Marie Kondo is an expert at home organization, and if your home is a bit of a mess, then you definitely need to check out her tips on decluttering and discarding.
She loves the concept that if something doesn’t bring you joy, then it’s time to donate or toss. And this mindset is great because so many times, you and I keep around things we think we’ll need at some point. But then it just starts to pile up and cause us stress.
So if you want to start clearing out unnecessary items and start tidying up the home, then here are a few things from Marie Kondo’s declutter list that you can take care of right now.
1. Books
When Marie Kondo suggested getting rid of books, book lovers across the world flipped out.
But as she explained, we should think about keeping books we consider valuable and then sell, donate, or gift books we don’t ever read. We should only be keeping what sparks joy in us.
So if you never finished a book, and you don’t intend to, then don’t bother keeping it. Because as Kondo says, “There’s no need to finish reading books that you only got halfway through. Their purpose was to be read halfway.”
2. Things That Have Outlived Their Purpose
According to Marie Kondo, some of us tend to cling onto things we no longer even need.
And by cataloging everything you own, you’ll immediately realize that there are so much things lying around that have outlived their purpose.
Appreciate what works and then part ways with what doesn’t so that you can keep your home neat and tidy.
3. Branded products
There are ads everywhere you look, and they’re in our private spaces too!
From shampoo bottles to laundry detergent, you’re constantly exposed to this “noise” of information that’s meant to push you into buying more things you don’t need.
So Marie Kondo suggests decanting all the liquid soaps, shampoo, and other branded products into minimalist containers to give your home an elegant, peaceful look.
4. Gifts
When it comes to keeping a tidy home, it’s so important to evaluate your actual needs. And sometimes, those gifts you stored in the guest bedroom’s closet aren’t serving any purpose or need in your life.
So it’s ok give them away. You were never obligated to keep them, and the real joy belongs to the person who gave the gift in the first place.
5. Sentimental Things
Make sure that if you have sentimental items, you get rid of the things that don’t spark your joy. Or if you have two of the same thing, you can get rid of one of them.
Also, think about displaying some of your children’s achievements and works and throwing the rest away, instead of keeping a pile of them stored away in a closet.
I know this is a bit of a difficult step in the tidying process, but it is necessary.
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.