I’m not going to claim I had a hideous closet and couldn’t find the clothes packed inside. What I do know is I have the worst time getting rid of something I do not wear. You just *never* know when you *might* need that black blouse or multicolored sweater last worn a decade ago. Besides, it’s in great condition! Like new! Ugh, does this sound like you? If so, you need to do what I did – take back control and tackle your closet and dresser using the KonMari method.
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Where to begin?
Spark Joy. These two little words sound silly at first, but they really pack a punch. I had heard about the KonMari around Instagram and Twitter and had no idea what it meant. Then I finally broke down and started reading about the KonMari method from Marie Kondo’s book. This was so handy to read on the go and perfect to reference on everything KonMari. (I got my book on Amazon). However, I still lacked the motivation to really do anything about my closet. Then one afternoon I started watching her show on Netflix, and after one episode I really was hooked.
Don’t forget about her amazing website to inspire you – so be certain to reference this as well if you need that little boost of motivation to keep going! I also found her YouTube channel to be a great help (especially when learning the folding!).
So, now you know what to read, what to watch, where to go for inspiration to start your own project. Let’s get started.
Getting Started
This is daunting. Staring at ALL your clothes in your closet and dresser knowing you are supposed to dump them all on your bed. I probably prepped that bed ready to “dump” all my clothes on it at least three times. Each time I chickened out and found something else to do. But then, I finally took the leap and did it.
Time Involved
So, once you start there is really no turning back unless you have a spare bed to sleep on (I did not). I wish I could tell you I started this early on a Saturday morning but pretty certain it was late in the day on a Sunday. If getting to bed before midnight isn’t a motivator, I really don’t know what else is! Thankfully, once you get started everything moves pretty fast.
The goal (according to the Netflix show, book and YouTube videos) is to pick up EACH piece of clothing. Ask yourself if the piece of clothing brings you joy. If it does, you keep it. If it does not, you thank the piece of clothing for its service and place it in the donation pile. I added a step of trying on each piece of clothing to make certain it brought joy both holding the items and wearing the items (many didn’t make the second cut).
Successful Folding
Of course, I use a lot of hangers in general but was amazed at the number of hangers I had leftover AFTER I sorted through the big pile. I had way too many clothes I never wore. So, away they went, to bring joy to someone else.
I still had a dresser to tackle, and sweatshirts and sweaters that I stored in the closet to organize. This is where the folding technique came in. And the storage bins. I love IKEA products and found some bins that worked perfectly for my storage needs. I watched her YouTube channel quite a bit to make certain I had the technique down pat, and once I did folding was a breeze.
The fun part of each step (spark joy, return the happy clothes to the closet and dresser) was the end result. I could see ALL my clothes. I could access all my clothes. The bins on the upper shelf of my closet were so much better than having the clothes stacked on top of each other. Before, when I pulled on things down, almost every time they all fell down.
Going forward
So…have I stuck with it? I mean *really* stuck with it? Folding and returning clothing to where they belong? Not keeping items that did not bring me joy?
YES! That is the exciting part! Once it is all done (and it took me most of Sunday, part of Monday evening and then Tuesday). Totally worth every minute of the process!
Don’t delay! Please don’t feel like you have to tackle everything in your home at once! I started with my clothes, and while I have no intention of tackling the boy’s rooms, my next goal will be both bathrooms. While it seems like an insurmountable task, I cannot wait to see how it turns out!
I have actually done this recently. I bought draw organisers and used one for each item type (Example, gym bras, gym tops and gym leggings) and decided that if I couldn’t fit them all in the organiser, some had to go. It’s so therapeutic! We donated so many things, when you look at them all in bags you wonder how they fitted into your wardrobe in the first place!
I watch her show! I cleaned out my closet and drawers quite awhile ago, but I soooo want to master her folding techniques!
My closet is a nightmare, and it isn’t just because of the clothes. It’s a dumping ground for all the things we don’t have a spot for. This looks great though! Way to go through with a major reorganizing task. 🙂
Nice job! The art of letting go of what doesn’t serve you anymore is one that I myself am in the process of doing as well. It can be challenging, exhausting, & overwhelming, but the end result is worth it!
How awesome great job! I came across the show on netflix and loved it. I need to try this asap.
This is a great idea to tackle all the extra in our living spaces! I think it is great and have started one room at a time
I’ve heard good things. I need to do this with my boys. I have 3 teen boys who have no idea what clothing they own and wear the same 5 things over and over. Mostly because it’s messy. The process will be hard for them, because they come out of foster care and emotional attachment to things with good memories is a real thing.
It is so fun to see the result of these challenges!
I so need to do this. I read her book a couple of years ago but only implemented her folding strategy with my daughter’s leggings. Need to do a whole-house overhaul with this method 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
My daughter is just starting this process with her clothes and after saying “I can’t get rid of anything, they all spark joy!” she buckled down and eliminated a lot. Now my husband and I need to seriously follow suit.
I really need to do this with my clothes. My closet is so jam-packed, I can’t see what I have. It’s hard to let go, though. Kudos to you for keeping it going!
I have an OVERWHELMING need to start this process too. I guess, there’s no time like today! haha
The Konmari method looks like a perfect way to organize, but I am scared to start lol. Thanks!
Oh man, soo jealous. DO you want to come to my house? haha – but seriously, this really motivates me for some summer/fall cleaning.
It is interesting to see how people succeed with Marie Kondo’s methods. They have not worked for me as of yet. I may try again one day.
We have been living minimally for over a year now and I love it! Keep on it!! The benefits are numerous.
This is so me. I have the hardest time getting rid of something I haven’t worn is years because I just know I’ll need it and I never do. Lol!
We jumped into KonMari- ing our room too! It felt so good getting rid of all those clothes I was holding onto just in case… Great job!
Nice job! I’ve watched a couple of episodes of her show, and she can really transform people’s houses. What a difference it made at your house too!
I just dont know if I could follow this. I am intrigued every time I read about this process. Thanks for the reminder I may have to look into this!
What a difference! I think it’s time to go through my clothes again!
It does pack a punch! I love it and have been using this method for a while. It has made a huge difference in our families life.
We did this in our kids drawers and it is so nice!
Thank you for sharing! cool tips on organizing. and a reminder i have to do it too!
I need to do this. I m definitely guity of holding on to way too many items I never wear!
This is so inspiring! Great job 🙂
I’m a super organized person and crazy about having my closet color coated and certain hangers used for specific clothes. I saw someone on TV talking about this and attempted it but I think I’m too set in my ways. I think it’s a great idea but I can’t get myself to stick to it.
I actually tackled a closet this summer, too. It wasn’t my clothes closet, but one in my laundry room. I hadn’t touched it for many years, and have had it on my to do list for just as many. Glad you tackled yours and have an upkeep plan.
I love the KonMari way of decluttering. Admittedly, I don’t always 100% stick to it when decluttering my home, but it certainly helps when I’m uncertain as to whether to keep an item or not. I’m still working on her folding technique. Some things are easy to fold, but I find the more bulky items take a bit more practice and convincing to stay folded that way. Your closet looks great.
This has certainly helped me get rid of unused items. I really, really didn’t need so much – time for someone else to enjoy it!
Okay, okay, okay ~ I get it! LOL….I REALLY need to get into my closet and clean out the junk! No seriously…I do. A new season of life is coming and it’s about time I take it seriously. Thanks for sharing your adventure in this.
The room looks great! I just recently did a semi konmari takeover of my bedroom. It felt great getting rid of clothes I never wear. Less stress for sure!
What a great method! I’ve heard of it and I’m glad it helped a lot of people. Moving six times resorted us to become a minimalist. I used to be a hoarder and had a hard time letting go of things.