Marie Kondo's "Kurashi at Home": When Tidying Becomes Self-Care
I picked up "Kurashi at Home" during one of those seasons when my physical space felt completely disconnected from how I wanted to feel in my own home. What Kondo offers here is something more reflective: a chance to examine why we organize our spaces and what we're really trying to create when we declutter.
The book centers around this idea that "Self-reflection is a crucial part of the tidying process. Tidying helps you discover what is important to you and what you truly value in life." This really resonated with me because I've noticed I approach decluttering differently depending on my mental state. When I'm anxious, I declutter frantically. When I'm content, I declutter thoughtfully. The motivation completely changes the experience.
Her famous "Does this spark joy?" question isn't always as straightforward as it seems either. I've learned to hold items and wait instead of making snap decisions. Some things I thought I loved were just familiar habits—comfortable but unnecessary. Others, I almost donated, only to realize they were small treasures I’d forgotten how to appreciate.
What I loved most was how the book emphasizes gratitude in really specific ways. Being grateful for individual objects—appreciating how my favorite mug holds just the right amount of coffee—has completely changed how I interact with my belongings. Kondo also frames this work as ongoing rather than a one-time transformation, suggesting seasonal rhythms rather than massive overhauls, which has been game-changing for me. Now, I do a quiet reset each time the weather shifts—clearing drawers in spring, rearranging shelves in fall.
This isn't a step-by-step decluttering guide—it's more about exploring the emotional aspects of how we live in our spaces. It's a short read that works well as a gentle reset when you're feeling overwhelmed by your stuff or disconnected from your home.
Kurashi at Home reminded me that organizing isn't about having the perfect minimalist aesthetic. It's about creating spaces that support how you actually want to live and feel. The perfect organized home might just be the one where everything has a place that makes sense for your life, and where you feel genuinely grateful for what you've chosen to keep.
4/5 – A thoughtful approach to tidying that focuses more on mindset than method. Worth reading if you're ready to think about organizing as self-reflection rather than just a productivity hack.
