Prior to this show, most TV shows related to home organizing have been about helping folks who suffer from the serious disorder of hoarding. But hoarding only affects about 6 percent of the population. There are still millions of people who suffer under the weight of clutter who aren’t hoarders. With Tidying Up, we are getting a look into some of these homes and getting to witness the KonMari method in action, the emotional journey involved for the clients and the huge physical and emotional benefit that comes from the hard work.
As a professional organizer, I see many truths of the organizing process being played out in the series. And I see some things being minimized that I think should be pointed out. Let’s take a look at both so that if you start to organize after watching the show, you will know what to expect!
Things to keep in mind after watching Tidying Up:
- You don’t have to start with clothes. It’s a good choice if you don’t know where to start or you’ve never done any personal decluttering but don’t dump out your drawers if clothes aren’t the problem.
- Make sure you set aside enough time to complete the project you are working on or be prepared to leave things untidy temporarily. Nothing can derail an organizing project faster than pulling everything out, running out of time and then feeling too overwhelmed to come back to the messy pile. I recommend blocking out multiple 3-4 hour segments in your calendar before you get started so you know you have time set aside.
- Don’t underestimate the category of Komono! For Kondo, Komono is anything that isn’t clothing, books, papers and sentimental items. Basically, it’s everything else in your house! The garage, attic, basement, kitchen, bathroom cabinet, holiday decorations, electronics, etc. This category is huge and you should plan accordingly. Each of these areas should be done separately and can take hours or days depending on how much time you have set aside to work.
- When you are watching the show make sure you pay attention to the tiny day tracker that appears occasionally showing how many days have passed. Full house organizing projects can take weeks and months so it’s good to know that in advance.
- Plan for accountability if you need it. Unfortunately, you won’t have a TV crew showing up weekly or bi-weekly to video your progress. That would be a very good motivator. You can plan for your own accountability by setting a date to host an event in your home or having a friend come over weekly to see your progress.
- You don’t have to be on TV to get help! If the whole process seems daunting and you wish you could be on the show to be sure your house gets organized, hire a professional organizer instead. A professional organizer will provide guidance, hands on help and accountability.
- Completing the first organizing task can create motivation and the fuel to keep going.
- The best strategy is to complete one project or area before moving to the next.
- The benefits are always more than just physical, they are emotional and often relational as well.
- It’s hard and takes time and hard work.
- Decluttering makes things messier before it gets cleaner.
- Making decisions about what to keep and what to let go does get easier with practice.
- Most people have certain items or areas that are harder for them to deal with. Don’t start with those items/area.
- Clutter can tie you to your past and prevent you from moving forward.
- Decluttering will change your attitude towards accumulating more things.
- There will likely be tears and moments when you think you can’t finish. Keep going.
I'd love to hear about your experience. Have you watched the show? Did you get started organizing and has it been easy or hard? Anything you've learned that is working for you? Good luck and happy organizing!
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