I was scrolling through Pinterest one day for organization inspiration for our upcoming baby’s clothing, as we will be creating a nursery nook in our master bedroom for at least the first 6 months, and I came across this folding method that was absolutely remarkable. It was so pleasing to the eye, each item was folded in a way that you were able to see every piece of clothing in the drawer and everything was just so neat. I immediately knew that I had to try it out for myself and began watching youtube video tutorials on how to master the konmari fold for all our newborn clothing, and the results were incredible. Just looking at this neatly folded drawer of baby clothes and being able to see and appreciate every piece was so calming mentally. Click here to watch my reel showing you a step-by-step tutorial on how to fold newborn clothes using the konmari method.
This is when I decided to google the konmari method and see what more I could learn from this mystery person, and then I came across this life-changing book: the life-changing magic of tidying up– the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing by marie kondo. Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. Mind you, I have not had the patience or energy to read a single book since middle school besides my college textbooks until this. That’s how good it is.
What is the KonMari Method?
The life-changing magic of tidying up– the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing book states that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. I have always done the room-by-room method and it feels like I am living in a never ending cycle of cleaning and trying to declutter. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo’s clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list). I recently started using this method and the results have been phenomenal. The areas that I have applied this too so far happen to be the cleanest and tidiest I have ever seen them to be.
Let’s begin by learning the six rules of the KonMari method:
The KonMari Method™ is not a quick fix for a messy room or a once-in-a-while approach to tidying. It’s a chance to reset your entire life–but only if you commit to following its principles.
Kondo, Marie. “6 Rules of Tidying” KonMari (blog), March 23, 2022, https://konmari.com/category/marie-kondo-six-rules-of-tidying/
01
Commit yourself to tidying up.
Setting the intention to tidy up–and resolving to put in the time and effort required– is the first rule of tidying. When you approach your tidying festival with a clear vision and a can-do attitude, you’ll find the energy and motivation you need to tidy all of your belongings in one go.
The effort will be worth it in the end. Not only will you experience the joy of living with objects you love, but you’ll also be on the path to establishing your ideal lifestyle.
02
Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
Think about what kind of house you want to live in and how you want to live in it. You can do this by drawing, writing or even creating a moodboard on pinterest. When you imagine your ideal lifestyle, you are really clarifing why you want to tidy and envisioning your best life. The tidying process represents a turning point–so seriously consider the ideal lifestyle to which you aspire.
03
Finish discarding first.
Discarding is an important part of the process because it provides an opportunity to learn from your past experiences. If you let go of a belonging you never used, it taught you that you have no purpose for something like it in your life. Thinking deeply about each item you discard will affect how you live and acquire new things moving forward.
On a practical level, discarding first allows you to have an accurate grasp of how much actually needs to be stored. Only after you’ve discarded can you turn your full energy and attention to that which brings you joy.
04
Tidy by category, NOT by location.
People often store the same type of item in more than one place. When you tidy each place separately, you’re repeating the same work in many locations.
People often store the same type of item in more than one place. When you tidy each place separately, you’re repeating the same work in many locations.
Tidy by category– clothes, books, paper, komono (miscellaneous items) and then sentimental items— and you’re on the path to success.
05
Follow the right order.
The order in which you tidy is crucial. Tidying your belongings in this order– clothes, books, papers, komono and sentimental items– has proven to be the most efficient and effective.
Starting with clothes (relatively easy) and ending with sentimental items (challenging) you hone your decision making skills as you go; by the end, choosing what to keep seems simple.
Another reason to start with clothing is by completing that category it provides you with tangible proof of your efforts. Being greeted by your favorite clothes in a tidied closet each morning is motivation to keep going!
As you move through each category, your energy and enthusiasm increases; you may be physically tired, but getting rid of unnecessary clutter acts as an invigorating pick-me-up. Throughout the process, you gain a deeper understanding of the method–and of yourself.
06
Ask yourself what sparks joy.
Only you can know what kind of environment makes you happy– this is the underlying principle of the KonMari Method™. In the KonMari Method™, your feelings are the standard for decision making–specifically, knowing what sparks joy.
To determine this when tidying, the key is to pick up each item one at a time, and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” Pay attention to how your body responds. Joy is personal, so everyone will experience it differently; Marie describes it as “…a little thrill, as if the cells in your body are slowly rising.”
Through the process of selecting only those things that inspire you, you can identify precisely what you love– and what you need.
Kondo, Marie. “6 Rules of Tidying” KonMari (blog), March 23, 2022, https://konmari.com/category/marie-kondo-six-rules-of-tidying/
Of course this is just the basics, so if you want the full experience you have got to get the book: the life-changing magic of tidying up– the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing by marie kondo. It is very thorough and motivational. If you plan on joining me in resetting your life and becoming more mindful, instrospective and forward-looking or have already tried this method, leave a comment. I woud love to hear your stories, tips, tricks and experience!
This is NOT a collaborative post. I genuinely bought the book and enjoyed it. The book has inspired me so much that I had to share it with you all by documenting my experience so far and some tips and tricks I have learned. All opinions are my own, tips were directly taken from the book: the life-changing magic of tidying up– the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing by marie kondo.
✿❁✿❁✿❁✿
Spring Cleaning Blogs
Ive connected with some amazing bloggers to share some spring cleaning tips with you! Head to each of their accounts to check out what they’re sharing. #bloggersconnecttribe
Cheyenne: 6 spring cleaning tips (free checklist printable included)
Lexie: Easy spring cleaning checklist
Krystalyn: Kitchen Spring Cleaning | Useful purchases for a new homestyle
Heather: 3 Easy Ways to Encourage Your Child to Clean Up – becoming the bakers
