“Spark Joy” is a phrase I have been using with clients to help them understand rightsizing. I read two books by author Marie Kondo: “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and “Spark Joy,” in an effort to inspire my clients. I was inspired to declutter my own closets, cupboards, and shelves. I adapted the KonMari method, developed by Marie Kondo, to fit my lifestyle and schedule.
I started by donating a box of books to the local library, for a book sale. This freed up space in the cupboard for some items that have been stored in boxes on the floor, and I felt really good about this first step. Next, I emptied the top shelves in my closets, and discarded items no longer useful. I reorganized the shelves, and stored useful items in bins – and more items came off the floor. Bags of useful clothing I don’t wear anymore were taken to the local church, to be sold at a very reasonable cost, or donated to those who can’t afford to pay. It feels very good to know that these clothes will be repurposed and enjoyed by others.
Further inspired to evaluate shoes, purses, and hats I no longer wear, I packed these items for consignment at an estate sale. Items that were worn out were thanked for their service and discarded. Memorabilia can be time-consuming to evaluate, and perhaps emotional. I sorted through five boxes of cards, letters, and pictures – and kept only those that truly “sparked joy” – narrowing down to two boxes, and discarded the others.
Kitchen cupboards were easy to sort and pack for consignment. I have enjoyed collectible Frankoma pottery for decades. The time was right to take these items down from the soffits, wash, and pack them for a consignment sale. I thanked this pottery for the joy it brought me throughout the years, and hope it will be enjoyed by new owners. I did keep those small pieces that continue to spark joy.
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