Introduction 1
1. Why can't I keep my house in order? 9
You can't tidy if you've never learned how 10
A tidying marathon doesn't cause rebound 12
Tidy a little a day and you'll be tidying forever 15
Why you should aim for perfection 17
The moment you start you reset your life 19
Storage experts are hoarders 22
Sort by category, not by location 24
Don't change the method to suit your personality 26
Make tidying a special event, not a daily chore 28
2. Finish discarding first 33
Start by discarding, all at once, intensely and completely 34
Before you start, visualize your destination 36
Selection criterion: does it spark joy? 39
One category at a time 42
Starting with mementos spells certain failure 44
Don't let your family see 46
If you're mad at your family, your room may be the cause 49
What you don't need, your family doesn't either 53
Tidying is a dialogue with one's self 57
What to do when you can't throw something away 59
3. Tidying by category works like magic 63
Tidying order: follow the correct order of categories 64
Clothing: place every item of clothing in the house on the floor 66
Loungewear: downgrading to "loungewear" is taboo 69
Clothing storage: fold it right and solve your storage problems 71
How to fold: the best way to fold for perfect appearance 74
Arranging clothes: the secret to energizing your closet 77
Storing socks: treat your socks and stockings with respect 80
Seasonal clothes: eliminate the need to store off-season clothes 83
Storing books: put all your books on the floor 86
Unread books: "sometime" means "never" 89
Books to keep: those that belong in the hall of fame 93
Sorting papers: rule of thumb-discard everything 95
All about papers: how to organize troublesome papers 99
Komono (miscellaneous items): keep things because you love them-not "just because" 105
Common types of komono: disposables 107
Small change: make "into my wallet" your motto 112
Sentimental items: your parents' home is not a haven for mementos 114
Photos: cherish who you are now 118
Astounding stockpiles I have seen 120
Reduce until you reach the point where something clicks 124
Follow your intuition and all will be well 125
4. Storing your things to make your life shine 129
Designate a place for each thing 130
Discard first, store later 133
Storage: pursue ultimate simplicity 135
Don't scatter storage spaces 138
Forget about "flow planning" and "frequency of use" 141
Never pile things: vertical storage is the key 144
No need for commercial storage items 146
The best way to store bags is in another bag 150
Empty your bag every day 153
Items that usurp floor space belong in the closet 155
Keep things out of the bath and the kitchen sink 157
Make the top shelf of the bookcase your personal shrine 160
Decorate your close*: with your secret delights 162
Unpack and de-tag new clothes immediately 163
Don't underestimate the "noise" of written information 166
Appreciate your possessions and gain strong allies 168
5. The magic of tidying dramatically transforms your life 173
Put your house in order and discover what you really want to do 174
The magic effect of tidying 177
Gaining confidence in life through the magic of tidying 179
An attachment to the past or anxiety about the future 181
Learning that you can do without 184
Do you greet your house? 188
Your possessions want to help you 191
Your living space affects your body 193
Is it true that tidying increases good fortune? 196
How to identify what is truly precious 198
Being surrounded by things that spark joy makes you happy 200
Your real life begins after putting your house in order 203
Afterword 205
About the author 207
Index 208