The KonMari Method
The KonMari Method encourages tidying by category not by location. Beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and finally, sentimental items. Keep only the things that speak to your heart and discard items that no longer spark joy.
The six basic rules of tidying
Commit yourself to tidying up
Setting the intention to seriously tidy up and committing to put in the time and effort is necessary to begin. When you approach your tidying journey with a clear vision and a positive attitude, you will find the energy and motivation you need to tidy all of your belongings in one go.
2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle
Marie Kondo’s tidying process is not about de-cluttering your house or making it look neat on the spur of the moment for visitors. When you imagine your ideal lifestyle, you are really clarifying why you want to tidy and envisioning your best life.
3. Finish discarding first
On a practical level, discarding first also 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.
4. Tidy by category, not by location
Tidy by category-clothes, books, paper, komono (miscellaneous items) and then sentimental and you are on the path to success.
5. Follow the right order
By starting with clothes (relatively easy) and ending with sentimental items (challenging), you hone your decision making skills as you go. By the end of the process, choosing what to keep will become simple.
6. Ask yourself if it Sparks Joy
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 object one at a time, and ask yourself quietly, “Does this spark joy?”