Marie Kondo's new Netflix show Tidying Up has inspired many to take a hard look at their clutter, tackle mountains of clothes, and strive for that elusive "spark of joy." I first discovered Marie Kondo’s approach about a year ago after reading her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Her KonMari method, a minimalist style of organizing, quickly became a life-changing practice for me.
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By simplifying my living space, I’ve noticed two major changes in my life: less stress and more time for the things that matter most. Tidying and decluttering, once overwhelming, are now tasks I genuinely enjoy. But if you're feeling unsure or daunted by the idea of decluttering your home, you're not alone. Tidying Up shows that it can be an emotional process, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. Here are three tips that helped me embrace the KonMari method and make the process feel much more manageable.
1. Make It a Daily Habit
Once you've completed the KonMari method by tackling all five categories—clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental objects—it's time to maintain your clutter-free lifestyle. It’s easier than it sounds! Simply dedicate just five minutes each day to tidying up. Whether it's a quick sweep of the kitchen or a bit of closet organizing, consistent daily maintenance adds up over time. Not sure where to start? Download our FREE printable chart to guide you through daily tasks!
2. Divide and Conquer
When cleaning out any space, break it down into three categories: Trash, Sell, and Donate.
- Trash anything expired or irreparably broken—without guilt!
- Sell anything with value that you’re motivated to sell (but give yourself a deadline! If it doesn't sell, donate it).
- Donate items that can provide value to someone else.
By keeping it simple and sticking to these three categories, you’ll make quick decisions and feel good about letting go.
3. Ask Hard Questions
The hardest part of the KonMari process is letting go of items, especially sentimental ones. To make it easier, ask yourself these important questions:
- Does this item benefit my life?
- Does it still serve a purpose or function properly?
- Does it spark joy or make me smile?
- When was the last time I used it? Do I need it in the future?
- If I were shopping right now, would I buy this item again?
These questions force you to really consider the value of each item and help you decide if it truly deserves space in your home.
While Marie Kondo’s show depicts families working tirelessly for weeks or even months to declutter, I believe the process doesn’t need to be overwhelming. The key is going through the KonMari process as thoroughly as you can, but also being kind to yourself by maintaining the habit of tidying up just five minutes a day. Small, consistent efforts will lead to big results. Soon, you’ll notice less clutter, less stress, and a whole lot more of that spark of joy.
A version of this article was originally published in January of 2019, by Sarah Hauge, publisher of Macaroni Kid, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Centennial, Colo.
