Chances are you’ve heard about Marie Kondo and the KonMari Method, or, the method of “tidying up”. The guru has made a name for herself in helping families declutter and organize their homes. I’m elated to see people taking on projects around their homes and to see organization getting some love these days – it makes my inner neat-freak squeal with joy, so I’ll support anyone who’s able to help people feel organized and stress-free! But throughout my own journey as a professional organizer with a certificate from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, a show on HGTV, a podcast and so much more, I’ve learned that organization isn’t one-size-fits-all. I’d love to take this opportunity to tell you how my approach differs from the KonMari Method.
All Items “Spark Joy”
Having been a pioneer of professional organization in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and an industry leader for over 15 years, I’ve been able to hone in on the craft of decluttering and organization. For starters, I believe that removing unnecessary items from the home and designating a specific space for the items you keep is necessary for a decluttered life (a view that Marie and I share).
However, the KonMari Method encourages you to keep items that “spark joy” and remove anything that does not – I see this as a quick-fix.
It raises many red flags in my mind; why would you purchase anything that doesn’t “spark joy”?
I can’t think of anything I’ve purchased (aside from the necessities) that I didn’t want, from my bookends and key basket, to the salad I had for lunch. Most everything is purchased with joy and intent. Decluttering isn’t as easy as choosing joy – it requires knowing an individual to help them successfully choose what to purge and what to keep and organize.
The Organization and Functionality Relationship
Diving in a little deeper here: sometimes items are functionally helpful in your home. Do my utensil drawer organizers and trash bins “spark joy”? Not exactly…They don’t remind me of fond memories or bring a smile to my face, but they do keep my life functional and organized. My goal of organization is to make your home flow naturally in a way that works for your family, and that can’t be accomplished without knowing what each client’s priorities and daily lives are like. I’ve found that the KonMari Method completely overlooks the need for functionality in the home and provides a temporary fix in lieu of a long-term solution
Organization Isn’t “One-Size-Fits-All”
I also prefer to take a gentler approach to organization than the KonMari Method, which can be quite aggressive. I customize a decluttering method to best fit my client, and together we’ll tackle one small thing at a time. Organization can be overwhelming – all clutter is – so biting off a small piece at a time helps the project remain manageable.
Marie Kondo suggests that you tackle projects by category (start with clothes, then books, move on to drawers, etc.) but while this categorical method may help with decluttering,
It does nothing to achieve functionality within your home.
What good is it to have a decluttered wardrobe if what your family really needs is a coat closet, shoe rack, and purse hook by the front door to help your mornings run smoothly?
The Sorted Out team and I really dive into our client’s needs. We figure out what their priorities are and come up with a customized strategy which is what sets us apart.
“Tidying Up” Doesn’t Happen Overnight
Here at Sorted Out, we’ve realized that we’re responsible for not only helping clients become organized but that we also need to give our clients the training and tools needed to maintain an organized life well after the project at hand is complete. The work is not finished within an hour like an episode on Netflix; a functional home requires commitment and consistency.
Often times it can take a team of qualified expert’s weeks to tackle the projects needed to bring your family and home to its happiest, most functional level. Simply put: organization is hard work, and the solution is not one-size-fits-all
The Sorted Out Process
Every professional organizer has their own way of doing things. If you want to tackle some projects on your own, check out my other blog posts for some tips and tricks to help you on your way!
If you’d like to chat about having my team help you make your home functional again, reach out to us any time at info@sortedout.com. We’ll be more than happy to discuss your needs and come up with a customized solution. You’ll be on your way to an organized home (or office) in no time!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Tonia
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