I Found KonMari

Hey everyone, how have you been? 

Currently I'm struggling with back pain and lack of sleep and headaches 

but that is the joy of bringing babies into the world and I couldn't be happier.

So, onto finding "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo (KonMari) and what I've learnt from reading this book.

One of the first things KonMari talks about how you need to know how to tidy. In my mind, I knew how to tidy - every weekend (or other weekend, if I'm honest) I (and my partner) would do a big clean up of the house. This included dishes that had built up, vacuuming (so much cat hair!), sometimes we'd mop the tiles, sometimes we'd mow the lawn, rarely I'd pick the weeds and every single weekend was my chance to catch up on washing - but not putting away the washing as it would usually sit in baskets for a few days (or weeks, lets be honest again) until we put it away or I needed the baskets!

But, KonMari made me realise that tidying and cleaning are different. What I described above is cleaning! Tidying is something that needs to be learnt and when you have less clutter, this becomes easier and less strenuous. I found that one of my main struggles was finding a home for things so they could actually be put away. Our dining table tends to be the dumping place for everything that doesn't have a specific home and I can't remember the last time we actually ate a meal at the table, which makes me wonder what is the point in having a dining table?

Discard First

KonMari's method states you must discard first. At first this was hard for me to grasp because I like to finish one thing before starting another (except when it comes to knitting and crochet projects!). I thought I'd be happier sorting one room, finishing it off with appropriate storage solutions to fit the room and then I can move on to the next. But, discarding room by room isn't even how its done!

Sort by Category

Not by room! What! Serious! What do you mean that there might be items within the same category in multiple rooms? I have a bookshelf for books and magazines, I have a wardrobe for clothes (well 2 wardrobes) and bathroom cupboards hold beauty and hair supplies. But once again, KonMari knows her stuff. I would take coats and scarves off in living area, hang beanies in wardrobe and behind the door and had clothes in wardrobes, drawers, under the bed and in storage bags. I had books in the bookcase in the living area, in our bedroom and even in the kitchen. By sorting by category, you ensure you don't miss things and you can truly see how much you have accumulated.

Follow the Tidying Order

KonMari has put a lot of thought into the order in which you tidy your home because she has been doing this for a long time and takes on the feedback from her clients. A little Pinterest inspiration is due here:

Source

Storage

Every item must have a designated place - it will feel like it belongs and you will always know where to return it when you have finished using or admiring the item. Storage should be simple and fit in with your decor for you to truly enjoy your storage and de-cluttering efforts. I love that KonMari also points out "storage experts are hoarders". 

You do not need a million different storage solutions when you have de-cluttered your home because you won't have that must stuff to store. You can organise your clutter over and over again or have less stuff or organise and you'll find you'll have less mess and less time will be spent tidying your home.

This means more time can be spent doing things that you truly enjoy and make you happy - things that you believe are worth your precious time and energy! How can that not sound like a great way to live your life!?

xx Emily