If you’re a neatnik, you might already be a fan of the KonMari method of household tidying. This trend, which was introduced by Japanese home-organization expert Marie Kondo in her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and recently sparked buzz on the new Netflix series, “Tidying Up,” has inspired countless pack rats to rid themselves of belongings that do not inspire joy. Bric-a-brac has no home here. (See below for donation resources.)
Around the world, Kondo’s army of certified KonMari consultants is helping the untidy among us to fold T-shirts into tiny squares and organize closet wardrobes by colors of the rainbow.
We caught up with New Jersey’s first bronze-level KonMari-certified consultant, Cassidy Nasello of Montclair, to get the scoop on this phenomenon. To achieve bronze status, Nasello oversaw more than 50 tidying sessions. She is well on her way to silver status, which requires 100 sessions.
“My word-of-mouth business has been very busy since the KonMari method debuted on Netflix in January,” Nasello says. “People naturally attach a lot of emotion to their things, and this makes letting go complicated. As a consultant and neutral person, I encourage clients to keep only things that make them truly happy. Then, looking at each space logically, with fresh eyes, I help clients put things back in a tidy, sustainable way.” KonMari consultants also encourage clients to transform their lives by replacing old shopping habits with healthy habits to achieve long-term goals.
To contact a KonMari tidying professional, visit konmari.com.
WHERE TO DONATE
• Market Street Mission accepts clothing, furniture, housewares, artwork and more.
• Goodwill Stores accepts clothing, books, records, bedding and other household items.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters will pick up clothing, accessories, media equipment, housewares and toys.