The joy of mess

As tidying guru Marie Kondo admits to clearing up less than she used to, Elizabeth Archer finds out why a bit of clutter could actually be key to a happier life

- Elizabeth Archer

She’s the home organisation queen who taught us how to “spark joy” by sorting out our belongings. But Marie Kondo says that she has “kind of given up” on tidying after having her third child.

“Now I realise what is important to me is enjoying spending time with my children at home,” she said in a recent interview.

Life coach Becky Hall says she “leapt for joy” when she read about Marie’s change of heart.

“The idea that we have to be perfectly tidy all the time really isn’t healthy. In fact, embracing being messy can bring lots of gifts,” she says.

Here Becky explains how learning to love a bit of clutter can help us feel calmer, more joyful and more creative.

Learn to accept yourself: Having a messy house can be a sign that you love and accept yourself as you are, rather than trying to be perfect.

Of course, tidying up can sometimes be therapeutic, but holding ourselves to unrealistic standards of tidiness isn’t helpful.

Next time you criticise yourself for having a messy house, remember that perfection isn’t possible. Instead, take a deep breath and embrace the mess.