The new Japanese cleaning method that has people going crazy
If you find de-cluttering or organising your home about as enjoyable as having a tooth pulled, it might be time to check out the KonMari method. Devised by Japanese organising extraordinaire, Marie Kondo, this method works on the idea that if you organise and streamline your worldly belongings properly and thoroughly, you’ll never have to do it again. And the big sell? Organising and sorting your possessions in this way has the capacity to bring joy and contentment to your life. Sound too good to be true? Read on to find out more!
What is the KonMari method all about?
The KonMari method is underpinned by the idea that your possessions, whatever they are, should bring joy and happiness to your life. If they don’t, they shouldn’t remain in your home. Instead of assessing things based on usefulness or emotional attachment, you should look at each item and what it brings to your life before keeping or discarding it.
Guiding principles
- Clutter is the enemy of KonMari. If it doesn’t have a place, bin it!
- Your wardrobe should be a place of happiness and joy. Keep the clothes that evoke that feeling and donate or give away the rest.
- Clothes should be treated respectfully. Those that should be hung should be done so neatly and the rest folded and categorised.
- Colours are important. Consider colour coding your wardrobe/bookshelves anywhere where big blocks of different colour may be apparent.
- Leftover papers and bits and bobs should be found a home or discarded.
The pay off
An organised and happy home! Yes, it can be hard work but the KonMari method promises that parting with unnecessary physical objects is worth it for the best emotional health.
Related links:
6 simple ways to de-clutter your kitchen
12 cleaning tricks for hard-to-clean areas around the home
Homemade laundry powder and fabric softener recipes