You may have already watched the new Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and you may be ready to tackle the clothing battle.
The KonMari Method is incredibly inspiring as it allows us to live a more organized, minimalist lifestyle.
HOW TO DECLUTTER CLOTHING USING THE KONMARI METHOD
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The first step when it comes to the KonMari Method is to get started with your clothes, shoes, purses, and accessories.
GET A FREE PRINTABLE CLOTHING KONMARI CHECKLIST AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST!
STEP 1 – PILE IT UP
Take ALL your clothing and other items out of closets, cupboards, and dressers and create a pile on your bed.
This means gathering all your clothing items from around the house, even out of season items, uniforms, costumes and more.
Once everything is out and your closet, cupboards, and dressers are empty, take a moment to take it all in.
See your space as valuable, promising to only put things back in it, that bring you joy.
*Note: Do this separately for each member of the family.
STEP 2 – SORT THE PILE
While the pile may seem large and intimidating, it is important to view it this way in order to realize how much you have.
Hold each item of clothing, asking yourself if it brings you joy.
When something sparks joy, you should feel a little thrill, like holding a puppy or newborn baby.
Any item that doesn’t spark joy should be put in a discard pile or bin as it is no longer serving you. Just remember, it is important that you show gratitude to and for the item before letting go.
The items that did spark joy will be going back into your closet, cupboards, and dressers.
*Note: Repeat the first two steps with all your clothing items like scarves, shoes, and purses.
STEP 3 – FOLDING AND STORAGE
FOLDING JEANS
- Lay jeans out on a flat surface.
- Fold the left leg of the jeans over the right.
- Next fold the crotch inward.
- Then, fold the bottom over towards the waist, leaving approximately a little space from the bottom.
- Fold inward until the folded jeans can stand upright on their own.
FOLDING T-SHIRTS
- Lay the t-shirt down on a flat surface in front of you.
- Fold the right side of the t-shirt in with the sleeve set flat.
- Next, fold the sleeve back halfway.
- Then fold over the left side of the shirt, repeating the sleeve fold. This will leave you with a rectangle shape.
- Fold the neck of the shirt down toward the bottom of the shirt, leaving a bit of space from the bottom.
- Fold the t-shirt in half, and then in half again so it stands up straight on its own.
FOLDING SOCKS
- Lay socks flat, one on top of another.
- Fold the toe of the sock inward, leaving an inch from the top.
- Fold in towards the center and then fold in half so it stands upright on its own.
FOLDING UNDERWEAR
(This also works for briefs, thongs, boyshorts and bikini bottoms)
- Lay underwear on a flat surface in front of you.
- Fold underwear in half waistband to crotch.
- Fold in the outsides of the underwear and fold over the middle area again so it stands upright on its own.
FOLDING SWEATERS
- Lay the sweater with the sleeves spread on a flat surface.
- Fold in the right side of the sweater with the sleeves straight outward.
- Fold the sweater sleeves over and down, creating a triangle shape, repeating the same on the left side until it forms a rectangle.
- Starting from the top of the sweater, fold inward until it stands straight upright on its own.
STORING BRAS
Bras can be stored within a drawer.
Simply do up the clasp and stack them in the same manner as they usually are within your lingerie store.
HANGING ITEMS IN A CLOSET
When it comes to hanging items in a closet, the KonMari Method states that it’s important to go from the heaviest items on the left to the lighter ones on the right.
This means items that are darker in color, longer in length and have thicker materials should be hung on the left side.
The lighter items are lighter in color, material and shorter in length and should be placed on the right side.
STORING PURSES
Purses can also be hung in the closet or placed on shelves.
To save space, put smaller purses inside larger ones with the handles sticking out so they are easy to see.
STORING SHOES AND HATS
Shoes can be placed neatly on an easily accessible shoe rack and hats can be stacked on a shelf inside a closet space.
Just make sure they are easy to see and paired properly.
The KonMari Method is extremely effective when it comes to changing the way you view your belongings.
If something doesn’t spark joy, it is time to get rid of it.
Everything can be stored neatly and accessible, leaving your home feeling lighter and more organized.
THE KONMARI METHOD – THE ORDER
When it comes to the KonMari Method, the order in which you tackle tasks holds some meaning. It is suggested that tasks be taken care of in the following order:
• The KonMari Method – Clothing
• The KonMari Method – Books
• The KonMari Method – Papers
• The KonMari Method – Komono
• The KonMari Method – Sentimental Items
GET THE CLOTHING LIST PRINTABLE IN COLOR HERE
GET THE CLOTHING LIST PRINTABLE IN BLACK & WHITE HERE
Stay Tuned!
More in-depth blog posts on the individual KonMari Method categories to come!
You can find all of Marie Kondo’s books on Amazon:
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Spark Joy: A Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up
The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up: A Magical Story
Have you tried the KonMari Method? Do you have any specific questions we can answer in coming up posts?
Here is the first post in the KonMari Method series where you will find a FREE printable master list: THE KONMARI METHOD: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT CAN HELP:
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