Follow the correct order of categories (clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, sentimental items) from "summary" of The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
When it comes to tidying up, it is crucial to follow a specific order of categories. By beginning with clothes, you are starting with the easiest items to make decisions about. Clothes are tangible and easy to assess based on whether they spark joy or not. This process allows you to build your confidence in making decisions about what to keep and what to discard.
Moving on to books after clothes may seem like a random choice, but there is a method to this order. Books, like clothes, are relatively straightforward to evaluate for joy. By tackling books second, you are continuing to hone your decision-making skills while also working your way through categories that are less emotionally charged.
Once you have completed the clothes and books categories, it is time to address papers. Papers tend to be more challenging for people to declutter because they often hold important information or sentimental value. By saving papers for third in the order, you are giving yourself the opportunity to practice decision-making and build momentum before facing more emotionally demanding categories.
After papers, miscellaneous items are next on the list. These items can range from kitchen gadgets to electronics to toiletries. By organizing miscellaneous items after papers, you are continuing to work through categories that require more discernment and decision-making skills. This order allows you to gradually build your confidence and ability to make choices that align with what truly brings you joy.
Finally, sentimental items are saved for last. Sentimental items are often the most emotionally charged possessions we own, making them difficult to declutter. By leaving sentimental items for the end, you are giving yourself the space and time to practice gratitude, reflect on memories, and make decisions that truly resonate with your heart.
By following this specific order of categories, you are not only streamlining the tidying process but also developing your decision-making skills and emotional resilience. Each category builds upon the last, allowing you to grow and evolve as you progress through the stages of decluttering.
