If you watch a lot of Netflix shows or generally keep up with the trends, you’ve been probably hearing a lot about the Konmari method and the phrase “spark joy.” But what exactly is this method, and why are so many people intrigued by it? Keep reading to find out how you can incorporate this method in your own home.
What is the Konmari Method?
Founded by Japanese tidying expert and best-selling author Marie Kondo, the Konmari method, according to Marie’s website, “The KonMari Method is a state of mind and a way of life that encourages cherishing the things that spark joy in one’s life. Belongings are acknowledged for their service and thanked before being let go should they no longer spark joy. People around the world are drawn to this philosophy not only due to its effectiveness but also because it places great importance on being mindful, introspective and optimistic.“
Basically, the KonMari method is not just a simple way of decluttering, it’s a way of life and a movement.
The Principles of the Konmari Method and How To Do It
Marie Kondo’s Konmari method has six principles. Here is how you can apply them in your life:
Commit yourself to tidying up
Before decluttering, make sure you’re fully committed to this lifestyle. You don’t have to be fully into it, but you have to be ready to let go of some things and actually clean and organize your room/area.
Imagine your ideal lifestyle
What is your ideal life? Visualize it in your mind and focus on that. If you are a visual person, create a mood board of your ideal lifestyle. As Marie mentioned, the Konmari method is not just a way of cleaning but, it is a lifestyle.
Finish letting go first
Prepare yourself to get rid of the things that do not “spark joy” anymore.
Tidy by category, not location
Streamline your process by tidying by category instead of the location. This will save you time and keep you more organized as you don’t have to repeat the process of decluttering each room. By tidying per category, Kondo claims that you won’t turn back to your old ways.
Follow the right order
When decluttering, Kondo said the order is: Clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellany), and mementos. For each category, there are further breakdowns to help you get through everything.
Ask yourself if it sparks joy
Lastly, the question, “does it spark joy?” When getting rid of clutter and you are unsure whether you should discard or keep it, ask yourself, does this thing spark joy? If it does, keep it. If not, then get rid of it or donate it.
And that is the Konmari method, easy, isn’t it? Have you tried it, or are you planning to try it? Let us know in the comments, and share with us your Konmari’d home. Remember, this method is not just one tiny thing, it is a way of life. And with that, I leave you a quote from Marie, “People cannot change their habits without first changing their way of thinking.”