You may want to read this summary first if you haven’t already: http://simplyorganizedyou.com/simply-organizeds-opinion-on-the-netflix-series-tidying-up-with-marie-kondo-the-summary/

Simply Organized’s perspective on Episode 4 “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”

Episode 4 was called “Joy After Loss” and followed a widow nine months after her husband of 40 years passed away. They have three adult children who have all moved out of the home. This was a difficult episode to watch because it deals with death but it was also very uplifting and hopeful so I think it’s well worth the 30 minutes.

This project took 53 days. Marie was much more hands on during this episode and encouraged the client that is it natural to feel anxious. They started with the clothes as usual but this time Marie told her to leave her husband’s clothing until the end. After Marie returned for a follow up visit and started working on books, the client shared her anxiety about wanting to finish her clothing project before starting on books. Marie allowed her to go through her husband’s clothing and finish that part before moving on.

This was the first episode Marie discussed books which is “part 2” in her process. She discussed how to pile all of the books from the whole house into a pile. Touch the piles to “wake the books up” and then hold each one to decide if it “sparks joy”. Marie said if you are having a hard time making a decision, take a moment to breathe.

This episode showed the client loading up her items and taking them to a cancer charity. I think it’s very important to get rid of your items as soon as you can so you don’t change your mind. This also helps you feel like you’ve accomplished part of your goal.

When Marie came back to the house after the client was finished, the client was so proud of her accomplishments. She had cleared one room entirely and made space in all of the other rooms to focus on her future.

 

Favorite parts of episode 4:

1. Marie gave the client one of my favorite pieces of advice I also give, “focus only on what you want to keep”. I find many clients are too worried about what they are going to do with the items they are parting with: should I give this to my niece, should I take this to fifteen different charities, etc. If you just focus on what you want, the rest works itself out (I always help my clients with charitable pick-ups or take items for them).
2. Marie said “by tidying, you can ease the pain in your past and start to think about your future”.

Common themes I see with my organizing clients:

1. It is very difficult to get organized after the loss of a loved one. Many of my clients find it too difficult to go through this process. I recommend you wait until you are ready if you can. Get help from a friend or family member. Take pictures of items that are meaningful to you but you do not have room for in your home or frame a piece of clothing or other memento. If you have an estate sale, hire a professional. Get all the items you want first and do not go to the sale (it’s too painful to watch strangers buying your family’s belongings).
2. Many of my clients start in one place or area of their home and change their mind. It’s ok to switch gears if you’re having a tough time in one area. As long as you go back and finish eventually, it does not matter if your plans change.

 

If you would like my help at any time (even if you do not live in Georgia), please contact me: Heather@simplyorganizedyou.com or 404-825-2105.