Embracing Wabi-sabi: A New Approach to Organizing Anxiety

In a world filled with constant comparisons, especially through social media, I often found myself measuring my home against others' spaces. This led to feelings of inadequacy whenever I spotted clutter on my counters or tables.

No matter how much effort I invested in organizing, it felt like an uphill battle. Then, I discovered Wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy that cherishes simplicity and the beauty of imperfection. This revelation significantly eased my organizing anxiety. Here's how it transformed my mindset.

Understanding Wabi-sabi and Its Impact

So, what does Wabi-sabi really mean? It's not just a specific organizing method; it's a broader principle woven into various elements of Japanese culture.

As noted by author and simplicity advocate Jo Peters in her book The Art of Japanese Living, 'Wabi-sabi is an aesthetic philosophy that recognizes beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of life. Unlike Western ideals that emphasize perfection and permanence, Wabi-sabi appreciates the incomplete and ephemeral.'

Initially, I fell prey to the Western obsession with perfection, which negatively impacted my mental health.

It became evident when I felt anxious about the chaotic appearance of my kitchen storage during a relaxing movie night. Even scrolling through Instagram made me feel pressured to organize food into uniform jars, a practice that was impractical and only contributed to my over-organizing. It consumed my time, cost money, and ultimately didn't bring me joy.

Now, two years later, I've adopted a more relaxed approach, largely thanks to Wabi-sabi.

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Now, my kitchen storage is straightforward. I use baskets to group loose packets and smaller jars, allowing me to lift them out easily when cooking for a quick clean-up.

I've ditched the glass jars in favor of plastic clips that seal original packets, keeping food fresh without the hassle of constantly transferring items after shopping. This change has saved me so much time.

I still rely on some traditional organizers, like this drawer organizer that prevents my pans from scratching each other.

Learning about Wabi-sabi shifted my perspective immensely.

Instead of viewing my crowded closet as a failure for not resembling the perfectly curated spaces online, I now appreciate its functionality over its appearance. My closet is a reflection of my life, well-used and loved, with signs of everyday adventures.

It's a closet, not a showcase. My guests aren't critiquing it, so why should I hold myself to such harsh standards?

Now, I keep my clothes organized with just three essentials, starting with slimline hangers that maximize space and prevent slipping.

My second closet organizing essential is vacuum bags, which help store winter clothes efficiently without taking up unnecessary space.

My final essential is under-bed storage, perfect for keeping items like gym wear and seasonal clothes tucked away yet accessible.

The belief that everything must be perfectly arranged is a common organizing pitfall that leads to frustration. While a neat and orderly space may be satisfying to look at, real life is messy.

As professional organizer Liora Seltzer reminds us, 'Seeing others on social media can create the illusion that you're not doing enough. The truth is, homes are lived in, and they won't always be tidy.'

'Embracing your space allows for a more realistic view of what it should be. While perfection isn't necessary, simplicity can greatly enhance your space.'

In the bestseller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Kondo emphasizes the importance of cherishing what you keep, shifting focus from what to discard.

Discovering this perspective reshaped how I approach organizing. I've let go of striving for perfection, embracing the idea of 'good enough' instead.

Organizing with a focus on health and wellbeing is my new mantra, and if it means my cabinets aren't Pinterest-perfect, that's perfectly fine.