KonMari Method Steps For Busy Mamas: PURGE Clutter & Refind Focus

We’ve all been there… Scattered toys, overflowing laundry baskets, cluttered cabinets, and piles of stuff that belong nowhere. It’s enough to make even the most level-headed mama want to scream into a pillow. Before I learned about the brilliant KonMari method steps back in 2011, my home had been a mess.

And even after that, it still was a mess… Because I didn’t believe in Marie Kondo’s system and her bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying, which was taking the world by storm those days. To me, it all was about organizing wardrobes, and thus, it wasn’t worth the effort. At that time, I didn’t realize it could have a much deeper impact on my working mom’s life than just straightened-up closets.

Then I gave birth to my third baby, and my apartment suddenly shrank. All those new toys, accessories, and a mountain of onesies were driving me nuts. I hardly had a week of maternity leave, and I was drowning in to-dos. Since I worked from home, I noticed that all of this clutter was zapping my productivity and joy of motherhood. So hello again, Marie, long time, no seen! 

I decided to give the KonMari method a chance, and I must say her system was a gulp of fresh air in my life. I couldn’t wait to purge the unnecessary and be satisfied with less. But let’s dive into the method slowly. It has the power to tidy up your life, “category by category”.

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Clutter is a mom joy killer…

Clutter isn’t just an eyesore. It’s a joy-sucking vortex that has a direct line to your sanity (or lack thereof):

• Decision fatigue. Between work deadlines, tantrums at the playground, second-guessing your outfit based on what’s clean (not wrinkled), and figuring out what’s for dinner, we make hundreds of choices every day. Clutter makes every simple choice feel like running a mental marathon.
• Time stolen. Clutter is the ultimate time bandit, stealing precious minutes while you search for lost keys, misplaced phones, and that elusive matching sock.
• Mood on mute. We all know the toll constant stress takes on our well-being. Visual clutter triggers our fight-or-flight response, leaving us feeling anxious, irritable, and self-doubting, whispering in our ears, “You’re not good enough. You’re not organized enough. You’re failing.”
• Relationship strain. Let’s not forget the impact clutter can have on our loved ones. A messy home can become a battleground of misplaced blame and unspoken resentment. “Maybe if this place wasn’t such a mess, we wouldn’t be at each other’s throats all the time,” you think, longing for a haven of peace and connection instead of a chaotic warzone.
• Self-care paused. Having to manage this household chaos every day makes your self-care a distant dream. That bubble bath you crave? Buried under laundry. The mindfulness app you downloaded? Lost in the abyss of to-dos. Clutter steals our precious moments of self-nurturing, leaving us feeling depleted and resentful. 
• Social isolation. Inviting friends over? Forget! The mere thought of prying eyes on your cluttered home sends shivers down your spine. The doorbell becomes a dreaded alarm, reminding you of the messy haven you’ve built – a far cry from the welcoming space you dream of.

If this is about you, you should give the KonMari decluttering method a try. It is more than just about neatly folded clothes and Pinterest-worthy closets. It is about a more focused and stronger you. 

KonMari method steps to a more fulfilled and joyful you

In this section, we’ll break down the key KonMari method steps, showing you how to declutter not just your home, but also your schedule, your mind, and your relationships.

Now, how do we KonMari-fy our lives without sacrificing sanity (or our precious sleep schedules)? Buckle up, mom, here’s the roadmap to your tidier, more joyful home:

1. Run the “spark joy” test

Ask yourself (while holding an item in your hands), “Does this item spark joy?” This might sound sentimental, but it’s surprisingly powerful. This quick test allows for a deeper connection and a clearer understanding of the true value of this item in your life. 

If the item elicits a warm fuzzy feeling inside, keep it. If it inspires a shoulder shrug, thank it for its service and let it go. The KonMari method is not about guilt or obligation. It is about surrounding yourself with things that bring you genuine happiness.

2. Tidy by category, not by room

This might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. Instead of tackling one room at a time, the KonMari method suggests focusing on categories like clothes, books, papers, and sentimental items. This way, you can declutter in one go, avoiding the dreaded “room-to-room clutter migration” phenomenon.

Great news for working moms, isn’t it? You can do only shoes or only T-shirts or only dark T-shirts, or whatever you have time and energy for. The point is to break the clutter down by categories (or subcategories), not areas. Start from where you need space or what’s bugging you most.

3. Pile up and evaluate

While decluttering, pile items from one category you are working with just to see how much stuff you have in it. When things (say, handbags or toys) are piled up in one place, it’s easier to assess the scale of this category and realize that maybe you don’t need all 18 handbags.        

4. Legendary KonMari folding method

Among the KonMari method steps, folding is my favorite. It breezed into my closets, transforming them forever. The best thing about the KonMari folding method is that after you organize your closet once, keeping it perfectly straightened up will be a piece of cake. 

Plus, neatly folded clothes radiate calm and order, adding to the overall joy-sparking atmosphere.

5. Power of storage solutions

The core principle of the KonMari method how to organize folded clothes is simple: fold every item to stand upright on its own. This not only saves space but also makes everything instantly visible and accessible. No more digging through piles to find that perfect top!

Once you’ve decluttered and kept only the joy-sparking items, it’s time to give them a designated home.

• Invest in drawer dividers and organizers to keep your folded items in place and maximize space. 
• Think labeled baskets, stackable shelves, and cute containers that keep everything organized and accessible. 
• Transparent plastic containers can also be your friends, allowing you to see what’s inside without rummaging.

A tip: Having to dig through the wrong sizes every time contributes to decision fatigue. I recommend using vacuum bags for storing children’s clothes that are too big for them. Vacuum bags help save space. Lebel every bag with the relevant clothes size, put vacuum bags in a large tote, and store them out of the way until you will need them.

KonMari method steps for fixing toy clutter

If stepping on Lego blocks and chasing missing puzzle pieces drive you nuts, here’s how you can fix your toy mess once and for all with the KonMari decluttering method:

• Remove toys/accessories your child outgrows. Think of those cute baby blankets, sensory books, swings, rattles, super sweet WubbaNub pacifiers, and many other small baby accessories that are always in your way when you no longer need them. Store them in a dedicated large tote or a big container until you decide on their final destination (donate, give, keep for future kids, etc.).
• Revise your current toy assortment and discard toys that do not bring joy. A study completed in 2018 showed that having fewer toys around makes kids engage in a more creative and satisfying playtime. So purge furiously, mom.    
• Organize toys in an accessible and smart way.  The idea is to sort toys by type or purpose and store them in convenient storage solutions. Think about what will work better for your budget, home space, and your child’s age. It can be a system of fabric baskets, plastic containers arranged on the floor, or a Kallax-style shelf where you put toy baskets at the proper height so your child can be involved in playing independently.

A tip: Give your child one basket at a time and provide another one only after putting away the previous basket.

KonMari method steps work beyond the physical clutter 

The KonMari method’s magic extends beyond physical possessions. You can apply the KonMari method steps to other areas of your life, like your schedule, digital files, and even commitments. Ask yourself if each item (be it a meeting, an email, or a recurring task) sparks joy (and is meaningful to you). If it doesn’t make you joyful, consider politely declining, delegating, or scheduling it strategically to minimize stress and maximize your precious time.

1. Declutter digitally 

A tidy digital world translates to a calmer and more focused mind. Unsubscribe from emails that don’t bring joy. Organize your files into folders with clear labels, and delete anything outdated or unnecessary. Switch over to cloud storage solutions to free up some physical space and declutter your desktop. 

2. Unfollow accounts that make you feel “less than”

Sometimes, certain social media accounts can leave us feeling like we’re falling short. If scrolling through someone else’s highlight reel is making you feel down about your own life, remember you have the power to curate your feed!

Unfollowing accounts that trigger feelings of inadequacy or comparison isn’t selfish. It’s self-care. Instead, fill your feed with people and content that uplift and make you feel good about who you are. Go forth, curate your feed with confidence, and let it be your daily dose of digital sunshine!

3. Schedule with joy in mind

Block out time for activities that truly nourish your soul, whether it’s reading a good book, taking a yoga class, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea. Need some solo time? We’ve got a list of fantastic solo date ideas for you! 

Prioritize tasks that align with your goals and values, and delegate or eliminate anything that drains your energy and doesn’t spark joy. Remember, you’re not a superwoman who needs to do it all. Learn to say no and embrace the freedom that comes with a schedule that reflects your priorities.

4. Embrace minimalism (but make it fun)

Minimalism is not about deprivation. It is about intentionality. The KonMari method steps have taught me that less is more, especially when it comes to physical stuff. I reduced my wardrobe and decided to keep fewer but better, timeless pieces. Having to move from one country to another very often, I realized that experiences are more valuable than material possessions.

Check out Marie Kondo’s books for more inspiration on tidying up and organization.

Does the KonMari method work for busy moms?

Can the KonMari decluttering method featured on Netflix actually work for busy moms juggling careers, kids, and a never-ending to-do list? Absolutely! In fact, the KonMari method’s focus on intentionality and joy-sparking can be a game-changer for busy moms, offering a path to a tidier, calmer, and more fulfilling life. 

The KonMari method, born from the mind of Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo, isn’t just about decluttering – it’s a joyful revolution in how we relate to our possessions. 

From clothes and books to digital files and sentimental items, the Marie Kondo method encourages us to surround ourselves with things that truly bring us joy, creating a life that reflects our authentic selves. 

Benefits of KonMari method steps for moms

• Decision detox. The KonMari method helps you reduce decision fatigue and simplify your choices by surrounding yourself with items that spark joy and purpose. Less clutter means less mental clutter, leaving you focused and ready to tackle any task.
• Time Warp. The KonMari method steps help you ditch morning meltdowns searching for lost items. Say goodbye to wrestling laundry mountains. Reclaim precious minutes for the things that truly matter.
• Efficient home. A tidy home is a more efficient home. When everything has its place, you’ll spend less time looking for things and more time doing the things you love. 
• Mood and productivity surge. Clearing out the clutter can actually improve your mood and make you more productive. Studies have shown that a tidy environment can lead to increased focus, creativity, and energy levels.
• Valuable lessons for kids. The KonMari method can be a great way to teach kids about the importance of decluttering and organizing. By involving your kids in the process, you can help them develop habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
• Calm and peace. Coming home to a clutter-free space can be a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The KonMari decluttering method can help you create a sanctuary in your home where you can relax and recharge.

KonMari method steps aren’t about achieving Pinterest-perfect perfection in a weekend. It’s about taking small, manageable steps that chip away at the clutter mountain with laser focus and maximum joy-sparking efficiency.

How to make the KonMari method steps work for busy moms?

Of course, adapting the KonMari method to your busy mom life might require some adjustments. Here are a few tips:

• Start small. Don’t try to tackle your entire house at once. Choose a single drawer or shelf and apply the KonMari method. Once you experience the transformative power of sparking joy, you’ll be eager to declutter every nook and cranny of your life.
• Set realistic goals. Don’t expect to finish everything in a day or even a week. Be patient and set achievable goals.
• Be flexible. The KonMari method is a guideline, not a rulebook. Don’t be afraid to adjust it to fit your needs.
• Get the family involved. Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Make it a family bonding activity! Turn it into a treasure hunt for joy-sparking items, assign sorting tasks, and let the kids learn the value of decluttering and appreciating what they have. 

• Remember: progress, not perfection. Don’t get discouraged if your home doesn’t look like a magazine spread overnight. The KonMari method is a lifestyle, not a destination. Celebrate the small victories, like finally conquering that junk drawer or rediscovering a forgotten treasure.

We moms bring lots of stuff into our homes, and not just physical. If you feel like you are stuck, maybe it’s time for a big “spark joy” test and purge! Reassess what brings you joy, let go of things that no longer serve you, and embrace the ongoing process of creating a life that reflects your authentic self.

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