Tidying up goes minimalist
3 spring cleaning methods that prove less is more
From Netflix star Marie Kondo to lifestyle gurus like The Minimalists, the decluttering trend has never been bigger. So, if you’re planning any spring cleaning, it may just be the perfect time to simplify your space and your life by giving one of these popular tidying up methods a try.
The KonMari method
Even before her hit Netflix show, organizing consultant Marie Kondo had already sold more than a million books on tidying. Now, she’s almost synonymous with the minimalist movement.
Based on Zen principles, her KonMari Method™ involves getting rid of things that don’t “spark joy.” Discarding is a big part of Kondo’s process, and she insists on purging before organizing can begin.
But there’s a lot more to it, from sorting by category (not location) to a folding technique that keeps clothes accessible, or showing reverence for belongings — even if they’re being thrown away.
Some find the KonMari Method a little brutal, but others swear by the liberation that comes with purging what they no longer need.
The Minimalists
As The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus preach minimalism as a tool for finding freedom. Their website, blog, podcast and books abound with useful tips on getting rid of useless belongings to create a more Zen-like home and, ultimately, to enjoy more of life’s true pleasures.
Project 333
Challenging fashion lovers to “be more with less,” Project 333 aims to help reduce clothing clutter. Developed by Courtney Carver, the method limits you to just 33 wardrobe items per 3-month period. That includes shoes, clothes, most jewellery and outerwear. Canadians who manage that last one clearly deserve a medal!
Ready to get started? While you’re at it, why not take the opportunity to simplify in other ways, too. Decluttering is a great time to take stock of what you own and assess the overall insurable value of your belongings.
You can also make safety part of your spring cleaning routine by tossing and replacing things like smoke detector batteries or worn-out car tires. You can even prevent fires and other damage by cleaning out gutters, clearing the dryer lint trap or having the chimney swept. Neat!
