Published
I recently listened to The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up on Audible. At first, the book wasn’t all that impressive but when the author got to the heart of the method of tidying/decluttering/discarding, it hit me! It was exactly what I wasn’t doing and what I needed to do. If you don’t currently feel like you have time to read, consider trying audiobooks. I’ve had great success and have “read” five really helpful books since Ezra started childcare simply by listening while driving. Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks
Without giving away the method, I wanted to share that I was able to finally truly go through all of my clothes for the first time, possibly ever. The author’s method really helped me to let go of memories, of the “maybe I’ll wear it” excuses, of the “it’s fine even though it has a hole” arguments or “I’ll wear it to garden or lounge around.”
This week I donated nine garbage bags full of clothes and consigned 27 items of clothing that I have held onto for years despite not wearing them. I also donated 19 pairs of shoes that I haven’t worn in years but are still in good shape.
It was a hard week (I did this on Monday and Tuesday) but it has been amazing. My closet has so much space. Every single item left in my closet is something I wear and love now. I was able to move my accessories to my closet and doing laundry feels lighter. My drawers are organized neatly but more importantly, are not filled to the brim with old t-shirts that I will never choose to wear unless I’m not caught up on laundry.
Up next? Jewelry and accessories followed by books. The author offers a recommendation on which categories to work through in which order and it’s been great for me.
I highly recommend the method taught in this book, but you should know that it is brutal at first. My full closet makeover is coming soon, but first, back to discarding!
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Donated six bags a couple weeks ago and can’t wait to dig out more in the coming weeks.
Way to go!
I worry that after I get rid of a bunch of stuff, I’ll feel like I don’t have enough clothes left! Can’t wait to talk to you more about this in person. =)
When you use this method, you actually choose what to keep rather than what to let go of and you will not be left with less than you need. I promise! But, clearing things out isn’t for everyone. For me, clutter and excess makes me feel anxious and worried and it makes it hard to focus so I need this in a big way. :)
I learned so much by reading her book. It appears strange at first ….but once you look at all your clothes you get it. Great posting.
I agree that it appears strange. Then I just started by following her recommendations exactly and it was so clear and so easy compared to any of my past decluttering experiences.
I’ve heard a ton of great things about this book. I’m doing Jen Hatmaker’s 7 experiment right now, so I’m giving a ton aways and looking at things so differently. I read David Platt’s Radical before I decided to do 7, so it prepped my mind a little!
OOOH! I can’t wait to check these two out. Now that I can do audiobooks, I am really enjoying learning and growing this way. I couldn’t make time to read for more than about 20-25 minutes a day which makes getting through a book really tough. Checking these out now!
I missed Jana’s exchange party this year but always look forward to it because it gives me an excuse go through my clothes and things. It feels so good to declutter!
It is a great way to get rid of things. And while doing that from time to time is great, this approach is sort of a one time through your entire house and done approach and it’s brutal. You really have to be honest with yourself about things and it works!