Marie Kondo has sold millions of copies of her books worldwide and now has her own Netflix show called Tidying Up. During the show Kondo introduces the world to the KonMari method. Viewers (including myself) have been hooked since it first started streaming at the beginning of the year.
Kondo's premise to help people organise and declutter their homes using the KonMari method. One of the main items is helping people to only keep items that "spark joy". This has inspired people all around the globe to have a new year's clear out. Here are the five main things with have learnt from Tidying Up.
You start by making a mess
Kondo's first basic rule is to fully commit, once you start there is no going back - and she's completely right. One thing I've learnt is you are best to start with your clothes, as per the order. You have to take all your clothes out of your wardrobe and drawers and pile them up. You definitely need to make a mess before you start tidying up.
Does it "Spark Joy"
If you are like me and struggle to throw items away, then this step may be able to help you. Kondo tells her clients to pick up each item individually and see how that item makes them feel. If this item "sparks joy" then you can keep that item. If the item doesn't "spark joy" then you throw away that item after thanking it for everything.
Tidy in order
Instead of just tackling area randomly and then getting overwhelmed or lost in the mess, you should follow this order as it will help to structure your tidying. It will also make your tidying more effective and efficient. The KonMari Method suggest the following order;
Clothes
Books
Documents
Miscellaneous Items
Mementos
Folding method that's a game changer
If your drawers are overflowing and you can't fit anything else in the drawers then you are going to want to adopt this folding method. Rather than sorting your clothes into piles, Kondo has a special method of folding that allows you to store items side by side, better using the space. You will never forget about an item of clothing again.
Are you grateful for what you have?
It's very easy to focus on the items in which we don't have rather than the items we do have, but Kondo encourages people to be grateful for what they do have. This extends to the items you no longer want or need, before discarding items Kondo says thank you to every thing. This makes tidying up a lot more of a positive experience.
Question: What are your tidying up tips?
See you next time
Jade