Mondays With Merlin The Cat: Marie Kondo Declutter Tips
Happy Monday! It’s Merlin, showing you my Monday face. Not quite a wrinkled nose, meh face but close. I’m happy we’re only six weeks away from spring but there is so much going on at my house with all the extra cat care, running to the vet, human doctors, dealing with my ancient granny, working more hours than is wise, Layla has let go of house go to hell in a handbasket. Sure the 7 litter boxes are cleaned daily and there are always clean bowls but things just got out of control with stuff. Piles of clothes, papers, boxes and just stuff multiplying in dark closets, drawers and even on my favorite chair! People are constantly asking my mom how she does it all. Well, she doesn’t. No one can. Something has to give and in her case, it’s our over-stuffed, 200-year-old three-story home with four cats who shed, barf, pee and poo like most cats. We are collectors, not hoarders but without ongoing curating and rigorous cleaning the line can be crossed to Messyville.
The aha moment came last week when Layla read an article in the New York Times about the declutter queen The Cult Of Marie Kondo. Her book
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing sold over 3 million copies and her new follow-up book, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up is creating a global frenzy of decluttering.
What’s all the fuss about? It’s a new way and mindset about clutter, based on actually touching every single thing we own and asking: does this spark joy? If it doesn’t elicit I love or need it, we lovingly give it thanks and remove from our home. It could be sold, donated, recycled or tossed in the garbage. It’s an emotionally and physically intense process that can take months depending on how much stuff you have. What the Japanese neat freak author doesn’t address is living with pets and how ingrained our cultural differences are. The Japanese live in a fraction of space as the average American. She insists on not buying storage boxes or solutions but tackling one category at a time. First is clothes. You gather them from all over the house and go through the mountain one at a time. Next
Ms. Kondo insists we not buy storage boxes or solutions but tackling decluttering one category at a time. First is clothes. You gather them from all over the house and go through the mountain one at a time. Next is books, then paper, miscellaneous practical items, sentimental items and so on. I suggest gathering cat toys from all over the house and put them in a pile to sort is an easy one. Well maybe not getting those little mousies behind the fridge…
Marie is big on folding items and not hanging in a closet to save space. This is doable if you don’t have millions of things or ADHD. That rules us out! Layla is mesmerized by the folding method demonstrated in a video at Goop and dreams of drawer perfection. Ha, maybe in her next life.
This is what Marie Kondo taught us. It’s not magic, it’s work. But satisfying work. I wouldn’t know but apparently Layla says she feels like she ran a marathon with a dozen cats on her back and has the bruises to prove it. She claims it’s worth it.
- The concept is a wake-up call. While you may or may not become a Marie Kondo devotee, reading about the method will spark interest to look at your home with fresh eyes.
- There are many roads to Rome or Tokyo. One of her tips may resonate and others won’t. Forge your own path. Even improving one way of organizing is better than none.
- Lose the guilt and don’t compare. The first time we dump out our junk drawer or find out what’s really lurking in that closet, it’s easy to despair. Know you’re not alone and it’s okay. You are not Marie Kondo or Martha Stewart but you. Your cats love you no matter what, so don’t sweat it.
- Get real. Get Help. As soon as Layla did a room by room survey, she got real, fast. There was no way she could do the clothes thing first. Gathering an Everest of clothes from four closets on three floors when the stairs haven’t been vacuumed in weeks made no sense. She needed help and more than the usual cleaning lady. She called around and found a service that does a deep, heavy duty clean. It’s expensive but it’s a chicken or egg situation. Is it easier to clean once you’ve decluttered or it’s easier to declutter once you’ve deep cleaned. Only you can decide for yourself. Knowing two master cleaners were arriving, Layla panicked and went out to buy every cleaning product, jumbo plastic bags and 10 big storage containers. Suitably motivated and caffeinated she launched into declutter ninja mode, moving furniture and removing things that didn’t make her heart sing.
- It’s better to break a rule than do nothing. Buying storage or organizer type containers is a big Marie Kondo no no. She believes in serious purging and too much storage means the stuff is still there blocking flow or energy. In our case, the containers are a quick fix to allow the cleaners easier access. Chances are most of the packed items will not return to the house. We’re big on feng shui and all cleaning must be done before the 4th in time for the Chinese New Year. Useful feng shui tips for 2016, year of the monkey.
- It’s just stuff. It’s easy to get attached to our stuff but it’s surprising how light and free it feels to let go and have less. Less is more. If you get rid of stuff that you really don’t love, you won’t miss it. But remember if you’re getting rid of your cats’ stuff do it gradually. Us cats don’t like a lot of change suddenly.
- Be considerate of the cats! Cats could give a rat’s ass about books on “tidying”. Please inform us about the strange piles of objects, bags or boxes being moved from room to room. We may think you’re moving or worse. We may still stress but tell us calmly what are you doing and why. Keep our usual sleeping and hidey-holes the same. Don’t move our feeding stations or litter boxes and if you have to do it, do it one at a time gradually and not all at once. Keep your cats safely away from any cleaning products even eco-friendly ones. Don’t let them walk on floors still wet from washing. Using some calming flower essences or Feliway with nervous kitties. Read our guest post by our vet for more housecleaning tips with cats
That’s all for now. Those cleaning ninjas/strangers have arrived and I’m sequestered in the bathroom. Sheesh, Then I’ll be moved to another room when they have to clean in here. And they’re coming back again tomorrow! Domino and Nou Nou are hiding and Odin is out. It’ll be worth it but I just want my mom back for snuggle time.
Tell us, have you tried the Marie Kondo method? Have any other cleaning/decluttering tips?
Love,
Merlin
39 Comments
Mike
I’ve found the best method for managing clutter is to just not bring the clutter into the house in the first place 🙂
meowmeowmans
Our place is not so big, so we’re always thinking about what we can donate, and ways to not bring in any needless “stuff.” Ms. Kondo’s books sure does sound like a good one!
Hugs to you, Merlin, and to Mom and the other kitties, too.
Maggie
We’ve been operating on a plan that for every item that comes into our house, something has to go… at least we’re not getting any worse!
Recently I brought a lot of books to the library for their twice yearly book sale. I like to admire the empty shelf in the book case… it’s a good feeling.
xxoo
Layla Morgan Wilde
We do that too and need to do more with 12 bookcases in the house! The goal is to lose 50%.
Sammy
What a great idea to just get HELP – humans aren’t very good at that usually but I’m glad Merlin, that your Mom decided it was time. She really does have an awful lot to do these days so getting the pros in for the BIG CLEAN was a brilliant thing to do. Can’t wait to hear how she likes the “end product” !!!!! Meanwhile, sending you some special Merlin Hugs!
Love, Sammy
Layla Morgan Wilde
Now regretting we didn’t do before and after pics. We’re doing one more day but it’s so far it’s amazing.Thanks for the hugs!
ellen
Clutter ahhh clutter. Our house is a cluttered thing, but we grew up dont throw it away until it is used up. The other thing is always have parts (it comes in handy) We finally got a furnace in and fo 3 years hubby has been repairing from old parts which were part of the clutter. We are also lovers of auctions and do donate quite a bit but it pies up.
I have learned though things mean nothing, so, the clutter collects dust… at least mine does. I have has no energy to do anything with it.
I hope you and Layla’s day goes well Merlin and all your cat siblings adjust to this new decluttered life!
Layla Morgan Wilde
Thanks dear Ellen. We hope to have less dust and more energy 🙂
Sometimes Cats Herd You
Decluttering is a painful process, but it feels much better afterward, doesn’t it? We’re due for another round.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Now would be ideal 🙂
Ellen Pilch
I read her first book and loved it. I am waiting for her latest at the library, but there is a wait list. I need to check out the folding video. Merlin. you are looking very handsome.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Yay, you’re the first commenter to have read it. The video really helped how to fold sweaters well.
The Island Cats
With the mom recuperating from her surgery, our house has been going to h*ll in a hand basket too. Fortunately, we’ve got the dad scooping the litter boxes, but he doesn’t do a very good job. The mom says these are some great tips and when she’s back on her feet better, she’ll implement some of them.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Our dad isn’t the best scooper either. Maybe we need to give lesons. Take your time. Recovery comes first!
Andrea and the Celestial Kitties
Love the Monday face! clutter is the bane of my existence.. I’m married to a boarder line hoarder who says he’s not a hoarder, lol
jansfunnyfarm
Jan says she will still be working on decluttering when she’s long gone. Have fun.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Ha, fun it’s not but it’s freeing 🙂
Flynn
You have a handsome Monday morning face, Merlin, and for every day of the week.
I am fairly organised and everything has it’s place….until it comes to clothes! I have so many my wardrobes are bulging. Half the contents haven’t been worn for years and I know I won’t wear them. I often open the doors thinking that everything that hasn’t been worn for at least 2 years must go. Then I think that maybe I will wear them again some day and the doors get shut again. The last time I tried, I took one evening dress to the charity shop. Oh yes, then there are the shoes………
Layla Morgan Wilde
🙂 that’s why she recommends putting everything in a pile and going one by one. Less chance that they’ll all wind back in the wardrobe.
The Swiss Cats
We love your Monday face, Merlin, and we understand you’ll appreciate once your house is more quiet. Mum is not Marie Kondo, but she shares most of her genes with her, for sure ! Here are some of her tips : one place for each item, and each item at the right place. If a new item comes into the house, an old one has to leave. If you don’t use something since two years, get rid of it : you won’t use it anymore. Best wishes to your mom for decluttering !
Layla Morgan Wilde
I like that one coming, one going out to keep balance!
da tabbies o trout towne
dood….stoppin bye with whitefish wavez two everee one….hope yur week a head iz grate; due knot let yur mom de clutter yur toyz……de food servizz gurl lurned her lesson afturr kleenin out her gram maws attic……..stuff will go two donationz…bee fore it goez up ther…
♥♥♥
🙂
Layla Morgan Wilde
So true, cats get attached to their toys.
Tamago
Great tips. It does feel light and free to just let go of things. I’ve donated bunch of clothes/shoes/bags that I never/rarely used. Though, kitty stuff is hard to let go even they are frazzled as I have so much attachment. They just pile up… 🙂
Layla Morgan Wilde
Cats these days get way more toys than even 20 years ago. And I keep finding them under furniture. Maybe store some for now?
Kathryn
Declutter. Love it. I have few clothes, but need to box the rest. I buy few non-Kindle books, but need to box up most of my paper and hardcover books.
Hubs is a major majro clutterer, but I am not.
Layla Morgan Wilde
That’s a key point with married couples. When one is messier than the other. Apparently Marie Kondo married a man who is as clean and organized as her.
Andrea
Unfortunately this subject is too close to my life right now. I let my house go too as I cared for ailing cats for several years. Now I’m working with a declutterer to get it back in hand. Ironically in my younger years I preached against materialism and yet here I am with all that “stuff” Sheesh!
I’m sure, Merlin, you will love the results of all this upheaval. Love you photo too.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Andrea, this scenario is very common with when with multiple, older/ill pets. Let me know how your system works. Every declutter is different and I hope it works well for you.
easy rider
maybe that’s a way out for my momma too? I like this system of organization much more than to bug my dad for a bigger wardrobe… :o)
Layla Morgan Wilde
You guys look pretty organized most of the time!
Sue Brandes
Love your photo Merlin. Enjoy your week.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Thanks Sue. Enjoy your week too!
Beverly
I love MariKon. But I’ve modified, too.
And, as you noted, cats have their own agenda.
Best wishes on a successful tidy.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Great to know and thanks, we’re making steady progress.
Skeeter and Izzy
Merlin your Monday face is beautiful as always!
We are members of the oh my gosh we need to tackle this mess club too. We try to work in 30 minute time frames when we start to tackle the huge task of the declutter. The smaller time frame helps us not get overwhelmed and tired. It really gets done faster for us using this method.
Thanks for sharing the tips and once again confessing to be human…that helps the rest of us fess up too LOL!
Luvs
Skeeter and Izzy & the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo & the Angels >^..^^..^<~
Layla Morgan Wilde
Thanks, that’s a good tip. Breaking any task into smaller chunks prevent overwhelm. Have a good week dear ones!
Summer
Ugh. This is my human’s least favorite topic.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Ours too but a necessary evil 🙂