Does this spark joy? New approach to organising

EDITORIAL: I'm A bit of a fiend when it comes to organising.

I love it and I have at least half-a-dozen books on the subject.

But before my Christmas holidays, I can't say my house reflected my penchant for organising.

A friend mentioned a book she'd come across: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up - The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organising and immediately I was interested.

After my copy arrived in the mail, I started reading.

Author Marie Kondo's method of organising is based on feelings - you pick up items and ask: does this spark joy?

I'd never considered decluttering based on how I felt about all the stuff in my house and I couldn't wait to start.

After filling an embarrassing number of garbage bags with clothes for donation and some for the bin, my wardrobe was tidy and I felt I could breathe easier.

I've gone through a fair bit of the house now and I'm really enjoying living in a space where I'm surrounded by things that make me feel good.

While it's not the way everyone would choose to spend part of their holidays, for me the result was worth it.