To my deep horror, folding has become a socially acceptable topic of conversation. More than that, talking about folding is apparently now a compelling topic of conversation. Initially I’d hoped that these in-depth discussions of how to tidy up and store stuff would be brief. I’ve since been proven wrong. Two weeks into the new year, I’ve resigned myself to the fact I either have to get on board or invest in a bush cottage and live out my remaining years in solitude. I choose the former.

Marie Kondo is the author of several books, founder of the ‘KonMari’ method (more on this later) and a professional tidier. And if you didn’t realise that was an actual job, you are not alone. Kondo’s book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up has sold more than five million copies worldwide and saw her named as one of TIME’s most influential people in 2015. She now has a business empire worth $8 million built exclusively on a foundation of putting stuff away.