How to Use the KonMari Method to Declutter and Improve Your Life
Create joy by leaving toxic relationships behind
Have you ever felt stuck at your job? Stuck with a friend who no longer shares your values and ties you down? Stuck in a lackluster relationship?
I’ve felt stuck in all three of these categories, but I’ve learned to tidy up my life and seek out that which brings me joy. Making a career change and terminating some relationships has dramatically improved my life.
Marie Kondo is an organizational guru. She has a show on Netflix and wrote a book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, explaining her process. Rather than cleaning the house by location, the KonMari Method involves tidying up in five categories:
- Clothes
- Books
- Papers
- Komono (miscellaneous items)
- Sentimental items
Moving down the list, Kondo encourages her clients to gather all items within a category into one location. The client is then to hold each individual item and consider whether it sparks joy. If an item fails to spark anything less than joy, clients are to thank it for its service and then gently place it in a garbage bag or donation pile.
