{"id":1577499,"date":"2019-11-17T20:35:21","date_gmt":"2019-11-18T01:35:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/?p=1577499"},"modified":"2020-04-09T14:35:27","modified_gmt":"2020-04-09T18:35:27","slug":"decluttering-your-kitchen-with-a-konmari-expert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/en\/decluttering-your-kitchen-with-a-konmari-expert\/","title":{"rendered":"Decluttering Your Kitchen With a KonMari Expert"},"content":{"rendered":"

Marie Kondo released \u201cThe Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up\u201d in 2014 and millions were inspired to \u201cSpark Joy\u201d and start decluttering their homes.\u00a0 Her 2019 series, \u201cTidying Up With Marie Kondo\u201d, re- introduced the KonMari Method to millions of people. \u00a0With the holidays just around the corner, we thought it was a good time to start thinking about decluttering the kitchen.\u00a0 A recent survey, commissioned by the no name brand<\/a> found that 89 per cent of Canadians agree they are striving to live a more simplified and organized life. This isn\u2019t surprising given almost one in three Canadians admit they rarely or never clean their fridges or pantries.\u00a0 We had a chance to speak with Ivanka Siolkowsky<\/a>, organization expert and Canada\u2019s only Certified Master in the KonMari Method.<\/p>\n

E<\/strong>xplain the basic principles of the KonMari method.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is a practice created by professional organizer and best-selling author, Marie Kondo.\u00a0 The KonMari Method is a system for organizing and tidying up, leaning on the principles of minimalism and mindfulness.<\/p>\n

The main benefits of this decluttering philosophy is that it makes organization less intimidating and more enjoyable for people looking to simplify their lives. Thanks to the clear structure of the KonMari Method, tidying an entire house is not only attainable, but also a peaceful process.<\/p>\n

The KonMari Method is a two-part system\u2014decluttering and organizing\u2014both of which are governed by six basic rules:<\/p>\n

Commit yourself to tidying<\/h3>\n

Dedicate a significant portion of time, whether that\u2019s a full day or a weekend, to immersing yourself in the project.\u00a0 Be sure to maintain an open mind throughout the process.<\/p>\n

Imagine your ideal lifestyle<\/h3>\n

Before you start the process, imagine how you want your house to look when you\u2019re done. Taking it one step further, picture your overall dream life to which you aspire.<\/p>\n

Finish discarding first<\/h3>\n

Before you even think about organizing, first discard all the items you no longer wish to keep. This is the key to effective organization.<\/p>\n

Tidy by category, not location<\/h3>\n

Tidying by category is the only way to get a sense of all the items you own.\u00a0 It also avoids simply moving items from room to room, without actually discarding anything.<\/p>\n

Follow the right order<\/h3>\n

The correct order to tidy is: clothes, books, papers, kimono (miscellaneous) and, finally, sentimental possessions.<\/p>\n

Ask yourself if it sparks joy<\/h3>\n

For every single item you own, ask yourself, does it bring you happiness? It\u2019s important to pick the item up, hold it, and notice your emotional reaction to it. Only the items that truly spark joy should be kept.<\/p>\n

How did you get certified in the KonMari Method? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

I was an elementary school teacher who was given \u201cThe Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up\u201d as a joking gift by a colleague, because my classroom was always so tidy. I decided to Google the woman behind the book.\u00a0 The moment I was Googling Marie Kondo, she launched registration for the first ever certification course in NYC. Next thing you know, I\u2019m headed for the Big Apple, where I spent time learning all there is to know about the method and how to practice it with clients. I then had to complete a certain amount of hours, and show proof that I was living in a tidy manner at home.<\/p>\n

Why do you think there is such a passion for the KonMari Method right now? Why does it succeed in helping people organize their homes, where traditional methods have failed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

To be honest, I think people are starting to realize that consumption is leading to extreme stress, and they want joy back in their lives. This method is so successful because it frames our mind into asking ourselves what actually sparks joy for us, instead of having to face what it is that doesn\u2019t. By going down that path of happiness, we surround ourselves with the things that really matter; and by process of elimination, the rest goes. I believe its success is due to organizing by category and not location.<\/p>\n