Things we learnt from the KonMari™ Method

First, look at all your belongings. Does it spark joy? If yes, keep it. If no, thank it for the service and get rid of it. Second, station the belongings in areas that are visible and accessible to you.

If you follow this premise, there is no doubt you will reach the nirvana of ultimate decluttering.

It all sounds good, right? However, what does it take to declutter the Marie Kondo way? What can we learn from it?

We interviewed Adriana Aziz operations manager at MaidForYou for the top things she learnt from Marie Kondo and the KonMari Method.

Treat your items with respect

Each item that you own has a soul and it should be treated with respect and kindness. The KonMari™ method teaches you to show gratitude to things that you own by taking care of them. Positive energy is expected if you continue to show respect to each item, while negative energy is enhanced if you do not care for your belongings. Besides, your belongings will continue to look good if you treat it with respect and gratitude.

Thank each item for their service

Getting rid of stuff that you care about is the challenging part of decluttering. However, you’ve got to get rid of the item and move on with your life. It helps a lot if you thank each item for their service as a way of recognising how it made your life easier and meaningful. Thanking can also reduce the guilt that you feel when you decide to get rid of the items.  Besides, thanking your belongings also means "I am ready to get rid of you.”

Learn to say farewell to precious old items

There will always be a stash of precious items owned by your dead grandparents in the house or a drawer full of your child’s early artworks. I doubt it still sparks joy if these items are taking up space in your home. Adriana stated that “Getting rid of sentimental items does not mean forgetting all the memories attached to it”. The memories will forever stay and you will remain thankful for the part that they have played in your life. However, there is one thing you should do if you want to preserve those items, consider digital storage. 

If it does not spark joy, let it go

The value of other things in your home diminishes the longer you hold on to belongings that do not spark joy in your life. The aim is only to cherish items that bring you joy and let go of the rest with respect and gratitude. Adriana went on to say that she learnt that “life will be better if you let go of things that you do not use”. Discarding the items that you do not need also allows you to move forward and focus on other things in life.

Organising and cleaning is so much easier with the KonMari™ method

Less stuff, less clutter… also, less time cleaning! It also saves you a lot of money as you do not need to call a specialist to resolve the clutter issues.  A well-organised home is a happy place! It allows you to enjoy time with the family and focus on other things in life. Organise by categories, not rooms. With this organising approach, your home will change in a few minutes.

Does the KonMari™ method really work?

The KonMari™ method is an organising approach that is based on the premise: only keep what is useful to minimise the clutter in your home (or life). Does it work?

Of course… but maybe not for everyone!

There are lots of people who have integrated the Marie Kondo philosophy in their life. There are also celebrities who tried the Marie Kondo method such as Stephen Colbert and Ellen Degeneres.  

Based on watching Kondo’s Netflix show, I can say that the KonMari™ method really works. There is a significant improvement in someone's life if you embrace the minimalist approach of living. 

It wouldn’t hurt to try it!

Your belongings say a lot about your identity and self-concept. The items that you own are a significant part of your “self” and have a crucial role in forming self-concept.

So, it is perfectly understandable to hold on to material things for a long time. However, it is essential to realise the importance of learning to let of go of things that do not bring joy to your life.

The KonMari™ method emphasised care and gratitude towards your belongings. Show them respect to avoid diminishing its value in your life.

Own what you need and discard what you don’t!

Simple, right?

So, live it!

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