The Joy of Decluttering with KonMari

In this post, we discuss a simple, effective, low-stress approach to decluttering your home. This approach the “KonMari” method. In this post, we will outline this approach to help you make it an effective and rewarding method of decluttering your home and winning back peace in your life!

The KonMari method, developed by Marie Kondo, is a popular approach to decluttering and organizing your home. It focuses on the idea of keeping only the items that spark joy in your life and letting go of things that no longer serve you. The method is designed to create a sense of order, promote mindfulness, and help you maintain a clutter-free living space.

To begin, you follow a five-step process:

1. Vision: Have a vision for your ideal lifestyle. What kind of life do you want to live? What kind of home do you want to live in? Once you have a clear vision and the right mindset, you can start to declutter your belongings to make room for the things that will support that vision.
2. Tidy by Category, Not Location: Kondo believes that it is more effective to declutter by category, such as clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items. This is because it helps you to see all your belongings of a certain type at once, so you can make more informed decisions about what to keep and what to discard.

Tip! Marie Kondo recommends following a specific order when tidying up:

1. Clothing
2. Books
3. Paper
4. Komono (miscellaneous items)
5. Sentimental items

1. Does It Spark Joy? When you are decluttering, hold each item in your hands and ask yourself if it sparks joy. If it does, keep it. If it doesn’t, discard it. This may seem like a simple question, but it can be surprisingly difficult to answer. However, it is an important question to ask because it helps you to focus on the things that are truly important to you.
2. Discard First, Then Organize: Focus on discarding items first before thinking about storage and organization. By reducing the number of items that you own, you’ll naturally have an easier time organizing what’s left.
   1. Tip! Part of the discarding process is expressing gratitude for the items you’re letting go of. Before you discard an item, take a moment to thank it for its service. This may seem strange, but it can help you to let go of the item with more ease. This mindset shift can also make the process of decluttering more positive and less overwhelming.
3. Organize Neatly: Once you’ve pared down your belongings to those that truly spark joy, you can focus on organizing them in a way that’s accessible and visually pleasing. It is important to fold and store them neatly. This will help you to keep your home tidy and organized.

Here’s are some examples of the KonMari method:

Examples:

1. Clothing: Take out all your clothing from drawers, closets, and storage. Hold each piece and consider if it sparks joy. For instance, that sweater you never wear but keep around “just in case” might not bring you joy. Let it go and keep only the items that make you feel good.
2. Books: As you pick up each book, think about whether it’s something you’d want to read again or if it holds sentimental value. Let go of books that no longer resonate with you. It is recommended that you discard any books that you have not read and any books that are damaged.
3. Paper: This includes documents, letters, and various paper items. Sort through them and keep only what’s necessary, such as important documents. Discard old receipts and unnecessary paperwork.
4. Komono (Miscellaneous): This is a broad category that includes kitchen items, electronics, decorations, and more. For example, go through your kitchen gadgets and keep only the ones you regularly use and find joy in using.
   1. Tip! For komono, try decluttering by category, such as kitchen supplies, bathroom supplies, and miscellaneous items.
5. Sentimental Items: These can be the most challenging to declutter. Start with easier sentimental items, like old clothes, and gradually work up to more emotionally charged items like letters or gifts. Keep those that hold deep meaning and let go of those that no longer resonate with you.
   1. Tip! Take photos of sentimental items before you discard them. That way you can still remember them!

The KonMari method is about surrounding yourself with items that bring you joy and align with your current life. It’s not just about tidying up, but also about creating a living space that supports your well-being and happiness.

Remember! Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task! By following these approaches and tips, you can make the process simple, rewarding, and more enjoyable.

We hope this helps and sets you on a path to less stress and a decluttered home! Please contact us if you have any questions or need any assistance!

“Less Clutter – Less Stress. Make your space a Simple Space.”