The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

1. Tidying is a transformative, one-time event, not a daily chore

Tidying is a special event. Don't do it every day.

One-time transformation. The KonMari Method advocates for a dramatic, one-time tidying event rather than small daily efforts. This approach creates a lasting change in your environment and mindset, preventing the rebound effect often seen with gradual tidying methods.

Psychological impact. By tackling tidying as a special event, you reset your entire relationship with your possessions. This shock to the system makes it easier to maintain a tidy space long-term, as you've experienced the full impact of a clutter-free environment. The goal is to change your lifestyle permanently, not to create a temporary state of order.

Benefits of the one-time approach:

• Creates immediate, visible results
• Prevents gradual accumulation of clutter
• Shifts your mindset about possessions
• Establishes new habits and systems

2. Discard first, then organize - keep only what sparks joy

The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one's hand and ask: "Does this spark joy?"

Joy as the criterion. The core principle of the KonMari Method is to keep only items that "spark joy" when you touch them. This simple yet powerful criterion helps you make decisions quickly and intuitively, cutting through rationalization and guilt.

Discard before organizing. It's crucial to complete the discarding process before you begin organizing. This ensures you're not simply rearranging clutter or investing time in storing items you don't truly need or want. The act of discarding also helps you hone your decision-making skills and understand your true preferences.

Steps for effective discarding:

1. Gather all items in a category
2. Hold each item and ask if it sparks joy
3. Thank items that don't spark joy before discarding
4. Be honest with yourself about what truly brings you happiness

3. Tidy by category, not location, in a specific order

For this reason, I recommend that you always think in terms of category, not place.

Category-based approach. Tidying by category rather than location ensures you deal with all similar items at once, preventing the overlooking of items and the false sense of progress that comes from tidying one area at a time.

Specific order of categories. The KonMari Method prescribes a specific order for tidying: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and finally, sentimental items. This order is designed to help you hone your decision-making skills, starting with easier categories and progressing to more emotionally charged items.

KonMari tidying order:

1. Clothes
2. Books
3. Papers
4. Komono (miscellaneous items)
5. Sentimental items

4. Properly folding and storing clothes maximizes space and joy

The key is to store things standing up rather than laid flat.

Vertical folding technique. The KonMari Method advocates for folding clothes into compact rectangles and storing them vertically in drawers. This approach not only saves space but also allows you to see all your clothes at once, making selection easier and preventing forgotten items.

Respect for your possessions. Proper folding and storage is seen as a way to show respect for your clothes. This mindset shift can lead to better care of your possessions and a deeper appreciation for what you own.

Benefits of vertical storage:

• Maximizes drawer space
• Makes all items visible at a glance
• Prevents wrinkling and damage to clothes
• Encourages mindful interaction with your possessions

5. Books, papers, and sentimental items require special consideration

If you have been sorting and discarding things in the order I recommend, you have likely stumbled across photographs in many different places, perhaps stuck between books on a shelf, lying in a desk drawer, or hidden in a box of odds and ends.

Books and papers. The method recommends keeping only books that truly spark joy and discarding most papers. This can be challenging for many, but it's essential for creating a clutter-free environment.

Sentimental items last. Saving sentimental items for last in the tidying process allows you to hone your decision-making skills on less emotionally charged items first. When you reach this category, you'll be better equipped to make clear-headed decisions about what to keep.

Tips for dealing with challenging categories:

• Books: Keep only those that inspire or bring joy
• Papers: Discard most; file important documents simply
• Photos: Choose only the most meaningful; digitize if desired
• Sentimental items: Focus on the joy they bring, not guilt or obligation

6. Designate a specific home for every item you keep

The point in deciding specific places to keep things is to designate a spot for every thing.

Everything has a place. Assigning a specific "home" for each item you keep is crucial for maintaining order. This practice eliminates the uncertainty of where to put things and makes tidying up a quick, automatic process.

Simplify storage. The KonMari Method advocates for simple, easy-to-maintain storage solutions. Avoid complex systems or over-categorization, which can lead to difficulty in maintaining order.

Guidelines for effective storage:

• Group similar items together
• Use clear containers for visibility
• Avoid stacking items; store vertically when possible
• Utilize existing storage spaces effectively (e.g., drawers, closets)

7. The act of tidying can be a powerful catalyst for life changes

"When I put my house in order, I discovered what I really wanted to do."

Tidying as self-discovery. The process of deciding what to keep and what to discard often leads to profound realizations about one's values, goals, and desires. Many people report significant life changes after completing a thorough tidying process.

Clarity and focus. A tidy physical environment can lead to mental clarity, allowing you to focus on what truly matters in your life. This newfound clarity often translates into positive changes in career, relationships, and personal growth.

Potential life changes sparked by tidying:

• Career shifts or advancements
• Improved relationships
• Enhanced creativity and productivity
• Greater self-awareness and confidence

8. Tidying helps clarify your past and future, boosting confidence

Tidying is just a tool, not the final destination. The true goal should be to establish the lifestyle you want most once your house has been put in order.

Confronting the past. The tidying process often involves confronting past decisions, experiences, and emotions associated with our possessions. This can lead to a sense of closure and acceptance of one's personal history.

Preparing for the future. By eliminating excess and focusing on what truly matters, tidying helps create space—both physically and mentally—for future growth and opportunities. This forward-looking aspect can boost confidence and motivation.

Ways tidying boosts confidence:

• Hones decision-making skills
• Creates a supportive, joy-filled environment
• Eliminates visual and mental clutter
• Aligns your space with your ideal lifestyle

9. Your possessions reflect your inner state and life decisions

The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.

Possessions as mirrors. The items we choose to keep (or struggle to discard) often reflect our values, fears, and aspirations. Examining these choices can provide valuable insights into our inner selves.

Mindful acquisition. Understanding the connection between our possessions and our lifestyle encourages more mindful consumption. This can lead to better financial decisions, reduced environmental impact, and a greater sense of contentment with what we have.

Reflections of inner state in possessions:

• Attachment to the past: Keeping outdated or unused items
• Fear of the future: Excessive stockpiling or "just in case" items
• Present focus: Surroundings filled with items that spark joy
• Values alignment: Possessions that support your goals and ideals

Last updated: July 25, 2024