I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed recently and couldn’t put a finger on what I needed until I started going through the mail that had piled up. One thing led to another and I’ve gotten 1/8 of the way through keeping my tidy home tidy. Cleaning is disinfecting, getting rid of dirt, grime, dust, etc; and taking out the trash and boxes, etc. whereas tidying is the removal, decluttering, and reorganization of pieces. Keeping a tidy home can often feel like an overwhelming task, especially with the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, it’s worth achieving! These 10 tips for keeping a tidy home are here to help so let’s dive in!
1. Live In The Present Moment
I’m a huge KonMari method fan and the first thing you must understand about the KonMari method is that it teaches mindfulness or the state of active attention to the present. It asks you to let go of items in your home that do not bring joy and keep only those you presently need or want. So when you start choosing which goes to the donation box so you can start to keep a tidy home, you should keep in mind Ms. Kondo’s words: “The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.”
2: Tidy up your home by categories
Typically, we clean up our house by going through each room. This does not give you a clear picture of how many items you have in your space, thus making it hard to rid yourself of the clutter. In Marie Kondo’s Netflix documentary, the homeowners were visibly surprised to see the massive items they have accumulated over the years. You can create a tidy home by doing it by categories: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items. Now if you want a step-by-step checklist and other additional decluttering, both energetic and physical, check out my signature course, “The Art Of The Holistic Home”.
3: Toss or keep? Organize your wardrobe
How do you use the KonMari method on clothes? Gather all your clothes, including shoes, bags, and accessories, into a pile. You should be able to create a mountain of clothing. Touch each item – feel the fabric, if you must – and decide whether it sparks joy in you. Remember that it is not about how many items you discard, but to make sure the things you own make you happy.
“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life and embark on a new lifestyle,” according to Ms. Kondo. Before tossing away the unwanted items, make sure you thank them for their services.
4: Maximize space with KonMari folding tips
The KonMari folding technique is perfect for tight homes. It maximizes every square foot in your DMCI Homes condo space. Instead of stacking up folded clothes, you can stand the clothes upright in boxes. This makes each item easier to reach. Here is a step-by-step procedure to fold t-shirts:
- Lay the shirt flat on a surface;
- Fold in the right side with the sleeve flat, then fold it back halfway;
- Repeat #2 with the left side sleeve to create a rectangle;
- Fold in the neckline about an inch from the hem;
- Fold halfway and in half.
- Stand the tees upright in a drawer or box.
This is taken straight out of Marie Kondo’s Book, ” The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”. If you don’t own these yet, what in the world? Pick them up today!
5: Prepare a decluttering guide
The KonMari checklist is a guide that can aid you in deciding what to keep and what to toss. The checklist should have major categories: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous, and sentimental items. You are free to list specific items under each category. You can indicate sub-categories for miscellaneous such as the following:
- Electronics
- Office Supplies
- Health and beauty
- Money
- Pets
- Tools and utility
Feel free to add as many miscellaneous sub-categories as you may need. She also recommends a tidying schedule which I include in “The Art Of The Holistic Home”.
6: Walk down memory lane with sentimental items
Decluttering your home offers a lot of benefits including achieving a state of mind centered on simple living. But how can you reduce the number of items in your home if you keep boxes of items that carry emotional value? Ponder on Ms. Kondo’s wise words: “No matter how wonderful things used to be, we cannot live in the past. The joy and excitement we feel here and now are more important.”
How to organize sentimental items within your tidy home? Pile up all the items under this category and go through them one by one to determine what sparks joy and what does not. This activity is more like a walk down memory lane, reminding you of the good things in the past, and your blessings in the present. You’ll feel so much better in your tidy home.
7: Downsizing your library? Your choice.
Marie Kondo’s view of downsizing home libraries caused quite a reaction on social media. On her Netflix show, she suggests tossing unread and neglected books. Limiting your books to 30 is advisable. If all the books on your shelves spark joy in you, then keep them. The KonMari method is not about the number of items you discard, but whether those you keep have real value to you. Remember, your library is just one space to keep your tidy home tidy!
8: Purge or pile the papers in your space
Check your drawers. It is likely that you still have the electric bills from two years ago. Papers accumulate fast without you noticing. The KonMari method shares a simple way of tackling the piles of bills, flyers, and notes in your tidy home.
First, gather all of your papers excluding the sentimental ones. Second, organize each into three categories: pending, important, and miscellaneous. You can make your categories such as those you need in the short-term, including tax documents, and those that you have to keep like contracts and titles of properties. Next, go through each one and choose which to toss and which to keep. The last step is to label and file the remaining papers in folders or boxes.
9: Repurpose old boxes for storage
It is a must to have adequate storage in your tidy home. You need to be smart in organizing your stuff. Ms. Kondo recommends using small boxes for socks, ties, underwear, and others inside drawers. You can also do this for your shirts and pants. Repurpose old shoe boxes. You can store a bag inside another bag, or fold totes and keep them in boxes. Use phone boxes for small items such as tea bags, measuring spoons, and batteries. Your plastic storage containers are not only for food items – but you can also use them to keep craft items, cosmetics, and toys.
10: Stay consistent
After you KonMari your tidy home, what now? Tidying up should not be a one-time thing, like spring cleaning. “Tidy a little a day and you’ll be tidying forever,” according to Ms. Kondo. Before logging into your favorite shopping site, check your wardrobe whether you need a new jacket. Discard items as soon as these provide their purpose and no longer hold value to you. Learn Marie Kondo’s tips by heart and make decluttering a part of you. To quote our well-loved tidying guru: “Now imagine yourself living in a space that contains only things that spark joy. Isn’t this the lifestyle you dream of?”
In conclusion to keeping a tidy home,
Incorporating these 10 tips into your daily routine can make a significant difference in keeping a tidy home. Remember, consistency is key. By developing good habits and staying proactive about clutter, you’ll find that keeping your living space clean becomes second nature. Not only will this enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it will also create a more peaceful and stress-free environment. So, take it one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of transforming your tidy home into a well-organized haven. Happy tidying!
Love,
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