Marie Kondo’s top tips on decluttering, tidying and hoarding
We chat to star of Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo about the effect a clutter-free home has on our well-being, motivational tips to encourage you to tidy more, and the psychology of hoarding.
Image: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Netflix
Still putting off the new year big clean? Then look further to tidying expert, best-selling author and founder of KonMari, Marie Kondo for all the motivation and inspiration you need to cut the clutter in your home.
Since childhood, Marie has been fascinated with organisation and began her tidying consultancy business when she was a 19-year-old university student in Tokyo. Now, Marie is a renowned expert in her field and has landed her very own Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.
The eight part series sees Marie helping people around the world to transform their cluttered homes into spaces of serenity. So we caught up with the queen of clean to find out her top tidy tips, how to declutter effectively and avoid hoarding unecessary items.
What are your top tips for decluttering your home for the new year big clean?
Image: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Netflix
“Tidying up once and for all this year may seem like a daunting task, but believe in yourself. Once you have made up your mind, all you need to do is to apply the right method. The KonMari Method™ is very simple, so anyone can finish tidying if they truly commit to doing so. No home is impossible to tidy – all that matters is your commitment to this project!
If you want to finish tidying this year, try setting monthly goals. For example, tackling clothing in January, books in February, and so on. Intentionally setting aside time to tidy and giving yourself deadlines are keys to success!”
What are your top tips for motivating yourself to tidy your home in the new year?
Image: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Netflix
“The KonMari Method™ emphasizes the need to first envision the type of lifestyle you want to have. By doing this, you create a sense of urgency for tidying up now, instead of spending more time in a lifestyle that doesn’t satisfy you. Acknowledging the underlying motivations for establishing the goal in the first place enables you to develop a detailed plan for seeing it through to completion.”
What decluttering advice do you have for recovering hoarders?
Image: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Netflix
“If we delve into the reasons for why we can’t tidy or let something go, there are only three: an attachment to the past, a fear for the future or a combination of both. The underlying psychological barriers people face when tidying manifests in an attachment to a piece of clothing or sentimental item. The key to overcome this obstacle is to ask yourself why it is difficult to let go of something and understand your ownership pattern.
Do you tend to keep items from the past for fear of losing a memory? Are you prone to keeping things that function – but that you don’t like – because you are scared you won’t be able to find a replacement? Once you understand your patterns, it becomes easier to face your fears and attachments.”
Why is decluttering so important for our well-being?
Image: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Netflix
“Tidying is not simply about organizing your house – it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to identify your values and make your life a happier one. The most important process during tidying is to ask yourself whether each and every item you own sparks joy for you, and through this process, your skill to make decisions that make your life happier is polished. Many people who have finished tidying make major decisions – like changing their jobs and or ending relationships – because tidying helps you realize what is really important to you.
Household clutter is a mirror that reflects the clutter inside your mind and heart. When you successfully finish tidying, not only is the atmosphere you live beautifully organized, but your mind also becomes more clear – enhancing your self image and welcoming more positivity in your life.”
Tidying Up with Marie Kondo is available on Netflix now.
Have you recently decluttered your home? Show us your new clutter-free space by tagging us on Instagram with #thisgoodhome, tweeting us @goodhomesmag or posting a comment on our Facebook page.