Step-by-Step Declutter
  • Home
  • About Sheri
    • Contact
    • Services >
      • FAQ
      • The Organization Process
      • Packages & Plans
      • Presentations
      • Results
      • Why Hire an Organizer?
  • Organization Basics
    • Declutter Your Home >
      • Basics of Home Organization
      • Household Cleaning Schedule
      • Tips for a Quick Declutter
    • Basics of Decluttering >
      • 4 T's of Decluttering
      • Clutter vs Decor
      • Coming to Terms with Your Clutter Personality
      • Conquer Clutter
      • Principles of Organization
      • The Proven Process for Organizing Everything
      • Purge Like a Pro
      • Rules for Decluttering
      • Steps to Declutter
      • Systems for Decluttering
    • Organizing by Room >
      • Bathroom >
        • Bathroom Storage Solutions
        • DIY Bathroom Wall Storage
        • Declutter Hair Accessories
        • Declutter Your Makeup
        • Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
      • Bedroom >
        • Bedroom Storage Solutions
        • How to Declutter Clothing
        • How to Organize Your Closet
      • Entry
      • Home Office >
        • Declutter Your Files
      • Kids' Rooms >
        • Toy Storage Tips
        • Toy Storage Options
        • Maintaining Kids' Rooms
      • Kitchen >
        • Primary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Secondary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Movable Kitchen Storage
        • How to Declutter Kitchen Cabinets
        • How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
        • Kitchen Cabinet Space Savers
        • How to Declutter a Refrigerator
        • Tips for Organizing a Refrigerator
        • Meal Planning
        • How to Organize Recipes
      • Pantry >
        • Pantry Inspiration
    • Storage Solutions >
      • Assessing Your Storage Needs
      • How to Create a Whole House Storage Plan
      • Storage Kits
      • Storage Unit Dos and Don'ts: An Organizer's Perspective
    • Information Management >
      • How to Establish an Information Management System
      • How to Organize with Lists
      • Declutter Papers
      • Deciding What Paperwork to Keep
    • Family >
      • How to Raise an Organized Child
      • Teaching Kids to Work
    • Productivity >
      • Stop Procrastinating and Declutter
      • The Myths of Multitasking
      • 7 Strategies for Single Tasking
    • Lifestyle >
      • College Prep >
        • College Packing List
        • Dorm Room Essentials
        • What Not to Take to College
      • Holiday Planning >
        • Declutter Your Holidays
        • Clutter-free Gift Giving
        • Give the Best Gifts
        • Organize Your Gift Giving
      • Preparing for Transition >
        • Aging with Grace and Purpose >
          • Estate Planning
          • Organizing for Alzheimer's Disease
        • Adult Children
      • Travel Planning >
        • Air Travel with Kids
        • Sightseeing with Kids
        • Tips for Care-free Travel
        • Traveling with Kids
    • Moving >
      • Creating a Household Inventory
      • Organize Your Move
      • Planning for a Move
      • Moving Options
      • Prepare for Movers
      • Working with Movers
      • Tips for Packing
      • Tips for Unpacking
  • Resources
    • Books >
      • Moving Made Easy
    • Challenges >
      • Get Rid of 100 Things in 100 Days
    • Newsletter
    • Product Recommendations >
      • Organization Gems Every Girl Needs
      • 12 Amazing Organization Products for Men
      • Fabulous Farmhouse Storage Solutions
      • Crazy Cool Products That Will Make You Want to Clean
      • Best Board Games for Beating Boredom
    • Donate Your Stuff >
      • Donate Books
      • Donate Clothes
      • Donate Craft Supplies
      • Donate DVDs & More
      • Donate or Recycle Electronics
      • Donate Furniture
      • Donate Musical Instruments
      • Donate School Supplies
      • Donate Sports Equipment
      • Donate Used Toys
    • Recycling Resources
    • Sell Your Stuff >
      • Garage Sale Organization
    • Swap Your Stuff
    • Setting Goals
    • Tools for Organizing >
      • Furniture >
        • Organize with Dressers
      • Wall Storage >
        • Organize with Pegboards
        • Personalized Pegboards
  • Blog

Does It Spark Joy?

6/26/2020

18 Comments

 
While I was home for a visit last summer, my mother commented that we ought to do some organizing. That was all the invitation I needed! She suggested we tackle her kitchen cabinets, and I dove right in, literally - head first. 

Her kitchen cabinets do not extend all the way to the ceiling, and she uses the space on top of the cabinets for display (at least she used to). That's where we began. I climbed on top of the counter and started pulling things down for her to examine. To my surprise, she voted to get rid of pretty much every item I handed her. 

Next we went to work on the upper cabinets, starting with the cabinet above the refrigerator. Again, the entirety of the contents were placed in the donation pile. I was amazed and impressed. As we worked, we talked about the items, many of which had originally belonged to my grandmother. Mom confessed that when she first moved into her current home, she wasn't ready to let grandma go, so she just held onto all of grandma's things, even though she had no real use for many of them. 

It was then that I introduced her to Marie Kondo. Not literally, of course. I just shared with her Marie's famous question from her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (affiliate link) - "Does it spark joy?"

The concept really struck a cord with my mom. Over the next few days we decluttered her entire kitchen, her pantry, and her utility closet. As I held things up for her to examine, she frequently responded with, "Nope. That doesn't spark joy." I have to admit, her enthusiasm for the principle sparked a lot of joy for me, and we made some fond decluttering memories together. We also made three trips to Goodwill! Check out these pictures of some of the stuff we donated. 
Picture
Picture
Picture

Following My Own Advice

Upon returning home, I found myself hyper-aware of items in my own home that hadn't sparked joy for me or anyone else in a long time. Before I knew it, I had a decent sized pile of donations prepared. Since then, I've made numerous trips to the thrift store to drop off a bag or two of stuff that no longer serves a useful purpose in our home. In the process, I've discovered something that consistently sparks joy for me - letting go. 
Picture
My mom's enthusiasm for eliminating the non-joy producing things in her life has remained constant since our declutter marathon last year. She shared her appreciation of the concept with my nephew who gave her the above mug for Christmas last year. Needless-to-say, it sparks joy for her. 
I admit I'm not the biggest Marie Kondo fan out there, but I do love this simple question that she introduced to the world: "Does it spark joy?"

Associated with the question is a principle of organization that, when embraced, can remove much of the guilt, fear, and other concerns that are often felt by people struggling to let go of things that no longer add value to their lives. 

Personally, I find it liberating to let go of things that no longer spark joy in my life.  It helps me appreciate better the things that do. If you're having trouble letting go of things that are bogging you down, try asking yourself, "Does it spark joy?" 
18 Comments
Seana Turner link
7/13/2020 08:25:17 am

I think it is so interesting that she was willing to let go of almost everything that had been stored/on display above the cabinets. It's like we almost stop seeing them once they are up there. Plus, I imagine that when you brought them down they were dusty. I have come to believe that we should just always takes the cabinets all the way to ceiling, even if the space is not easily reached. I can totally relate to coming home and being hyper-aware of my own things. That happens all the time to me:)

Reply
Sheri Steed link
7/13/2020 05:18:52 pm

I think you make an interesting point about not seeing things after awhile, and you’re right: everything was super dusty! What I love is how much fresher everything looks and feels after a good decluttering. Every time you open a cabinet or drawer you feel a sense of accomplishment.

Reply
Janet Barclay link
7/13/2020 10:20:03 am

It just goes to show that different strategies work for different people! Thank you for sharing this story.

Reply
Sheri Steed link
7/13/2020 05:20:13 pm

Thanks for your comment Janet.

Reply
Linda Samuels link
7/13/2020 04:59:54 pm

I love how the decluttering and letting go you did with your mom inspired you to do the same in your own home. What I call the "domino effect" is something I've noticed with my clients. When I'm working with them, if they tell a friend or family member about our work, that person will start organizing on their own. The willingness to change, let go, and organize seems to inspire others to do the same, as your mom did for you.

Reply
Sheri Steed link
7/13/2020 05:24:04 pm

I’ve noticed the same phenomenon. Ive also noticed how having some organizing success inspires people to keep at it. That has also been true for my mom. She regularly sends me photos of some new closet or other area she has decluttered.

Reply
Lucy Kelly link
7/13/2020 06:47:18 pm

I love how you found the treasure in the Marie Kondo method - there's almost always something I can use from what other organizers do, even if it's confirming how much I differ! I agree with you, "spark joy" has become a great shortcut to help people get moving. Congratulations to your mom on making a change!

Reply
Sheri Steed link
7/13/2020 11:16:31 pm

Thanks, Lucy! I agree that there is always something to learn from other professionals even if it’s what not to do.

Reply
Janet Schiesl link
7/13/2020 07:46:38 pm

Yeah Mom! She did a great job decluttering with you. I agree that Marie Kondo hit a cord with people with her question "Does it spark joy?" I have sometime used it with clients. But sometimes other questions work too. "What's your intention?" is a good one that work sometimes.

Reply
Sheri Steed link
7/13/2020 11:19:39 pm

I agree that there are a variety of key questions that can be used to set things in motion. I love the idea of examining intentions. It’s a great way of getting people to think about the big picture which is so important for long term success.

Reply
Ronni Eisenberg link
7/14/2020 12:36:40 pm

This is such a sweet and inspiring article. What sparks the most joy for me is what a fantastic daughter you are. You took time to help your mother unload. We all know how challenging decluttering is and you finished to the end. Bravo to you!🙌

Reply
Sheri Steed link
7/14/2020 03:53:25 pm

Thanks, Ronni. That’s kind of you. I appreciate your comment.

Reply
Cheryl Jones
7/19/2020 04:58:33 pm

I am removing some stuff but I have to admit that I am holding onto things just because it belonged to a friend or family member that I'm not ready to release yet. I love the question "Does it spark joy" and there are days I can release but not consistently yet.

Reply
Sheri Steed link
7/20/2020 07:37:04 am

Hi, Cheryl! Good to hear from you, and good for you for sticking with it. Decluttering is really a life long process. What I like about this particular approach is that it focuses on the positive instead of more negative reasons for keeping things like fear, guilt, etc. Good luck with your continuing efforts!

Reply
Matt Celentano link
10/20/2020 02:28:30 pm

It’s always wonderful when someone is overly cooperative in letting things go. It’s also interesting that the question “Does it Spark Joy” works well with some people but not others. <a href = “https://utterlyorganizedva.com/decluttering-sorting“>decluttering</a>

Reply
Matt Celentano link
10/20/2020 02:33:38 pm

Sorry, that decluttering link should have been
<a href=“https://utterlyorganizedva.com/decluttering-sortingl“>decluttering</a>

Reply
Matt Celentano link
10/20/2020 02:42:06 pm

<a href=“https://utterlyorganizedva.com/decluttering-sorting“>decluttering</a>

Sheri Steed link
10/21/2020 04:22:39 pm

It's true that the notion of "Does it spark joy?" does not strike a chord with everyone. I find that it is particularly unsuccessful with people who are super sentimental. They have a tendency to think that everything "sparks joy".

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Archives

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    June 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018

    Categories

    All
    Clutter
    Decision Making
    Decluttering
    DIY
    Donating
    Downsizing
    Family
    Goal Setting
    Holiday
    Motivation
    Moving
    Organization
    Priorities
    Productivity
    Recommendations
    Recycling
    Spaces
    Special Needs
    Time Management
    Transitions
    Travel

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About Sheri
    • Contact
    • Services >
      • FAQ
      • The Organization Process
      • Packages & Plans
      • Presentations
      • Results
      • Why Hire an Organizer?
  • Organization Basics
    • Declutter Your Home >
      • Basics of Home Organization
      • Household Cleaning Schedule
      • Tips for a Quick Declutter
    • Basics of Decluttering >
      • 4 T's of Decluttering
      • Clutter vs Decor
      • Coming to Terms with Your Clutter Personality
      • Conquer Clutter
      • Principles of Organization
      • The Proven Process for Organizing Everything
      • Purge Like a Pro
      • Rules for Decluttering
      • Steps to Declutter
      • Systems for Decluttering
    • Organizing by Room >
      • Bathroom >
        • Bathroom Storage Solutions
        • DIY Bathroom Wall Storage
        • Declutter Hair Accessories
        • Declutter Your Makeup
        • Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
      • Bedroom >
        • Bedroom Storage Solutions
        • How to Declutter Clothing
        • How to Organize Your Closet
      • Entry
      • Home Office >
        • Declutter Your Files
      • Kids' Rooms >
        • Toy Storage Tips
        • Toy Storage Options
        • Maintaining Kids' Rooms
      • Kitchen >
        • Primary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Secondary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Movable Kitchen Storage
        • How to Declutter Kitchen Cabinets
        • How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
        • Kitchen Cabinet Space Savers
        • How to Declutter a Refrigerator
        • Tips for Organizing a Refrigerator
        • Meal Planning
        • How to Organize Recipes
      • Pantry >
        • Pantry Inspiration
    • Storage Solutions >
      • Assessing Your Storage Needs
      • How to Create a Whole House Storage Plan
      • Storage Kits
      • Storage Unit Dos and Don'ts: An Organizer's Perspective
    • Information Management >
      • How to Establish an Information Management System
      • How to Organize with Lists
      • Declutter Papers
      • Deciding What Paperwork to Keep
    • Family >
      • How to Raise an Organized Child
      • Teaching Kids to Work
    • Productivity >
      • Stop Procrastinating and Declutter
      • The Myths of Multitasking
      • 7 Strategies for Single Tasking
    • Lifestyle >
      • College Prep >
        • College Packing List
        • Dorm Room Essentials
        • What Not to Take to College
      • Holiday Planning >
        • Declutter Your Holidays
        • Clutter-free Gift Giving
        • Give the Best Gifts
        • Organize Your Gift Giving
      • Preparing for Transition >
        • Aging with Grace and Purpose >
          • Estate Planning
          • Organizing for Alzheimer's Disease
        • Adult Children
      • Travel Planning >
        • Air Travel with Kids
        • Sightseeing with Kids
        • Tips for Care-free Travel
        • Traveling with Kids
    • Moving >
      • Creating a Household Inventory
      • Organize Your Move
      • Planning for a Move
      • Moving Options
      • Prepare for Movers
      • Working with Movers
      • Tips for Packing
      • Tips for Unpacking
  • Resources
    • Books >
      • Moving Made Easy
    • Challenges >
      • Get Rid of 100 Things in 100 Days
    • Newsletter
    • Product Recommendations >
      • Organization Gems Every Girl Needs
      • 12 Amazing Organization Products for Men
      • Fabulous Farmhouse Storage Solutions
      • Crazy Cool Products That Will Make You Want to Clean
      • Best Board Games for Beating Boredom
    • Donate Your Stuff >
      • Donate Books
      • Donate Clothes
      • Donate Craft Supplies
      • Donate DVDs & More
      • Donate or Recycle Electronics
      • Donate Furniture
      • Donate Musical Instruments
      • Donate School Supplies
      • Donate Sports Equipment
      • Donate Used Toys
    • Recycling Resources
    • Sell Your Stuff >
      • Garage Sale Organization
    • Swap Your Stuff
    • Setting Goals
    • Tools for Organizing >
      • Furniture >
        • Organize with Dressers
      • Wall Storage >
        • Organize with Pegboards
        • Personalized Pegboards
  • Blog