Decluttering Method Master KonMari in 7 Steps
Are you excited to for this Complete Guide to Decluttering Your Entire Home with the KonMari Method?
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and disorder in your home? You’re not alone (including me, sometimes as organise parson). Many people struggle to keep their living spaces clean and organised.
The good news is that there’s a simple yet effective decluttering method that can help – the KonMari Method.
Created by Japanese organising consultant Marie Kondo, the KonMari Method provides a framework for tidying up your entire home once and for all.
The key is to declutter by category, not by location (room). You focus on one category at a time – clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items – and purge anything that doesn’t “spark joy.”
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through “how to use the KonMari Method to declutter your entire home step-by-step.”
You’ll learn the fundamentals of the method, as well as tips and tricks for adopting it in any context. Let’s get started!
KonMari Method
The Fundamentals of the KonMari Method
Here are the core principles of the KonMari Method:
Declutter by category, not by room. Focus on one category across your entire home at a time.
Tidy in the proper order. Go through categories in a specific order: clothes, books, papers, and miscellaneous items.
Ask if items “spark joy.” Hold each item and see if it brings you joy. If not, discard it.
Purge first, organise later. Get rid of clutter before reorganising and optimising storage.
Visualise your lifestyle vision. Imagine what kind of living space you want before tidying.
The Marie Kondo method encourages decluttering thoroughly all at once rather than a little bit at a time. The goal is to dramatically transform your home and lifestyle through tidying.
Why It Always Works
There are several reasons why the KonMari Method is an effective approach:
- It builds momentum. Completing one category motivates you to keep going.
- It works magic and left big visual impact. Seeing discarded piles reminds you of your progress.
- Less time organising. You only optimise storage after decluttering.
- Long-lasting change. The focus on joy and vision prevents rebound clutter.
Studies show that tidying improves mental health, focus, relationships and even weight loss! So don’t be afraid to take the KonMari plunge.
Step 1: Commit to the Process
The first step is committing to going through the entire KonMari process in your home. Be prepared that it may take several months to work through each category. Notify housemates and family members that you’ll be tidying more intensely so they can support you.
Set up a “discard” box or bag for items to donate or throw away. Have storage boxes or bags ready to hold items you’re keeping. Read or watch the KonMari Method guidelines so you understand the system.
Choose a start date and make tidying your top priority for the day. Begin with a prayer or intention setting. Tell yourself that you’re choosing to live an organised lifestyle.
Step 2: Tidy Clothes
Start by gathering every single article of clothing in your house and putting them in one spot – on your bed, floor or couch. Yes, everywhere – drawers, closets, laundry.
What she says is pick up each item and decide if it “sparks joy.” If it makes you feel happy or confident when you wear it, keep it. If not, discard it. Don’t keep items for “someday” or because they were expensive.
When finished, put clothes away neatly in categories: coats, dresses, shirts, pants etc. Fold them vertically using the KonMari method (fold). This makes everything visible so you’ll wear more of your clothes.
Tips for clothes:
- Try on items to check fit if uncertain.
- Discard stained, ripped, outdated or ill-fitting clothes.
- Let go of clothes from a past you, even if perfectly good.
- Store out-of-season clothes away from daily wear.
Step 3: Tidy Books
Gather books from around your home and pile them in the middle of a room. Pick up each book and feel if it sparks joy. Keep beloved books that uplift you.
Be honest about books you’ll never read again – donate them so someone else can enjoy. Appreciate books that served you in the past and release them.
Organise the books you’re keeping neatly on shelves, either vertically or flat. Group by category rather than size or colour.
Tips for books:
- Be willing to release books that no longer fit your interests.
- Unhaul (remove from collection) old textbooks, cookbooks, manuals and guides.
- Utilise digital versions and library loans to reduce books.
- Display books you love rather than storing away.
Step 4: Tidy Papers
Papers are often the most overwhelming category. Collect papers from every room into one central spot. Include receipts, contracts, bills, cards, printouts anything paper.
Sort papers into categories: important documents, current utility bills, expired records, and cards to keep, cards to recycle. Discard piles that don’t spark joy or serve a purpose.
For remaining papers, file away important documents. Put current bills in a handy file folder. Display cherished cards and artwork if you desire.
Tips for papers:
- Recycle expired documents like old records and receipts.
- Go paperless with bills and statements you can view online.
- Only keep emotional cards if they still bring you joy.
- Scan and back up key documents. Discard originals after digitising.
Step 5: Tidy “Komono” (Miscellaneous)
This diverse category includes everything else – kitchen tools, gadgets, hobby supplies, electronics, household items, linens, toys etc.
Divide komono into subcategories that make sense: bathroom, garage, office supplies, jewellery, etc. Work shelf by shelf, drawer by drawer. Evaluate each item and only keep the most useful and joy-sparking ones.
Mari suggest that don’t forget spaces like under beds, inside closets, and junk drawers. Be willing to let go of duplicate items, inherited goods we don’t want and impulse purchases. Appreciate but release what no longer fits.
Tips for komono:
- Check expiration dates on food items and consumables. Toss anything expired.
- If you have multiples of something, keep the highest quality version.
- Donate unused hobby and sporting items to charity.
- Release electronics that are broken or outdated. Recycle responsibly.
Step 6: Ask If It Sparks Joy
During the decluttering process, constantly ask yourself “Does this item spark joy for me?” Keep only the items you LOVE, that uplift and energise you.
Joy is personal – if you adore cleaning supplies, keep all your favourite mops! But joy can also evolve. An old sweater beloved years ago may feel dull now. Release it with gratitude rather than guilt.
Focus not just on initial joy, but sustained joy. For example, you may be excited about a new guitar but never play it. Be honest about what motivates sustained use.
Aim for fewer items that bring abundant joy rather than clutter that weighs you down. Choose possessions mindfully.
Tips for evaluating joy:
- Check if it lifts your mood or holds good memories.
- Notice if you actively use and enjoy it.
- Consider long-term sustained joy, not just initial novelty.
- Be honest about gifts you don’t like but keep from guilt. Release them.
Step 7: Room-by-Room Tidy
Once you’ve tidied by category, do a sweep through each room to finalise organisation. Start by envisioning how you want the room to feel – serene, energetic, elegant?
Clean surfaces and vacuum. Organise items neatly in closets and drawers. Designate homes for the items you use daily. Display treasured items that spark joy.
Add finishing touches like plants, artwork, fresh bedding and scent. Enable the room to become the atmosphere you envisioned. Feel the lightness and openness of space.
Do this process for each room – bedrooms, kitchen, lounge room, bathrooms etc. See your home transform into a tidy, functional environment that uplifts your spirit.
Tips for finishing:
- Add baskets and organisers to help items have a “home.”
- Rearrange furniture and décor to match your joyful vision.
- Play energising music as you tidy each zone.
- Display cherished photos, art and collections.
- Add scented candles, essential oils or fresh flowers.
Step 8: Maintain the Magic
Congratulations, you’ve decluttered your entire home! But the work doesn’t stop there. Establish new habits to sustain your organised lifestyle.
Make tidying a regular routine, even daily. Decluttering even small spaces prevents buildup. Continue assessing items for joy, and release what no longer fits.
When buying new items, carefully evaluate if they spark joy and fill a purpose. Avoid accumulation from too many purchases.
Use organisation systems that work for you – trays, baskets, folders, racks. Set up your space to corral clutter.
If you slip, don’t despair! Just start back at the beginning. Tidy step-by-step and you’ll get your house in order once again.
Tips for maintaining:
- Tidy for 10-15 minutes daily rather than marathon cleaning sessions.
- Process new items within 24 hours by giving them a home.
- When buying something new, ask what you can discard to make space for it.
- Do a quick tidying sweep before bed so you wake up to order.
- Schedule decluttering sessions on your calendar like doctor appointments.
Common Marie Kondo Declutter FAQs
If you’re new to the KonMari method, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
KonMari in an Australian Context
While the KonMari method was created in Japan, it works universally. Some tidying aspects that may appeal specifically to Aussies:
- Making the most of small living spaces like apartments and tiny homes
- Dealing with plentiful outdoor gear, sports equipment and kids’ toys
- Managing “junk” collections inherited from relatives
- Coping with hot weather and seasonal flux
- Hosting guests in a relaxed, welcoming environment
- Purging clutter after moving abroad or having a new baby
- Reducing paper clutter and admin overwhelm
- Embracing a laidback lifestyle and atmosphere at home
- Creating leisure space for quintessential Aussie activities – barbecues, entertaining, relaxing outdoors.
Whatever your living situation, the KonMari Method can help you tidy your home down under. Embrace the spirit of simplicity and joy as you declutter.
Ready for Lasting Change?
Are you ready to transform clutter into peace? By following the decluttering method, you can declutter your entire home with amazing results.
Begin slowly and focus on discarding first before organising your space. Work category-by-category, asking if each item sparks joy in your life now.
Be open to releasing even perfectly good items that no longer fit your lifestyle or ideals. Do tidying “sprints” to gain momentum, then establish daily habits.
Soon you’ll be living in a home that uplifts your spirit and supports your ideal lifestyle. A little dedication goes a long way.
You can declutter even a packed Australian house or apartment. Dream of the calming environment you want, then Marie Kondo declutter your way there. Your home is waiting to inspire you every day.
