Have you ever heard of KonMari? No, it’s not a new type of sushi roll or a fancy cocktail. It’s actually a decluttering method created by the one and only Marie Kondo. And let me tell you, this woman knows how to tidy up like nobody’s business.
Marie Kondo is a professional organizer from Japan who has taken the world by storm via her Netflix special, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, inspiring millions of households to declutter and spark joy in their lives. Her KonMari method is simple – keep only the things that spark joy and get rid of the rest. And let me tell you, after trying it myself, I must say I’m feeling kondo-mendable.
So, let’s take a journey through the steps of the KonMari method.
Step 1: Imagine Your Ideal Lifestyle
The first step to decluttering is to envision what you want your life to look like. Close your eyes and think about your ideal lifestyle, whether it’s minimalistic or eclectic. Then open your eyes and start to declutter the items that do not align with that vision.
It’s time to ask yourself the age-old question – Does it spark joy? If the answer is yes, it’s a keeper. But if it doesn’t, then it’s time to bid farewell and say “thank you for your non-service.”
Step 2: Tackle Categories, Not Rooms
One mistake many of us make is decluttering by room. We might start with the bedroom, for example, but after an hour, we’re sneaking off to the kitchen for snacks.
Marie Kondo advises us to work on one category at a time. For example, start with clothing and go through each piece in your home. Gather every garment you own in one place and start decluttering. This might take a bit longer in the short-term if you have your stuff all over the place but it is more purposeful—you only have to go through your clothes once instead of going through your clothes in every room. So in the long run, it saves a lot of time.
But be warned, this can be a long process, so it’s best to pace yourself. Don’t try to declutter your entire closet in one day, your mind might start to feel cluttered as well.
Step 3: Ask Yourself “Does it spark joy?”
As I mentioned before, “Does it spark joy?” is the ultimate question in the KonMari method. It might sound a bit woo-woo, but think about it – wouldn’t you rather have a home filled with things that bring you joy?
Don’t be afraid to let go of things that you don’t feel a connection to. And if you’re really struggling, hold the item close to your heart and ask yourself whether it sparks joy. If the answer is no, then it’s time to let go.
Step 4: Say Thank You and Let Go
Now comes the moment of truth – it’s time to let go of the things that didn’t spark joy and show them the door. But before you do, take a moment to thank them for their service.
You might think this sounds a little crazy, but it’s a way to express gratitude for the things that did bring you joy at some point in your life. And who knows, maybe your old t-shirts and books will find a new home and bring joy to someone else’s life.
Remember that letting go doesn’t mean throwing in the garbage. It means donating items that are still in good condition so someone else may make use of it.
Step 5: Organize by Category
Going back to step two of thinking in categories not rooms, we are now going to organize by category. Once you have decluttered and thanked your non-joy-sparking items, it’s time to organize the things that sparked joy. And this time, it’s recommended to do it by category.
For example, if you’re organizing your clothing, then sort them by type (pants, shirts, dresses, etc.) and then fold or hang everything neatly in your closet.
This can be a fun process, especially if you’re someone who enjoys organizing. Just be warned, things might start to look a little too neat and your friends might start to call you the organization police.
Step 6: R-E-S-P-E-C-T Your Space
The final step in the KonMari method is all about respecting your space. Once you’ve organized your home, it’s important to maintain it. Take the time to put things back where they belong and avoid accumulating too much stuff.
Marie Kondo recommends doing this on a daily basis. And I must say, after embracing this step, my home feels so much more peaceful, organized, and like a true reflection of me.
In conclusion, the KonMari method is a clever and fun way to declutter and simplify your life. It’s all about surrounding yourself with things that truly bring you joy and letting go of the rest. And who knows, you might even discover joy in places you didn’t expect – like a new-found love for organizing or some dusty knick-knack that brings back forgotten memories.
So go ahead, grab a box, and start decluttering. Just remember to thank your items for their non-service, and if things ever get a little too overwhelming remember you can always “Kondo” with it.
