How to Marie Kondo Your Life
What sparks joy in your life? Maybe it’s an organized living space, a scheduled routine, or even going for a quick run.
Regardless of what makes you happy, incorporating joy into your everyday life is essential. This is the message of tidying pro Marie Kondo.
Named one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People of 2015, Kondo is still taking over just about every talk show and social media platform out there. After finding success with her two books and Netflix series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” she has quickly become a household name.
Even though her methods are organization-focused, they can easily be incorporated into other aspects of your life. Here are some Marie Kondo inspired ways to spark joy — whether you like cleaning or not.
For Those Who Find Joy Outside of Cleaning
You don’t necessarily have to know how to fold shirts like a pro to achieve Marie Kondo’s simplistic, stress-free lifestyle. If you don’t mind the mess and want to destress in other ways, follow Kondo’s 5 Productivity Tips.
Start your morning with good energy.
Whether it’s stretching, meditation, or drinking your favorite coffee, try to incorporate activities that bring positive vibes to your morning.Make a daily to-do list.
Checking off tasks as you complete them creates a feeling of accomplishment and helps you stay on track.Coordinate with your roommates.
Sharing the workload of chores lowers stress and allows each person to complete the tasks they perform best.Clear your mind.
Be aware if the stress in your life and let it go, by writing it all down or just taking a break.Create a nighttime routine.
Getting into a routine can improve your sleep schedule, leaving you feeling well-rested to begin your next day with good energy.
““It’s all about choosing joy.””
For Those Hooked on Cleanliness
If decluttering is what helps you destress, here are Kondo’s six basic rules of tidying.
Commit yourself to tidying up.
With commitment and drive you can do anything. Before you begin, don’t forget to put yourself in a positive mindset.Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
Let the joy of the end result motivate you. You got this!Finish discarding first.
Ditch those items that aren’t sparking joy! Doing this first makes organizing that much easier.Tidy by category, not by location.
Begin by piling all of your clothing or other items into one spot. This sounds terrifying, but it really allows you to see the volume of what you’re dealing with.Follow the right order.
The KonMari Methodä, as Kondo explains in her website, encourages tidying beginning with clothes, then moving onto books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items.Ask yourself if it sparks joy.
As Kondo says, “Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.”
Although Kondo is the international face of effective tidying, the deeper message of her brand is what matters most. Regardless of how you live your life, focus on choosing joy. Whether tidying brings you joy or not, following these simple life tips will help you Marie Kondo your life.
Be well, Auburn
Photography by Sydney W.
Copy Editor
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Katherine decided to come to Auburn to learn everything there is to know about the apparel industry. Ever since she can remember, Katherine has had a passion for fashion, creativity, and self-expression. Naturally, she is majoring in apparel merchandising with a minor in business and global studies.
As a Florida girl, Katherine enjoys being at the beach, going to concerts, and trying new restaurants. Before she dies, she is determined to learn sign language and travel as much as she can to broaden her experience and knowledge in her chosen field.
