Marie Kondo, Japan’s leading lady for all things organisation-related, hit our small screens less than four weeks ago with her Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and already she has caused a shift in millions of viewers with respect to cleaning their own homes and airing out their minds.

Kondo’s approach to organisation is based on the principle of joy and how it should be instrumental in our tidying-up process, leaving it up to individuals to evaluate the exact worth of their belongings and their emotional value. Simply put, if a belonging sparks joy, keep it. If it doesn’t, toss it.

With reports from 2016 showing an increase of anxiety disorders now affecting over 275 million people worldwide, or approximately 2.5-6.5 percent of each country’s population, it’s important to find a solution. So, how can tidying up decrease anxiety?   

It’s simple really. By decluttering, we reduce the amount of distractions in our day-to-day lives, allowing us to focus on what really needs to be done. Decision-making skills can also become impaired when there is too much going on, and so, by literally cleaning out our closets, we can develop healthier habits and cognitive control.

With the Year of the Pig just two weeks away, Chinese tradition dictates that a clean house is critical for starting the new lunar year with your best foot forward, so here are three top tips to ensure that you hit all your spring cleaning targets before Chinese New Year arrives.

Start with your clothes

Arguably, we have more clothing than anything else in our homes, so the best place to start your mission of decluttering is to empty out your closet, wardrobe,and anywhere else your garments may be kept. It might sound like a hefty task to clear everything – yes everything – out, but set aside a half hour each day to tackle them in sections and you’ll be done before you know it. 

Don’t be afraid to toss the things that are worn and tired, no one needs a pair of three-year-old socks. Furthermore, if you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in over a year, why not consider donating it? Lastly, keep track of the seasonality of your clothes, keeping your summer wear towards the back until temperatures warm up again. 

Tidying up in segments rather than the whole room

The thought of tidying up your entire kitchen, wardrobe or bathroom may seem like an enormous task. Instead, have a plan of attack that sees you approach any clean-up in segments. In the kitchen, for example, sort out your cutlery first, then your spices and condiments, and finally your pots and pans. Keep an eye out for items that need to be tossed while also cataloging those that you use with regular frequency and ensuring they’re within easy reach. 

Tidying because YOU want to

Tidying up needs to be a decision of your own, not an attempt to please others. Yes, shared spaces call for mutual respect of that space, but when it comes to your stuff, no one can tell you want sparks joy in you and what does not. The process of decluttering should be a day (or two) spent alone to search within your drawers and self.

 

Text: Bailey Atkinson