This year was a wild one and really unlike no other, so we look forward to highlighting some positive moments of joy for the show and announce and celebrate our giveaway winners.

Our show wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of you…. our listeners...many whom have been with us from day one.

YOU spark the most joy! We are so grateful for your thought-provoking questions, inspiring stories of tidying highs and lows, and your dedicated listenership over the past 3 1/2 years.

Book a custom Virtual Tidying Experience with For the Love of Tidy

Join The Spark Joy Club today!

But first, a Joy Check!

What Sparked Joy this year for Karin:
As hard as this year was, I have been inspired by the perseverance and determination of people everywhere. That has helped me to keep going and has helped me see what I gained and learned this year. Hopefulness!

What Sparked Joy this year for Kristyn:
Leaning on the Spark Joy and For the Love of Tidy communities as we collectively got stuff done during a trying season.

Joyful Show Highlights 2020

• Spark Joy Ep 131 | Getting Things Done with David Allen

• Spark Joy Ep 144 | Essentialism with Greg McKeown

• Spark Joy Ep 127 | Taking a Look at Why It's All Too Much with Peter Walsh

• Spark Joy Episode 132 | Where Does all the Stuff Go with Secondhand Author Adam Minter

The 3rd Annual Spark Joy Giveaway!

Each of our three winners will receive a special KonMari Prize Bundle that includes:

• A signed copy of Marie Kondo’s tidying sequel, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up

• A fifty-dollar gift card to the KonMari Shop on konmari.com

• On behalf of For the Love of Tidy, a 2-hour Virtual Tidying Lesson

And here are our winners!

Vapeters
A Yooper Learning to Let Go!
Spark Joy is the only podcast I listen to weekly - others that I have found around simple living or minimalism either is too much of just a general conversation that I get bored, has too many ads or clearly their agendas are to sell and pitch their guests books etc.

I love that Kristyn and Karin have guests that have skills and professions that cover a range of topics and I appreciate their style of asking them specific questions about what they do. I live in the Midwest and would love to hear more from people who live in areas with extreme weather and how they deal with their tools, winter equipment and wardrobe etc. Keep up the good work and inspiration!

KerieSue
New Listener & Ready to Let Go!
"I only discovered this podcast recently. I reluctantly subscribed thinking, “Oh, goodie. ANOTHER decluttering podcast.” *eye roll

After the first 5 minutes, I realized, it was SO MUCH MORE than that. The advice offered here by the hosts, combined with the interviews is absolutely priceless! I am hooked and fully intend to “binge-listen” each and every episode as I begin my KonMari journey."

Kimmykannonz
So informative!
Despite having read Marie Kondo's books and watched the Netflix show, I wanted more KonMari content as I completed my Tidying Festival. Kristyn and Karin are so kind, and I love their variety of guests. I have learned a lot from the episodes, and have been able to carry the lessons into my own life.

Congratulations to our winners!

The Spark Joy Podcast is saying goodbye...

After three years, 161 episodes, over 95 hours of KonMari themed tips and over 2.5 million downloads, we’ve decided to end this run of the Spark Joy podcast.

Your dedication to our mission has been absolutely incredible.

While new episodes are paused, our mission continues.

Here are some ways you can continue to listen while you tidy and access our show and community:

• All 161 episodes will remain live and available to you during your tidying event. You can revisit your favorites or start from Episode 0 to binge-listen all of our episodes.

• The Spark Joy Club will remain active and live! You can request to join by heading over to sparkjoypodcast.com and clicking Join the Club to gain exclusive access to the community, The Tidy Home Joy Journal, monthly live videos, accountability, advice from organizing experts, and inspiration from hundreds of active tidying companions.

• If we have updates about the show in the future we’ll announce them via Spark Joy's Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, so make sure to follow us on your favorite platform. You can also join our mailing list or reach out to us directly at contact@sparkjoypodcast.com

Karin and I will continue to serve clients in-person and virtually through The Serene Home and For the Love of Tidy, respectively.

Make sure to connect with us via our individual social media accounts, subscribe to our mailing lists, or reach out to us directly so we can continue to address your burning tidying questions.

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

If you’re listening to us today it is highly likely you’re inside your home, working from home, social distancing or even self-quarantined.

If tidying falls on your to-do list during this time, we designed this episode just for you. Today we’re going to review physical and mental health safety considerations and our top 5 KonMari Tidying Tools to help you and your family put decluttering your home behind you so you can shift 100% of your focus on navigating this challenging season.

We want to hear from you. Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life.

Head over to Apple podcasts to subscribe and review the show, which helps us reach others along their tidying journeys.

To extend your tidying experience, you can join the Spark Joy Club!

Visit sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Join the Club” to become a member of the Spark Joy Community or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

Center for Disease Control safety tips
Here is what you can do to keep yourself and others safe:
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water for 20 seconds

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Stay home when you are sick

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

• Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed or for potential changes at your workplace

• Remember to take additional precautions for those at highest risk, particularly older adults and those who have severe underlying health conditions

• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a checklist for individuals and families to help get your home ready for what’s to come. The list includes tips like:
• Check in with your neighbors, especially the older or physically challenged, to see what their plan will be.

• Keep surfaces disinfected.

• Gather emergency and community phone numbers and emails so that you can stay in touch.

• Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.

During a pandemic it’s important to store a two week supply of water and food and periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home. For details visit ready.gov

***Keep in mind that the most up to date information may be found via your local government websites.

Here are a few suggestions that may help with your emotional well-being:

• The phone and FaceTime are social distancing friendly! You could do a group chat with Skype or Zoom. This is a great way to check in with your older relatives.

• Check whether you are more irritable with the people who share your home. This is very likely to happen when you combine stress, uncertainty and boredom. Forgive yourself and much as others.

• It’s ok to check into your social media accounts and little more than usual to stay current on the news, but avoid 24/7 news watching if possible.

• Volunteer! If you are symptom free, you could offer to pick up things from the store for your neighbors or even set up a phone-calling tree to make sure everyone in your social circle is doing ok.

• Take a walk! Taking a walk can be a great way to relieve stress and get some fresh air. Just remember to practice social distancing during your stroll.

• Don’t forget the basics. Try to maintain as much of a schedule as possible, even though things have changed. Getting dressed, making your bed and maintaining meal schedules can make a real difference.

• Reach out for help. Consider a virtual call with a therapist-or see if your current therapist will visit with you over the phone. Visit the American Psychological Association for resources.

Get Social At A Distance.
CNN released a great article listing creative ways to get social while limiting your contact with people and avoiding groups: CNN: What to Do This Weekend

You can:
• Take a virtual museum tour.
• Learn a new language.
• Get takeout to support your local and small businesses.
• Make a new recipe.
• Catch up on your self-care.
• Last but not least they suggest doing the tough stuff. This may include your KonMari tidying event!

Tidy Tools:

Tidy Tool #1: The Spark Joy Podcast.
Our podcast is designed for you to listen to while you tidy. If you’re new to Spark Joy we recommend checking out our most popular Episode 1: KonMari 101.
Now, more than ever, the importance of having a plan is very clear. So head over to Episode 73: How to Plan Your KonMari Tidying Journey before you dive in too deep.

Also, as extreme cleanliness remains top of mind, check out Spark Joy Episode 82: KonMari Quick Tips on Spring Tidying.

For a limited time, we are making our coveted Spark Joy Episode Map available for a limited time to help guide you through your listening experience.

Tidy Tool #2: The Spark Joy Club.
Now is a perfect time to lean on crowd sourcing with a virtual tidying community committed to providing you with a safe space to address your unique tidying challenges.

To join the club visit [sparkjoypodcast.com](sparkjoypodcast.com) and click join the club.

Tidy Tool #3: The Tidy Home Joy Journal - Your #1 Tidying Companion
Written by co-host, Kristyn Ivey, this Amazon Best Seller is available to be delivered to your door to help guide your Tidying Festival.

You can also recieve the Tidy Home Joy Journal by joining The Spark Joy Club at the Joy Sparker level. A copy of the journal is included with your membership. One of the many reasons you should join the club!

Tidy Tool #4: Virtual Tidying at For the Love of Tidy.
Virtual Tidying at For the Love of Tidy is a germ free alternative to in-home KonMari tidying lessons that also moves you towards your goals.
Here are some of the highlights:
• During video calls we walk through vision mapping and a plan.

• Take a virtual home tour.

• And address decision-making or storage related tidying challenges.

To get a taste of what virtual tidying is all about, follow For the Love of Tidy this month on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn as I broadly share KonMari-themed tips you can implement in your home in 15 minutes or less

To instantly book your two hour KonMari Virtual Tidy which is accessible worldwide.

Tidy Tool #5: Virtual Organizing at The Serene Home.
The Serene Home Program includes:
• A home assessment and home tour
• Face-to-face virtual work
• Written step-by-step follow up following each session
• Motivational emails to help you over any bumps in your progress

The Serene Home newsletter: This can be delivered directly to your inbox later in the week with some additional ideas for making the most of this time. You can sign-up at The Serene Home Mailing List.

Special thanks to Spark Joy listener Kristine Rustia-Jourdan for suggesting we cover this important topic today.

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.

While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoy_podcast.

In this episode, you’ll enjoy:

-What's Sparking Joy for Karin: A productive stay-cation in Atlantic City.

-What's Sparking Joy for Kristyn: Hitting the milestone of 80 tidying related speaking engagements over the last three years.

-Best of 2019 Highlights. Hear clips from our favorite, and most impactful shows, of 2019:

• Ep 68 | Behind the Scenes: Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" with Tricia Fidler and Jane Grodem

• Ep 71 | Feng Shui with Master Feng Shui Expert Laura Cerrano

• Ep 74 | Happiness, Joy, and Order with Gretchen Rubin

• Ep 86 | KonMari Your Friends and Relationships with Vanessa Van Edwards

-Spark Joy Giveaway Winners! Usernames

• kellyconfusion
• shen valley listener
• easzymc
• joyy66
• gadgetgirlCA
• BAMR

CONGRATULATIONS to all our winners!
If you are one of our lucky winners, you'll be receiving an email from us soon.

New episodes will resume January 7, 2020. Until then, we'll be sharing encores of our most popular episodes of 2019.

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

In today’s episode we explore the philosophy of digital minimalism - the belief that less can be more to our relationship with digital tools. This idea stems for Cal Newport’s book “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World.”

We’re trading in the question “does it spark joy?” for the question “is this the best way to use technology to support my values?”

We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.

While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.

Joy Check

What's sparking joy for Karin: Vernado fan cool NYC fall breeze, windows open!

What's sparking joy for Kristyn: Creative winter months. Collaborating with an artist on a new For the Love of Tidy production

In this episode, you’ll enjoy:

• Spark Joy's previous book review of "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, " Spark Joy Episode 21
• "Deep Work," Cal Newport's previous book that sparked a discussion that led to the release of Digital Minimalism

• The Pros. What we loved about the book:

  • The way it was organized
  • Insights about the Slot Machine Concept
  • The Three Principles of Digital Minimalism
  • Stories shared from his Digital Declutter Survey
  • Cal's views on personal transformation
    • The Cons. Things that didn't spark joy:
    • The thesis style format and technical writing style
    • A large amount of focus on the value of solitude
    • The Digital Minimalism Plan:
    • Set aside a 30-day period during which you will take a break from optionial technologies in your life.
    • During this 30-day period break, explore and rediscover activities and behaviors that you find satisfying and meaningful.
    • At the end of the break, reintroduce optional technologies into your life, starting from a blank slate. For each technology you reintroduce, determine what value it serves in your life and how specifically you will use it so as to maximize this value.
    • Similarities with a capsule wardeobe - Spark Joy episode 39: Closet Joy Part 2
    • Practical tips that Cal recommends leaning on as you work through the three steps of your digital minimalism plan
    • FI (Financial Independence) references: Spark Joy Episode 58
    • Tips on "filling the void" left when you break from your devices
    • How Karin and Kristyn have applied Cal's tips and more to make some big changes when it comes to digital clutter

Gems:

• “Is this the best way to use technology to support my values?”
• "Because of technology I’m a better human being than I ever was before."
• "Minimalists believe that the key to thriving in a high-tech world is to spend much less time using technology."
• "The average user spends 50 minutes per day on Facebook products alone."
• "In my experience, gradually changing your habits one at a time doesn’t work well."

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

We want to give you hope and leave you with a practical year-end evaluation that will help you assess your progress and take clear action or course correct moving forward.

REMINDER
Don’t forget you have until November 26 to enter our Spark Joy Giveaway.

We’ll announce our winners during our “Best of” show on December 3.

Head over to sparkjoypodcast.com/reviews for instructions on how to leave a star rating and written review on iTunes.

Then, shoot an email to contact@sparkjoypodcast.com with your username for a chance to win one of 6 coveted KonMari-themed prizes that spark joy in celebration of our two year anniversary.

Thanks again for your support!

In this episode, you’ll enjoy:

• Hearing about KonMari organizers feeling overwhelmed at sometimes!

• Positive and negative motivators are can work hand in hand. Feelings of guilt and frustration may motivate you to “do something” about your disorganization, but positive motivators are needed for the long term.

• In KonMari, positive motivation initially comes from your vision statement. Your vision is your hope-filled inspiration for your best life going forward.

• The success of your tidying as you go through the categories will keep you going. That is one of the reasons why clothing, the initial category, is first. Completing clothing gives us such a visual success; we feel empowered to continue on.

• Journaling will help you capture your feelings and thoughts as you go through the process of organizing your home. The act of writing on paper is an exercise of respect for what you are experiencing on your tidying journey.

• Hope is strengthened by the actual successes you will experience in your tidying and, also, it can be fortified by the positive results and successes of others. It can help a great deal to have support from others who are also on this path.

• We suggest you let go of negative self-talk. Find the one place in your home or life where you actually are organized, disciplined, or reliable. Start to shift your language and attention on the positive. If you are like most of our clients, you have accomplished great things in other areas of your life. Focus on the things you do well and recognize that no one excels in everything!

• Here are some of the challenging emotions you may encounter during your tidying work. Prepare for them and recognize that they are all part of making systematic and sustainable changes in your life:

  -Memories of the past: grief, loss and disappointments keep you from wanting to look at things that will remind you of painful things.

  -Discouragement about having to confront clothes that don’t fit and things you bought that didn't work or that were a waste of money.

  -Anger that you never lost those 10lbs or that heel that broke on those shoes after wearing it once, or that single earring that reminds you that you were careless.

• KonMari takes time, but it won’t take forever. We suggest you commit to a steady and consistent time frame, but that you practice good self care along the way

Year End Progress Check!

Grab a pen, paper or journal and your favorite calendar, it’s time to evaluate your progress! Feel free to pause the podcast at any time or between questions to make sure you leave ample room for reflection.

1- How long has clutter been a burden in my home or life?

2- When did I make my first attempt to tidy up KonMari style?

3- How many false starts or restarts did I make since beginning?

4- How many signature KonMari clutter categories/sub-categories have I addressed thus far?

5- Which categories/sub-categories have found a comfortable click point? 

6- Which categories are causing me the most pain or making me feel stuck? 

7- When was the last time I made time to joy check a category?

8- How many hours have I spent tidying up? 

9- Is completing my tidying event priority this year?

10- How much time can I dedicate moving forward to tidying?

Gems:
“That conviction and confidence that we will get where we are going and achieve our vision for our best life going forward, is really what hope is all about.”

“Change requires hope. Hope that things can be different and that there’s a way forward.”

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” Anais Nin

“To remedy this, we offer two contradictory solutions: do it as quickly as possible and take as much time as you need!”

“I always tell my clients that if you have 10 sweaters and let go of 5, the saving of space is pretty apparent, but if you have 10 pieces of paper and get rid of 5, it doesn't seem like that much even though it was the same number of decisions! “

“Take breaks, step away, forget about tidying for a few days, celebrate your progress, but remember that you are honoring your higher self and your vision till the very end.”

“Know that we’re here for you. There is a way out. There is hope you can live a clutter free life of joy this year and for years to come.”

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

We want you to get the most return on your investment of going on this journey with us and point out ways you can lead with gratitude and abundance.

REMINDER
Don’t forget you have until November 26 to enter our Spark Joy Giveaway.

We’ll announce our winners during our “Best of” show on December 3.

Head over to sparkjoypodcast.com/reviews for instructions on how to leave a star rating and written review on iTunes.

Then, shoot an email to contact@sparkjoypodcast.com with your username for a chance to win one of 6 coveted KonMari-themed prizes that spark joy in celebration of our two year anniversary.

Thanks again for your support!

In this episode, you’ll enjoy:

Unique ways tidying can pay you back:

• Sound gratitude practice
• Awareness of your personal values and consumption patterns
• Opportunities to give/donate
• Opportunities to define your family legacy (also discussed on Spark Joy Episode 21)
• More time (your most valuable asset)

Tidying can also pay you back financially in the following ways:

• CASH
• Checks
• Returned items
• Selling items of value (also discussed on Spark Joy Episode 42-44)
• Letting go of subscription "boxes" or other monthly commitments
• Letting go of monthly payments for external storage units
• Saving on moving or staging expenses (also discussed on Spark Joy Episode 77-78)

A short-term tidying event also has a longer-term impact on your financial goals, paying you back in the following ways:

• Better habits/patterns around consumption/shopping
• Shifts in your money mindset (see Spark Joy Episode 6 and Episode 58 )
• Decision making that stems from a place of abundance, rather than scarcity (redifining what "enough" means to you)

Gems:

• “Tidying is an investment...it is a skill and it has a goal."
• "You're shifting and refining your purpose and legacy, which will have an impact on those around you."
• "How much money can I find or how big of a return can I get from all of this effort?"
• "As you tidy, you're becoming more aware and more appreciative of what's around you."
• "When you tidy up, you are moving towards spending less time looking for things you can't find."
• "Time is a limited resource and it is finite."
• "It’s important to honor and respect money in all forms to attract financial abundance."
• "Make sure that the time that you put towards selling something is reflective of and appropriate for its value."
• "You become more discerning about what you buy and what you wear."

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

KonMari is designed to confront some of the causes of organizational stress by working toward a home and work place that is intentional and supportive of your best life going forward.

We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.

While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.

Joy Checks
-Karin is excited about concluding her backpack search with a couple of awesome finds. Here’s the day pack: KAVU Rope Sling Bags
and here’s her travel back pack: Raf Simons and EastPak Collab

-Turns out Kristyn loves backpacks also! Her favorite backpack is from Topdrawer

-Sparking Joy for Kristyn: Her No Buy, No Spend strategy with toiletries.
She is evaluating her products, using up what doesn’t Spark Joy, and then buying exactly what works best for her.

-Caution! KonMari is not a substitute for professional help. Here are resources if you are suffering from symptoms of anxiety. Help is available! Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and National Alliance on Mental Illness: Anxiety Disorders

In this episode, you’ll enjoy:

-Learning the difference between stress and anxiety

-Some of the signs of stress related to disorganization

-What Karin’s days were like before KonMari

-What Kristyn’s days were like before KonMari

-The book that defined "drift" for Kristyn: Design Your Future: 3 Simple Steps to Stop Drifting and Take Command of Your Life by Dominick Quartuccio

-The emotional consequences of being disorganized

-Look back at Ep 5 | How to Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle and Living Environment

• Practical tips you can use today to manage your stress

-Send your stress reduction strategies to us via @sparkjoy_podcast on Instagram

Gems:

• “Working the KonMari Method is not the same as working with a mental health professional by any means.”
• “If only you could get organized once and for all, things would be so much better, right? “
• “Certainly, achieving a tidy home will not 'cure' clutter anxiety, but it may help reduce the out-of-control feeling that many of us experience before tidying.”
• “By thoughtfully pulling together the idea of what you would like for yourself going forward, you will be able to structure your method. It IS your method, after all, everyone’s idea of what they want for themselves is different.”
• “Coping with stress requires some trial and error. You will find that certain ideas work better than others for you and that some techniques will leave you cold. The only way to know is to give them a try!”
• “What is the future use of this item?”
• “Hope pushes back against stress.”

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

"Don’t force people to tidy if they don’t want to. Only when we accept unconditionally people whose values differ from our own can we really say that we have finished tidying." - Marie Kondo

We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.

While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.

In this episode, you’ll enjoy:

Joy Checks

• Kristyn introduces Spark Joy listeners to For the Love of Tidy Power Partners

• Karin's collaborations in the area of fashion and interior design

  • The importance of tidying things you take ownership of
  • How to avoid "tidy shaming"
  • How to lead with respect, empathy and patience when encouraging others to tidy
  • Top tips to help you motivate others to tidy:
  • Prime everyone who is impacted by the goal of getting tidy
  • Shine by living a KonMari life of joy
  • Start with asking about their vision for the space
  • Share an episode of Spark Joy podcast or Netflix's Tidying Up
  • Offer assistance when they show interest organically
  • Focus on your own space to quiet anxiety
  • How to navigate the delicate circumstance of suggesting tidying up to a loved one you don't live with to get organized

Gems:

• "Tidying is a self-care activity."
• "KonMari is intentionally designed to help you reestablish the boundaries of your items in your home."
• "When you've reached that point where you feel everything in your life is sparking joy, then it's time to switch your attention to other people."
• "It's not your decision to make."
• "You should only be making decisions on the things you own."
• "Don't create the narrative for the person without giving the activity a fair chance."
• "Shine by living the lifestyle."

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

We chat about how to store and organize after you’ve completed your KonMari Tidying Journey one signature clutter category at a time.

We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show.

While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast.

In this episode, you’ll enjoy:

Joy Checks
-Karin is speaking at the invitation of Eli Lily and Co. during the
ASCO International Conference

-Kristyn has committed to writing 30 blog posts in 30 days as one of her Tidy Mastermind goals. Connect via fortheloveoftidy.com to follow her progress

-Review the importance of tidying by category instead of location in Spark Joy Ep 9 | Tidying by Location is a Fatal Mistake

KonMari Storage Tips
-Organize items that spark joy so they are visible within a designated space
-Things are stored so that they are easy to put away and easy to get out
-Storage should bring you a sense of order and calm
-Reuse and repurpose wherever possible. Shop your home
-Save your bins and baskets until you’ve joy checked the very last item
-Storage is fluid
-Reduce visual clutter

KonMari Tidy Tools
-Your calendar
-The Tidy Home Joy Journal - Join The Spark Joy Club to receive your copy and exclusive access to the SJC community
-Your Vision (see Spark Joy Ep 5 | How to Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle and Living Environment
-Trash bags: Glad Large Drawstring Recycling Bags
-The Spark Joy podcast! Listen while you tidy!
-Label Remover
-Tape measure

Clothing Category Storage
-Principles of KonMari clothes hanging:
-Rise to the right
-Lighter, shorter, more delicate things on the right
-Heavy, longer, darker things toward the left
-Always, like things go together

-Hanger options:
-Velvet Hangers
-Wooden hangers

-Bins for clothing storage:
-Bins for open shelving to create drawers
-Underbed Storage
Note: Following Feng Shui principles can be done if you are so inclined, so be sure to review our episode Ep 71 | Feng Shui with Master Laura Cerrano
-Future donation bag/box

-Three closet essentials:
-Hamper
-Step Stool
-Trash Can

-Drawers for clothing storage:
-Soft Sided Boxes
-Drawer Dividers

Books Category Storage
-For a review of how to sort books head over to Spark Joy Ep 75 | Exploring the KonMari Book Controversy with Robin Mitchell

-Book Ends**

Paper Category Storage
-For a review of the three types of KonMari paper categories, go to Spark Joy
Ep 45 | KonMari Paper Category: Cutting Paper Clutter

-Tools for paper storage:
-Locking File Box
-Fun File Folders
-Label Maker
-Slice Precision Cutter
-Fireproof Box

-Virtual paper storage
-Dropbox
-GoogleDocs
-Evernote

Komono Category Storage
-Spark Joy listener Angela submitted a question about managing charging stations and office items:

“I’m starting this journey but the area that bothers me the most is how to organize an office/charging area. These both tend to lend way to the kitchen for ease of use and accessibility. We are a family of five so we have a lot of devices.
How would you suggest maintaining an area in the kitchen that could mainstream both of these purposes (paperwork and device charge/overnight storage) without cluttering the counters?”

-Cord solutions:
-Kitchen: Mesh Stackable Shelves
-Kitchen: Shelf Liners
-Kitchen: SCUBB Ikea Boxes

-Toiletries: Kristyn's favorite Soap Dispenser and Soap Refill
-Make up: Acrylic Makeup Organizer
-Holiday decor: wrapping paper holder and ornament holder

Sentimental Category Storage
-The importance of making your sentimental storage thoughtful, meaningful and safe
-Milestone Binder - Full "how to" video available with Spark Joy Club membership
-Review methods for digitizing your sentimental items in Spark Joy Ep 55 | Digitizing Sentimental Items

Gems:
-"We want you be more mindful of the things you’re keeping before jumping into finding the perfect place for your things to be stored. Stuff over storage."

-"Storage should bring you a sense of order and calm, whatever that means for you."

-"Their real joy is based on being able to see them and to acknowledge what they represent to us."

-"Is this a chance to highlight your legacy, who would be happier if I keep this?'

-"In some ways, the organizing step is really the most fun and it serves as your reward for all of the hard work joy checking and editing that will takes place in your home."

You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home
You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy