True story: I had to tidy my desk before I could write this post.
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| For me, a tidy desk increases productivity |
During the tiding process, storage is temporary
Kondo begins by discussing the
category komono, that is, miscellaneous items. This is a large category! Before
you can store anything, you have to evaluate an entire category of items and
then discard. Why? You have to understand everything in a category. Kondo
assures us that it is ok for a room to become messy during a tidying marathon.
In other words, expect clutter while you are performing the 'joy check' and
examining items.
Store by material
Kondo suggests storing items by
material. Her materials are cloth, paper, and electric. I use a similar
principle: store like things together.
Pack drawers like a Japanese bento
box
Kondo indicates that her rule of
thumb for storage is 90 percent. In other words, keep the items that spark joy,
and store them in a manner that looks full, but not stuffed. The object is to
store items is a tidy and visually appealing fashion. Much like a bento box!
The four principles of storage
- fold
it
- stand
it upright
- store
in one spot
- divide your storage into square compartments
Fold clothes like origami
When folding clothes, smooth each
fold before folding again, aiming for a final rectangular shape. you'll be
pleased with the tidy results!
Everything you need to know about the
KonMari folding method
Pages 69-73 provide instructions and
diagrams for achieving a proper fold. Again, the objective is to create a
smooth rectangle.
Plan storage with the idea of getting
rid of furniture used for storing
Kondo lays out two rules for storage:
use built-in storage and store large things first. In other words, purchasing
new items to store things is discouraged. Use what you have. Regarding storing
large things, Kondo is referring to things of large volume. Place these items
in built-ins first.
Ideal storage weaves a rainbow in your
home
Once you hone your selecting and
storing skills, storage will feel natural.
Please stay tuned for Chapter 4!
Until next week,
GP
Until next week,
GP
