Long before Marie Kondo made it to Netflix, I read her book. I feel like it was fate that I found her book and don’t even remember how I came across it. I’ve struggled with being messy because I get way too attached to objects and because I don’t have a place for everything. I decluttered my apartment in two weeks and it felt amazing. Then I moved in with my boyfriend and we are now slowly repeating the process, me more than him. I have nearly finished my office now and find that the benefits of decluttering also stretch to my life as a writer.

More Productive

One of Marie Kondo’s quotes is: “When your room is clean and uncluttered, you have no choice but to examine your inner state.” Which didn’t make much sense to me until I actually experienced it. I have decluttered my desk and the content in my drawers. It is easier to let go than I would have initially thought and it is very liberating. Now I only have my computer, an extra screen, and a candle on my desk. It feels amazing to walk into the room and have that be the first thing I see. I sit down, and immediately I want to get to work. Whereas usually, I feel distracted all the time.

Being Organised

Knowing where everything is, and most importantly, what you have in the first place (a lot of things get buried by other stuff) gives an immense feeling of peace. I also notice I think about what I buy. Even though I have a love of notebooks, I plan on first using the ones I have and even then I’ll try to write most of my scribbles on my laptop. I feel like I can be more organised that way, though of course my love for notebooks will not fade and sometimes it simply is better to write by hand.

I never thought I would be a minimalist, but I am more and more drawn to it. It’s easier to clean surfaces and rooms in general. And on top of that, I am also a more productive writer. What’s not to love?

Have you ever tried decluttering? What was it like? Any tips?