Spring is officially here even if the weather isn't cooperating just yet. At REV, we are all about helping you keep your body healthy, but it's also important to have a healthy home. Maybe you've been recently sucked into the Netflix Series "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo", and you want to try it, but come on, who has all of that time? Well, have no fear. REV has your back! Read below for tips on how to KonMari your home from local organizer and expert, Gretchen Pike of Intuitive Organizing Services.

If you find that you are distracted by “stuff” and want to go all in and get thoroughly organized, I suggest reading the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing (aka The KonMari Method). Almost all of my clients own this book, but all have trouble following her somewhat rigid step-by-step process. I can tell you that it works as I have KonMaried my own home. More importantly, I am able to break down her philosophy and use parts of it with all of my clients.

Here are my top five favorite KonMari principles:

Have a plan and a vision.

The first and most important part of following Marie Kondo’s method is that you need to be able to visualize what you want in your life. If you struggle with something then you probably already fantasize about what life could be like if you had XYNZ. When you’re organized you get so much brain power, emotional space and TIME to do whatever you want.

Like things together.

You cannot confidently decide what to get rid of or what to keep if you only see a portion of what you have. For example, if you have 20 white tank tops you gather all of them together in one spot, then pick up each one one at a time and yes, this is where you can ask yourself if it *sparks joy*. If it doesn’t fit, is stained or ripped - toss or donate!

Loose ends are clutter.

Anything that is undone, whether it be a relationship that needs to be mended or a form that needs to be updated, anything that’s on your to do list big or small clouds your mental space. Make a list and check things off one by one.

Don’t burden your family and friends with your discards.

Storing and displaying sentimental items is a part of the organizing process. However, I have seen people hold onto things only because it was given to them by a friend or family member. They feel obligated to keep it and guilty for thinking of getting rid of it (even if there is a bad memory associated with it). Be mindful when passing things along to others. Don’t pass on your clutter to someone who might not want it and keep the cycle of guilt going.

You’re probably really not ever going to use that.

There is a difference between actually using something and “maybe one day I might use that”. You have to be honest with yourself and as your begin the organizing process you will become more discerning. By the way, if you did need your toaster oven manual it’s available online.

If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff (physical or otherwise) you are dealing with, you are not alone. Marie Kondo talks about how we were never really taught to organize so it’s not surprising to be in a situation where you have accumulated too much and do you not know how to store it.

If you are seeking the help of a pro, Intuitive Organizing Services is available to help Baltimore area residents get their homes in order. In person direction, inspiration, and accountability jumpstart the process. I have found that after I start working with a client, they miraculously feel energized to continue. Consultations are always free and 100% confidential.< Email: intuitiveorganizingservices@gmail.com

Call or text: 443.935.0093

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