The order in which you tidy is crucial. Take it from Marie – she landed on this vital step of the KonMari Method™ after conducting hours of tidying lessons with clients. Tidying your belongings in this order – clothes, books, papers, komono and sentimental items – has proven to be the most efficient and effective.
By starting with clothes (relatively easy) and ending with sentimental items (challenging), you hone your decision making skills as you go; by the end, choosing what to keep seems simple. There’s another reason clothes come first: Completing that category provides tangible proof of your efforts. Being greeted by your favorite clothes in a tidied closet each morning is motivation to keep going!
As you move through each category, your energy and enthusiasm increases; you may be physically tired, but getting rid of unnecessary clutter acts as an invigorating pick-me-up. Throughout the process, you gain a deeper understanding of the method – and of yourself.
Ready to move to the next rule? Proceed to Ask Yourself If It Sparks Joy in the 6 Rules of Tidying.
