Clutter, paper, pill bottles, clothes, blankets and more characterize many homes where a person is living with a chronic condition. In fact, it can be so disorganized and messy that it’s not a relaxing place to be. Cleaning, sorting and discarding are often the last thing on anyone’s mind, if for no other reason, who has the energy for it?
Currently de
cluttering is a hot topic thanks to Japanese author and master tidier Marie
Kondo. Her book, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” has a simple method, known as
KonMari, Only keep things around you that “spark joy” when you hold them, and
say “Thank you,” as you discard everything else. Clearly there are items, like prescriptions,
that don’t necessarily “spark joy” but they are an absolute necessity, so don’t
discard.
The idea is by only having things around you that
bring joy and benefit, your space will be cleaner and you will feel happier in
it. This can than flow into other parts of your life. Think of it as creating
your home as a healing and inspiring space. Very appealing ideas for any one,
but even more so for those affected by a chronic condition, where life can feel
incredibly out of control a considerable amount of time.
The KonMari Method
1. Tidy
in one shot, as quickly and completely as possible: Set a
deadline, such as sort clothes on Saturday morning. It’s a special event, not
something to do everyday. However, given energy levels, as well as ability to
move things, you may have to readjust by
doing categories a room at a time. While that may not be the strict KonMari
way, it is sufficient to become inspired and keep you motivated to continue to
“tidy.” Don’t hesitate to ask a friend to help with the hauling and the moving,
so you can save your energy for the sort.
2. Sort
by category, not by location: Having everything in one place makes you
not only aware of how much you have, including duplications, but how much of it
you don’t use and even if it’s weighing you down. As noted above, it may not work
for you to move everything into one space, so again category by room may have
to do.
3. Is
this necessary for me? Does it “spark joy?”: If it’s necessary, such as tax
returns for the last seven years or medications, it’s a keep. For everything
else, hold it and ask yourself if it sparks joy? Does it make you happy? If it elicits a
response somewhere between feeling nothing to “hate it”, thank it and let it
go. For those necessary items, they benefit you in some way and in time can
generate more positive feelings.
"Never decide to
keep something because it 'might come in handy.' An item may be good, useful,
and even beautiful, however if it only seems like it should make you happy, but
it really doesn’t, then it’s time to thank it and say goodbye. That’s right,
say 'thank you' to the item... It will help you feel better about the decision
you’ve made, and it will help you feel more gratitude towards the stuff you
keep."
4. Order of Tidying: Clothes, Books,
Documents, miscellaneous items, and mementos. The last one, mementos, is often
the hardest so by doing the others first, you’ll have sufficient practice in
realizing what sparks joy in you and can make the sort easier.
Does it Work?
I started in August
using this method and I have to say it’s not only the most effective de
cluttering tool I’ve ever used, it’s helping me keep things much tidier. Asking
myself whether something “sparks joy” has been really key to the process, and the
ritual of thanking items, that may have meant something at one time or were
gifted to me, is strangely freeing. I’ve found the folding technique is key to
keeping my clothes in order. Further, grocery shopping has gotten a lot easier,
since I know exactly what I’m running low on. I should note, however, that I
keep my kitchen appliances readily available on the counter as I cook a lot.
Also, because I do a lot of art projects, fabric and art supplies are harder to
sort but I do like the idea of only working with supplies that spark joy. This
is my last area to tackle.
Getting
Started
You might find it useful to read Kondo’s book (most
libraries have a wait list for it) or watch one of her videos Marie Kondo and New York Magazine’s Wendy Goodman or
her talk at Google. While
the talks are similar, the question and answers differ. Join
Marie Kondo’s Facebook page for lots of tips and ideas. It's also a way to keep you inspired.
Helpful
Tips
• Discard than
organize: If you start worrying about how you are going to organize the items you
are keeping while trying to discard, you will derail the process. Besides Mari
has excellent ways to fold clothes and store items so you don’t need to go out
and purchase anything.
• Don’t let
guilt be your guide: Holding onto items that you don’t use, let alone
bring joy, no matter who gave them to you, isn’t useful. Thank them for being a
reminder of someone’s generosity towards you and then pass them on.
• Pass on the
Sentiment: While a family heirloom may not spark joy in you, it may be very
appreciated by another member of the family. Pass it on.
• Use Recycling
Centers, Fiber Barns, Thrift Stores etc: Once you have done your sort, make good use of
your local recycling center for things like paper, plastic, cans etc.
Libraries, prisons and some hospitals will take books in good shape, and thrift
stores count on a wide variety of donations to help them fund their respective
community based organizations. If you have the time and energy, selling can be
done on-line (E-Bay, Craig’s List, community garage sale Facebook etc.) through
a consignment shop, or at a yard sale. Don’t forget that you can donate items
for tag sales and other venues that can benefit your condition specific
organization such as the local chapter of the Lung Association.
• Don’t show
your family what you’re discarding: If you do, they’ll start taking things out.
• Everything
needs a home: Once you have finished discarding, you can
start the process of organizing. The best way to maintain a sense of minimalism
is to have a dedicated spot for everything. It makes both tidying
and finding things a breeze (reduces stress) and also makes it easy to see when
you are starting to amass again.
• Use
the videos to Learn to Fold Clothes: There are good videos to watch
in order to learn how to fold and store clothing, which are easier than reading
about them. Check out Illustrated Guide to the KonMari Method of folding clothes.
• Don’t
bulk up: In general buying in bulk isn’t a great savings for
many –it goes bad before getting to use it and/or it can be a major source of
clutter.
• Paperless is good, but careful with health related items: Thanks to computers, you only need to keep taxes and other necessary documents and papers that require action. Place any sentimental items you come across in the sentimental box to be dealt with last so that you can move through the papers swiftly. Also place any paperwork pertaining to your health situation in one pile. Watch KonMari Method: Paper
• Manage Your Health Information: You are in charge of making health care decisions for yourself and those in your charge. This can be an overwhelming task as multiple health providers are involved and the variety of paper and information being generated from tests, treatments, to say nothing of health insurance, is mind-boggling. The more organized you can be, keeping information centralized, the easier some decisions will be to make. Be sure to check out Managing Health Information: Yours/Theirs
• Getting Kids
to Tidy: If you have kids, download Marie Kondo on the
Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up — With Kids There are so many great and helpful suggestions from how to get kids to clean up after themselves to what to keep of the mountain of paper that comes home from school each day.
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