If you’ve heard of Marie Kondo, you probably know her famous question: “Does it spark joy?” Her organizing method, known as the KonMari Method, has helped countless people transform their homes from cluttered chaos to serene spaces. But how can you actually apply her techniques to your own home without feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down into a few manageable steps that you can implement in any space.

Step 1: Visualize Your Ideal Space

Before you start pulling things out of closets or drawers, take a moment to visualize how you want your home to feel. Is it calm, functional, cozy? By focusing on the bigger picture, you’re more likely to stick with the process when you’re knee-deep in the decluttering phase. Marie Kondo encourages you to imagine what kind of lifestyle you want, which is a great motivator to let go of items that no longer fit into your vision.

Step 2: Declutter by Category, Not Room

One of the biggest differences between the KonMari Method and other organizing techniques is that Kondo suggests organizing by category, not by room. This means instead of cleaning one room at a time, you’ll gather all items from a specific category—like clothes, books, or kitchenware—from around the house. Doing this helps you see exactly how much you own and makes it easier to decide what stays and what goes.

Step 3: Spark Joy or Let Go

Now comes the fun part—deciding what to keep and what to discard. For each item, hold it in your hands and ask yourself if it “sparks joy.” If it does, keep it! If not, thank the item for serving its purpose and let it go. This process might feel a little strange at first, but it helps create a more mindful approach to decluttering. You’ll be left with only the items that truly make you happy and add value to your life.

Step 4: Fold with Intention

Marie Kondo is all about efficient storage, and one of her signature techniques is her unique folding method. Rather than stacking clothes in drawers, she advocates for folding them into neat, vertical shapes so you can see everything at a glance. This is especially helpful for drawers filled with t-shirts, sweaters, or socks. It not only saves space but makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for without causing a mess.

Step 5: Find a Home for Every Item

Once you’ve finished decluttering, it’s time to assign a home to everything that remains. Every item should have its own place, whether it’s in a drawer, on a shelf, or in a storage container. By doing this, you’ll avoid clutter from creeping back into your life. It also becomes much easier to clean and maintain your space when everything has a designated spot.

Step 6: Commit to Tidying Up

One of the keys to maintaining a Kondo-style home is consistency. Marie Kondo recommends tidying regularly to keep clutter from building up again. Make it a habit to put things back in their rightful place once you’re done using them. This small act of tidying will make a big difference in maintaining an organized, joyful home.

Final Thoughts

The KonMari Method is more than just a way to declutter—it’s about creating a home that truly reflects who you are and what you value. By following these simple steps, you’ll not only transform your space but also bring a sense of peace and joy into your everyday life. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how freeing it feels to live in an organized, clutter-free home!