From inspiration to transformation
Even in these unsettling times, we all need to be able to feel secure, at ease and happy in our homes. It’s often said that a tidy home equals a tidy mind, which might be especially helpful in times of unrest. Are you may be intrigued by the famous Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo and her KonMari Method™ and what it really does behind the pretty surface? Let me tell you a secret you might not even like to hear. It might look and sound so easy to go through all your belongings and choose to keep only what makes you happy. It isn’t. It’s hard work, both physically, mentally, and emotionally, but at the end of the day the rewards are so huge you cannot even imagine you didn’t get started earlier. It’s a little bit like pushing the reset button of your life and getting a whole new start, only this time the game has totally changed.
In what way does it change you? You’ve evolved. Your mindset might have changed. You’re more aware of what’s important, what makes you happy and joyful. You’ve let go of things that no longer serve you, may it be belongings, social media, attitudes, values, or relationships. You’ve simplified. You might have become more mindful and environmentally aware too. No matter what kind of transformation has occurred for you, you’ve moved on and opened up doors for new things to enter.
Are you ready to let go of the excess?
Let me ask you something. Are you tired of clutter? Is there too much clutter at home, in your mind, at work, in your diary..? Too much mental, physical, and even digital stuff, too much of every.single.thing? Would you be ready to simplify your home and your life? Then allow me to introduce you to the method of simplifying that will not leave you untouched once you get the ball rolling.
“The space I live in is graced only with those things that speak to my heart.
My lifestyle brings me joy.”Marie Kondo
Myths and basic rules
Let’s also agree that the myths of the KonMari method™ are exactly that, myths. It’s not about how many books you’re “allowed” to keep in your bookshelf or how minimalistic your home should become…quite the opposite actually. The method originates in the fundamental principles of respect, gratitude and joy. The objective is that every person decides the right amount of belongings for him/herself, as long as these belongings speak to the heart. It’s about curating YOUR home and life to suit your ideal lifestyle.
The six basic rules of the KonMari Method™ can be summarised as follows
- Commit yourself to tidying up
- Visualise your ideal lifestyle
- Finish discarding first
- Tidy by category – not by location
- Follow the right order
- Ask yourself if it sparks joy
How does it work? And what is a joy check?
Everyone starts with a visualisation exercise before digging into the actual work. Why? Because your ideal lifestyle will be the red thread to follow throughout the whole tidying process. Once the vision is clear we start tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and finally, sentimental items.
Joy checking. You will be going through all of your belongings in the above mentioned specific order, re-evaluating your relationship with them in a mindful, introspective and forward looking way and keeping only those items that truly spark joy for you. It is important to care for and handle objects with respect throughout their life cycle and if they have outlived their purpose, respectfully letting them go with a “thank you” (selling, donating, recycling etc.). Finally you will then choose a ‘home’ for every item from then on so you will always know where to find it as well as where to return it after use. Remember that the ideal amount of belongings will differ for each individual.
What about pretty boxes and storage solutions? The final storage solutions always come last once we know how much there is left to store. A lot of times there is more than enough storage space when you’re done decluttering, and you can also choose to repurpose boxes and containers in so many ways. My job is to guide, inspire and encourage you through this personal process and empower you to create your ideal lifestyle, with more time for what matters most to you.
The result
So how long does it take? Anything between a few weeks and 6 months, depending on the size of the household and the scope of the project. By following these steps you will be introduced to tips and tricks along the way on how to tackle your clutter and start living a happier, simpler, and lighter life that truly sparks joy. You will learn how to maximize functionality and minimize clutter, forever. And it’s being done in one go because once you’ve done the whole house you will never want to go back to the way it was before.
The outcome of this process is unique for each unique individual. It might be a life changing transformation. It might have inspired you to minimise your wardrobe or change your morning routine or bring change into that one big or small area of your life that you’re not so happy with. Or make yourself a power spot at home. No matter the outcome, with time this way of life will sprinkle its way into other areas of your life and spread its wings of joy and happiness everywhere. Are you ready to give it a go?
“Being organised isn’t about getting rid of everything you own or trying to become a different person. It’s about living the way you want to live, but better.”
Andrew Mellen
I’d love to hear from you! Please comment below what you would need the most help within your home! I would love to write about it and inspire you.
Stay well friends!
xx
Helena
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