Marie Kondo’s Famous “KonMari Method” Helps People Tidy Up Their Lives, So Here’s How You Can Use This Technique To Take Back Control Of Your Closet
A few years ago, many Americans felt like their lives were changed when Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing pro and author, released her Netflix series “Tidying Up,” where she showed American families how to organize their cluttered homes using her KonMari method.
Many people love looking to the KonMari method when it comes to tidying up their lives and removing clutter because not only does Marie have great tips for storage and sorting, but there’s a spiritual element to her process as well, where you give thanks for the things you had that you’re ready to let go.
One of the most popular elements of the KonMari method is how to use it when organizing your closet and wardrobe. Tips from the KonMari method can save you tons of space and help you finally get rid of clothes that no longer “spark joy.”
Here are a few steps to start using the KonMari method for organizing your closet.
Visualize your ideal space
In order to motivate yourself to get organized, start visualizing what you want your organized closet to look like and the purposes you want it to serve. Think about what details you want to include, how easily you want to dress yourself in the morning, and the positive energy you want your closet to radiate.
It’s also a good idea to consider the practicality of your dream closet. How do you want your shoes to be presented? Do you want your blouses and tops more accessible than they are? Once you have a positive vision, it’s time to take action.
Gather it all up
This is always the most intimidating part of the KonMari closet organization. In her “Tidying Up” show, Marie can be seen helping her clients take all their clothes and accessories out of their closets and putting them in one massive pile.
New Africa – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
This is done to strip your closet down to its bare bones so you can sort things out and start fresh. Plus, it’s also like exposure therapy, and after looking at your pile of clothes, you’ll likely realize you had more than you thought.
Figure out what does and doesn’t “spark joy”
One of Marie Kondo’s most famous phrases is that you have to hold onto things that “spark joy.” What does that mean? You should only keep things that give you a tingly, happy feeling inside. We all know there are certain shirts or dresses we can’t live without and would be devastated to lose.
When you pick up an item of clothing, take a moment to focus on how you feel and ask yourself, “Does it spark joy?” Do you feel happy when you see it, or does it not do anything for you? If your answer is the latter, it’s time to let that piece of clothing go.
However, before you toss that clothing, give it a little squeeze and “thank” it for serving a purpose in your life. We should be more thankful for the clothes we’re able to put on our backs. Put discarded clothing into one pile for donating or throwing away, and put the clothes you’ll keep into a separate pile.
Organize away
Once you’ve finalized your wardrobe and held onto the clothes you want, it’s time to organize. Marie Kondo has said that every item you own, no matter how big or small, should have a designated place. Therefore, random things shouldn’t be floating around in your closet. You must be strategic.
Place each item of clothing in a designated section of your closet. Folded clothes should have their own shelves and drawers, and shoes should be on a designated rack or floor space. Smaller items like accessories and jewelry should have a home, too. If you run out of shelf or hanging space, purchase containers to keep things in.
This really is the golden rule to follow with the KonMari organizing method – everything needs a ‘home.’ Once everything in your closet has a designated space to return to, routine tidying will be much easier.
Just like that, you’re off to the races and bringing some elements of the KonMari method into your home! I promise once you try it, you’ll feel a lot of that sparked joy in your space.
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