If you’re getting ready for a move, there are ways you can prepare to make your move more pleasant. With the extra time at home due to quarantine, it’s wise to use this time to set yourself up for a successful and tidy move. A tidy move starts with a tidy home. We have some great tips for you taken from the queen of tidy homes herself, Marie Kondo. Her method of tidying turns this menial task into a joyful activity for the whole family.
Marie Kondo is an organizing consultant who wrote the best-selling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” Her fame quickly grew after she received her own Netflix series called “Tidying Up.”
The KonMari Method
Marie Kondo’s method of tidying is called “KonMari.” Her method encourages tidying by category, rather than location.
Looking for a step-by-step guide to decluttering? Check out this post on decluttering your home before a move »
Most tidying methods use a room-by-room or a little at a time approach. The KonMari method consists of two main steps: deciding what to keep or discard and making sure that every item has a home. Her method is all about choosing joy. She encourages people to only keep things that speak to the heart. When deciding what to keep or discard, she is famous for asking: “Does it spark joy?”
5 Key Takeaways from the KonMari method
1. Only keep items that spark joy.
The goal of the KonMari method of tidying is to only keep items that spark joy. If they no longer spark joy, thank the item for its service and place it in the discard or donate pile.
2. Express gratitude for the things that you own and the support they provide.
Expressing gratitude for the things you own helps you appreciate them more, resulting in greater joy. The way you store things is also an expression of gratitude.
3. Make sure every item has a home.
Clutter has nothing to do with how much you own. It is the result of failing to put things back in their proper place.
4. Tidying is a mindful practice.
The KonMari method of tidying is a very mindful practice. It forces you to slow down and really think about the items you own and the purpose they serve.
5. A tidy home is a more joyful home.
After implementing the KonMari practice of tidying your home, you’ll no longer have items that no longer serve you. Thanking the items you are discarding makes it a more peaceful process. You will feel a lot lighter and by only keeping items that bring you joy, your home is bound to be more joyful.
Tips for Tidying with Children
Set a Good Example
As you are tidying with your children around, explain to them what you are doing so they can learn. Teach them that tidying is part of maintaining a comfortable home. If you can be in a cheerful mood and smile while tidying, your children will perceive it as a positive everyday activity.
Make It a Form of Play
The earlier that you can show your children that tidying and playing go hand in hand, the better. As soon as they are able to walk, try to encourage them to put their belongings away after they play.
Keep All Toys in One Place
Just like everything else in your home, your children’s toys should have a designated spot. Make sure your children are aware of this spot so they know where their toys belong. That way they can assist you with putting their own toys away.
Tidy Up Your Move
We hope these tips will help you bring joy into your new home and help your children find joy in tidying, too. For even more tips for an easier and more pleasant move, check out our easy moving and packing tips guides.