In this article, we will talk about the Konmari method, created by the Japanese Marie Kondo, a nipônica writer specialized in the theme of personal organization. In addition, we will show 13 organization tips proposed from the mentioned method. The Japanese are experts in the art of creating 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 Kanban, aim to improve the social, economic, and cultural environment of the individual (and the company).
On the other hand, the Konmari method focuses primarily on the organization and the cleanliness of a certain space. Taking into consideration that the Japanese society values clean and organized establishments and homes, it is not surprising that a method like this was created by them. Below, we will define what the method is and extract from it 13 essential tips to achieve the proposed goals.
Table of Content
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 we live in to organize it in a harmonious way, increasing our happiness and, consequently, our productivity. The book that made her popular worldwide is titled "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up - The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" (Portuguese edition, published by Editora Sextante), which can be easily purchased at major bookstores in the country and online shops. Another highly recommended book by the author for personal organization enthusiasts is: "Does this Spark Joy? - An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up", from the same publisher.
Marie Kondo also became known in Brazil and the West through the series "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" on Netflix (2019). The konmari method is generally summarized as a mix of "letting go" of items that do not bring happiness to the user and categorizing objects, along with other tips. The term "konmari" is a combination of the first syllable of Kondo's name ("kon") and the first two syllables of Marie's name ("mari") - Kon + Mari. Next, we will explain in more detail the basic principles 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 tidy up 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 - Reus.
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 it really to get ready?
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 - Only what is necessary.
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 the 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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