18th Century Diary

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by

Thomas Coady
in

Using the KonMari Method

Are you drowning in clutter? Do you feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff in your home? It might be time to try the KonMari Method, a revolutionary approach to decluttering developed by Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo. Here’s how you can use this method to deal with your excess possessions and create a more serene living space.

Understanding the KonMari Method

The KonMari Method is based on a simple principle: keep only the items that “spark joy” in your life. This approach encourages mindful decision-making about your possessions and helps you create a living space that truly reflects your ideal lifestyle.

Steps to Declutter Using the KonMari Method

  1. Commit to tidying up: This process can be time-consuming, so make sure you’re ready to dedicate yourself to it.
  2. Visualize your ideal lifestyle: Before you start, imagine how you want your space to look and feel. This vision will guide your decluttering decisions.
  3. Tidy by category, not location: Instead of going room by room, Kondo recommends tackling clutter by category in this order:
  • Clothes
  • Books
  • Papers
  • Komono (miscellaneous items)
  • Sentimental items
  1. Discard first: Before organizing, focus on deciding what to keep and what to discard. Gather all items from a category in one place.
  2. Pick up each item: Hold each item and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” If it does, keep it. If not, thank it for its service and let it go.
  3. Organize what’s left: Once you’ve decided what to keep, find a designated spot for each item.

Tips for Success

  • Be honest with yourself about what truly brings you joy.
  • Don’t feel guilty about discarding gifts or sentimental items that no longer serve you.
  • Focus on what you want to keep, not what you want to get rid of.
  • Store similar items together and in easily accessible places.
  • Use Kondo’s folding techniques to maximize drawer space.

The Result

By following the KonMari Method, you’ll not only declutter your space but also gain a new perspective on your possessions. You’ll surround yourself only with items that bring you joy, creating a more peaceful and satisfying living environment.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to declutter, but to reset your entire approach to possessions. Happy tidying!