1 Womans Guide to Spring Cleaning Without KonMariing Your Whole Place

1 Womans Guide to Spring Cleaning Without KonMariing Your Whole Place Ive always been a groupie of paring back to the essentials. But the KonMari Method goes beyond pure necessity of getting rid of old things It asks the deeper question of whether something sparks joy. If it doesnt, youre supposed to let it go with gratitude. A small act on the surface, this requires connecting with your core values and how you want to show up in the world. Rather than simply getting rid of things, the KonMari method is about being thoughtful and intentional about the items you keep, and making sure they add value.I read the book a few years ago and made a few unsuccessful attempts to follow Kondos method. Recently, I was inspired all over again by watching Tidying Up. I Kondoed my wardrobe, and now, every item makes me feel happy when I put it on.Despite its perks, Kondo acknowledges that her method can take several weeks to complete more time than many of us can devote. But, in the words of Gretch en Rubin, outer order contributes to inner calm. So, here are some suggestions for how to capture some of the joy of tidying up without KonMariing everything.1. Get rid of anything expired.Pantry items, medicines, even make-up make up has an expiration date (read here for a quick reference guide, and check the PAO symbol on the packaging), and if its passed, be grateful for the benefit those things contributed and toss them guilt free Expired items wont be as good for you, and may even make you ill, so clear out that space, and give your shelves a quick wipe down - instant joy2. Get rid of anything with holes or stains.including towels, dishtowels, washcloths, and other linens. This doesnt mean you have to get rid of the blanket knitted by your grandmother when you were a baby that is now in tatters. Remember, the point isnt just to get rid of things, but to focus on keeping things that are meaningful in some way. It does mean the sheets youve had since college that are sort of thre adbare, have that bleach stain, and dont really fit on your current mattress can go3. Get rid of containers that no longer have lids.and lids without containers, or that no longer seal shut. We all have a few of these, and when youre trying to pack up leftovers after dinner or brown bagging your lunch, they just add a tiny bit of extra hassle to the day. Who needs that?4. Get rid of that book you wont read, or that shirt youll never wear.It makes you feel bad every time you see it, but it was a gift, or something you felt like you needed when you bought it. Let it go. If it was a gift, take a picture take a page from Marie Kondo and thank the item for what it has taught you about who you are, your likes and preferences, the relationship it represents and then, send it out into the world to someone who will be able to get full use and enjoyment from it5. Get rid of all the extra coffee mugs.Ive never been in a house that doesnt have more coffee mugs than the people living in it wil l ever use in a year. Again, if its your favorite mug, by all means keep it, but surely there are a few that havent made it out of the cupboard since they were first placed there. Consider donating household goods that are in good condition to a local charity that helps young adults aging out of foster care, or those transitioning from homelessness.6. Get rid of that bag of stuff needs repairing.or stack of broken things that you will definitely repair someday. I have both a bag of items that just need to be re-dyed or hemmed or need some other small fix, as well as a desk with broken dishware and curios that need to be glued. Whether its a junk drawer or a front closet, we all have a place where these things end up. Set a reasonable timeline, say six weeks, and if they dont ever move on from that to-be-repaired transition point, its best to let them go.7. Get rid of all the paper.Toss your junk mail, or better yet, take a few minutes to unsubscribe from solicitation lists. You can also toss old invoices and receipts (even if youre saving them to do your taxes, you definitely dont need anything over seven years old), flyers and programs for events that have passed. Consider setting up an in-box to organize important papers that need attention, and recycle the rest.8. Open up all the windows.Dont under estimate how much outside airflow can improve the quality of a room. Let the fresh air in for a few minutes, light a candle, and reflect on having a roof and four walls, running water, electricity, and enough stuff that you actually want to get rid some of it