How to Declutter Your Home Using the KonMari Method

Decluttering your home can be a daunting task, but the KonMari method offers a structured and effective approach to tackle this challenge. Developed by Marie Kondo, this method emphasizes tidying by category rather than by location and focuses on keeping only those items that spark joy. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you declutter your home using the KonMari method.

TLDR

1. Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle: Create a vision board to set the tone.
2. Tidy by Category: Follow the specific order: Clothing, Books, Paper, Komono (Miscellaneous), and Sentimental items.
3. Does It Spark Joy? Keep only items that bring you joy.
4. Organize Efficiently: Store items by category and learn the KonMari folding technique.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle

Before diving into the decluttering process, take some time to visualize your ideal lifestyle. Create a vision board featuring images and words that represent how you want your home to feel and look. This will serve as a reference point throughout the process. For example, pick out five outfits that make you feel great and use them as a benchmark for deciding which clothes to keep.

Step 2: Tidy by Category, Not by Location

The KonMari method emphasizes tidying by category rather than by room. The categories are as follows:

1. Clothing: This includes jackets, shoes, bags, and accessories.
2. Books: Gather all the books in your home.
3. Paper: This includes documents, mail, and other paper items.
4. Komono (Miscellaneous): This category covers everything else, from kitchen items to electronics.
5. Sentimental Items: These are items with emotional value, like photos and letters.

You should follow this order because it helps you build your decision-making skills. Starting with clothing, which is generally the largest category, allows you to fine-tune your ability to discern what sparks joy.

Step 3: Does It Spark Joy?

Marie Kondo's method revolves around the question, "Does this spark joy?" For each item you pick up, ask yourself this question. If the answer is no, thank the item for its service and let it go. This might sound silly, but it’s a powerful way to acknowledge the role the item played in your life and make it easier to part with.

Step 4: Organize Efficiently

Once you've decided what to keep, it's time to organize. Here are some tips:

1. Store by Category: Keep similar items together. For instance, store all your office supplies in one place.
2. File Fold Your Clothes: The KonMari folding technique is a game-changer. Fold clothes into small, rectangular packages that can stand upright. This not only saves space but also makes it easier to see everything at a glance.
3. Maximize Space: Make sure frequently used items are easily accessible, while less-used items can be stored in less prominent places.

Step 5: Maintain the System

The final step is to maintain the system you've created. Only bring items into your home that spark joy and serve a purpose. Regularly take inventory of your belongings and declutter as necessary to keep your space tidy and joyful.

Good Practices and Tips

• Accountability Partner: If possible, work with an accountability partner. Having someone to support you can make the process more enjoyable and effective.
• Sentimental Items: Save sentimental items for last. By the time you reach this category, you'll be better equipped to make decisions about what to keep.
• Digital Decluttering: Don't forget to declutter digital spaces like your computer and phone. Apply the same principles to keep only what sparks joy.

Author's Personal Thoughts

Having gone through the KonMari method myself, I can attest to its transformative power. The process not only declutters your home but also shifts your mindset towards a more intentional way of living. It may seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into categories and following the steps methodically makes it manageable. The sense of accomplishment and peace that comes with a decluttered home is truly life-changing.

References

• Marie Kondo Method: Declutter and Tidy Your Home Only Once
• HOW TO ORGANIZE AN APARTMENT USING THE KONMARI METHOD

Tags

• decluttering
• konmari method
• home organization
• marie kondo
• tidying up