Have you heard about the Konmari method? It’s a series of rules that can transform your home and "spark joy" in your day-to-day life.
RTÉ Radio 1 listener Vera was trained by Japanese decluttering guru Marie Kondo and has been inundated with work offers since Kondo’s Netflix show aired last month.
"I have been living the Konmari method for the last year and a half. I am a Konmari consultant, the only one in Ireland."
What is Konmari, you may ask? According to Vera, it's a simple and gentle way of decluttering and organizing your home.
"At the crux of it, you're confronting yourself and your need to keep items that no longer serve you."
After attending a three-day Konmari seminar in New York, Vera decided to become a consultant. She explained the impact of the phenomenon to a very eager Ryan Tubridy.
"It’s made me a lot more consumer conscious. I don’t buy as much as I used to buy – even with groceries, I know what I have. A lot of it is just knowing what we have."
On Tidying Up, Marie goes to homes across America to help them get organised but often she only appears to visit the home for a few short minutes before giving some advice and leaving again. "Is she a bit of a spoofer?" asks Ryan.
"The Netflix show doesn't show what a consultant does. When Marie does the show, after she left that house, I know for a fact that a team of consultants went into the home and helped that family put their things back in order."
Marie Kondo: "Ideally keep 30 books"
— Miriam (@MiriamFemerling) January 26, 2019
Me: pic.twitter.com/XCtRVptirb
The show faced some backlash on Twitter after one episode saw a woman clear out her old books and keep only 30, on Marie's suggestion. However, according to Vera, book lovers are free to keep as much literature as they like - as long as it sparks joy.
"If 300 books spark joy for you then, with a heart and a half, you keep your 300 books as long as you display them, respect them and use them. Books are supposed to be read, they're not supposed to be in a box under the bed."
It seems that the Japanese organising consultant is already having an affect on Ireland as charity shops have reported a "huge spike" in donations.
To listen back, click on the video above.
