The KonMari Method: How to Declutter and Clean Your Home Like a Pro
If you're tired of living in a cluttered and untidy home, it's time to give the KonMari Method a go. Developed by Marie Kondo, a Japanese organising consultant and author, this method focuses on retaining only those items that "spark joy" in your life.
By following this decluttering system, you can learn how to tidy up your home like a professional. So let's just jump in and see how it works. Don't worry, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to use it to turn your home into a clutter-free sanctuary.
Step 1: Visualise Your Ideal Lifestyle
Before you start, take a moment to imagine your ideal lifestyle. This step is crucial as it helps you determine which items in your home are genuinely necessary and which ones you can do without.To begin, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax and reflect. Close your eyes and imagine the kind of life you want to lead. Consider the following questions:
- What are your goals and aspirations?
- What activities do you enjoy doing in your free time?
- What kind of environment makes you feel happy and peaceful?
- What kind of home supports the lifestyle you want to lead?
By reflecting on these questions, you can create a mental picture of your ideal lifestyle. This can help you decide which items in your home are essential and which ones are not.
For example, if you aspire to live a minimalist lifestyle, you may find that you have many items in your home that do not serve a purpose or bring you joy. By letting go of these items, you can create a more spacious and peaceful living environment that supports your ideal lifestyle.
Alternatively, if you love entertaining guests and hosting dinner parties, you may find that certain items in your home, such as a large dining table or comfortable seating, are essential to support your lifestyle. By keeping these items and letting go of others that don't serve a purpose, you can create a warm and inviting home that supports your social life.
Step 2: Tackle Categories, Not Rooms
When it comes to decluttering with the KonMari Method, don't make the mistake of tackling one room at a time. Instead, take it one category at a time! By focusing on one category, such as clothing or books, you can get a better sense of what you really need and what you can let go of.
To start, make a list of all the categories of items in your home. Then, choose one category and gather every item from that category from all over your home. This way, you'll have a clear idea of how much you have and what you actually need.
Now, go through each item and ask yourself if it sparks joy. If it does, keep it. If not, thank it for its service and let it go. By focusing on keeping only the things that bring you happiness, you'll create a home that truly reflects who you are and what you love.
Step 3: Keep Only What Sparks Joy
When you're going through your belongings, take each item in your hands and ask yourself if it brings you joy. If it does, keep it with pride! If it doesn't, then it's time to let it go. This process can be emotional at times, but remember, it's all about creating a home that brings you happiness and reflects who you are.
To help identify which items spark joy, pay attention to how they make you feel. Do you feel a warm and fuzzy sensation? Do you smile when you look at it? These are signs that you should definitely keep the item. If the item doesn't bring you any happiness, then it's time to thank it for its service and let it go.
And don't forget, this is your journey and your home. So, be honest with yourself about what you truly need and what makes you cheerful. It may take some time, but the result will be a home that brings you happiness every day.
Step 4: Find a Home for Everything
Now that you have gone through the process of deciding which items bring you joy and decided to keep them, it's time to give each item a special place in your home. It might seem like a daunting task, but trust us, it's totally achievable!
To make things easier, start by grouping similar items together. For example, put all your books in one spot and organise your clothes by type and colour. This will help you find things quickly and easily, while also giving your space a sense of order and calm.As you're finding a home for everything, keep in mind your daily routine and where each item is likely to be used. For example, keep your books by your bedside if you like to read before sleeping, or keep your cooking utensils near the stove for easy access. This way, you can make your life more efficient and enjoyable.
It can also be helpful to use storage solutions like boxes, baskets, and organisers to keep similar items together. This not only keeps your space tidy, but it also makes it easier to maintain your organisation system in the long run.
Step 5: Clean Your Home and Keep it Spotless
Wow, you did it! You've decluttered and organised your home using the KonMari Method, and now it's time to keep it looking and feeling great.
To start, give your home a thorough clean from top to bottom. Don't forget to clean the areas you might have missed during the decluttering process, like skirting boards, ceiling fans, and other hard-to-reach spots. Once your home is sparkling clean, aim to keep it that way with some easy daily habits.
One helpful habit is to put things away right after you use them. This might seem like a small step, but it can make a huge difference in keeping your home clutter-free. Try to get into the habit of doing a quick tidy-up each night before bed, so you can wake up to a clean and organised space.
And if you are too busy to deal with domestic cleaning regularly, Get Set Clean is here to help. Book one of our domestic cleaners in London, and we will take care of your home, ensuring that it stays tidy and clean so you can have peace of mind.
