The KonMari Method™, developed by Japanese organising expert Marie Kondo, is known for its transformative approach to decluttering and home organisation. Unlike traditional methods that only focus getting rid of items, the KonMari Method™ helps you achieve a tidy home whilst creating a more mindful and intentional lifestyle.
In this blog, I’ll highlight five common decluttering mistakes people make when they start using the KonMari Method for the first time. Avoiding these pitfalls will set you on a path to creating a home that Sparks Joy.
Common decluttering mistakes to avoid
1. Looking for things to declutter!
Most traditional decluttering approaches recommend looking for items to discard but the KonMari Method focuses on looking for items that you want to keep in your home. It’s a subtle difference that makes a big difference to the result of your decluttering - making positive choices to keep items leads to you creating a space filled with things you love.
Marie Kondo emphasises the importance of keeping items that 'Spark Joy,' meaning things that make you feel happy. This positive approach transforms decluttering from a chore into a joyful process. As you sort through your belongings, you'll select clothes that you love wearing, coffee mugs that enhance your morning routine, and ornaments that bring a smile to your face.
2. Decluttering one room at a time
Have you ever decluttered a room, only to find that the clutter creeps back in within a couple of weeks? This tends to happen because you’ve held on to things ‘just in case’ and haven’t designated a place for everything.
When using the KonMari Method, you declutter by category (clothes, handbags, books, paperwork, bed linen, etc.) rather than by location. This approach is a game changer for the results of your tidying up.
Start by gathering all the items from a specific category in one place (for example, all of your handbags or dresses). This enables you to see all the similar items you own, making it easier to decide which ones to keep. Decluttering in this way helps you choose your favourite items and identify duplicates or things you no longer use. Many of my clients find that this method makes decision-making easier to make decisions about what to keep and are less likely to store retain and reduces the tendency to keep things ‘just in case’, as they feel confident that they have everything they need.
3. Buying storage and organising products before you’ve finished decluttering
How can you determine the type or number of baskets and containers you need before knowing what you'll be storing? The KonMari Method advises that you finish discarding items first to gain clarity.
As you progress through the decluttering process, you'll develop a better understanding of how to organise the items you've decided to keep. This approach allows you to thoughtfully arrange your belongings according to your preferences and available space.
The KonMari Method introduces new ways to organise your items, such as sorting by category or using folding and vertical storage techniques. You may even find that you don't need to buy new storage solutions; the space you've created may allow you to repurpose or reuse items you already have.
4. Not having a place for everything
Your decluttering isn’t finished until everything you’ve kept has a home. This step will help keep your home organised and prevent clutter from causing arguments and getting in the way of family life.
The KonMari Method suggests storing items from the same category together to prevent scattered storage, making easy to find and put away items.
Marie Kondo advises “When you're choosing what to keep, ask your heart; when you're choosing where to store something, ask your house!”
When it comes to organising your home keep it simple. Place items where you would naturally look for them and avoid overloading space with too many items as this makes staying organised more difficult.
5. Trying to do everything in one go
Many people associate the KonMari Method with creating large piles of items to declutter, which can feel overwhelming and make it hard to know where to start. However, in practice, the method involves categorizing your possessions into broad categories, like clothes, and then further into smaller subcategories such as tops, dresses, underwear, and jeans. This structured approach allows you to work in smaller, more manageable chunks, helping you see progress as you complete each subcategory. You can use my Decluttering Checklist to guide you through the process.
The KonMari Method isn't just about decluttering; it's an opportunity to reset both your home and lifestyle. Its mindful approach encourages you to reflect on your experiences, relationships, and lifestyle as you sort through your belongings. Take your time with this process, gradually working through your items and considering how you want your home to support you in the future. Avoid trying to do everything all at once; instead, allow yourself to thoughtfully engage with each step. Ready to get started? Take a look at my step-by-step guide to decluttering with the KonMari Method.
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Hi! I’m Sue, a professional home organiser and Master KonMari Consultant based in Hampshire, UK. I had the privilege of training with Marie Kondo, and I use her KonMari Method to help growing families and empty nesters rightsize their homes.
Together, we declutter and organise to clear space and time so they can focus on enjoying life.
Are you ready to start living A Life More Organised?
For a no-obligation chat about how I can help, please get in touch.
m: 07740 782575 www.alifemoreorganised.co.uk
I'd love to keep in touch - why not follow me on Instagram or join in the conversation in my Facebook group
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