MARIE KONDO MAGIC
BY Pallavi Pinakin
A cult figure in the world of decluttering and organisation, Japanese lifestyle guru Marie Kondo is known across the world for her best–selling book and Netflix show titled ‘Tidying Up With Marie Kondo.’
Her radical methods are an attractive antidote to hoarding and consumerism, offering a way of life in which you own fewer but more treasured items. Get started on your personal decluttering drive with these highlights from the KonMari method.
START OUT RIGHT We tend to sort things by room: first, the bedroom; then the living room and so on. But Kondo’s advice is to organise by category such as garments, books, papers, sentimental items etc.
So when you’re clearing your wardrobe, start with all your clothes (yes, all of them!) in one place. This way, you get a good sense of exactly what you have. Because this process tends to be intensive and time-consuming, it’s best to set aside a generous window (such as a long weekend) for it.
A SPARK OF JOY! “Does it spark joy?” is the question at the heart of the KonMari approach. Kondo tells her clients to put every item in their home to a simple test. Hold the item in your hands. Does it give you a small thrill or little bubble of happiness? If ‘yes,’ it’s a keeper. If not, it’s time to let go – so thank the object for its service and say ‘goodbye’ to it.
There are so many things we hold on to even though we don’t really enjoy wearing, using or looking at them. Seeking out the spark of joy helps you curate your belongings down to things you genuinely love – be it clothes, movies or mementos.
Applying this rule to future purchases will also prevent you from buying things simply because they are on sale or it is payday.
SPIRITUAL ROOTS Kondo’s philosophy draws inspiration from Shintoism where cleaning and organising take on a spiritual feel. Having spent five years as a Shinto shrine maiden, Kondo sees homes as sacred spaces that deserve respect and begins each decluttering project by greeting the client’s house first. She says it helps make the process go much more smoothly.
Kondo also wears formal clothes while tidying up because she sees the act as “a celebration; a special send-off for those things that will be departing from the house.” So wear something nice before you commence your clearing up project!