Expats moving around from country to country can often accumulate clutter that is simply not needed for life in Japan. That’s where Japan’s very own Marie Kondo comes in to save the day. This lifestyle guru has taken the world by storm with her revolutionary KonMari Method - a minimalist approach to tidying up the home. Read on for a summary of this decluttering protocol to realize your perfect minimalist home in Japan!
The KonMari Method has six simple rules that should be followed sequentially:
Before you get to work, it’s important to prepare your mind for the task ahead. A major home decluttering may be a drawn-out process that can’t be finished in just one day, but once completed, it will bring new order and peace to your life. Seriously commit to finishing the job.
Take the time to visualize your ideal decluttered living space in as much detail as possible. Sit and meditate upon this image for as long as you need. This step is particularly important, because your mental picture of your ideal home can be used as a concrete goal to work toward while you tidy up.
Find peace with discarding items that you no longer need. Many items in your home may hold great sentimental value, but a good way to create emotional space between you and such items is to sincerely thank each one for serving its purpose. This exercise allows for a healthier, more logical mindset when decluttering, and you will be met with great reward when you achieve your ideal minimalist home.
The benefit of tidying by category is that you will be able to see how many similar items you own.
According to Marie Kondo, developing the skill of decluttering is like building up a weak muscle. Thus, it is important to work up from the easier tasks to the more difficult ones. The correct order is as follows: clothing, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and finally, sentimental items.
Possibly the most iconic concept of Marie Kondo’s philosophy is the question of whether something “sparks joy,” and answering that question is the final step of the decluttering process. An easy way to decide whether something sparks joy or not is to simply hold the item in your hands and reflect on your emotions - do you feel happiness and love when you feel this item? If so, it can be brought forward with you into the newly decluttered home that you are creating.
For your newly decluttered home to go to the next level, a deep clean is in order. Kurashinity’s premium housekeeping service will make your minimalist home sparkle and shine, just let them know exactly how you like things done and they will be happy to accommodate. The English-speaking staff are trained in housekeeping services to a high standard and quintessential Japanese hospitality.
Relax and unwind in your ideal clean and decluttered home that sparks ultimate joy.
For more on the KonMari method you can visit her homepage.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Jessica is a writer and translator now living happily by the sea just south of Tokyo in Kamakura, Japan.
