If you’re anything like me, the word “cleaning” probably doesn’t bring much joy to your heart. It’s a necessary evil, but it doesn’t have to be a soul-sucking one. Take Marie Kondo, world-renowned organizing consultant and author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Kondo’s unique approach to decluttering and organizing has taken the world by storm, and for a good reason—her methods are simple, effective, and (dare I say?) even fun. Here are five of my favorite Mari Kondo cleaning tips to help you get started on your journey to a tidier home.
1. Purge regularly.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your home clean and clutter-free is to purge regularly. Set aside 10 or 15 minutes each week to sift through your stuff and get rid of everything that doesn’t “spark joy.” This might seem like a tall order at first, but it becomes much easier once you get into the habit. And trust me, you’ll feel much better with less stuff!
In recent years, Marie Kondo’s method of decluttering has become increasingly popular. The KonMari method, as it is known, involves purging your belongings regularly to only keep items that “spark joy.” While the KonMari method may seem extreme to some, there are actually many benefits to purging your possessions on a regular basis. For one, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. A cluttered environment can be overwhelming, and removing superfluous items can help create a sense of calm. Additionally, purging can also help to save time and money. If you know that you don’t need something, there’s no point in keeping it around. Finally, regular purges can also help you to appreciate your belongings more. When you only have items you truly love and use, you are more likely to take care of them and appreciate their value. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your possessions, consider trying the KonMari method.
2. Put it away immediately.
Once you’ve purged all the non-joy-sparking items from your home, it’s important to put away what’s left immediately. This will help prevent clutter from building up in the first place. Make it a rule that as soon as you finish using something, you put it away immediately in its proper place. It might take a little extra effort at first, but soon enough, it will become second nature.
A clean home is a happy home. But sometimes, life gets in the way of our tidy habits. Whether you’re dealing with a messy roommate or simply don’t have the time to pick up after yourself, it can be difficult to keep your living space clean. There are, however, some simple changes you can make to your routine to help you maintain your house tidy and clutter-free. One of the simplest things you can do is put things away immediately. When you’re finished using something, take a few seconds to put it back in its rightful place. This may seem like a small task, but it can make a big difference in the overall tidiness of your home. Not only will putting things away immediately help to keep your home clean, but it will also save you time in the long run. Instead of spending an hour cleaning up at the end of the week, you can spend a few minutes each day putting things away and keeping your living space tidy. So next time you’re looking for a way to simplify your cleaning routine, remember to put things away immediately for a clean home.
3. Store items vertically whenever possible.
This tip is especially helpful in small spaces with limited horizontal storage options. Whenever possible, store items vertically rather than horizontally—this will help you better use your space and make it easier to find what you’re looking for when you need it. For example, try using a vertical spice rack instead of storing your spices in a horizontal drawer. You can also use vertical storage solutions for cleaning supplies, canned goods, and more.
Imagine for a moment that your home is a blank canvas. Now, begin to fill that canvas with all of your belongings. What do you notice? Most likely, the items closest to the ground are larger and take up more space than those higher up. This is because we naturally store things horizontally. However, this can often lead to clutter and feeling overwhelmed. Storing things vertically allows us to use our space better and keep our belongings organized. In addition, it can be much easier to dust and clean around vertical storage than horizontal storage. As a result, storing items vertically is an effective way to keep your home clean and tidy.
4. Invest in pretty storage solutions.
This one might seem frivolous, but bear with me—it’s actually quite practical! When your storage solutions look attractive and pleasing, you’ll be much more likely to use them properly (and keep them tidy!). So instead of shoving everything into ugly plastic bins, take some time to invest in pretty baskets, boxes, and containers that you actually enjoy looking at. Your home will thank you for it!
Most people can think of at least one area in their home that could use a little bit of organizing. Whether it’s a cluttered closet or a crammed pantry, pretty storage solutions can make a big difference in improving the look and feel of your space. In addition to making your home more attractive, investing in well-chosen storage containers can also help improve your space’s function. You may make it simpler to locate what you need whenever you need it by getting rid of clutter and designating certain storage spaces. Your valuables may be protected from dirt, dust, and damage with the help of pretty storage solutions. When everything has its own place, it’s less likely to get lost or forgotten. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your home, investing in some beautiful storage containers is a great place to start.
5. Keep cleaning supplies visible and easily accessible.
One of the biggest hurdles to keeping your home clean is simply having the motivation to do so—and one way to overcome that is by ensuring your cleaning supplies are always visible and easily accessible. Rather than hiding them away in a closet somewhere, try keeping them out in the open, where they’ll remind you to tidy up every once in a while! You can also put together a little cleaning caddy or bucket so everything you need is in one place and easy to grab when it’s time to clean up.
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a drag—with these Mari Kondo-inspired tips, and you can turn even the most mundane task into an opportunity to spark joy in your life! So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see how Marie Kondo’s unique approach can change your thoughts about cleaning forever.
