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Marie Kondo was wrong — decluttering sparks no joy

Marie Kondo was wrong — decluttering sparks no joy

Times20-06-2025

I have really tried very hard to master the art of decluttering. The process of downsizing my possessions has been going on in a serious fashion for two years. I have been to the tip at least 50 times. Thousands of pounds worth of stuff has gone to charity including three sofas and (largest item) a super king bed.
I have read many guides, including Marie Kondo and the less twee manual Nobody Wants Your Sh*t, to the point where I now need to declutter the books on decluttering. I have held up countless items, often looking worse for being seen in actual sunlight, and asked: 'Does this spark joy?' Almost none did. Instead, they sparked regrets (I'm no Piaf) and, at times, guilt.

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