Londoners 'Tidying Up' as hit Netflix show spurs more donations to Goodwill

Donations have increased at local thrift stores and shelters, driven partly by Londoners embracing the decluttering trend amid the popularity ofthe hit Netflix show, Tidying Up.

"It's been a lifesaver in terms of the amount of stuff, the sheer volume of stuff we have, just how much we have been able to purge and how much we've been able to get rid of."

Mindful of not filling up landfills, Jones has been donating much of what she's been purging.

The embracing of the Japanese method of tidying up hasmeant more items being donated to charity, said Michelle Quintyn, the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes.

"We're pleased to report that we're seeing a spike compared to years prior," Quintyn told London Morning host Julianne Hazlewood on Wednesday.

"We are typically seeing an abundance at this time of year because of the New Year's resolution thing, and people having more time off for the holidays, but we are seeing even more, and we think it might just be the show, and all the hype."

Usually, donations tend to drop off in January, Quintyn said. This year, donations are up 10 to 15 per cent at Goodwill's 27 donation centres in the region.

It's benefitting charities and it's benefitting the work that we do- Michelle Quintyn, Goodwill Industries

The Netflix show Tidying Up is hosted by Marie Kondo and based on her book, called The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Known as the KonMari method, it involves dividing your home's belongings into several categories and getting rid of items that don't bring you joy.

"We're all concerned about climate change, but we're also seeing an eco-consciousconsumer and people participating in the circular economy," Quintyn said.

"But also, giving is a really relevant message that's part of her method, and it's benefitting charities and it's benefitting the work that we do. It's keeping things out of landfills but it's also creating jobs and creating training opportunities."

Mom-of-four Jones said using the KonMari method has been both eye-opening and addictive. The method includes a particular way of folding clothes and storing items throughout the house.

"The clothing was my 'Aha' moment. I tried to get rid of clothes before, but I found her way, of taking everything out of your closet and going through it one by one, I was able to get rid of so much stuff that way," Jones said.

If you have so much stuff, nothing is worthy anymore."- Jenn Jones, mom of four

"We're pretty good about getting rid of things once they've served their purpose, but our problem was the sheer volume of stuff we have as a family of six. Sometimes it just feels overwhelming and cluttered."

Jones said she's been discussing tidying with her friends, and they've realized how much accumulates.

"We're such a generation of stuff. Everyone wants the latest gadgets and things, and so many people are getting to the stage of, it's too much. Do I really need 12 pairs of jeans? I think people are realizing that if you have so much stuff, nothing is worthy anymore."