Tidying Up with Matt Lewis
During a recent "Ask Matt Anything" session (where I solicit and answer questions from Patreon supporters), "friend of the pod" Angela Zielinski asked what I thought of the new Netflix Show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.
Tidying Up is garnering lots of buzz, and since I've recorded several podcasts exploring similar themes (see past episodes with Joshua Becker, Courtney Carver, Andy Crouch--and a few with my wife, Erin), this is a show I was excited to see.
Having watched several episodes now, I'm generally excited that so many people are watching this and taking on the task of decluttering, even if I have a few concerns.
Let's start with the name, Tidying Up, which conjures images of cleaning, organizing, and storage. The truth is that (for most of us) organizing only matters after we have gotten rid of about 75-80% of our stuff. Sadly, the concept of organizing is often used as an excuse to avoid getting rid of things. I hope that isn't the takeaway for most viewers.
The good news is that Kondo doesn't shy away from incorporating minimalism into her plan. In fact, one of her patented moves is to tell people to physically hold their possessions, and then get rid of items that do not "spark joy."
To some degree, I agree. We should only keep the things that either (a) bringing us joy, or (b) are frequently used/functional. And when it comes to clothing in an affluent society, it makes sense to focus on the former. But Kondo presents the concept of "sparking joy" as a magical or mystical experience.
And that's not the only time she injects a quasi-religious vibe to her process. Kondo insists on "introducing" herself to a house (before tidying up), and instructs people to "thank" their clothes for their service (before tossing them out). Whether you see this as harmless (if eccentric) schtick, a sign of crazy, cult-like behavior, or simply a superfluous quirk, don't let it turn you off from the concept of minimalism.
Some fans of my podcast might also balk at Kondo's insistence that books be included on the chopping block. I have to confess that this was the last area I was willing to concede. In fact, it took me years to accept the idea that I should get rid of some of my books.
Minimalism is an ongoing process, and it is deeply emotional. One problem with presenting it as a 30 minute TV show is that it suggests "tidying up" is a one-time event, or an occasional event. I see it more as a way of life--as well as a lifelong struggle.
Having said all that, I still suspect this show will be a net positive. Kondo deserves credit for helping popularize minimalism and introduce this concept to countless Americans. She also deserves credit for recognizing the role anxiety and emotions play in driving our propensity to hoard things--particularly sentimental items.
So go ahead and enjoy the show. Just pair it with The Minimalists Podcast, as well as Joshua Becker's new book, The Minimalist Home. That will give you a fuller and deeper perspective. And let me know what you think!
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