What Should I Remove First When Decluttering?
As a Certified Master KonMari® Consultant, I am often asked this question. From a KonMari® perspective, the order in which we declutter our homes is crucial. The thought process behind this is that we hone our skill of sensitivity to what brings us happiness, or “sparks joy” through a sequence of decluttering. Marie Kondo’s approach to decluttering is clothing, books, paper, komono, and then finally sentimental items.
So, the answer, is clothing.
Decluttering clothing – The first step
Clothing is worn close to our bodies and, therefore, close to our hearts. By approaching the decluttering of clothing first, we can get in touch with our heart center. Digging deeper, it is most important to start with the clothing that touches closest to our hearts, which is clothing worn on the upper body. This is where we get in touch with ourselves. This method has, according to Marie Kondo, been the most efficient and effective method she has found.
Heart-based decluttering
In addition to focusing on what is heart-centered, we are also learning decision-making skills. By the end of the decluttering processing, we have moved from the clothing (relatively easy decision making for most) to sentimental items (which is the most challenging for most). Since The Uncluttered Life, Inc. focuses a lot on working with people who have recently installed permanent closets in their primary bedrooms (or other bedrooms, as well), we find that these clients are inspired to continue decluttering after we leave. After our four-hour sessions, they can see the impact decluttering clothing makes because we get them heading in the easiest direction. All the sudden, people who we thought would have problems letting go of items, or decluttering, can now easily reduce what they own. This was initially surprising to us, since many clients had held on to things for years.
The changes decluttering makes to our psyche.
When we start the decluttering process with clothing, something happens. We begin to get in touch with ourselves in a way that we may never have anticipated. Clothing is the place where we meet ourselves daily. Clothing is what either works for us right now or doesn’t at all. For example, many people retain clothing in the hope that one day they will be able to wear it again. Like skinny clothes. But, if we’re twenty pounds heavier than we were a year ago, those clothing items will not fit now. And, if they don’t fit now, what will we wear today?
If the choices are slim, then we will be forced to face the mirror to see where we are today. Today does not mean yesterday (or years prior) and it does not mean in the future. It means, we must go out the door, dressed, and we need clothing that works today. For this reason, we have choices if we have enough to wear now. We will only have enough to wear if we know what we own, like what we own, and feel comfortable in what we own. For that reason, clothing is an ideal first place to start the decluttering process.
Clothing includes not only that, but also shoes, jewelry, and anything that comes into contact with us when we get dressed. Scarves, belts, hats, and pajamas, for instance, are part of this category.
Let’s look at some tips and tricks to start the decluttering process in the hope they motivate you.
1. Look at the item. Does it work for you? Facing this item may cause anxiety. Ask yourself: In reality, if I don’t reach for a particular item, do I really need it? It may be that it simply isn’t right for you, whether you bought it yesterday or twenty years ago. It’s time to let go. How great would it be to be greeted by your favorite clothing every time you looked in your closet?
2. Take out a few things you’ve not worn and try them out. Do you like them? If you gravitate toward them for the first time, or the first time in years, they can stay. If not, be realistic and understand that you most likely will not fall back in love with them. They can go without guilt.
3. Take everything out of your closet, drawers, and anywhere clothing resides. Once you “make the pile” you will be able to see the magnitude of things that you own. You will also be able to see what has the potential to substitute in a pinch. Recently, while working with a client, she realized that she did not own any clothing in her favorite color. After decluttering her closet and getting rid of things that didn’t make her feel quite right, she sent the “less happy” clothing off to donation and picked up a few brighter items at the store. She feels much more motivated to continue the decluttering process, keeping only that which makes her feel upbeat.
4. Donate. Give things to others knowing that someone else will feel empowered to wear the clothing that no longer works for you. Think of it as a good deed, something that will help others rather than fear what you’re losing. Decluttering is not a loss. It is weeding through things that no longer work and making space for that which does.
5. Forgive yourself for mistakes. We all make them. Choosing clothing that works for us is part of the learning process of life.