Tidying up with Marie Kondo came to Netflix on January 1st, and since then you’ve probably noticed some people on your friends’ list going a little nuts purging their stuff (or gasping in horror at the thought of owning only 30 books). Her “KonMari” method helps you keep your spaces clutter free and encourages people to get rid of anything that doesn’t “spark joy” – i.e. it’s better to have 5 shirts you love and look forward to wearing than 15 shirts you’re meh about. The tidal wave of cleanliness she’s inspired seems to be having an unintended (but awesome) side effect.
Photo Credit: Netflix
People aren’t tossing their joyless items – they’re donating them.
A Chicago bookstore reported getting as many donations in 2 days as they typically receive in 2 months, and Goodwills and libraries around the country are reporting the same or similar upticks in generosity.
That said, Goodwill’s public relations and multimedia manager Malini Wilkes told CNN that it’s tough to attribute the increase in donations to Marie Kondo and her methods alone: donations are typically up this time of year.
“People have New Year’s resolutions, people have time to get their boxes together, that kind of thing. Unfortunately, at the current time, it’s too soon to determine the impact from the Marie Kondo show.”
Photo Credit: Netflix
Regardless, people who shop at thrift stores are ready and waiting to scoop up your castoffs. One person’s joyless blouse is another person’s ruffled chiffon pleasure, right?
Or something like that.
Photo Credit: Netflix
If you’re into tidying up, I wish you luck. If you’re excited about gorging on other people’s purged items, it seems that, whether or not Marie Kondo is responsible, now is the time to head to your local Goodwill or used book store.
Just be ready to fight for the best stuff.
