This is a method originated in Japan by a woman named, Marie Kondo. In the U.S. we might compare the Kon Mari techniques to the overused term “minimalism”, but I want to let you know this method is much more than that! The Kon Mari method dedicated to cleaning and organizing is more like a greater lifestyle or philosophy. Living an intentional life of gratitude and joy. By trying some of her methods for only a couple months, I already feel like I get control of my house back. I feel as if my belongings aren’t “getting away from me” like it used to. Here are a couple of Kon Mari methods that have made the most impact in my life and a further explanation of how they have changed my outlook on organizing my house. Marie Kondo has also written a very popular book that goes through her techniques in further detail. The Folding Technique: This folding technique is where you fold the clothing in a way that it stands up straight. Sounds weird right? But it’s not! Now I can see everything that I have in my drawers. There’s no longer one pile in my drawer where I have to dig around from different items. It saves time and it makes me happy every time I open my drawers. It takes 30 seconds to fold a couple items and put them away versus just shoving them in a drawer but the extra time it takes to tidy up is beyond worth it. I get more use out of all my clothing because I can see all of it thanks to this folding technique. Items that Spark Joy: When you are going through items like your closet or your books, you will want to keep only the items that spark joy and get rid of the items that don’t. It’s been a good method for me to use because now everything in my closet sparks a little jolt of joy in my heart every time I go to pick out an outfit. Being in tune with what does and does not spark joy, helps me weed out some of that aren’t adding joy to my life. It’s a practice of taking continual inventory of your possessions and evaluating whether or not your possessions are igniting that joy in you. Keeping the Like Items Together: This method by Marie Kondo is literally where she encourages her audience to keep similar items with each other when organizing. So, when I am working on areas like the kitchen or the office, I use organizers that work to compartmentalize items. I even used some shallow, little boxes I found around my house. Now, when I go into my junk drawer, it’s got the pens in one section, the tape in another, so on and so forth. Not needing to dig for those scissors I need right now has been lifechanging. I feel like I know where everything is ALL OF THE TIME! This technique of placing like items together may sound like common sense, but no one ever taught me that! I’m so glad that I use this method now. Expressing Gratitude: When I am going through my clothing and books, I will be putting some of those items in the give-away pile, as not everything I own will spark joy in me. Before I place something in the give-away pile, Marie Kondo preaches that we should first say “thank you”, out loud to the item for serving me well. I then let go of the item and allow it to bring joy to someone else. By thanking my items one at a time, I am taking intentional time to be grateful for the clothes that kept me warm and the books that taught me new things about the world. Taking this minute on purpose to be grateful, over time makes for a grateful heart. Have you tried the Kon Mari method before? We provided a Kon Mari Checklist to help you learn the simple method of how to remove items in your life that no longer bring joy. Please let us know how you've organized your home! You can tell us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Google! Also, don’t forget to tag us @usstoragecenters. Happy Organizing!
