5 Steps to Easily Declutter like Marie Kondo – Does This Spark Joy?

Sometimes, we need to hire a contractor but our home is filled with impulse buys. 

If that sounds familiar, it might be time to channel our favorite de-cluttering queen: Marie Kondo.

Her method is simple but powerful: keep only what sparks joy. Translation? If it doesn’t make your heart do a happy dance, it’s time to say goodbye.

5 golden rules:

Commit to tidying: This isn’t a “little bit every weekend” kind of project. Marie says “Tidying is a special event. Don’t do it every day.” Go all in, and finish ideally within 6 months.

Visualize your ideal life: What does it look like post-clutter? Use a sketch, a collage, even a playlist.

Tidy by category, not room: Start with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous (including kitchen + bathroom), and sentimental stuff. 

• • Put everything in the category in one place (break them into subcategories as needed): That “Oh wow, I had 9 can openers” moment? It’s part of the process. 
  • Pick up each item and ask: “Does this spark joy?” Not “Could I maybe use this someday if I become a person who does yoga and also scrapbooks?” 
    • With books, pick them up but don’t flip through and read them. Simply ask, “Does this book spark joy?” Observe your body’s reaction. “Does holding it bring you delight, comfort, or energy? Or does it feel heavy with obligation or guilt?” Go deeper

Thank it, then let it go: Make sure to discard unwanted items before moving on.

Organize what’s left vertically: So you can actually see what you own. Bonus points if you try the KonMari folding method.

Need help with the garage, kids’ stuff, or digital clutter? Marie’s blog has you covered.

And once your space is sparkling and your joy is sparked, open up the Pigybak app and book your contractor. You might even score a group discount (more joy!).