One sentence summary
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing is a handbook that outlines a simple, step-by-step method for simplifying, organizing, and storing belongings to ensure long-term tidiness.
Book genre
Self-Help
Main topic of the book
The main topic of the book is about decluttering, organizing and creating long-term tidiness.
Key ideas
- Declutter: quickly dispose of items that do not bring you joy
- Organize: categorize items by topic and store them properly
- Tidy: maintain a clean environment and resolve to keep it that way
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Part 1: Starting from the Mindset – The author explains her “KonMari” methodology which is based on the idea that a home should contain only those items which “spark joy” for the inhabitant.
- Part 2: Furniture and Belongings – The author outlines how to declutter and organize by category—clothing, books, papers, and miscellaneous—and she gives tips on how to store the belongings.
- Part 3: Finalizing the Tidying – The author explains how to maintain a tidy space in the long term and presents her advice to prevent future clutter.
Key takeaways
- Tidying is essential for leading a fulfilling life
- Decluttering and organizing by category are more effective than by location
- Storing items properly is the key to an organized environment
Author’s background and qualifications
Marie Kondō is a Japanese organizing consultant and author who started Kondō Consulting in 1992. She has taught her tidying methods to a large number of clients, and created the “KonMari Method”. The KonMari Method is a comprehensive healthy method for people to realize the ideal lifestyle they seek.
Target audience
The target audience for this book is people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds who are looking to simplify their lives, declutter their homes and improve their overall tidiness.
Publisher and first publication date
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up was first published in October 2014 by Ten Speed Press.