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Living the KonMari way: I asked a decluttering expert to assess my home.
Author: Jayne D’Arcy
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I’ve been drowning in stuff forever. A recent stock-take found four computers, three cameras, five bikes and three guitars. And two young children. Add countless clothes, books, CDs and photos, and a lot of sentimental knick-knacks. Despite regular donations to the op shop, my home was still filled with stuff, much of which I didn’t really like.
Enter Sally Flower, Melbourne’s own Certified KonMari Consultant. As soon as I booked her in, I became critical of my efforts. I’d hugged and said goodbye to so much, but I still had stuff I couldn’t deal with.
My kids won her over quickly (lucky for them), and she asked for a tour. I showed her my bedroom first. I started to feel pride. It wasn’t bare, or minimalist; it was filled with things that sparked joy flower made suggestions as the tour continued. “I’d hang something here,” she said, pointing to walls. She suggested ways I could make frequently used items more accessible and gave us a lesson on folding fitted sheets, T-shirts and towels. She rearranged my kitchen containers in a few seconds flat (I took a photo so it can stay that way!)
Finally, we got to the large pile of stuff by the door that I’d been unable to deal with. Flower picked the items up and asked me how I felt about them. We smashed through them, assigning each piece to its new home.
The instruments I’d held onto for decades are now at the local high school. There’s a painting that I can’t decide on, but Flower said even she regrets letting some things go. I’ve decided to wait. As for the kids? They’re definitely staying.
Jane’s five biggest KonMari revelations
- I don’t need to keep something just because someone gave it to me
- It’s up to my kids to do this process themselves (they love the folded clothes)
- It’s OK to have a photo album that purely contains photos of me looking my best (thanks and goodbye 1988 school photo of me with mullet).
- There’s a real sense of calm in an ordered home and it transmits to everyone living there (sounds woo-woo, but it’s true.)
- Getting a professional in, it is always worth it.
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