KonMari Method for Organization: Declutter Your Life with the Joy Test

Good Morning America: Declutter Your Life

Do you need help getting organized? Good Morning America turned to a woman who has been dubbed “the Beyonce of organizing.” Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, is sought for advice on tackling your organizational needs.

Kondo’s movement toward decluttering as a lifestyle is growing in popularity worldwide. She is known for the KonMari Method, which asks you to evaluate everything you own on the basis of whether it brings you joy.

GMA: KonMari Method for Organization

It can be intimidating to think about organizing your whole home. But a great place to start is with your clothing. After that, tackle books, papers, and random stuff like old keys and electronics chargers. Sorting by category can help you break down the project into smaller tasks.

Depending on how much stuff you have, this could be a long-term project taking up to six months. You might be donating, recycling, or trashing dozens of bags before it’s all over. (But just think about how much less stuff you’ll have to move next time.)

Good Morning America: Physically Touch Everything You Own

A California woman who met with Kondo said she has shifted into new habits and buying less. She believes it has changed her life. “It’s a huge relief, almost,” Susie Shoaf said. “The things that are left are the things I love. I definitely feel lighter.”

Good Housekeeping’s Lori Bergamotto also chimed in with some advice for getting started, if you want to try the KonMari Method with your own belongings. One important aspect of the process is to physically touch each of the things you need to evaluate. Do you feel joy when you touch that item? If yes, keep it. If not, sort it into a pile to donate or recycle.

GMA: Maximize Clothing Storage

What can you do to make sure the items that you decide to keep will stay organized after you are done with this project? Folding techniques are important in the KonMari Method. “You can’t just lay flimsy material on top of flimsy material. You’re not respecting the material,” Bergamotto said.

Instead, fold each item into a taut square and store it vertically in a drawer. This will help you maximize your storage space and also see everything you have to choose from at a glance. As for socks, you can roll or fold them neatly, which will also prevent the tops from becoming baggy.

KonMari Method: The Joy Test

The Joy Test (“does this item spark joy?”) can become really intense as you go through the process. It can apply to everything big and small, from furniture to photos. Do you think you could tackle this type of organizational challenge?