KonMari question

Beenie

I have obviously noticed the long-running thread, but thought I would ask this question. There must be other people who aren't too sure about this method, and don't want to plow through hundreds of pages.

So, the question is: can someone please describe simply what this method is about? It can't just be tidying up - that couldn't keep a thread running over months and months.....could it?

luxor4t

This might help: http://www.today.com/series/one-small-thing/life-changing-magic-tidying-testing-marie-kondos-method-t21356

GreyQueen

It starts from the pov of deciding what to keep rather than what to get rid of.

You gather up all the things of one category together in one place at one time. Holding each item, you read your emotions about it. Does it spark joy? If so, a keeper, if not on its way out.

VJsmum

And, join the thread. Really, do. We're nice

Seriously, some of us are a couple of years in and still struggle occasionally. But it does work and we all help each other. And for some of us, it truly has been 'life changing'. i gave up my job and started a PhD....

there's a few new people joined recently, so you wouldn't be alone.

VfM4meplse

Let me take you back to my post that kicked it off a couple of years ago:

VfM4meplse wrote: »

I read this book a few days ago having heard about it late last year.

There is a lot of nonsense in this book (of the "possessions have energy", "thank your handbag every day for working so hard" variety), but amongst all that there are a few principals that do make sense, and I'm stunned to say have actually rubbed off on me! I've started this thread as the insights from this book would get lost within the decluttering thread (which I think is brilliantly inspirational, btw).

- firstly, discard. Hold the item and ask yourself, does this item bring you joy? If not, get rid. I struggled with this one at first because something can be of use and I can remember how much each and everything cost me! So I removed of some superficial stuff and then got a taste for it, I just kept on going for a couple of hours but didn't venture anywhere near my clothes. Despite this resolve, I suddenly found myself going through my wardrobe this evening and letting go of expensive items of clothing that do me no favours and I wouldn't actually miss so do not risk buying again.

- secondly, forget about additional storage solutions. This does make sense - law of supply and demand, etc - because it means that you just buy more stuff. From bitter experience, I know this to be true.

- store things differently. Vertical storage means everything is more visible, storing things stacked in top of each other means space gets taken up inefficiently. Aim to create a rectangle of the given item of clothing and then fold and store like a sushi roll (nothing on top of it), Every piece of clothing has a "give" point at which it will stand up (thinner materials will need more folds). Search for "Marie Kondo folding" on YouTube to see how it's done.

- tidy in one go, rather than a room at a time. "One go" could mean over 6 months - the point is tidy all the same family of objects (eg clothes, books, kitchen utensils etc) together in one go. The key here is having everything of that group in one place rather than scattered around in different places.

- ensure everything has a designated place. That way you're not lumbered with tidying all the time, you automatically return any given item to where it belongs. Strangely, this has really worked for me, from encouraging me to do the washing up to itching to clear all surfaces! Weird but true.

- don't stockpile. I can't help this, esp with toiletries - the thought of running out of toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel and handwash fills me with dread, and I love a bargain. The truth is its not a disaster if you do run out, we have 24/7 supermarkets (in cities and suburbs, at least) so nothing is too far out of reach. Where stuff is in units, I can calculate how long it will last me...but really, what is the point? This stuff belongs in a shop. What was anathema to me after a lifetime of hoarding such items seems to have rubbed off on me

What is even odder is that getting rid of stuff in this way is inducing a sense of well-being! Try it for yourself before you admit me to a psychiatric unit.

So well done, Marie Kondo. For all my skepticism it is paying off :beer:

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply!

[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

Beenie

I am really interested in this concept.

We are slowly becoming overwhelmed with 'stuff' and every nook and cranny, every shelf, every cupboard, is crammed. It would be a nightmare task to empty them all. We are in our early sixties and have a lifetime's collection of books, holiday souvenirs, inherited junk, old shoes etc. etc.
I think I will skip on to the main thread and get some ideas and support!

VfM4meplse

Btw I have since read in "Stuffocation" that untidiness raises cortisol levels, which is why feel stressed out in disorder. I can relate to that!

GreyQueen

Beenie wrote: »

I am really interested in this concept.

We are slowly becoming overwhelmed with 'stuff' and every nook and cranny, every shelf, every cupboard, is crammed. It would be a nightmare task to empty them all. We are in our early sixties and have a lifetime's collection of books, holiday souvenirs, inherited junk, old shoes etc. etc.
I think I will skip on to the main thread and get some ideas and support!

Please come play with us on the main thread, we're a very friendly bunch and would love to have you.

Paulaviki

I just used the folding technique to sort out my husbands tahurt drawers after reading this. Amazing! I'm definitely a convert to folding clothes like that, will be doing all our drawers over the next week.

melanzana

A big YES to the decluttering theory of Kondo.

But a big NO to the folding techique. That lasted five minutes. Sorry about that.

MMF007

Don't be overwhelmed!
Choose a category, say shoes, get them ALL together in one room, pick up a pair and feel whether they spark joy (the concept is broad, they may be joyful because you love gardening in them, not just because they are gorgeous!). Any that don't spark should be 'released' from your custody.

I find it helps to have in mind a way to release items - start a bag to fill for taking to charity shop, have a box to give to young relative for car booting, ebay, auction, etc. Do not be afraid to just dispose via the bin or local tip if it means you are freed of the caretaking responsibility and the bruden on your precious space!

Once the decisions are made take the items out of the door, don't let them hang round sniggering at you.

You will be amazed that once you do one category you will feel lighter, liberated and more able to tackle other categories. Word of warning, leave really emotional categories until last, when you have honed your skills!

Finally, do read at least some of the 2015 thread and then join us on the 2016 thread (we have yet to update to 2017 in the title post, which makes me chuckle, given that we are getting our house in order). We'd love you to join in, it is inspirational to read of successes from newbies as well as old hands.

M