Homes are meant to be a sanctuary, a place where we can relax and unwind after a long day. However, it’s not always easy to keep our homes tidy and clutter-free. Luckily, Marie Kondo, a renowned organizing expert, has shared her best tips for maintaining a clean and organized home.
Marie Kondo believes that decluttering is the first step towards creating a tidy space. She recommends going through all your belongings and getting rid of things that no longer spark joy. This means letting go of clothes, items, and knick-knacks that are no longer useful or meaningful to you.
Once you have decluttered, Marie Kondo suggests organizing your belongings by category. For example, you should keep all your clothes in one place and sort them by type (shirts, pants, dresses, etc.). This way, you will know exactly where each item is and can easily find them when needed.
Marie Kondo also recommends creating a designated zone for everything in your home. For example, you should have a specific place for your shoes, bags, and even your laundry basket. This will help you keep things in order and avoid clutter piling up around the house.
In addition to organizing, Marie Kondo has a specific method for folding clothes that will keep your drawers organized and save you time when looking for items. She recommends folding clothes into small, compact rectangles and standing them upright in the drawer. This way, you can easily see all your clothes at a glance and take out what you need, without messing up the rest.
Finally, Marie Kondo suggests establishing a routine for cleaning and decluttering your home. This means setting aside time each day or week to dust, vacuum, and organize your space. By having a regular cleaning routine, you can prevent things from getting out of control and maintain a clean and clutter-free home.
Remember, keeping your house tidy is an ongoing process. It’s all about finding what works best for you and sticking to it. By following these Marie Kondo-approved tips, you can create a space that brings you joy and a sense of peace.
How do I keep my house from getting messy
Keeping your home organized and clutter-free can be a challenge, but by following a few simple tips, you can create a tidy and stress-free living space.
The KonMari Method
One popular method for decluttering and organizing homes is the KonMari Method, developed by Marie Kondo. This method focuses on keeping items that spark joy and letting go of everything else. Here are five tips inspired by the KonMari Method to help you keep your house tidy:
- Create designated zones: Sort your belongings into different zones based on their function or category. This will help you easily find and keep track of things when you need them. For example, have a designated zone for books, a zone for kitchen utensils, and a zone for cleaning supplies.
- Organize by category: When organizing, instead of going room by room, organize items by category. This means gathering all similar items from around the house and sorting them together. For example, gather all your clothes from all closets and drawers and go through them all at once. This will give you a better idea of how much you have and make it easier to declutter and organize.
- Use storage solutions: Invest in storage solutions that help you keep things in order. This can include bins, baskets, and drawer dividers. Having specific places for items will make it easier to put them away and maintain an organized space.
- Create a routine: Establish a daily or weekly cleaning routine to keep your home tidy. Set aside specific times to declutter, clean, and put things back in their designated places. A regular routine will prevent messes from accumulating and make cleaning easier and more efficient.
- Discard unused items: Regularly go through your belongings and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. This will help you maintain an organized space and prevent clutter from building up over time.
By following these organizing ideas and incorporating the KonMari Method into your life, you can create a clean and clutter-free home. Remember to be mindful of the items you bring into your space and always find joy in the things you keep.
1 Find a home for every item
In order to keep your house from getting messy, it’s important to find a home for every item in your home. This means that every item should have a designated spot where it belongs.
Marie Kondo, a well-known organizing consultant, says that having a designated spot for each item is key to maintaining a tidy and organized living space. By knowing exactly where each item belongs, you can easily put it away when you’re done using it.
One method that Kondo recommends is to create “zones” in your home. This means that you should group similar items together and designate a specific area for them. For example, you can create a zone for your clothes by organizing them in your closet or drawers. You can also create a zone for your laundry by using a laundry basket to collect dirty clothes before washing them.
It’s also important to declutter and get rid of any items that you no longer need or use. Kondo suggests going through your belongings and asking yourself if each item sparks joy. If it doesn’t, then it’s time to let it go.
By decluttering and organizing your belongings, you will not only find it easier to keep your house clean, but you will also create more storage space. When everything has a designated spot, it’s easier to put things away and find them when you need them.
2 Declutter your closet
One of the most important steps in keeping your house tidy is to declutter your closet. Marie Kondo, a renowned organization expert, emphasizes the importance of creating a clutter-free space in your home.
Having a cluttered closet can make it difficult to find the clothes you need, which can lead to frustration and a messy room. Kondo recommends organizing your closet by category, such as tops, bottoms, and accessories.
Here are 5 tips for decluttering your closet:
- Set aside time: Dedicate a specific time to go through your closet and declutter. This means allocating enough time for the task, so you don’t rush through it.
- Sort your clothes: Take out all your clothes from the closet, drawers, and other storage spaces. You need to know what clothes you have before deciding what to keep and what to discard.
- Follow the KonMari method: The KonMari method, developed by Marie Kondo, suggests keeping items that spark joy and letting go of those that do not. Hold each item in your hand and ask yourself if it brings you joy. If not, thank it and let it go.
- Create a laundry routine: One of the reasons clothes pile up in the closet is because people keep wearing them without washing. Creating a routine for doing laundry will ensure that your clothes are clean and in order.
- Organize your clothes: Once you have decluttered, it’s time to organize your clothes in an efficient way. Kondo recommends using storage solutions that work best for your space, such as baskets or dividers. Using vertical storage can help you easily see all your clothes at once.
By following these tips, you can create a decluttered and organized zone in your closet. When everything has a designated place, it’s easier to keep your closet tidy and find what you need.
3 Create an organized storage system
One of the key steps in keeping your house tidy and clutter-free is to have an organized storage system. By creating designated places for your items, you can easily find and put them away, ensuring that your home stays clean.
Marie Kondo recommends a method called the KonMari method for organizing and decluttering your home. This method involves categorizing your belongings and only keeping the items that spark joy. It emphasizes the importance of having a specific place for each item in your home.
When creating an organized storage system, it’s essential to have a routine for tidying up. Set aside specific time each day or week to go through different areas of your home and put things back in their designated spots. For example, you can have a laundry basket in each room for collecting dirty clothes, and then make it a habit to put the laundry away regularly.
Start by decluttering your closets and drawers. According to Kondo, you should only keep the clothes that you love and that make you happy. Donate or sell the rest. Once you’ve narrowed down your wardrobe, organize your clothes in a way that makes sense for you. Whether it’s by color, season, or type of clothing, having order in your closet will make it much easier to find what you need.
Another idea for organizing your storage is to create different zones for different things. For example, have a zone for cleaning supplies, a zone for kitchen items, and a zone for office supplies. Use containers, baskets, or bins to keep similar items together in each zone. This will not only help you find things easily but also keep your house looking tidy.
Using labels is also recommended for organizing storage. Labeling your containers or shelves will help you quickly locate items and ensure that everything has its designated spot. You can use a label maker or simply use sticky notes or tape with handwritten labels.
Therefore, having a well-organized and tidy storage system is crucial for maintaining a clutter-free home. By following Marie Kondo’s recommendations and incorporating these organizing ideas, you can create a space where it’s easy to find what you need and keep your house from getting messy.
4 Use ‘drop zones’ around your home
When it comes to keeping your home organized and clutter-free, having designated “drop zones” can be a game-changer. These are areas in your home where you can quickly and easily put things away, helping you stay organized and preventing clutter from piling up.
Marie Kondo, a renowned tidying expert, recommends creating drop zones throughout your home to ensure that all items have a designated place. This method is especially helpful for those who tend to accumulate things and struggle with keeping their spaces clean and tidy.
So, what exactly are drop zones and how can you use them effectively? Here are some practical ideas:
- Laundry drop zone: Create a designated area near your laundry room or closet where dirty clothes can be easily dropped. Having a specific spot for dirty laundry will prevent it from ending up all over the house and make it easier to gather everything for laundry day.
- Mail and keys drop zone: This is a perfect spot near the entrance of your home where you can drop your keys and incoming mail. It will ensure that these essential items are always in order and reduce the chances of misplacing them.
- Shoes drop zone: Instead of having shoes scattered throughout your home, create a designated place near the entrance where they can be easily stored. This will help to keep your home clean and organized, as well as encourage everyone to take off their shoes upon entering.
- Phone and electronics drop zone: In today’s digital age, we all have various devices and chargers that are often left lying around. By creating a dedicated spot to charge and store these items, you can easily find them when needed and keep them clutter-free.
Remember, the key to making drop zones work effectively is to consistently use them. Get into the habit of always placing items in their designated drop zones, and encourage other members of your household to do the same. By incorporating drop zones into your organizing routine, you will be able to maintain a tidy and clutter-free home.
5 Maintain order with an evening routine
To keep your house tidy and organized, it’s important to create and maintain a routine. Marie Kondo, the renowned organizing consultant, recommends establishing an evening routine to help you maintain order in your home. By following these tips, you can ensure that your space stays clean and clutter-free:
- Set aside time for tidying
- Start by decluttering
- Organize your things
- Put things back in their place
- Create a cleaning zone
Incorporate a specific time each evening to focus on tidying up. This can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on your schedule.
Before you begin tidying up, take a few minutes to declutter. Marie Kondo’s method recommends sorting through your belongings and getting rid of anything that no longer sparks joy. This will help you create more space and make the tidying process easier.
As you tidy up, find specific places for your belongings. Have designated spots for items like clothes, shoes, and accessories. Use storage solutions like drawers, baskets, or shelves to keep everything organized.
After using an item, make it a habit to put it back where it belongs. This will prevent things from piling up and creating clutter. Having a designated place for everything in your home will make it easier to keep things tidy.
Designate a specific area in your home as a cleaning zone. This can be a closet, a corner, or a specific room. Keep your cleaning supplies in this area so that they are easily accessible when you need them. Having a dedicated cleaning zone will also make it easier to maintain cleanliness throughout your home.
By following these steps as part of your evening routine, you can keep your house clean and organized. Marie Kondo’s decluttering and organizing method, along with maintaining a regular tidying routine, can help you create a more peaceful and clutter-free home. Implement these ideas into your daily life, and you’ll find that your home will stay neat and orderly.
Where to start cleaning a messy house
Cleaning a messy house can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to begin. However, following the advice of organizing expert Marie Kondo can help you get started on the right track. Here are some tips she recommends:
1. Start with what you know
Kondo suggests starting with an area that you know well. This could be your bedroom, living room, or any other space where you spend a lot of time. By tackling a familiar area, you will be able to get into a rhythm and build momentum.
2. Declutter before you clean
Before you start deep cleaning, it’s essential to declutter. Kondo advises you to go through your belongings and ask yourself if each item sparks joy. If not, it’s time to let go. Create separate piles for items you want to keep, donate, or throw away.
3. Focus on one zone at a time
Instead of trying to clean the entire house at once, Kondo suggests focusing on one zone or area at a time. For example, start with your closet, then move on to your drawers, and so on. This method helps you stay organized and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.
4. Create a routine
Once you have decluttered and organized your space, it’s important to create a cleaning routine to maintain it. Kondo recommends setting aside time each week to tidy up and put things back in their designated places. This will help prevent your house from getting messy again.
5. Use storage solutions
To keep your home tidy, Kondo suggests using storage solutions such as baskets and bins. Assign specific items to each container, and make sure to put them back in their designated space after use. This means that everything will have a designated spot and will be easily accessible when needed.
By following these tips, you can transform your messy house into an organized and clean space. Remember, it’s important to take it one step at a time and be patient with yourself. With the right mindset and a little bit of time, you can create a clutter-free and peaceful home.