Ep 4. Episode 4

In Episode 4 of Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, viewers are introduced to a young couple named Alishia and Jason who are struggling to keep their home organized and tidy. The couple has two young children and a lot of clutter, which has left them feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.

Marie Kondo begins by explaining her method of tidying up, which involves sorting items by category and asking yourself if each item sparks joy. Alishia and Jason seem hesitant at first, but they agree to give it a try after seeing how well it has worked for other families.

The first category they tackle is clothing, and Kondo encourages Alishia and Jason to gather all of their clothing in one place so they can see what they have. Alishia is surprised to find that she has over 200 items of clothing, while Jason only has about 50. Kondo asks them to pick up each item and decide if it sparks joy.

Alishia and Jason both struggle with this exercise, and Kondo offers some guidance on how to determine if something sparks joy. She also encourages them to thank each item for its service before letting it go. By the end of the day, Alishia and Jason have significantly reduced the amount of clothing they own and feel much better about the space they have created.

The next category Kondo tackles is books, which proves to be more difficult for Alishia and Jason. They both love books and have a hard time letting go of any of them. Kondo suggests that they focus on keeping only the books that they truly love and will read again. She also reminds them that just because they get rid of a book doesn't mean they have to abandon the knowledge or memories associated with it.

As they move on to the next category, paper, Alishia and Jason feel more confident in their ability to part with items that no longer spark joy. Kondo teaches them how to organize their paperwork into categories such as "to do," "to read," and "to keep." She also shows them how to properly fold and store paper items so they don't take up unnecessary space.

Throughout the episode, Kondo encourages Alishia and Jason to think about the life they want to live and how their possessions can help them achieve that. She reminds them that tidying up is not just about getting rid of things, but about making space for the things that truly matter.

In the end, Alishia and Jason are amazed at the difference tidying up has made in their lives. They have more space, less clutter, and a better understanding of what they truly value. Kondo leaves them with some final words of wisdom, reminding them that tidying up is a journey and that it's important to continue to check in with themselves and their possessions regularly.

Overall, Episode 4 of Tidying Up With Marie Kondo is a heartfelt look at how tidying up can change people's lives. Alishia and Jason's journey is relatable and inspires viewers to take a closer look at their own possessions and consider how they can make their homes a more joyful and peaceful place.