If you’re looking for a highly effective way to declutter your home, the KonMari method may be just what you need. Developed by Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant and author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” this method is a systematic approach to decluttering that emphasizes keeping only the items that spark joy.
Here are the key principles of the KonMari method and how you can apply them to your own home:
- Commit to the process
The KonMari method is not a quick fix or a one-time decluttering project. It requires a commitment to the process of decluttering and organizing your home. To start, set aside a significant amount of time to work on decluttering, such as a weekend or several consecutive days.
- Visualize your ideal lifestyle
Before beginning the decluttering process, take the time to visualize your ideal lifestyle. What kind of space do you want to live in? What activities do you want to prioritize? By focusing on your ideal lifestyle, you can gain clarity on what possessions truly matter to you and what can be let go.
- Tidy by category, not location
The KonMari method recommends tidying by category rather than by location. This means tackling all of the items in a particular category, such as clothing or books, at once, rather than spreading them out throughout the home. This allows you to see the full extent of your possessions in each category and make more informed decisions about what to keep and what to discard.
- Keep only items that spark joy
The key principle of the KonMari method is to keep only the items that spark joy. When decluttering, hold each item in your hands and ask yourself if it brings you joy. If it does, keep it. If not, thank it for its service and let it go.
- Discard before organizing
The KonMari method emphasizes discarding before organizing. This means focusing on getting rid of the items that no longer bring you joy before figuring out how to organize the items that you’ve decided to keep.
- Thank items for their service
Part of the KonMari method involves expressing gratitude for the items that you’re letting go of. By thanking them for their service, you can let go of any guilt or attachment you may feel towards them.
- Store items in a way that sparks joy
Once you’ve decided which items to keep, the KonMari method recommends storing them in a way that sparks joy. This may mean using storage containers that you love, displaying items that bring you joy, or organizing items in a way that makes them easy to access and use.
By following these principles, you can create a clutter-free and joyful living space. Here are some additional tips for applying the KonMari method in your own home:
- Start with clothing
The KonMari method recommends starting with clothing, as it’s often the easiest category to tackle. Begin by taking all of your clothing out of your closet and drawers and sorting through each item one by one.
- Work through categories in a specific order
The KonMari method recommends working through categories in a specific order: clothing, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items. This allows you to build momentum and gain confidence in your decluttering abilities.
- Let go of guilt and obligation
Many people hold onto items out of guilt or a sense of obligation. The KonMari method encourages you to let go of these feelings and focus on keeping only the items that truly bring you joy.
- Don’t worry about perfection
The KonMari method is not about achieving perfection or having a perfectly organized home. It’s about creating a space that reflects your values and priorities and brings you joy.