Spring Cleaning Tips of 2019: Give The KonMari Method a Try

Perhaps the most popular home cleaning and organization trend right now is the KonMari Method. Created by Japanese organization consultant and author Marie Kondo, this method was first introduced in her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing published in 2011. While her book and the follow-up Spark Joy published in 2012 were instant best sellers in Japan and Europe1, they took a while to gain traction in America.

It wasn't until this year, when Netflix released a series called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, that this decluttering method blew up in the States.2 The series followed Marie Kondo as she visited people's homes and helped them go through the emotional process of decluttering and organizing their living spaces. A lot of Americans have a special connection to their stuff, so the series unsurprisingly resonated with many people.

In fact, the series even caused a bit of controversy particularly regarding Kondo's stance on getting rid of books.3 Originating mostly from misunderstanding the KonMari Method4 (you don't have to get rid of any of your books if they all spark joy!), the controversy highlighted some Americans' strong, and perhaps unhealthy, attachment to their material possessions.

The Benefits of Decluttering Your Home

Before you jump to conclusions about the KonMari Method, just know that decluttering your home comes with a multitude of benefits both psychological and financial. A cluttered space can lead to individual stress as well as tension among family members.5 Reduce that anxiety and interpersonal strain by decluttering and organizing your things.

Decluttering can also save you money. If your collection of stuff has overflowed to a separate storage unit, using the KonMari Method may help you stop paying those monthly fees. Using the spring cleaning tips and tricks found in Marie Kondo's books can be especially useful right before a big move. The less stuff you have, the less stuff your Sarasota local movers will have to transport, and the less you will have to pay in moving expenses.

A Basic Outline of Marie Kondo's KonMari Method

If you are following Marie Kondo's advice, the decluttering process should not go room-by-room. Instead, you separate your things into five categories and tackle them in the following order:

1. Clothing

2. Books

3. Papers

4. Komono (miscellaneous items)

5. Mementos (items with sentimental value)

Following this order allows you to progress from easy to more difficult decision-making. For every category, you go through each item and decide whether you want to keep it or discard (and donate) it. You make that decision by asking yourself, “does this item spark joy?” If it does spark joy or continues to hold personal value for you, keep it. If it doesn't, say a small thank you to it before putting it in the donate pile.

After the discarding phase is finished, that's when you start the organization process. You can learn more about that step and plenty of other spring cleaning tips and tricks by purchasing (or borrowing) Marie Kondo's books or checking out her Netflix series!

If you do decide to give the KonMari Method a try, know that you won't be alone. The thrift store chain Goodwill recently reported a spike in donations and credited the rising popularity of Marie Kondo's simple, yet highly effective methods!

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Sources

1. Penelope Green, New York Times - Kissing Your Socks Goodbye

2. Sarah Archer - Tidying Up With Marie Kondo Isn't Really a Makeover Show

3. Madeleine Aggeler, The Cut - The Marie Kondo Book Drama Does Not Spark Joy

4. Laura Schocker, Apartment Therapy - Marie Kondo Doesn't Hate Your Books

5. Alice Boyes Ph.D, Psychology Today - 6 Benefits of an Uncluttered Space