Did my blog post ‘Declutter Your Life: 4 Compelling Reasons Inside!‘ convince you to declutter? If yes, why wait? While it might be challenging for some, fear not! This blog introduces the transformative KonMari method, offering valuable tips to make decluttering rewarding for everyone.As an advocate of the KonMari method, let’s dive into the journey of decluttering with a fresh perspective. If you’re unfamiliar with Marie Kondo, I will link her books here for you to explore. Her method, a game-changer for many, focuses on decluttering by category rather than location.
The KonMari Categories 🗂️
Marie Kondo outlines five main categories, each with its unique charm, and sometimes subcategories. These include Clothes, Books, Papers, Komono (kitchen, bathroom, garage, everything miscellaneous), and Sentimental Items. She has not only provided us with some categories, she also believes in the order given, but you can be adapted to personal needs, making it flexible for everyone.
Getting Started – Pile It All Up! 📦
For a magical decluttering experience, follow the KonMari method – gather everything from a category, let’s say clothes, and pile it up. This is a game-changer, revealing the true extent of what you own. Don’t be worried or embarrassed if you have way more than you thought, no one will judge you! Take a before-and-after photo to track your progress and feel proud of your accomplishments.
Deciding What Stays and Goes 🌈
The KonMari method simplifies decision-making – keep only what sparks joy. If the concept seems elusive, start by holding one of your favorite items and pay attention to your reaction. Over time, you’ll become adept at recognizing the joy-inducing feeling. Remember, it’s your journey, and there’s no need to justify keeping something that brings you happiness.
Questions to Help Decide❓
In case you still struggle, especially with things that never sparked joy because they are just there to do the job, I have prepared some additional questions to help to decide if you should keep them or not:– Does it make my life easier?
– When was the last time I used it?
– Is it worth the space it takes?
– What’s the worst case if I part from it?
– Can I borrow it if needed?
– Is there a positive side effect if I stop using it?
Handling Items You Don’t Want 🔄
Prepare separate containers for selling, donating, and discarding unwanted items. Avoid just gifting them to friends or family – it’s about freeing yourself, not transferring your burden. Reflect on what you truly need and consider it a win-win if you can provide something your friends or family genuinely need.
Overcoming Procrastination 🚀
If you’re struggling to get started, try these tricks:
1. Write down your reasons for decluttering and place the paper where you’ll see it daily.
2. Prioritize changing your life – consistent efforts yield faster results.
3. Start with the easiest part of a category; save the challenging parts for later.
4. Establish a routine to create momentum.
5. Find a decluttering buddy for mutual motivation.
6. Share your progress with friends and family for added support and encouragement.
Recommended Resources 📚
For further inspiration, check out Marie Kondo’s insightful books and her Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Additionally, explore Bea Johnson’s book, “Zero Waste Home”, to embrace sustainable living.
Conclusion
Remember that this is your life, no one will live it for you. It is the sum of all your decisions and actions. It is too late to change the past but is never too late to start changing your future. So, let’s get hustling and turn your life downside up!
Comment on this: Have you read one of the books written by Marie Kondo or Bea Johnson?
