In this article, we will try to talk about the Konmari method, created by the Japanese Marie Kondo, a Japanese writer specializing in the theme of organization guys. In addition, we will show 13 organization tips proposed from the aforementioned method. The Japanese are experts in the art of formulating methods to optimize life, organize finances, improve performance at work and in the business environment, lose weight and even live better in general. Various methods, such as Kaizen or the Kanban aim to improve the social, economic and cultural environment of the subject (and the company).
On the other hand, the Konmari method has as its main focus the organization and cleaning of a particular venue. Taking into account that the japanese society values clean and organized establishments and homes, it is not surprising that a method like this was created by them. Next, we will define what the method itself is and extract from it 13 extremely important tips to achieve the proposed objectives.
Konmari – Introduction, Meaning and Definition
The konmari method, in Japanese こんまりメソッド (konmari messodo), proposed by Marie Kondo aims to work with the environment in which we live in order to organize it in a harmonious way, increasing our happiness and, consequently, our productivity. The book that made her popular all over the world is called “The Magic of Tidying Up – The Japanese Art of Putting Order in Your Home and Life” (Portuguese edition, published by Editora Sextante), which can be easily purchased in the country's main bookstores and online stores. Another book by the author highly recommended for lovers of personal organization is: “It Brings Me Joy – An Illustrated Guide to the Magic of Tidying”, from the same publisher.
Marie Kondo was also known in Brazil and in the West for the series “Ordem na casa” by Netflix (2019). The konmari method is, in general terms, a mixture of “detachment” from items that do not bring happiness to the user and the classification of objects by categories, in addition to other tips. The term “konmari” is a junction between the first syllable of the name Kondo (“kon”) and the first two syllables of the name Marie (“mari”) – Kon + Mari. Next, we'll explain in more detail the basics of the konmari method, through 13 tips:
Tip 1 – Discipline: keep the good habit of organization.
Consistency, constancy, habit maintenance. If, when starting the process of organization, you suddenly give up and return to old habits, it won't do any good to follow the steps of the Konmari method. So never forget: consistency and constancy are the great secrets!
Tip 2 – Categorization.
Categorize the items to be sorted. Marie Kondo suggests categorizing in the following order: clothes, books, paperwork (documents, craft sheets, loose handouts, certificates, slips, notes, etc.), small objects (or “komono”: includes various products, from games from video games to cleaning and personal hygiene products) and, finally, items of great sentimental value (the most difficult to get rid of).
Tip 3 – Are you happy? Keep. Were you sad or angry? discard.
When a certain item in your home (or work environment) is not good for you, arouses anger, sadness, indifference or annoyance, the best thing to do is to donate it (don't throw it in the trash, but give it to someone who needs it or can benefit from the object).
On the other hand, if you are happy with a product, box, picture, cup, book, clothing, or any object, and you feel that it gives you peace, joy, hope or happiness, keep it in the room, preferably in a that is easily visible to all.
Tip 4 – The right way to arrange your clothes.
There is a correct way to fold clothes. As we can see in the video below:
Tip 5 – Be autonomous in the process.
The process of organizing the home and the work environment must be lonely. Not in a negative sense, but in a positive sense, because when we are alone, we reflect better on our needs and can focus more easily on the present moment, which makes cleaning easier.
Tip 6 – Minimalism.
Excess often generates disorder and mess. Minimalism consists of leaving empty spaces when necessary or putting as little information as possible in a given space. Many Japanese adopt this minimalist habit in their everyday lives.
Tip 7 – Reuse.
Japan is a culture that values the health of the environment. Always try to reuse materials, because that way you reduce the amount of information in the environment, stimulate your creativity and still contribute to the planet.
Tip 8 – What is tidying up?
Tidying up does not mean accumulating. Tidying is organizing, categorizing and feeling happy with the result. When you accumulate or keep a very large number of objects and utensils in closets, drawers, deposits or closed boxes, you end up just hiding the problem and having even more difficulty finding the items you will need to use in the future.
Tip 9 – Just what you need.
Keep only what is essential and important in place. Combined with minimalism, this tip can be extremely useful to organize a room, for example.
Tip 10 – Small containers and boxes on shelves.
Small containers and boxes on a shelf can help categorize kitchen objects, foods and trinkets. The ideal is always to leave everything categorized and, preferably, in transparent boxes or containers that show the contents inside. For individuals who own shelves, it is essential to understand this tip well.
Tip 11 – Leave everything in sight.
As we said earlier, it is necessary that boxes and containers are transparent and that the objects that bring you happiness are exposed in an evident and easy to identify way. The act of making everything visible makes it easier to identify the utensils and eliminates the need to open boxes and containers to see what is inside each one.
Tip 12 – Goals.
Define what your organization goals are, initially spreading the objects and clothes in front of you so that an action plan can be formulated that aims to organize the excess of information and the mess in the future.
Tip 13 (extra) – Read.
This tip applies to everything in life. Reading is an act that transforms lives. When you read a book you feel that it was useful to you, and you will see with more pleasure the attitude of organizing your own library.
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