Marie Kondo, a Japanese organising consultant and author, created the KonMari Method to help people clear clutter and focus on the things that truly bring joy. This minimalist-inspired approach encourages individuals to let go of the unnecessary and keep only what sparks happiness in their lives. It’s not designed for extreme hoarders, but rather for those who simply have more belongings than they need.
When you begin the process, Kondo advises that you focus on sorting by category, not by room. For instance, tackle all of your clothes at once, rather than going through individual piles in different spaces. This helps prevent the process from feeling endless and fragmented.
Kondo’s method follows six essential principles. These are: commit to tidying, imagine your ideal lifestyle, finish discarding before organising, tidy by category, follow the correct order, and ask yourself whether each item sparks joy. The final principle—asking if an item brings joy—is key to ensuring that your home only contains things that truly matter to you.
The method goes beyond simple tidying, offering a more profound impact on your life. It involves taking everything out of cupboards, drawers, and bookshelves, and evaluating each item individually. While this can feel strange, the process often leads to a clearer vision of what should stay in your home.
Kondo suggests addressing five key categories in a specific order: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items (known as ‘Komono’), and finally, sentimental items. By tackling these areas in sequence, you can create a home that promotes joy and prosperity. According to Kondo, if you organise your space properly from the start, you’ll only need to do it once.
After completing the decluttering process, many people find they see their homes in a new light. This fresh perspective may inspire updates like new curtains, a fresh coat of paint, or updated flooring. The result is a home that not only feels more organised but also more in tune with the life you want to live.
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