Start tidying up the KonMari way

I’m sure by now you have heard of the Marie Kondo movement sweeping the nation. If not, let me catch you up…

Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant and author. She has written four books on organizing and her book “The Life Changing of Tidying Up” which was written in 2011, has been published in more than 30 countries. Kondo’s method of organizing is known as the KonMari method and it consists of gathering together all of one’s belongings, one category at a time and then keeping only those things that “spark joy.” In January 2019, Netflix released a series called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. In the series, Kondo visits various American family homes full of clutter and guides the families in tidying up their houses through her KonMari method.

So why all the hype over cleaning up one’s home and life? Many of us feel overwhelmed on a daily basis. Many of our daily problems are out of our control. But our home? We are the peacemakers of our homes. By clearing out what doesn’t bring us joy and better organizing what does, we are able to truly enjoy and feel at peace in the home we live in. Here are a few examples of what the KonMari method of tidying up could do for you:

  • More free time to focus on what matters most in your life
  • Less feelings of overwhelm and burnout
  • Clarity of your ideal lifestyle and goals
  • Increased productivity to get the right things done & achieve your goals this year
  • More energy for yourself, loved ones and activities you used to enjoy

Tips to get you started:

☆ Marie Kondo suggests decluttering by category and not location

☆ Only keep items that are needed and that spark joy

☆ Start with easier categories and save the harder/sentimental categories for last

☆ Use this checklist to cross things off as you go

Not ready to commit just yet? Start by incorporating these 5 daily habits into your life.

BRING FRESH AIR INTO YOUR HOUSE

First thing in the morning, invigorate your home by opening all the windows to let in fresh air. This serves as a “good morning” greeting to your house and to yourself.

SIP WHAT SPARKS JOY EACH MORNING

Whether it’s hot water, herbal tea, sparkling water, etc., decide what you wish to drink first thing in the morning, depending on your mood and what “sparks joy.” By becoming more conscious about the the “joy” your body is seeking, you will be able to be more conscious about what sparks joy for you throughout the day.

GIVE THANKS TO YOUR BELONGINGS

When you return the jacket you wore or the bag you used to your closet at the end of the day, do so with gratitude, saying, “Thank you for supporting me today.”

RETURN EACH BELONGING TO ITS DESIGNATED PLACE

Before you go to sleep, reset your mind and body by returning each belonging to its designated place. It is ideal to do this every morning before you leave the house too.

REFLECT AT THE END OF THE DAY

At the end of the day, reflect on what sparked joy for you that day. It can be anything – including people you meet or events that occurred.