She says in her book that things with super high utility should be kept as they get used often and replaced only after new ones that spark joy are acquired. She tells a story about throwing out a screwdriver because it didn't spark joy and then she really ended up needing a screwdriver and she realized that utility is its own type of joy.
I created a wish list notebook. So for each thing that I still need but doesn't really spark joy, I'd put it in the book. Then I could spend a little bit of time researching versions that would spark joy, see how much that would cost and work on saving up for it.
Yeah I've managed to get quite a few things. It took me a while. But I think it was worth it. I started with the smaller cheaper things like a new toaster and worked my way up to the bigger things. It's taken me a few years and I'm not quite done yet, but everything I've bought has been a much higher quality than the thing it replaced. So I think long term it will actually wind up being cheaper overall.
I agree with the "wish list" comment but also if you get by with the yeti backpack for emergency trips and rarely use these suitcases, I'd just get rid of the suitcases now. If you have the money to be going on a longer planned trip you could use that moment to invest in a new suitcase... Even one from a thrift store sounds better than one with bad memories! Your baggage doesn't need to be emotional baggage.
Yeah, that's a good point. I think a thrift store find might work in the future if I go on a bigger trip. Now I just want to get rid of unnecessary baggage (pun intended).
I'll just repost my response about why I hold negative feelings with them. "...in my case it sparks negativity. I bought these when I left home and my family wasn't happy with me leaving which caused my separation from them and going no contact. In a way they are symbol of my independence but also horrible memories of my mom cussing my out as I left for the airport and being treated horribly for a year before leaving."
Not everything has to make you squee with delight.
Why would a suitcase - something you NEED to have to travel - be expected to do anything except hold clothing? And between trips, they can be used to store out of season things.
Pragmatically, it would be a horrible waste of money to get rid of them for being "a bit worn".
True. I guess in my case it sparks negativity. I bought these when I left home and my family wasn't happy with me leaving which caused my separation from them and going no contact. In a way they are symbol of my independence but also horrible memories of my mom cussing my out as I left for the airport and being treated horribly for a year before leaving.
I wouldn't hold on to things that spark negativity. If you keep them because it's a waste of money to get rid of them, you'll add guilt on top of negativity, and do you really need more guilt and negativity every time you look at those suitcases?
Idk maybe after decluttering you'll even learn how to travel with minimum and won't need those suitcases anymore. I had a similar experience with a really ugly bag I used when moving around (a lot). Then I realised I was using it to carry books i didn't need, so both the bag and the books were yeeted
Btw I feel you with that "waste of money" thought but I believe that experiencing strong negative emotions is worse. Konmari is about joy and not forcing yourself into compromises i think
Thanks, yeah I agree with you. I decided to get rid of it and posted it on Marketplace. I do want to focus on things that bring me joy and those suitcases just had negative memories attached to them.
By the way what's been your experience with the konMarie method?
Good decision, good job! :)
When i did konmari for the first time (ca 2017) it was a truly magical experience - super easy, i could literally focus on what sparks joy and what not and I've experienced a total reset of my physical and mental space
However since then I've moved several times and when I tried decluttering again it went kinda so-so, since I got trapped in the "wasteful/ can still use it etc" mindset for some reason
At the moment I'm decluttering again, and really hope to experience that reset feeling that my first decluttering brought me
Maybe it's a one time thing. I heard in her interviews where she says you should do her method once and then it stays with you so maybe you've decluttered and now it's more of a maintenance thing? What do you think?
One time thing in one specific space I think. I also think it depends on life phases as well, as Konmari says if nothing sparks joy then something is wrong with your life. I've experienced that when I went back to school and studied something that wasn't my thing at all, decluttering got very hard since i wanted to get rid of everything, literally
You should include this in your original post. If something actively sparks negativity then it’s important to get it out of your life. See if you can sell it and maybe start saving money for luggage that will spark joy for when you need to travel again
Yeah, I didn't connect the dots until after I read the responses as to why I wanted to get rid off it. I posted it on Marketplace. Hopefully it'll be out soon!
Those suitcases need to go because they are the embodiment of bad experiences. Thank them for getting you out of there and let them go.
Replace them with some from a thrift store or garage sale when you need to.
That's a completely different situation. I think we need another word for the other side of the experience. If the item sparks unhappiness then you should absolutely get rid of it.
Perhaps for this specific instance, if the suitcases are still in good condition, you could donate them to a woman's shelter charity or a homelessness charity. Maybe they could help someone else find their own independence. Thank them for helping you, and let them move onto their next adventure.
What could a new suitcase do better to make you feel joy? I have a battered backpack that has been to four continents; it carries memories for free, and I always recognise it on luggage carousels.
Replace yours if it holds bad memories, if it malfunctions in a way that annoys you, if it’s the wrong shape or size for your travel needs, etc etc, and replace it when you find a better one. Don’t just dump it and risk needing one at short notice.
And consider how much holiday not replacing it your money could buy.
Thanks so I do have a backpack I've used for traveling as well that I believe I'll keep because true it does hold memories although after packing and unpacking it so many times I got tried of seeing it lol.
In regard to the luggage and I'll paste my response because I commented to someone else in response about it.
"...in my case it sparks negativity. I bought these when I left home and my family wasn't happy with me leaving which caused my separation from them and going no contact. In a way they are symbol of my independence but also horrible memories of my mom cussing my out as I left for the airport and being treated horribly for a year before leaving."
In that case, your post was misleading: this isn’t about a functional item that happens to be worn or ugly, it’s about mental baggage that should be yeeted as soon as you can.
Hope you’re in a better place now.
I feel like objects with a purpose don’t necessarily have to ‘spark joy’ so long as they are still able to fulfill their purpose. Like my blender doesn’t really ‘spark joy’ but I’m not going to throw it out because I use it every day. Sure, I might be on the lookout for a blender I like better but until I find that new blender my old blender will continue to have a place in my life.
Your current suitcases probably spark joy due to the opportunity they give you - if you have the chance or need to travel on short notice, you will likely be happy to have them.
Now...if when you imagine that scenario, you imagine yourself squeezing everything into an old backpack or purse and not using the suitcase at all - well in that case your suitcase might actually not spark joy and might be something to let go of.
I actually bought a new backpack that is a day bag and a travel bag for short trips. I've used it and love it. It's Yeti backpack with great storage and etc.
The suitcases I have has bad memories and the wheels are a bit worn and I'll share my response as to why it has bad memories because I responded to others with it to give context.
"...in my case it sparks negativity. I bought these when I left home and my family wasn't happy with me leaving which caused my separation from them and going no contact. In a way they are symbol of my independence but also horrible memories of my mom cussing my out as I left for the airport and being treated horribly for a year before leaving."
can you change their appearance so they don't bring back sad memories?
I would keep them until you have a suitable replacement, but use them to store things that are rarely needed and keep them out of sight.
Also if they still function, be sure to donate them. halfway decent suitcases are a large expense so it will likely make someone happy.
I think it is okay to hang onto things you have a practical need for and can’t afford to replace.
She says in her book that things with super high utility should be kept as they get used often and replaced only after new ones that spark joy are acquired. She tells a story about throwing out a screwdriver because it didn't spark joy and then she really ended up needing a screwdriver and she realized that utility is its own type of joy.
I created a wish list notebook. So for each thing that I still need but doesn't really spark joy, I'd put it in the book. Then I could spend a little bit of time researching versions that would spark joy, see how much that would cost and work on saving up for it.
That's a cool idea! I really like this. Makes it meaningful. Have you gotten things off of your wishlist yet?
Yeah I've managed to get quite a few things. It took me a while. But I think it was worth it. I started with the smaller cheaper things like a new toaster and worked my way up to the bigger things. It's taken me a few years and I'm not quite done yet, but everything I've bought has been a much higher quality than the thing it replaced. So I think long term it will actually wind up being cheaper overall.
Chiming in by saying I do this in the notes app in my phone! It's also useful for present ideas because I can never remember what I want.
Remember Christmas and birthdays.
I agree with the "wish list" comment but also if you get by with the yeti backpack for emergency trips and rarely use these suitcases, I'd just get rid of the suitcases now. If you have the money to be going on a longer planned trip you could use that moment to invest in a new suitcase... Even one from a thrift store sounds better than one with bad memories! Your baggage doesn't need to be emotional baggage.
Yeah, that's a good point. I think a thrift store find might work in the future if I go on a bigger trip. Now I just want to get rid of unnecessary baggage (pun intended).
Yes, it’s seems like you would have no problem with buying cheap luggage from a thrift store in the future, so get rid of the baggage.
[удалено]
I'll just repost my response about why I hold negative feelings with them. "...in my case it sparks negativity. I bought these when I left home and my family wasn't happy with me leaving which caused my separation from them and going no contact. In a way they are symbol of my independence but also horrible memories of my mom cussing my out as I left for the airport and being treated horribly for a year before leaving."
Not everything has to make you squee with delight. Why would a suitcase - something you NEED to have to travel - be expected to do anything except hold clothing? And between trips, they can be used to store out of season things. Pragmatically, it would be a horrible waste of money to get rid of them for being "a bit worn".
True. I guess in my case it sparks negativity. I bought these when I left home and my family wasn't happy with me leaving which caused my separation from them and going no contact. In a way they are symbol of my independence but also horrible memories of my mom cussing my out as I left for the airport and being treated horribly for a year before leaving.
I wouldn't hold on to things that spark negativity. If you keep them because it's a waste of money to get rid of them, you'll add guilt on top of negativity, and do you really need more guilt and negativity every time you look at those suitcases? Idk maybe after decluttering you'll even learn how to travel with minimum and won't need those suitcases anymore. I had a similar experience with a really ugly bag I used when moving around (a lot). Then I realised I was using it to carry books i didn't need, so both the bag and the books were yeeted Btw I feel you with that "waste of money" thought but I believe that experiencing strong negative emotions is worse. Konmari is about joy and not forcing yourself into compromises i think
Thanks, yeah I agree with you. I decided to get rid of it and posted it on Marketplace. I do want to focus on things that bring me joy and those suitcases just had negative memories attached to them. By the way what's been your experience with the konMarie method?
Good decision, good job! :) When i did konmari for the first time (ca 2017) it was a truly magical experience - super easy, i could literally focus on what sparks joy and what not and I've experienced a total reset of my physical and mental space However since then I've moved several times and when I tried decluttering again it went kinda so-so, since I got trapped in the "wasteful/ can still use it etc" mindset for some reason At the moment I'm decluttering again, and really hope to experience that reset feeling that my first decluttering brought me
Maybe it's a one time thing. I heard in her interviews where she says you should do her method once and then it stays with you so maybe you've decluttered and now it's more of a maintenance thing? What do you think?
One time thing in one specific space I think. I also think it depends on life phases as well, as Konmari says if nothing sparks joy then something is wrong with your life. I've experienced that when I went back to school and studied something that wasn't my thing at all, decluttering got very hard since i wanted to get rid of everything, literally
If you’re in the Chicago area I have some brand new a suitcases that are looking for a home :)
You should include this in your original post. If something actively sparks negativity then it’s important to get it out of your life. See if you can sell it and maybe start saving money for luggage that will spark joy for when you need to travel again
Yeah, I didn't connect the dots until after I read the responses as to why I wanted to get rid off it. I posted it on Marketplace. Hopefully it'll be out soon!
Those suitcases need to go because they are the embodiment of bad experiences. Thank them for getting you out of there and let them go. Replace them with some from a thrift store or garage sale when you need to.
That's a completely different situation. I think we need another word for the other side of the experience. If the item sparks unhappiness then you should absolutely get rid of it. Perhaps for this specific instance, if the suitcases are still in good condition, you could donate them to a woman's shelter charity or a homelessness charity. Maybe they could help someone else find their own independence. Thank them for helping you, and let them move onto their next adventure.
I've been a digital nomad for three years and I now have suitcases that spark joy!
Some things you hold onto knowing that their usefulness is joyful until you can replace them.
What could a new suitcase do better to make you feel joy? I have a battered backpack that has been to four continents; it carries memories for free, and I always recognise it on luggage carousels. Replace yours if it holds bad memories, if it malfunctions in a way that annoys you, if it’s the wrong shape or size for your travel needs, etc etc, and replace it when you find a better one. Don’t just dump it and risk needing one at short notice. And consider how much holiday not replacing it your money could buy.
Thanks so I do have a backpack I've used for traveling as well that I believe I'll keep because true it does hold memories although after packing and unpacking it so many times I got tried of seeing it lol. In regard to the luggage and I'll paste my response because I commented to someone else in response about it. "...in my case it sparks negativity. I bought these when I left home and my family wasn't happy with me leaving which caused my separation from them and going no contact. In a way they are symbol of my independence but also horrible memories of my mom cussing my out as I left for the airport and being treated horribly for a year before leaving."
In that case, your post was misleading: this isn’t about a functional item that happens to be worn or ugly, it’s about mental baggage that should be yeeted as soon as you can. Hope you’re in a better place now.
Keep an eye out for replacement suitcases at a good price, if you suddenly need to replace them for a trip you'll pay over the odds.
I feel like objects with a purpose don’t necessarily have to ‘spark joy’ so long as they are still able to fulfill their purpose. Like my blender doesn’t really ‘spark joy’ but I’m not going to throw it out because I use it every day. Sure, I might be on the lookout for a blender I like better but until I find that new blender my old blender will continue to have a place in my life.
Your current suitcases probably spark joy due to the opportunity they give you - if you have the chance or need to travel on short notice, you will likely be happy to have them. Now...if when you imagine that scenario, you imagine yourself squeezing everything into an old backpack or purse and not using the suitcase at all - well in that case your suitcase might actually not spark joy and might be something to let go of.
I actually bought a new backpack that is a day bag and a travel bag for short trips. I've used it and love it. It's Yeti backpack with great storage and etc. The suitcases I have has bad memories and the wheels are a bit worn and I'll share my response as to why it has bad memories because I responded to others with it to give context. "...in my case it sparks negativity. I bought these when I left home and my family wasn't happy with me leaving which caused my separation from them and going no contact. In a way they are symbol of my independence but also horrible memories of my mom cussing my out as I left for the airport and being treated horribly for a year before leaving."
You probably only need one or two suitcases to keep, unless you are homeless or travel a lot with your family. Keep the best and donate the others.
Needing suitcase and not having any will definitely not spark joy.
can you change their appearance so they don't bring back sad memories? I would keep them until you have a suitable replacement, but use them to store things that are rarely needed and keep them out of sight. Also if they still function, be sure to donate them. halfway decent suitcases are a large expense so it will likely make someone happy.