Typically we think of spring as the time to deep clean forgotten corners and spaces around our homes — but Marie Kondo has made sure that cleaning out the clutter is a yearlong obsession. Intentional home organization is an ever-growing trend, as more and more devoted fans follow along with Kondo’s Japanese organizing methodology (and her wildly successful Netflix series). But what is the craze known as “KonMari,” and how can it bring joy to everyday life?
What Is KonMari?
The KonMari method was invented by Kondo, an organizational guru from Japan. She has since become a beloved household name in the United States for her gentle yet committed approach to keeping a tidy home. Kondo’s book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, was originally published in 2014. The KonMari method focuses on tackling home organization category by category, as opposed to cleaning room by room. Inspired by the principles of feng shui, KonMari encourages a critical evaluation of our emotional and psychological connection to material objects.
Do It Once, and Only Once
One of the main premises behind Marie Kondo’s teaching is the idea that if you organize well and develop a lifestyle of tidiness, the hard work or organization is a one-time event. In her popular Netflix series Tidying Up, Kondo walks families through one major cleaning intervention and teaches them the critical principles they must understand in order to maintain an organized lifestyle. Her strategy incorporates five main ideas that are essential to finding joy and peace.
Give Everything a Place
One of the main ideas of the KonMari method is that every item belongs in its own place. This idea introduces great self-discipline, because it’s a practice that must be regularly repeated. The “everything has a place” mantra is important for high traffic areas in the home (like entryways and hallways) because it keeps them clear of objects that could be easily misplaced or discarded.
Organize by Category, Not Location
Throughout Tidying Up, Kondo brings the idea of organizing by category to practical reality. The KonMari method is contrary to most popular home organization principles, which advocate cleaning room by room. KonMari opposes this habit because it lends itself to endless attempts at cleaning or maintaining cleanliness. Instead, Kondo encourages others to organize clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items categorically.
Go All In
To be truly successful at KonMari, one must go all in! Kondo often advises participants to dedicate an entire day or weekend to the project of tidying up. Extending an organizational project over more time often feels never-ending, which can lead to further stress and disruption to normal life.
Visualize Your End State
The KonMari method includes visualizing a desired end result or an ideal organized lifestyle. Kondo believes that if you think in concrete terms about your ideal home and organization systems, you can accurately picture the home you wish to live in.
Determine What is Joyful
Perhaps one of the most recognizable tenets of the KonMari method is adhering to what “sparks joy.” Kondo invites her readers and followers to think critically about the items that take up so much home space and to evaluate whether those items have served their initial purposes. If an object no longer sparks joy, Kondo encourages the owner to personally thank the item and then discard or donate it. By considering which items still bring joy, it’s possible to have more control over what takes up precious home space.
Invest in Quality
When you think about the KonMari method, it’s important to remember the principles of quality over quantity. High quality and long-lasting items, like those you’ll easily find at The Back Store, can offer a return on investment for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing recliner, a pillow that alleviates strain, or an expertly designed mattress, The Back Store offers a variety of products that provide ultimate comfort, joy, and even health benefits. Shop The Back Store by brand or product to find exactly what you’re looking for!
Typically we think of spring as the time to deep clean forgotten corners and spaces around our homes — but Marie Kondo has made sure that cleaning out the clutter is a yearlong obsession.
Intentional home organization is an ever-growing trend, as more and more devoted fans follow along with Kondo’s Japanese organizing methodology (and her wildly successful Netflix series). But what is the craze known as “KonMari,” and how can it bring joy to everyday life?