New TV Series About Tidying Inspires Many Moms to Get Organized

New TV Series About Tidying Inspires Many Moms to Get Organized

By Tess Farrand, Staff Writer

On the first day of the year, Netflix released a new documentary series called TIDYING UP just in time to prompt subscribers to add organization to their new year’s resolutions. The series is hosted by professional Japanese tidier Marie Kondo and is based off her best-selling books The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy. With a wider reach than her books alone, TIDYING UP series is prompting many, especially mothers, to hone in on their tidying processes.

During each 47-minute episode, Marie helps aspiring tidiers get to the root of their disorganization and move forward with a more functional system. Different than other organizational processes, the KonMari method urges individuals to de-clutter and tidy based on categories rather than room. As TIDYING UP shows, clutter accumulates for many reasons such as the loss of a loved one, moving or perhaps a hardship with letting go of unneeded items. While official numbers of how many people watched the series were not released by Netflix, the cultural impact of the series was made apparent with social media exploding with pictures of individuals decluttering. Some non-profit donation centers like Goodwill in certain cities reported an increase in donations up to 60%.

A local Cincinnati news station reports that one mother was inspired to start tidying her own home as a result of TIDYING UP. “All my friends were saying you got to see this, it is really great, and so, I did, and it was very eye-opening,” said Anne Cooley. Marie Kondo’s process urges people to ask what possessions “sparks joy,” so, if one touches or looks at something that doesn’t bring joy, Marie urges individuals to donate or sell the item(s). “It’s wonderful to see how our lifestyle can be managed by tidying our lives, by sparking joy in our lives, by keeping the things in our lives that truly do matter,” Cooley added. “As for the cleaned–up playroom, she said, “as Marie Kondo likes to say, that’s tidy! I love to tidy!”

In the inaugural episode titled, “Tidying with Toddlers,” Kevin and Rachel Friend wrestle with disarray for their growing family. After Marie focuses in on their tidying fears, the result exceeds their expectations. Rachel declares, “I can honestly say that I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished with the house.”

TIDYING UP may be “life-changing” for many reasons including implementing responsibility to one’s children. The KonMari method is attractive to many parents because it includes children in the process, giving them certain tasks to contribute to the family. In the third episode titled “Downsizing,” Katrina Mersier learns how to delegate chores to her husband and children effectively. Marie comes to their home to see the progression, and Katrina exclaims, “I could cry… my kids are doing their own thing, they know how to take care of their resources.” Her son adds, “she [Marie] lifted a lot of the weight off my mom’s shoulders…because now me and my sister can do things without asking her.” Her daughter mentions, “I think my mom is way less stressed out.” Marie, a mom of two herself, says, “It’s never too early to learn how to tidy up.”

Many other social media users are posting photos of the changes in their house from the KonMari method.

After a week of total chaos, our #konmari project is done! Feeling hugely better for it. Befores and afters…can’t recommend this process enough! pic.twitter.com/mLZlKuS0Ce

— Rebecca Herman (@bexherman) January 15, 2019

So who else is merrily folding every piece of clothing they own now Marie Kondo has told us to?! #KonMari ?? pic.twitter.com/eDx6gesTmE

— Anna King (@annakingradio) January 17, 2019

Audiences should bear in mind a few objectionable moments in the series and method, including one of Marie’s first steps in her process where she “greets the house.” Before evaluating what needs attention, Marie kneels down and close her eyes, and in Buddhistic practice embraces the home’s “energy.” A few of the homeowners on the show mimic her method by doing the same, while others simply let her have the moment and then buckle down to tackle the mess. Additionally, Marie urges clients to thank their items for serving their purpose if they plan to discard them.

The biggest takeaway from the TIDYING UP is that once the process is complete, families can discern what possessions really matter to them and how it affects their relationships.

Decluttering our homes is very good and helpful, but decluttering the media we consume could also be life-changing for many families. While Movieguide® can’t help you organize your garage, we can be a guide to help you eliminate entertainment that distracts or damages your relationships, and your walk with God.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.