The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying: A simple, effective way to banish clutter forever

There are only two ways of categorising belongings: by type of item and by person.

try saying, ‘Thank you for keeping me warm all day,’ when they hang up their clothes after returning home.

It is not our memories but the person we have become because of those past experiences that we should treasure.

they have been living all this time surrounded by things that they don’t need.

people who can’t stay tidy can be categorised into just three types: the ‘can’t-throw-it-away’ type, the ‘can’t-put-it-back’ type and the ‘first-two-combined’ type.

People commonly assume that it is cheaper to buy things in bulk when on sale. But I believe the opposite is true. If you consider the cost of storage, it is just as economical to keep these things in the store, not your home.

Tidying is just a tool, not the final destination. The true goal should be to establish the lifestyle you want most once your house has been put in order.

Start with clothes then move on to books, papers, miscellaneous items (komono) and finally things with sentimental value.

Papers are organised into only three categories: needs attention, should be saved (contractual documents), and should be saved (others).