What exactly did you declutter?

Sentimental paper collected over a period of about 15 years – from childhood to about my mid-twenties. I love paper, I’m really drawn to it, so I have collected a lot over the years – magazine articles, birthday cards, letters, programs I’ve saved from shows, diaries, – you name it.

What motivated you to declutter?

I’ve been wanting to declutter my childhood bedroom for a long time but was never back at the family home for long enough. When the pandemic hit I moved back, and have had months to spend on it – one of the silver linings of a less than ideal situation!

All that paper spilling out of the cupboards had been weighing on me every time I went home. It felt heavy, and like it belonged to a version of myself that no longer existed.

Was this your first time decluttering?

No, I’ve been decluttering for years – I’ve always loved having a tidy environment. I also spent the first half of my twenties living out of a suitcase which meant constant decluttering in order to be able to carry everything I owned with me.

In one word how would describe how you felt starting the process?

Overwhelmed! Once I had gathered all of the paper together in one place, there were just piles and piles of it and I didn’t really know where to start. It was tempting to shove it all back! That’s why I reached out to Sally – for the first time, I felt I needed some additional guidance. She helped me categorise everything – breaking it down into further categories helped me get through the start of the process.

Kate the ‘paper-lover’ took on a huge sentimental declutter

“When the pandemic  hit I had months to declutter – one of the silver linings of a less than ideal situation”

How has this declutter been different?

This has been the most time-consuming declutter I have ever done. Mainly because for the first time I have actually had that time and space. I essentially transferred all of my sentimental paper into my parents’ spare room (a luxury I definitely don’t have in the city!) and worked on it over a period of about six weeks. I think I needed that time – it’s obviously emotionally exhausting decluttering nostalgic items – so being able to stop and come back to it a few days later was helpful.

Was there anything unexpected along the way?

I’ve probably kept more than I thought I would, but I’m comfortable with that. For example, at the start I pictured myself chucking out lots of my childhood diaries and a huge, heavy weight lifting, but in the end I kept almost all of them! I realised that having a historical record of my life is something I highly value.

One unexpected find was my childhood scrapbooks. I have about six or seven which I hadn’t looked at in probably about two decades. I assumed they would be just full of rubbish so I thought I’d have no difficulty chucking them. Actually though, I’ve kept them all.

One of them turned out to contain the only birthday cards I ever received from my grandfather before he died when I was 10.

I can’t believe they had just been shoved in the cupboard for that long without a thought – or that I had been about to hurl them all in the recycling bin!

Would you recommend engaging Sally, and at what point?

I would highly recommend booking in a tidy session with Sally, especially if you’ve never decluttered before, or are about to tackle a particularly challenging category. In either case I would recommend booking in the session before you start.

Sally will help you to sort things into categories and will help you formulate a strategic plan. She will also help you to talk through why you want to declutter and what you hope to get out of it. It’s important to clarify this at the beginning of the process so that you have a clear idea of what you’re working towards.

How do you feel now?

Lighter and more in control. Rather than feeling like these items were weighing me down, I feel like I’ve deliberately chosen them and curated a collection of things which I actually want to read and look at.

Do you have a decluttering dilemma and need some extra support? A session with Sally could be exactly what you’re looking for. Sally will help you through the hardest hurdle of starting a sentimental declutter, provide a helping hand when things get overwhelming and guide you step by step to meet your goals. Within an hour you will know where and how to start and be equipped with a personalised tidy plan set out into achievable sections.

Click here to book a tailored, one-on-one session with Sally and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

1. Mess makes you less productive

Our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganisation such as a messy desk or piles of paperwork on the kitchen bench drain our cognitive resources, reducing our ability to focus.

Visual distraction in the form of clutter sends our brain into overdrive and can reduce our ability to process information, but clearing clutter from our homes has proven to increase our ability to focus and be productive.

2. Clutter can affect your mental health

Most of us have a vague understanding that clutter makes us feel stressed, but now we have evidence to prove that it does actually stress us out. Scientists at the University of California have found that being surrounded by too many things increases the body’s level of the stress hormone cortisol, increasing susceptibility to depression, insomnia and anxiety. When reviewing the home environment of mothers, they discovered that cortisol was higher in mothers living in a cluttered environment.

In short, clutter induces a negative mindset, reduces motivation and diminishes happiness.

Clutter is proven to increasing susceptibility to depression, insomnia and anxiety.

3. Constant clutter can affect your physical health

If you’re living in a constantly messy environment you could be facing potential health problems. Living in an environment that is messy and cluttered can lead to your body producing a low-grade fight or flight response which could wreak havoc on your digestive and immune systems.

This is probably a good time to remind you that if you or someone you know is suffering from a hoarding disorder, visit our blog for Decluttering Tips for Hoarders for links and advice.

4. You’re probably wasting time

Time is precious. If there is anything this pandemic has taught us, it’s that we never know what is around the corner so we must use our time well. I think we can all agree that constantly tidying up a messy environment and searching for lost items is not the best use of your time.

On the other hand, living and working in an organised environment, where each item has a home, eliminates the need to search for lost items, and makes cleaning and all round living simpler.

Being organised gives time back to us.

Constantly tidying up and searching for lost items is not the best use of time

5. You’re probably not sleeping well

If you find yourself falling asleep more easily in a minimalist hotel or after a big spring clean, this is no coincidence. People who sleep in cluttered bedrooms are more likely to have sleeping problems, both in terms of falling asleep and waking up during the night. There is a lot to be said for tidying up before you go to bed – a clean floor will not only make the space feel calmer, but will aid in the ease of sleep.

The bonus of tidying up at night is that you will also set yourself up for the day ahead as you wake up to a clean room in the morning. Read Your Sleep Sanctuary Nighttime Rituals for more sleep support.

6. You might be losing opportunities

This might be my favourite reason to get organised. I can attest first hand that getting your life in order brings opportunities. With all the time you get back and reduced stress-levels, you’ll be the best version of yourself, and will be in a much better position to pursue your dreams, start that side hustle, train for that marathon, or even commit to finding your perfect match. Getting organised hunts down those opportunities and brings them to fruition.

If all this doom and gloom has sent you crawling under your desk, don’t worry, I have good news for you. Organisational psychology research shows that being organised triggers positive behaviors! Scientists have proven that living and working in organised environments encourages healthy eating choices and socially responsible habits, such as donating to charities.

In summary, organisation not only reduces stress and makes sleeping easier but also triggers positive, healthy behaviors. If that isn’t motivation enough to get tidy – I don’t know what is!

Need help?

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for support delivered straight to your inbox.

1. Recycle religiously

While reducing and reusing is better, recycling is still important. Up to 96% of Australian kerbside recycling is made into new products. However, in Australia large volumes of recycled materials still end up in landfill due to contamination. This is also the primary reason China stopped accepting our recycling exports. So be sure to wash out any remaining food and always pop jars, cans, bottles and paper in the recycle bin loose, never in a plastic bag.

Still not sure how to recycle? Read up on Planet Ark’s Golden Recycling Rules.

2. Close the blinds in summer and rug up in winter

Heating and cooling accounts for 40% of household energy use, making it the largest energy user in the average Australian home. If you own your home, investing in efficient reverse cycle air conditioners, double glazing and shade protection is ideal. If structural changes are not an option, make sure you do your part by closing the blinds in summer and throwing on an extra blanket in winter. As nice as it might be to sleep under a doona with the air conditioner on full blast, this habit is doing the environment no favours.

As a bonus, you’ll probably save a load of money on your energy bill too.

Throw on an extra blanket

3. Switch out old appliances and whitegoods

Home appliances account for almost half of household greenhouse gas emissions. Upgrading aged appliances to newer energy efficient ones can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. That thirty-year-old freezer in the shed running for occasional use is likely doing more harm than good.

But remember, use your good judgement. The size of an appliance will have an impact on its energy usage. Just because a cinema-sized TV has a five star rating, does not make it more efficient than the smaller one you have now.

4. Eat less meat and dairy

You may have heard that meat production is bad for the environment, but how bad? Well, animals raised for meat require large lots of land to grow their feed, fertilizers to make the feed grow rapidly and room to graze. This need for land and resources makes meat production the largest driver of Amazon deforestation, accounting for 80% of clearing. In fact, one third of the Earth’s surface is used for meat, and emissions related to meat production are almost double those for fruit, veg and legumes.

Adopting a ‘Meatless Monday’, or becoming a sustainable vegetarian or flexitarian will make your home and lifestyle much more sustainable.

For more meat-emissions data visit Our World In Data.

Adopting a vegetarian or flexitarian lifestyle

5. Buy mindfully

Choosing products we love makes good sense. Take time to consider your purchases and only buy what lights you up or will improve your life in some way. When we buy something without thought we disrespect the resources and labour used to make it. We also tend to take better care of the things we love, and in turn they last longer and we need less. This may mean opting for higher quality products which might cost a few extra dollars upfront, but long term it will save you money.

6. Buy secondhand

Making the most of secondhand marketplaces like Gumtree or Facebook, or joining events like the Garage Sale Trail are ideal ways to freshen up your home without bolstering your carbon footprint. Unlike pre-loved clothing, with homewares you know exactly what you’re getting, making the whole process quick and easy. I recently bought a lovely white platter to brighten up my dinner table, and a set of nesting tables for my lounge room – both items pre-loved and gorgeous.

So there you have it, six ways you can boost your home’s sustainability. For more sustainability ideas visit our blog, How To Do Plastic Free July During A Pandemic.

If you are ready to take the next step?

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

1. Anything that makes you feel guilty

These might be items you paid a lot for but have hardly worn. They might be an overpriced pair of shoes that give you blisters, a gift you just can’t see yourself wearing, or high quality pieces you know should feel great, but they don’t. For me, it’s a pair of handmade, Brooklyn-designed pants that cost $500 but I’ve only worn a handful of times. Anything in your wardrobe that screams ‘you really should wear me more’, but doesn’t bring you joy – get rid of it.

Bonus – you’ll probably be able to sell some of these items and make a little extra cash. Check out Selling Secondhand Clothes to learn how.

Discard anything that doesn’t match your lifestyle

2. Items that don’t suit your lifestyle

Like all areas in our home, our wardrobes must move with the seasons of our lives. Your wardrobe is a curated collection of items that show you off and help you lead the life you want to live. Anything in your wardrobe that doesn’t match your current lifestyle, thank it and discard.

Switched jobs and no longer need your old work outfits? Discard. Happily settled into a relationship with no need for that skimpy, first date dress? Discard. Done with clubbing and no longer wear your six-inch podium heels? Consider discarding.

Remember, intentional decluttering is more than just getting rid of some stuff. It is about reassessing how your clothes are making you feel and whether they add value to your life. It’s time to let go of anything that hasn’t grown with you.

3. Ill-fitting anything (especially underwear)

If your wardrobe is a carefully curated collection, then each piece should fit you well. After all, clothes should look good, and feel good to wear but for many of us, this is easier said than done. Fluctuating body weight can present difficulties, so if this is you, take Courtney Carver’s advice: box up and put away anything that doesn’t fit right now, and bring it back out when it does. Change your wardrobe to suit your body, not the other way around.

The reality is, clothes that are too small or too big probably don’t spark joy and shouldn’t be in your wardrobe. As for ill-fitting underwear, nobody’s got time for that!

4. “Must-have” basics

It may shock some of you to learn that I don’t own any basics. Okay sure, I own a white shirt and a pair of black socks, but not because I think they’re necessary wardrobe staples everyone should have. I have them because I love them and they feel good. I truly believe that there is no need to keep anything in your wardrobe because you’ve been told that it is a ‘must-have’ basic or a staple. Shift your thinking and only keep (and purchase) items that you love wearing and which work for you.

5. Anything that doesn’t feel like YOU

If every time you open your wardrobe it frustrates you, or you’re always complaining ‘I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR’, something isn’t working, and it could be because nothing feels like ‘you’. When we buy items based on how they look on a model in a magazine, or seasonal trends or for a ‘feel good boost’, we are not really dressing according to our own style. Of course, finding your own style can take time, and there is no need to pressure yourself. But I can guarantee if you dress to look like someone else you will feel like someone else, and no one is better than you.

If you want to keep rolling on the declutter train, head on over to our blog on what the KonMari method is, and how to use it. And if you’re after more wardrobe decluttering ideas, check out Project 333 by Courtney Carver. I have recently read the book and loved all of the ideas and tips. 

Meet Sally or learn how to find peace in isolation, 7 Way You Can Embrace Your Home Sanctuary through lockdown.

Of course, what sparks joy is unique to everyone, so every space tidied according to the KonMari method will look different. Some clients I have worked with have been left with empty rooms; for others, their space just looks more organised and calm.

This individuality is one element of my job which I love so much. When I arrive at a new client’s home, the outside can look like any other, but the interiors are always unique. 

What the KonMari Method is not?

The method does not ask you to throw out as many of your possessions as you possibly can. In the words of Marie Kondo, ‘Tidying is about what you want to keep in your life, not what you want to eliminate.’

KonMari does not ask you to throw out your possessions

What is minimalism?

Minimalism, as the name suggests, advocates for living with less – specifically less stuff – the theory being that the less meaning you attribute to your physical possessions, the more space you will have to find meaning in intangible things like your relationships, your passions, and your health.

According to The Minimalists, ‘minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favour of focusing on what’s important – so you can find happiness, fulfilment, and freedom.’

Minimalism is undoubtedly more extreme than the KonMari method

Unlike the KonMari method, minimalism isn’t a precise method – it’s more of a lifestyle and one that is open to interpretation. What’s considered important won’t be the same for everyone – some minimalists find meaning in travel, others in giving back to society, and others focus on creative pursuits.

Minimalism is often undoubtedly more extreme than the KonMari method. Some minimalists may let go of objects which many of us find hard to do, such as photos, heirlooms, and sentimental items.

I am becoming increasingly drawn to minimalism 

By 2050,  there will be an additional 2.5 billion people in the world’s urban population

So which one is right for me, minimalism or the KonMari Method?

Even though I have never classified myself as a minimalist, and until recently was never particularly attracted to the idea, I now find myself increasingly drawn to minimalism.

Every time I do a quick once over in my home, generally at spring time or when moving, I find myself craving less. 

A big part of this shift in my thinking is that the more I study our use of the earth’s resources, the more I learn how unequal my share is. By 2050, the UN predicts that there will be an additional 2.5 billion people in the world’s urban population. The only way we can all live together harmoniously with the environment and each other is to live with less. 

I believe minimalism could bring us joy, sustainability and calm.

Read the 9 things Sally loves about here home sanctuary. 

YOU CAN reduce your carbon footprint and support organisations doing good by making simple positive changes to the way buy.  PLUS every positive change you make can motivate others to do the same!

Social Psychologists say seeing change in others makes people think that change is possible for themselves.

One change can lead to multiple! 

So let’s start now.

Here are simple steps to buy less and reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Know what sparks joy for you.

Everywhere we turn there someone is trying to sell us something to fix a problem we didn’t know we had. Last year Facebook made $16.6 billion through adds. Targeted advertising algorithms are improved daily. If you don’t know what products make you happy, google will tell you.

A strong understanding of what you feel good wearing, and what products work for your lifestyle, helps to keep you true to yourself; not to be swayed by advertising. Get clear on your values, stay honest and say no to anything that doesn’t align to that.

2. Understand when you are being sold to.

We are creatures of comfort, and wonderful at convincing ourselves (and others) that we are desperately in need of more. A new contraption to make life easier, (because it was so hard before). A new product to make us prettier, smarter, stronger or more efficient. Everything from study journals to lightweight socks are marketed to us; with clever advertising telling us that what we have now is not good enough.

Before purchasing the latest technology or the newest model, ask yourself, do I truly need this or am I being sold a need that I don’t have?

3. Cultivate self awareness.

Why are you buying; Is it emotive? A result of social pressures? Are you lacking something?

Marketing experts tell us that younger consumers make purchasing decisions based on emotions more frequently than more mature consumers do. But that doesn’t mean as we get older we become immune to emotive purchasing. Neuroscientists emphasize that emotions play a central role in our decision-making-progress.

Being honest with ourselves and connecting to our true needs can help slow the consumption cycle.

To quote The Minimalists, “if you need nice things to impress your friends, you need new friends”.

4. Become a concious consumer.

A conscious consumer has been defined as “someone who considers the social, environmental, ecological, and political impact of their buycott (when you buy) and boycott (when you decide not to buy) actions”. In other words, a conscious consumer makes decisions based on what is good for the world and for themselves.

Start to become a conscious consumer by considering the resources used and the lifecycle of every product you purchase.

For example:

• How long will it last? Is the product quality or will it break and end up in landfill?
• Can it be recycled? (I always choose tin over plastic in the supermarket)
• Can it be repaired? If it breaks can I buy a replacement part?
• Does it have multiple uses? 
• Were the resources sourced ethically?
• Did the manufactures consider environmental impact? Or use responsible techniques? (ie, no animal testing, no palm oil, recyclable packaging and ethical supply chain)
• Will this purchase benefit others? (Hello Social Enterprises!)

Just by following these simple steps, and sharing with your community will help lower your carbon footprint and start to slow the crisis of climate change.

Ready to take the next step and make your home more sustainable?

Click here to book a one-on-one session with Sally, and sign up to our newsletter for all our updates, tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

Moving? Be prepared, make sure you know the Moving 101. And while you are at it, read up on Selling Secondhand Clothes.

1. Curb Your Clutter

See your home as a guest, take a walk through the front door and look around your space with fresh eyes. You should be proud of everything you see in the living and entertaining areas and want to show it off. If you spot an item that doesn’t spark joy, question if you should keep it. See the“How To Curb Living Room Clutter Diagram”.

2. Create A Welcoming Sanctuary

Now that you have cleared the clutter and put haphazard items away, let’s go back to the entrance. Is there a place to drop a bag, or take off shoes? If you are pushed for space, try setting up a “drop off” zone on high traffic days to keep the entertaining area clear and clutter-free.

Diagram by Sally Flower from Home Sanctuary

3. Prepare Your Kitchen

Let’s be honest, the kitchen and dining areas go into overdrive during the festive season. Make it easy for yourself by keeping your kitchen and entertaining benchtops clear. You will need this space for appetisers and drinks. Use the same “curb the clutter” premise and keep benches clear of anything except for your favourite spark joy items.

Now is also a great time to do any deep cleaning before the holidays start. Give the oven, cupboards and mixmaster a once over.

4. Make Space and Reduce Waste

We tend to indulge a little over the holiday period, and rightly so. Our pantries become full with special occasion and celebration foods we don’t normally cook, eat or buy at any other time of year. Hence, tis’ the time to maximise your fridge and pantry space. In preparation, take a look in your pantry, are there items you can “use up” now? Check your dry foods for ingredients you can use in this year’s festive bake-up. Items like glacé fruit, flours and cooking brandy don’t really go off so don’t be scared to use them up rather than throwing them out. The less food waste the better!

5. Get Out Those “Special Use” Pieces

As a tidy consultant I have come across many special use items; candles, table cloths, serving wear, glassware, coasters, napkins, serving spoons, tea towels, hand towels, soap, guest towels, placemats, wine buckets, bottle stoppers and even pet outfits (just to name a few). 

Now is the time to find them. So often while pulling out items from the back of a clients wardrobe mid-declutter I come across one of these, “oh I was looking for that” responses…sound familiar?

Locate your speciality items now, and store in a place you will remember and access easily as you set up your home for the holidays. And if you don’t want to use it, ask yourself why you have it. Can’t be bothered finding it…then you definitely don’t need it.

5. Tidy Up The Bathroom

With more people coming and going over the holidays, the bathroom becomes a high traffic area. Cleanliness is vital, and let’s be honest a bathroom says a lot about someone. There is a reason restaurants invest in spa-like restrooms. Take the time now to declutter the sink area, placing as much as you can in drawers and cupboards. Clear benchtops = easy to clean.

5. Minimalistic Can Be Chic

How many times have you had to move a table centrepiece to make room for food? Fewer decorations is often best. When entertaining focus on the food, the drink and the quality of conversation, less on the nic nacs. Guests remember good food, company and music more than anything else. There is a lot to be said for a fresh table of flowers; sustainable and chic.

6. Enjoy The Finishing Touches

Why dress up your sanctuary only for others? You deserve finishing touches too. Is there anything you can add now to enjoy for yourself? A vase of flowers in the bathroom perhaps? Or bring out the crystal glasses a few weeks early.

Beautiful objects are made to be enjoyed.

Why stop there?! Check out Tips to Decluttering and Simplifying your Life & learn how to Sell Secondhand Clothes

1. Understand Why You are Decluttering

We don’t book a holiday without first deciding where we are going. Nor do we book accommodation before deciding on what type of holiday we are craving; beachside lux, mountain adventure or city escape?! The same goes home sanctuary making.

Before you start get clear on the purpose. Take a moment to clarify how you want your home to feel and function.

Sally recommends taking a moment to understand why we are decluttering before starting.

Do you want to save time looking for things? Do you want space for new hobbies? Do you want the kids to be able to put away their toys? How about creating a reading room, a quiet space or an art area? Maybe you want to be able to host at a moment’s notice? Whatever it is focus on that, this is your new mantra. You will need to come back to it every time you get stuck (and you will get stuck).

2. Clarify who is responsible for what

In the KonMari Method we declutter only what belongs to us and what we are responsible for. Which means as much as you want to throw out your hubby’s bike trainer that you trip over every time you walk through the shed (the one he hasn’t used in 7 years) you can’t. That is his. You can ask him (in a kind tone), why it is important to him, maybe more important than a clear path to the door, but you can’t throw it out.

“For communal items like gifts, kitchenware & furniture, it’s important to decide on who is responsible for what”

This also means for those communal items like gifts, kitchenware & furniture, you need to decide on who is responsible for what. This will not only make it quicker as you zoom around making your home a sanctuary, but it will also save arguments later. Remember you are creating mindful homes, not domestic arguments. If you agree an item is shared, great! Then declutter it together and respect each other’s wishes.

3. Declutter by category

If you take away only one thing from this article, this is it. DO NOT DECLUTTER BY ROOM. As tempting as it is to open the hall cupboard and jump right in… don’t. Before my KonMari training, I did this all the time. Open a draw and organise. 50mins later I was tired, cranky and unsure where things should go.

When we declutter by room, or by drawer, we miss the opportunity to see a clear picture of what we own. We also force our brains into overdrive; it is too much to ask ourselves to make multiple decisions on multiple objects. Decluttering by category will improve your decision making efficiency, speeding up the whole process.

4. Only keep what “sparks joy”

Deciding what to keep through this decluttering journey is easy; it must “spark joy”. Every item you keep must make you feel good when you wear it, proud when you display it, jog a happy memory when you hold it or serve a purpose. If you get stuck, come back to your new mantra…does that item fall in line with how you want your home to feel and function? If it doesn’t then you can let it go with confidence.

5. Thank what you discard

“Thank you”, two little words my clients hear me say over and over. Thanking an item before discarding is one of the most humbling parts of the KonMari Method. Not only does it force us to verbally express gratitude, a proven technique to increase happiness levels, but it forces us to see objects as more than “stuff”. We are living in a consumer-driven society, encouraged to buy more with little consideration of the discard. The KonMari Method asks us to stop before we throw away and give thanks for all the items we have been so lucky acquire.

6. Resell, repurpose and recycle

Sustainability is key to Home Sanctuary’s ethos, many unwanted things can be resold or recycled. The Garage Sale Trail is the perfect way to reduce your environmental footprint after a declutter.

Sign up to this annual event give your decluttered items a new home. Check out our blog on Selling Secondhand Clothes.

Sally wearing the “Trailblazer Jacket”, as a 2019 Garage Sale Trail Ambassador 

What to learn more?

Visit our interview with Broadsheet, on How To Spring Clean Your House.

For decluttering tips, visit our blog on Tips For Downsizing.

Here are the top ideas that make Kondo’s method of organising unique;

– Declutter by category not by room

-Always declutter before organising

-Say “goodbye” to items as they are discarded

– Fold clothes into origami squares so they stand-up by themselves

And most importantly, “Spark Joy”

The KonMari Method includes folding clothes into origami squares

Before Kondo came along we had been relying on storage solutions to find order. Flocking to homewares stores for any tidy itch that needed to be scratched and filling our kitchen pantries with lazy Susan contraption to fill every inch of our home.

Until now decluttering has involved keeping items if we paid a lot for them; if there was a possibility it could be useful in some way (you know “just in case”, no point throwing it away); and if an item was gifted to us we would feel too guilty to turn it over to charity. Sound familiar?!

The KonMari Method flips our engrained organising philosophy on its head and asks:  “How does it make you feel? Does it give you joy?”.  Rather than the objects in our lives owning us, the KonMari Method tells us to consider how they are contributing to our lives.

Once we have decided to discard an item, we must thank it (yep say thank you) for its service. For helping you prepare food, for keeping you warm, for confirming that you don’t look good in floral; whatever purpose that item served, thank it and let it go.

“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard the rest” ~ Marie Kondo

Kondo’s unique method is not focused on throwing away or creating minimal homes, it’s about finding joy and being grateful for what we have. While maybe a little woo-hoo for those of us not spiritually inclined, decluttering this way forces us to be honest with ourselves. The KonMari Method urges us to recognise when we have changed; when our ideologies, tastes and desires have shifted, encouraging us to accept and let go items that no longer serve us. Applying the KonMari method is a great starting point in the process of morphing your home into your personal sanctuary.

How to Apply the KonMari Method?

Get Clear

Step one is to get crystal clear on what makes you happy. Now is the time to work out what “joy” means to you. You are as unique as they come. You have your own passions, desires and tastes, and hard as magazines try to convince you otherwise, you are your own joy detector.

So, what does joy mean to you? It can be hard to find the answer right away… don’t rush it. Give yourself a few days to come up with a list of key joy items.

Take note when you smile a little bigger, what comes naturally or reduces any stress you might be holding. If possible take a mindful walk in nature, soaking in the sights and sounds.

Another option is to sit quietly and reflect on a time you felt most yourself. However, a little word of warning, be mindful not to get caught up in happier, maybe unreachable times past. You are looking for actions and items that make you feel good in the now, not who you have been.

If you follow these three steps for every category of items in your home (clothes, shoes, accessories, electronics, books, cooking equipment, tableware, bathroom supplies, hobbies, photos.. just to name a few), you will have a home full of gratitude, joy and connection before you know it.

 How sucessful is this process is? Read how Domain.com journalist enjoyed a tidy lesson with Sally, read Living The KonMari Way.