Marie Kondo Has a Point, but That Doesn’t Mean Purging Your Books is the Only Way.
In 2018, I read the Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo. Then, on the very first day of 2019, the show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo made its appearance on Netflix. It is the hot topic of the month. Of course, that might also be because it is the beginning of the year, and most people have New Year’s Resolutions to declutter their lives.
Now, if Marie Kondo saw my house, she would definitely say it is too cluttered. To be honest, she would be right. There are closets I need to go through, clothes I haven’t worn in years, the kids’ toys everywhere, and holiday decorations stuffed in the attic that never actually make it out of their boxes. I’m not one to judge Marie’s methods, by any means, and I’ll probably even take her advice into account as I go through my spring cleaning, but I am going to draw the line at my books.
And that is okay.
Get Rid of Things That Don’t Spark Joy
The KonMari method is simple. You are encouraged to physically hold each item and assess whether or not it sparks joy in your life. If it sparks joy, keep it. If it doesn’t, either trash it or donate it. Something that doesn’t spark joy in your life, may very well spark joy in someone else’s life. Something that brings you a lot of joy may not for others. This is where the dispute comes into play.
Not Everyone Loves Books as Much as You and I Do
Marie Kondo recommends that you keep no more than 30 books. This has seriously upset many bibliophiles, leaving the Twitterverse in an uproar. However, that’s just her recommendation, and she isn’t telling everyone to cut their book collection down to 30 books. It means that, for most people who do not have a book collection, 30 is a good reference point if they are trying to pare down their clutter. For those who truly enjoy their book collection, as you and I do, that number is not directed at you.
“…But I Love My Books”
I enjoy coming home and seeing my walls of bookshelves full of stories I’ve read and loved. I love that my kids have the ability to pick up any of the books that strike their fancy and just start reading whenever they feel like it. That brings so much joy to my heart, not to mention, it is so cozy and inviting with the couches and big windows we have in our living room. Like many of you, I love my books. The more, the better.
Some Books Don’t Need to be on Your Shelf
On the flip side, and this is where I do agree that Marie Kondo has a very good point, not every book needs to be on your shelf. For instance, that algebra book you had to buy for your first semester of college, that hasn’t been cracked open in years, and you will absolutely never look at again, doesn’t need to be there. The book that you got at the Company Christmas Party three years ago, that you read, but probably won’t read again, doesn’t need to be there. If it doesn’t spark joy or have sentimental value to it, donate it to the library or the local used bookstore.
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Marie Kondo Doesn’t Mean Purging Your Books is the Only Way
The point is to surround yourself with things you love and enjoy. If all of your books spark joy in your life, then even Marie Kondo would tell you to keep them. But if you don’t find joy in a few volumes, pass them on. They played their role in your life, now send them into the next person’s life.
In short, Marie Kondo doesn’t mean purging your books is the only way. For me, having books in the house is a joy in itself. Sharing my love of reading with my kids means so much to me. However, I also want to declutter a little, with the hope it will help me be more productive and successful. With Marie Kondo’s advice, it might mean I will get rid of a few books, but overall, my bookshelves will remain full.
Over to You
Hopefully, you found this helpful!
I’d love to hear what you think of Marie Kondo’s take on books. Send me an email or drop your comment below!
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Here’s to much reading and writing this week!
Write On,
The Team at Quill and Tome
