There is a new show on Netflix I've been watching called, "Tidying Up: with Marie Kondo." She is a Japanese lady who is a professional organizer. She has several books and now a show highlighting her methods. I know that many people say they want to declutter or better organize, but aren't sure where to start or how to decide what to keep or what to let go. After watching her show, it has helped inspire me to get to work. It inspired me so much I made Ryan watch an episode. So over the last few days, I've been trying to implement her strategy of folding clothes as I've been pushing to get my laundry done. I haven't gotten to the purging part- or finding what items "spark joy" for me- in the process. I need to get on top of some things that I've been neglecting before I feel I can tackle the down and dirty part. So far, I've refolded the clothes in my dresser (it's Ryan's dresser too), in Griffin's dresser and in the three youngest's clothing buckets.
The difference I've seen is that you can see what's in the drawer, or in my case the buckets, better. You don't have to dig through the whole pile, messing everything up, just to find the item you're looking for. However, folding is a bit slower since it needs to be folded a certain way so it'll "stand on its own". This is important as clothes are removed. You don't want the clothes to fall or become unfolded/untidy as they're removed.
Beyond clothing, she has great tips and insight for decluttering and purging things throughout the house. One place is the linen closet. Ours has been a wreck for a while now and I just haven't had the motivation to organize it. Well, today I did. I took everything out (step one to the process) and put it in one place. I then went through it all to see if we can reduce or combine things, sorted out by category- hair, make-up, soaps, medications, nail polish, etc. I also took out the towels and refolded those. Once that was done, I organized it all and put it back. It looks GREAT!!!
The kids helped out too by working on their daily jobs and cleaning their room. We are really trying to get this Saturday morning habit to be a regular thing. It wasn't in the past or it's been a low priority, which means we didn't care if it got done or not. Most of the kids have been fairly receptive to the plan, especially when they realize they don't get to go out to lunch with us if both things aren't done. We have a couple of kids, especially the younger ones, that need more coaxing and supervision. And one that is downright obstinant about working and doing chores (ahem- I'm looking at you, Miss Kyra). She likes to do them on her time, but the goal is to get them done in the morning, not just any ol' time she pleases. Hopefully, next week will be smoother.
I'm hoping over the next little while I'll be able to whittle down my to-do items in this process and have a more streamlined, joy-filled home.
The difference I've seen is that you can see what's in the drawer, or in my case the buckets, better. You don't have to dig through the whole pile, messing everything up, just to find the item you're looking for. However, folding is a bit slower since it needs to be folded a certain way so it'll "stand on its own". This is important as clothes are removed. You don't want the clothes to fall or become unfolded/untidy as they're removed.
Beyond clothing, she has great tips and insight for decluttering and purging things throughout the house. One place is the linen closet. Ours has been a wreck for a while now and I just haven't had the motivation to organize it. Well, today I did. I took everything out (step one to the process) and put it in one place. I then went through it all to see if we can reduce or combine things, sorted out by category- hair, make-up, soaps, medications, nail polish, etc. I also took out the towels and refolded those. Once that was done, I organized it all and put it back. It looks GREAT!!!
It was really nice working on it today because Ryan was home helping out with organizing and with the kids. Which made it much easier to stay motivated and working on it since one of us was always working.
The kids helped out too by working on their daily jobs and cleaning their room. We are really trying to get this Saturday morning habit to be a regular thing. It wasn't in the past or it's been a low priority, which means we didn't care if it got done or not. Most of the kids have been fairly receptive to the plan, especially when they realize they don't get to go out to lunch with us if both things aren't done. We have a couple of kids, especially the younger ones, that need more coaxing and supervision. And one that is downright obstinant about working and doing chores (ahem- I'm looking at you, Miss Kyra). She likes to do them on her time, but the goal is to get them done in the morning, not just any ol' time she pleases. Hopefully, next week will be smoother.
I'm hoping over the next little while I'll be able to whittle down my to-do items in this process and have a more streamlined, joy-filled home.
Comments