Follow this one simple rule to tidy up your entire home

If you want to get more organized around the house, you have to hear about one expert’s method for a perfectly tidy home that’s sweeping the nation.

Her name is Marie Kondo, author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.”

KonMari Method: Declutter and organize your home

If you’re the type of person who is constantly organizing and then re-organizing a few days later, Kondo says her simple strategy can help change your life.

It all revolves around one question: Do your belongings spark joy?

In her book, Kondo suggests that you organize by category (not room) and purge all items that don’t bring you joy. You start with things that are easier to detach from, like clothes.

I actually tested out Kondo’s method a couple of years ago, putting all of my clothes into a pile and picking them up one by one and asking, “Does this bring me joy?”

When the answer is no, Kondo tells you to thank your clothing for its service before letting it go. Seriously. 

I followed her instructions and ended up with a closet that was half full. Years later, I still find myself asking “Does this bring me joy?” before I buy new clothes.

One of Kondo’s more bizarre tips is to fold your socks like sushi rolls so that they can rest after working so hard on your feet all day. Notice in this video how she folds clothing so items stand up vertically.

Although Kondo instructs people to start with clothing, you go through several other categories like books, papers and sentimental items.

Here’s a checklist that was shared on Pinterest to help you get started.

In my opinion, the best thing about Kondo’s method is that it helps you declutter by using what you already have in your house, so there’s no need to go out and buy any expensive storage systems.

Kondo’s book costs about $10, but you can probably pick it up at your local library for free.

In addition, there are literally hundreds of YouTube tutorials from people who will take you step-by-step as they tidy up their homes the Marie Kondo way!

Have you tried the KonMari Method? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!