With the Konmari method, you can effectively clean up and clear out. Things that you don’t actually need accumulate quickly in the household. And according to the tidying expert, we should get rid of the unnecessary ballast. Consequently, their Konmari principle helps to create order.
With this method, you will keep track of your wardrobe, bookshelves, and your documents in the future. You get rid of unnecessary things that you no longer need. And that makes you feel freer and happier.
The Konmari principle
The most important basic principle is the time factor. Because the mucking out takes place over a relatively short period of time of a maximum of six months. The inventor Marie Kondo distinguishes between categories when it comes to correct and effective tidying up. Consequently, the procedure is not based on rooms, but on the degree of difficulty and emotional connection. This means that categories with little emotional connection come first, as these are easier to let go of.
As a result, you start with the issue of clothing and end with cleaning out memorabilia. The Konmari Method isn’t about uncomfortable truths or why it’s all piled up and messy. It’s about trusting your own judgment and regaining self-confidence. The basic principles of the method are as follows:
- Touching each piece is important in the Konmari method. It is about the sensations that objects trigger. If the part you’re holding makes you uncomfortable, then get rid of it, even if it’s not broken.
- Assignment of a permanent place. The objects that remain at the end are given a permanent place. Accordingly, clothes should not lie in piles in the closet. Because that is far too confusing, the things below lose their existence.
1) Tidy up the closet with Konmari
Since the closet is actually always full, you can clean it out at any time. Because you couldn’t really part with the last clean-out campaign and something new has also been added. So now try the Konmari wardrobe method. This means that it is no longer just ancient or broken parts that end up in the old clothes bag. Now everything is thrown out that doesn’t make you happy. Since everyone has an intuitive yes-no feeling when they pick something up, you should now trust your feelings. Shoes that pinch or dresses that don’t fit perfectly should be removed. Also, note our tips for a fresh scent in the wardrobe.
2) Clear out books and DVDs
Many people have an emotional connection to books and cannot throw them away. What’s on a bookshelf says something about a person. But often the books are there only to impress others and to give the impression of being well-read. For example, university books are still on the shelves after 20 years. Hardly anyone reads a thriller where the end is known a second time. The purpose of a book, according to Marie Kondo, is to convey information or entertainment through a beautiful story. Once the book has been read, it has served its purpose. You can earn good money on the internet with books and DVDs. Because you can sell them on eBay or other portals. As a result, you have room for something new.
3) Arrange documents using the Konmari method
After you have cleared out the closet and your books with Konmari, documents and papers come next. You should put the important ones in folders that are properly labeled. But anything that doesn’t necessarily need to be removed should go. This includes reminders of the tuition fees when you have long since finished your studies, the operating instructions for the washing machine, or the old bank statements that are now available digitally. In addition, note our tips for clearing out a messy apartment.
4) Tidy up the odds and ends with the Konmari principle
The small stuff is usually the largest category. With supplies and medicine, it’s pretty easy. Anything that has expired goes in the trash without a second thought. There are other things that can also be cleaned up here, such as the corkscrew that nobody can handle, or the decoration that has never been used. So separate yourself from the following things in this category. Also, read our article on tidying up and decluttering the kitchen.
- kitchen utensils
- Stocks
- medication
- decorative items
- office supplies
- digital odds and ends, like newsletters
5) The hardest category – Memories
The memories come at the end. These are the most difficult part. But after the previous categories and the practice you have gained, it should be a little easier for you. For example, there are postcards lying around that someone sent at some point. Still, it’s hard to throw them away. Marie Kondo says that some objects just have to serve a purpose. The postcard gave joy when it arrived and thus served its purpose. With photos, it is even more difficult. But often we have many snapshots that are of poor quality and can be deleted. As a result, only the good pictures that evoke beautiful memories remain. And these should be stored securely so that nothing is lost.
