With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving just around the corner, I’m diving headfirst into the holiday spirit. Who needs to wait until after Thanksgiving? I’m ready for glittery ornaments, twinkling lights, and vibrant candles. However, there’s one aspect of the holidays I dread—the inevitable surge of clutter.
Every year, I brace myself for the influx of “stuff” by decluttering toys and clothes that we no longer use. I strive to be deliberate about gift-giving and gently remind family members that we’d prefer experiences over material things. Yet, despite my efforts, the post-holiday chaos always triggers my anxiety.
For many, managing clutter can feel overwhelming, and I’m certainly one of those people. I lean toward minimalism (or as close as one can get with children in tow), which is why I was drawn to Marie Kondo after watching her Netflix series last year. Initially, I was skeptical about the so-called “life-changing” magic of the KonMari method. Let’s face it: if I followed it strictly, I might as well set my house on fire.
However, after watching the show and learning more about Kondo’s principles, it was like a light bulb flickered on. Armed with fresh ideas, I set out to transform my family’s approach to tidying. While my personal belongings were fairly organized—no overflowing drawers or shoes cluttering the closet—my family’s mess was another story.
“We’re decluttering today, boys,” I announced. “Let’s get to work!” (Motivation is my strong suit.) Within a single afternoon, we packed boxes and bags full of toys and clothes to donate. We cleared away piles of papers and found long-lost items, all while embracing the “fold it in thirds” technique.
Fast forward ten months since I embraced the KonMari philosophy, and our home has accumulated some clutter again. We’ve maintained the folding method, but as life got busier, excess toys and gadgets crept in, leading to a chaotic environment. A refresher is definitely in order, but more importantly, I want to instill in my kids the concept that “less is more” when it comes to possessions. I want them to experience the joy of the KonMari method as I do, but convincing them feels like a continuous struggle since kids are notorious hoarders.
Fortunately, Kondo has released a new book aimed at helping children grasp the essence of her tidying philosophy. In “Kiki & Jax,” she shares the story of a little girl named Kiki who realizes how her excessive belongings impact her friendship with Jax. Together, they embark on a decluttering journey to create more emotional space for their friendship.
“I’ve seen how powerful books can be for children,” Kondo shared with us. She emphasizes the importance of leading by example and suggests starting with our own “tidying festival” before engaging our kids.
Kondo also addresses the common challenge of children’s attachment to their belongings. She encourages them to understand where their items belong, making tidying more relatable. “By returning items to their designated spots, children develop awareness and appreciation for what they own,” she explained.
Moreover, Kondo clarifies some misconceptions surrounding the KonMari method. Tidying doesn’t mean getting rid of everything. “When I started tidying as a teen, I thought it was about minimizing possessions, but I soon realized it’s about focusing on what truly sparks joy,” she noted.
Kondo also counters fears that her approach overlooks our consumer-driven culture. “By identifying and letting go of items that no longer bring joy, you enhance your ability to recognize what truly makes you happy—you become more mindful,” she stated. “After tidying, my clients tend to be more thoughtful about their purchases and avoid excess.”
This mindset is crucial because the issue isn’t solely about the physical clutter; it also affects our mental well-being and relationships, a point Kondo emphasizes in “Kiki & Jax.” “When a space becomes cluttered, it’s often more than just physical mess,” she explained. “Clutter can distract us—there’s a saying that a ‘messy room equals a messy mind.’ Tidying can transform the way we approach life and our connections.”
Let’s be real: tidying isn’t enjoyable. For those of us who are particularly sensitive to clutter-induced anxiety, the KonMari method provides the guidance we—and our kids—need to achieve a more peaceful state of mind. Marie Kondo’s enchanting tidying philosophy is beautifully presented in “Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship,” illustrated by the talented Salina Yoon. The book is available at konmari.com and wherever books are sold.
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In summary, Marie Kondo’s new children’s book offers a delightful way to teach kids about the joy of tidying and the importance of friendship, making it easier for families to embrace a more organized lifestyle together.