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With the often hectic and busy nature of modern life, our homes frequently become cluttered with items that we no longer need or love, leaving us with undesirable spaces that we are not inspired by. Enter Marie Kondo, the Japanese organising consultant whose KonMari Method has transformed homes and lives worldwide.

Her philosophy goes beyond mere tidying; it’s about creating spaces that spark joy and support a peaceful, purposeful life. Here’s a detailed look at Marie Kondo’s decluttering method and how to apply it to your space.

Commit to Tidying Up

The first step in the KonMari Method is making a firm commitment to the process. Decluttering isn’t just a weekend project; it’s a journey that requires dedication and a positive mindset. By committing to tidying up, you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the task ahead.

This commitment is crucial for achieving lasting results and transforming your living space. I know tidying up can sometimes be viewed as a dreaded task, which you might put off for ‘another time’. However, that mindset will not give you the results you are truly after. Committing to this process and choosing to see the positive will lead you to your desired outcome. 

Imagine Your Ideal Lifestyle

Before diving into decluttering, take time to visualise your ideal lifestyle. What does your dream home look like? How does it make you feel? This step is about identifying what you want to achieve through tidying up. Your vision will serve as a motivation and guide throughout the decluttering process. It’s about creating a space that supports your goals and brings you joy.

Tidy by Category, Not Location

One of the key principles of the KonMari Method is to tidy by category rather than by location. Instead of tackling one room at a time, you focus on specific categories of items, such as clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items (Komono), and sentimental items. This approach allows you to see the full extent of your belongings and make more informed decisions about what to keep and discard.

Follow the Right Order

Marie Kondo suggests a specific order for decluttering: clothes, books, papers, Komono, and sentimental items. This order is designed to help you build momentum and hone your decision-making skills as you progress. Starting with less emotionally charged items like clothes and then moving towards more sentimental items makes the overall process easier and more effective, making the process feel more rewarding as you go and will help remove the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

Does it Spark Joy?

The cornerstone of the KonMari Method is the question: “Does it spark joy?” When evaluating each item, hold it in your hands and pay attention to your emotional response. If it brings you joy, keep it. If not, thank it for its service and let it go. This practice encourages mindfulness and helps you surround yourself with things that genuinely make you happy. It shifts the focus from what to discard to what to cherish.

Remember, you do not have to throw everything into the bin. Donating items, reselling items, or recycling items are all great options that I encourage you to make, and can then allow for the process to feel less stressful or sad and more purposeful and inspiring instead. 

Organise with Purpose

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organise the items you’ve decided to keep. The KonMari Method emphasises finding a specific place for each item and storing things to make them easy to access and put away. Marie Kondo advocates for simple, intuitive storage solutions, such as using boxes to organise drawers and standing items upright to save space and make them more visible.

Respect Your Belongings

Marie Kondo encourages treating your belongings with respect. This means folding clothes neatly, handling items gently, and storing them so they can “rest” when not in use. By showing respect for your possessions, you are fostering a sense of gratitude and mindfulness, which can enhance your overall well-being.

Maintain the Momentum

Decluttering is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. This isn’t about having a “decluttering weekend” but instead having an ongoing mindset and being forthright with the process. The KonMari Method provides a framework for maintaining a tidy home by encouraging regular assessment and adjustment. Make a habit of evaluating your belongings periodically and practising gratitude for the items that serve you well.

This continuous effort ensures that your home remains a space of joy and tranquillity and a space that you want to return to, that refreshes and refuels you and leaves you feeling happy, motivated, and inspired. Make it a space that reflects your warmth and happiness, not a space that hides it. 

Benefits of the KonMari Method

Applying the KonMari Method can lead to numerous benefits beyond just a tidier home. Many people have reported feeling less stressed, more focused, and more content with their living spaces, which I’m sure we all strive to have. The process of decluttering can also create a greater appreciation for the things you have and a more mindful approach to future purchases. By surrounding yourself with items that spark joy, you encourage an environment that supports your happiness and well-being.

In conclusion, Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method is more than just a technique for tidying up; it’s a philosophy that promotes mindfulness, gratitude, and joy. Following her method, you can transform your home into a space that reflects your ideal lifestyle and nurtures your well-being. So, embark on your decluttering journey today and experience the profound impact it can have on your life.