One of my pet peeves is with the nonsensical and non-purposeful clutter that occupies many classrooms that I visit. I believe that every classroom should contain only those items which are useful for teaching and learning or inspirational for teaching and learning. One of the best books I have read that inspired me in this area of study is The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. My life is different because of it. It has become one of my major sources of inspiration, and perhaps at least a minor irritant to the many people to whom I have recommended it – I promise it is nothing personal!
Here is the basic premise: throw out anything that does not give you joy, then take all those things that give you joy, and store them properly. Everything has its place! Marie Kondo thinks this takes strong commitment, but once you commit, it’s easy to do and you don’t need anyone else to help you do it. Yet, she makes a great living by standing beside people to help them make the decisions that need to be made to get this done.
So far in my own home, I have used her methods to reduce my personal clutter (just mine) and donated about 18-20 large trash bags – completely full! I have thrown away almost as many more. It is absolutely crazy how much we accumulate in life. I have learned how to fold clothes and towels in a different way that makes them highly accessible and makes my closets and kitchen beautiful. If my 18-year-old self could hear my 45-year-old self saying all this, he would roll his eyes. But he’s not here anymore, is he? So my 45-year-old self is enjoying this new ride, enjoying living in the rooms that contain only the things I truly love, and finding things I need much more easily.
I highly recommend the book, and I encourage you to take the plunge! Start the purge before the clutter gets worse! At home and in the classroom!