Decluttering and happiness

Decluttering and happiness

Marie Kondo and her philosophy of being happy with decluttering things in your living space have caught on with people across the world. Marie, a Japanese organising consultant firmly believes that by removing the clutter around, you can clear up your mind as well. She had been listed as Times 100 most influential person.

This concept is now catching up in India as well and more so in the times of Pandemic. Some Indians are embarking on a journey of material detox. Tired of frenzied consumerism and consumption, they are buying only what they need to declutter their spaces and minds eventually.

This is on an increase as venturing outdoors has become a risky option and some lost their jobs while many exhausted their savings during the Pandemic. People are realising the importance of not spending unnecessarily and having minimal possessions. Some are even giving away unwanted things, helping out those in need. A couple of non-profit organizations have sprung up to the need and recycle old stuff and donate them. There are some websites and apps on the internet that let you put up old and used household items for sale.

In sharp contrast to this new trend are some stars and celebrities taking pride in their collection of branded clothes, bags, shoes….often flaunted on social media. When talking about hoarding, one name which comes to mind is the infamous former First Lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos, and her staggering collection of nearly 3,000 pairs of shoes. Ludicrous!

My friend was a hoarder too and would often buy things on impulse and sales. She was well-traveled and picked whatever fancied her especially souvenirs, artifacts, clothes and bags. Her house turned into a veritable store with little space to move around freely. It all changed when she moved to another city.

She was astounded by the number of things around and the sheer effort it took to let them go. It took several weeks disposing and giving away. She gave away most of her books to a library and found good homes for her collection of crockery. Some of the furniture which was no longer required was sold off on websites selling used things. And a huge collection of sarees stuffed up in her almirah were given away one by one to family and friends who cherished and wore them regularly. The more precious ones were kept by her.

With most of the unwanted things gone from her house, she finally admitted that she used to feel asphyxiated with the rooms stuffed with things. And now she spent lesser time cleaning and organising, leaving more time for enjoying the things that truly matter to her in life.

Removing clutter is also a concept borrowed from Zen to bring about clarity of thoughts. It’s all about making room for more of what matters. The clutter obscures what is important. Once you realise what you no longer need, let go of it. Keep the things that you truly love and use. And in return, there is sheer joy and happiness.