Declutter and Spark Joy: A Guide to the KonMari Method

In a world cluttered with stuff, it’s no surprise that decluttering has become a hot topic. The KonMari method, developed by organising expert Marie Kondo, has taken the world by storm with its promise to not only help you tidy up but also to “spark joy” in your life. If you’re drowning in a sea of belongings and looking for a transformative way to declutter, this method might be just what you need. In this blog post, I’ll share more about the KonMari method, its core principles, and how you can apply it to five key categories: Clothes, Books, Paper, Komono (Miscellaneous), and Sentimental items.

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The KonMari Method: A Life-Changing Approach to Decluttering

The KonMari method is more than just a way to tidy up; it’s a philosophy that encourages you to cherish the items that truly bring joy to your life while letting go of those that no longer serve a purpose. It’s about finding a balance between material possessions and the intangible happiness they can bring. In The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying, Marie Kondo’s goes through her approach to decluttering, which can be summarised in a few key principles:

1. Tidying by Category, Not Location: Traditional decluttering methods often focus on tidying up room by room. In contrast, KonMari suggests you sort your belongings by category. This means you’ll gather all items of a specific category, like clothes, from every room in your home and work through them together.
2. Discard Before Organising: Kondo advocates for discarding items before organising what’s left. This ensures you only keep what truly sparks joy, rather than just finding a new spot for items you don’t need.
3. Keep What Sparks Joy: The heart of the KonMari method is the concept of “sparking joy.” When you pick up an item, consider how it makes you feel. If it doesn’t spark joy, it’s time to let it go.
4. Gratitude: Before discarding an item, thank it for its service. This gratitude can help you appreciate the role it played in your life, even if you no longer need it.

So how can you apply these principles to the five main categories of decluttering?

1. Clothes

Starting with clothing is a fantastic way to ease into the KonMari method. We all have clothes we rarely wear or that don’t make us feel our best. To declutter your wardrobe, follow these steps:

• Gather all your clothes: Take all your clothing items, from coats to socks, and pile them in one place (your bed is a good place to do this).
• Hold each item: This might feel a bit of a weird one but stick with it! Pick up each item one by one and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?”. If the answer is yes, keep it; if it’s a no, it’s time to say goodbye.
• Fold and store: Kondo’s unique file-folding method allows you to see all your clothes at a glance. This not only saves space but also helps you maintain an organised closet.
• Gratitude: Thank the clothes you’re discarding for the role they played in your life.

By applying the KonMari method to your clothing, you’ll be left with a wardrobe that consists only of pieces that make you feel great every day and you won’t have that overwhelm and decision fatigue when it comes to choosing what to wear. An organised wardrobe is a good thing!

2. Books

For book lovers (like me!), parting with books can be a real challenge. However, the KonMari method can help you decide which books truly belong on your shelves. Here’s how:

• Gather all your books: Collect every book you own from various rooms in your home.
• Touch and feel: Hold each book in your hands and think about the joy it brings you. Does it have sentimental value, or is it something you genuinely want to read again? If not, it might be time to let it go.
• Display with love: Once you’ve decided which books to keep, display them with care. Kondo recommends organising books vertically, which not only looks visually pleasing but also makes it easier to access your favourite reads.
• Donate or gift: Consider donating or gifting books that no longer spark joy to spread the joy to others.

3. Paper

Paper clutter can be overwhelming, from old bills to magazines and letters. The KonMari method can help you sort through these piles and create an organised system:

• Gather all your paper: Collect all your paper items in one place, including mail, documents, and miscellaneous paper.
• Sort and shred: Go through each paper item and decide what’s necessary to keep. Kondo suggests categories like “Pending,” “Important,” and “Miscellaneous.” Shred or recycle items that are no longer needed.
• File with care: Organize the important papers into labelled files or folders, making them easily accessible and neatly arranged.
• Digitalise: Consider digitising important documents to reduce paper clutter further.

4. Komono (Miscellaneous)

This category covers a wide range of items, including kitchen utensils, electronics, and even toiletries. Here’s how to tackle this diverse group with the KonMari method:

• Gather by subcategory: Group similar items together, such as kitchen gadgets, office supplies, or bathroom products. Do one category of items at a time to avoid overwhelm.
• The “Spark Joy” check: Go through each subcategory and apply the “spark joy” test. Keep only what makes you genuinely happy or serves a functional purpose in your life.
• Store mindfully: Find suitable storage solutions for the items you’ve chosen to keep, ensuring they are easily accessible and well-organised.
• Discard thoughtfully: Dispose of items that no longer spark joy, but do so in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. Recycle what you can.

5. Sentimental Items

Sentimental items often pose the greatest challenge when decluttering. These are the things with deep emotional connections, such as old photos, love letters, or keepsakes. The KonMari method can help you preserve the memories without overwhelming your living space:

• Gather all sentimental items: Collect all sentimental items in one place.
• Review with care: Take your time to review each item and reflect on the memories they hold. Only keep items that truly spark joy and bring positive emotions.
• Organise mindfully: Store these items in a way that keeps them safe and accessible. Consider using special containers or boxes to protect delicate items.
• Create a sentimental space: Dedicate a special place in your home to display or store these items, ensuring that they are always a source of joy and nostalgia.

The Marie Kondo Approach

The KonMari method offers a life-changing approach to decluttering that goes beyond mere tidying. It encourages you to build a more intentional and joyous life by keeping only the items that truly matter to you. While it may take time and effort to apply this method to all five categories, the results are often transformative. Remember, the goal is not just to declutter but to create a home filled with items that spark joy and make you truly happy.

As you embark on your KonMari journey, be patient with yourself. The process can be emotional, but it’s also liberating. Letting go of things that no longer serve you can open up space in your life for new experiences, relationships, and opportunities. So, as you sort through your clothes, books, paper, komono, and sentimental items, trust the process and create a home you love to live in.

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