The first thing I do when I visit a KonMari Method™ client is greet their home. The process takes only a few moments. I began this custom quite naturally based on the Japanese etiquette of entering Shinto shrines.
There can be tense anticipation before tidying, and I’ve discovered that connecting with the home can profoundly improve the process. Try greeting your own home before beginning your tidying festival or making any major changes to the space.
How Marie Kondo Greets a House
01. Kneel
I kneel formally on the floor in the center of the house — or where its vortex is — and address the home in my mind.
02. Ask for Guidance
After introducing myself — including my name and occupation — I ask for help in creating a space where its inhabitants can enjoy a happier life.
03. Express Gratitude
Then I bow. It is my way of acknowledging that I honor the house and that I am grateful for its protection.
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Greeting the house is a silent ritual that only takes about two minutes, but it’s an essential part of the KonMari Method.
Tidying is an opportunity to express appreciation for your home and all it does for you. Create a dialogue with your space — thank it for protecting and nurturing you — especially if you’re about to embark on a tidying marathon!
