While scrolling through Deepika Padukone's Instagram wall, one may have come across a post where she evidently went overboard with her label-maker. She added a hashtag #wannabemariekondo to it. You may wonder who she is (kudos if you do), and why does Deepika want to be her. Well, we are aware of the actress's discipline and her zest for everything in system, she takes her inspiration from Marie Kondo, who is a Japanese tidying expert with 4 books and a Netflix documentary in her kitty. And in times like these, where we are all cooped up in our places, we would use a decluttering tip or two.
We know that the quarantine is proving to a wee bit more taxting than expected, so it's only natural for everyone to reach for their untouched shelves and delve into the long-forgotten items. In times like these, cleaning and decluttering seem like an imperative task. The KonMari method of tidying up is simple, 'keeping only those things that spark joy'. Seems easy, right? Let's see how to go about it.
Step 1 - Make a list of categories that you own. These are the basics - clothes, books, papers, komono ( miscellaneous items) and sentimental items.
Step 2 - Go through each category at a time. Pile up all the clothes that you own (we mean ALL of them). Make sure you don't leave anything out. Once they are in your line of sight, go through each of them and see if they "spark joy". If they don't, it's time to toss it.
Now, gratitude is a big part of the KonMari method. It simply doesn't surmount to oicking something you no longer think is worthwhile and tossing it in the bin. It has a lot to do with how it has srved its function in your life which is why the time has come to let it go. So, think about all the special occasions you wore this particular garment to, which helped you make it special and then bid goodbye.
Step 3 - How to store them matters as well, the KonMari method preaches all your selected clothes to be folded in a way that they stand upright, and are easily visible to you in our storage units.
Step 4 - Repeat the steps with other categories.
According to her, there are 6 basic rules of tidying.
- Commit yourself to tidying up.
- Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
- Finish discarding first.
- Tidy by category, not by location.
- Follow the right order.
- Ask yourself if it sparks joy.
The cardinal rule of this method is to have a calm, composed and an emotional approach to decluttering. Given the circumstances, we could really use this line of thinking. The prime aspect is to respect your belongings for the service they have provided to you and to make room for new things in your life. It not only changes how you perceive your items but also makes your respect what you have. Read more about Marie Kondo here.
Now you can channel your inner OCD to declutter your way to minimalism too. The most important point is to have fun and know why you are in it. Even the most mundane of a quarantine day will seem cheerful if your mind is at the right place. And just like Deepika, it's okay to enjoy the decluttering sessions and "takeittoofar".
Loved this article? Let us know in the comments below when you're planning to begin the KonMari declutter method of tidying up.
