If you've paid any attention to social media over the last few months, then you've probably seen numerous references to the Netflix show "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo."
And with good reason.
The KonMari Method, developed by Marie Kondo when she was a 19-year-old college student, is a helpful way to get a room or your entire house in order. Perfect for those who want to have an organized home, but doubly useful for those of us who find themselves moving every two or three years. Because seriously, how do we accumulate so much stuff?
I'm currently on the PCS track, and as expected, I'm elbow deep in house-wide organization. With so many things to sort through, it's hard to know where to start. No one wants to be overwhelmed. I needed a solid direction rather than attempting to sort and store everything I own. Due to the popularity of KonMari, I wanted to give it a try.
What is the KonMari Method?
Marie Kondo focuses her organization on types of things rather than based on rooms in your home. She suggests starting with clothes, then moving on to books, followed by papers, miscellaneous items, and finally sentimental items. The key part of the process is keeping what "sparks joy." She recommends thanking the items you no longer wish to keep, recognizing the role they played in your life before letting them go.
At the same time, it's about treating your belongings with care. If something in your home means a lot to you, then it shouldn't be scattered or left forlorn in a dark corner of a closet. It should be displayed with care.
In Shinto culture, kamiare present everywhere and in everything. Humans, animals, nature, and inanimate objects all possess kami. When it comes to the KonMari Method, this is why every item should be appreciated before its discarded. Say thank you and continue on.
Sounds pretty mellow and zen. I like that in the lead up to the insanity of when the packers come.
Why it works for military families
I truly believe this method can work for everyone, but it's extremely beneficial for military families. We don't need to tote around extra weight. We have weight limits we must meet with each move. If it isn't something we need or makes us happy to look at or touch, it's just anotherthing you have to pack, ship, and unpack.
I recall many a PCS where I would open boxes and immediately dump the contents into a vacant box, claiming it the "donate" box in a bout of frustration with all the stuff. Many times this would involve uber amounts of tupperware, children's toys that were rarely played with, decorations I never put out, or boxes that hadn't been opened at previous duty locations (one of which moved three places with layers of box inventory stickers on it). Once it was even clothes. I don't know what was in that one, but I also haven't missed it either.
While some professional organizers may not approve of the massive collection of magnets on the fridge representing all the places we've visited, the treasures we've collected from living all around the country or world, or the children's artwork we just can't bear to part with, KonMari doesn't mind so long as the items spark joy. That means we don't have to cut the magnets down to 10, only hold on to our favorite treasures, or ditch all but six pieces of art per child. If it makes us feel joy when we see it or touch it, it can stay.
Ready to get started? Read more over at armywifenetwork.com!
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