Your Questions About Decluttering: Answered
start here
Let’s strip back to basics.
Are you new to the world of Marie Kondo?
Does the word decluttering strike fear in your mind?
If so, hopefully this article can demystify the life changing magic that is tidying and decluttering your home.
What is decluttering?
Starting simple google defines decluttering as follows: to remove unnecessary items from (an untidy or overcrowded place).
It sounds easy enough, but how do we define what is unnecessary in our own home. The wonderful thing about Marie Kondo’s method of decluttering is that it makes room for you. While you may not need that collection of refrigerator magnets from all the places you’ve traveled…do they spark joy? If they do absolutely do not declutter them.
How do I decide what to declutter?
Marie Kondo’s method asks us to engage with each of our possessions individually. This may seem like a daunting process but when you break it down into chunks it will all make sense.
Disruption is going to be a major factor in deciding what is necessary for a space. If you have a bookshelf, I want you to think about the last time you looked at every single book on that shelf. Eventually our belongings become normal to our eyeline, so we don’t notice when the unnecessary starts to pile up. Once you take a couple hours to pull off every book on the shelf you will remain semi-blind to what you possess.
From there you should engage with each book on its own to decide whether it sparks joy or not.
What if I feel silly?
Marie Kondo’s method is a little funny in practice. Sometimes its hard to feel joy towards a toothbrush or a pair of old socks…. but we do need them for daily life.
Part of the fun of decluttering is getting to engage with our gratitude. Maybe our old socks don’t necessarily have us jumping for joy, but it is important that we acknowledge their role in our life.
Why do I need to declutter?
Decluttering allows us to strip away the unnecessary noise that is clouding up our daily lives. When we do not have order or meaning in the places, we inhabit it’s hard to feel like we are really caring for ourselves.
Giving our possessions a purpose and meaning allows to focus on the things in our lives that really spark joy. More time to spend with loved ones, to cook, to devote to a hobby, to take charge at work and much more.
