my relationships, improving my finances, streamlining my time, and making room for new hobbies. In my newly reclaimed free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts, practicing yoga, writing snail mail, and reading.

In February of 2023, I took the plunge to enroll in the KonMari® Certification Course. After taking on practice clients, writing reports, and taking the exam, I become fully certified in January of 2024. I absolutely love helping clients figure out their vision for their ideal lifestyles and dig out of their clutter to find what truly sparks joy in their lives! My ultimate goal for my clients is to help them be tidy, for good!
If any of these things in my personal story resonate with you, I would be honored to be your guide through this process!