Tidying Up With Marie Kondo

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo is a Netflix original series from 2019, which brings the Japanese organising consultant and creator of the KonMari Method, Marie Kondo, into viewer's homes. The reality television show is centered on Marie Kondo's mission to help people declutter and organize their homes, thereby creating a serene and inspiring atmosphere.

On the show, Marie Kondo demonstrates her unique tidying method, the KonMari method, which she has refined over the years and has also authored a best-selling book about "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up." Her method differs from traditional cleaning routines as it focuses not on the amount of mess but on the relationships people have with their possessions. Marie believes that every item in your house should 'spark joy', and if it doesn’t, it should be thanked for its service and let go. The extraordinary part is the spiritual and mindfulness elements incorporated into the cleaning process, believed to bring not just tidiness but also happiness and good fortune.

The show is built upon a simple premise: Marie Kondo visits various homes that are in desperate need of decluttering and helps the occupants to tidy up. The situations that Marie steps into are as diverse as the clutter. She encounters a mix of families, couples, and individuals, all with their unique stories and struggles with clutter. These include a recently widowed woman grappling with how to let go of her late husband’s possessions, a young family with children overwhelmed by their mess, and empty nesters confronting years of accumulated goods.

Each episode follows a similar pattern: a short introduction to the people and their clutter issue, followed by Kondo's arrival and initial assessment. She then guides them through her KonMari Method in various stages. It starts with clothing, then books, papers, komono (a Japanese term for miscellaneous items), and finally sentimental items. Each sorting session is not merely an exercise in throwing things into garbage bags. Instead, it involves physically handling every item, considering its value and joy-inducing attributes, and deciding what stays and what goes. It is about choosing joy over the rest.

Marie Kondo does not only encourage her clients to dispose of their possessions, but she also shows them how to organize what they choose to keep in a way that not only makes everyday life more manageable but also brings the home's occupants a sense of peace and balance. Her gentle, patient and non-judgmental presence helps the participants feel comfortable through the sometimes challenging and emotional process. It is heartwarming to see how openly clients react to her assistance, often with emotional breakthroughs of their own. As a result, viewers find themselves emotionally invested too.

A big part of the show's appeal lies in witnessing the transformation of chaotic, clutter-filled spaces into tidy, tranquil ones. Yet, the most rewarding aspect of the show is not the actual tidying (though that is undoubtedly satisfying to watch), but the emotional transformations that come with it. It’s about self-discovery, understanding one's relationship with material possessions, and the impact of the physical environment on mental wellbeing.

The Tidying Up with Marie Kondo series has been praised for its positivity, its non-judgmental approach to people's homes and lifestyles, and for the relatability of the participants. The series has a calming effect and gently inspires viewers to reevaluate their relationship with the things they own. Moreover, the series sparked a tidying trend, coined as the 'Kondo-effect', encouraging people globally to declutter their homes.

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo is not just a home improvement show; it's a lifestyle enhancement series. It's a heartwarming and often emotional journey of people taking control of their clutter and, consequently, their lives. With its universal themes of finding joy and peace in our spaces, the show inspires viewers to reflect on their homes and lifestyles, making it a captivating and thoroughly binge-worthy viewing experience.