For a while now I’ve been devouring every book that I can find on decluttering – your home, your workplace, your life, your mind, everything! I’ve always had a fascination with the way that someone’s surroundings can affect mood and state of mind. So when I came across Marie Kondo and one of the books on the Konmari method it really struck a chord with me. You’ve probably heard of this really popular way to declutter that has recently been adopted by masses of people all over the world.
What is Konmari?
The Konmari method of tidying, decluttering and organising comes from Marie Kondo, a Japanese woman who has brought Japanese values and spirit into the art of tidying up. Her website states that “People are drawn to the philosophy not only due to its effectiveness, but also because it places great importance on being mindful, introspective, and optimistic. Belongings are acknowledged for their service and thanked before being discarded, if they no longer spark joy.”
Can simple decluttering really make a difference?
It might sound like a bold claim, but decluttering really does clear the mind. It can have a positive effect on somebody’s life in so many ways. Over the years I’ve worked with a few people suffering mental health disorders, helping to declutter and organise their homes. Taking positive steps at home helped them to move forward a few steps, and encouraged them to make big changes in their own lives. Many of them now have started to help others make the same changes in their homes.
Where to start
My top tip for decluttering and organising your home is to be consistent. You could try having a weekly plan of small jobs. The important thing is to stick to it, that way you’ll never let the clutter build up.
Of course, always remember Marie Kondo’s advice and really think about whether the things you’re keeping bring you joy. It can be so hard to get rid of the things that we’re attached to but the state of mind from a good declutter is worth it. Recently I had a whole wardrobe of clothes from my younger days that had been sat in the garage for a long time. As much as I loved the clothes, they weren’t bringing me joy any more, they were just sat doing nothing. In the end the joy I found in them came from seeing them sold at a car boot sale to new owners who would love them as much as I did.
I don’t strictly follow only one method for decluttering my home, more a combination of all the different things I’ve read and the habits that I’ve developed over the years. But I’m always open to adding in some new techniques when I come across a new article or book!
What methods do you use when organising and decluttering your home? Let me know in the comments or get in touch if you’d like some help or advice.
