Hello there and welcome back to the latest episode of the Living Clutter Free Forever podcast. I am Caroline, a KonMari Consultant and Professional Organizer. One thing I often hear from people is that they want to declutter fast. I don't think this is always possible or necessarily a good idea, as the process needs to be given some thought and time, and what has taken a long time to get cluttered is not easily decluttered fast. However, applying the KonMari method gives you the possibility of working through categories which can feel quicker and easier to complete. But...if you do want to declutter fast, here are my best tips. In this episode, I'm going to share with you some tips and tricks for decluttering your home quickly and efficiently, and as the topic is decluttering fast, this episode is also going to be short and to the point. 

Part 1: Understanding the KonMari Method

Before we dive into our decluttering tips, let's talk
about the KonMari method. Have you heard of it? I am guessing you have if you
are listening to this podcast. But, just to be sure… It was developed by Marie
Kondo and involves keeping only items that "spark joy" in your life.
To prepare for the KonMari method, I recommend you set aside some time to read
Marie Kondo's book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up." This
will give you a deeper understanding of the method and help you to approach
decluttering with the right mindset. You can also watch the 2 series on
Netflix, and I have also created an easy starter guide for you, just go to
caroline-thor.com/starter

Part 2: Preparing to Declutter

Once you've familiarized yourself with the KonMari
method, it's time to create a plan and schedule for decluttering. Before we
dive into the actual process of decluttering, let's talk about the importance
of preparing and setting goals.

Many people make the mistake of jumping right into
decluttering without a clear plan or goal in mind. This can lead to
frustration, overwhelm, and even giving up before the task is completed. So, to
avoid these issues, take the time to set goals and priorities before starting
the process. We refer to this as visualizing your ideal lifestyle. 

First, think about what you want to achieve with your
decluttering efforts. Do you want to free up space in your home? Create a more
relaxing and peaceful environment? Or perhaps simplify your life and reduce
stress? By setting clear goals, you'll have a better understanding of what you
want to accomplish and will be more motivated to stick to the process.

Once you have your goals in mind, it's time to create
a plan and schedule. Decide on a realistic timeline for your decluttering
efforts, taking into account any upcoming events or commitments that may affect
your schedule. Actually put it in your calendar. What gets scheduled gets done!
Make sure to break down the process into manageable tasks, such as decluttering
one category of items at a time.

Having the necessary supplies on hand is also
important. Before starting the process, gather the supplies you'll need, such
as trash bags, boxes, and cleaning supplies. Having these items readily
available will help you stay focused and efficient during the process.

Now, with your goals set, plan and schedule in place,
and supplies ready, you're ready to start decluttering your home! It’s going to
be faster with the preparation done. 

Part 3: Decluttering Tips

So,  it's time to dive into the actual process of decluttering.

When it comes to decluttering your home using the KonMari method, it's important to tackle each category of items one at a time, starting with clothing, then moving on to books, papers, miscellaneous items known as Komono, and finally sentimental items. As you go through each category, ask yourself whether each item "sparks joy" in your life. If it doesn't, thank the item for its service and let it go.

The reason for clothes being first is that they are generally easier to sort through and make decisions about, which can help build momentum and confidence for the rest of the decluttering process.

When decluttering your clothes, start by taking
everything out of your closet and drawers.

Now, it's time to decide what to keep and what to
discard. As you hold each item, ask yourself if it sparks joy or brings value
to your life. If it does, keep it!  If it
doesn't, it's time to let it go. Be honest with yourself and resist the urge to
hold onto items out of guilt or obligation.

My previous advice to visualize your ideal lifestyle before starting the decluttering process will help you to stay focused on what you truly need and want in your life. It's also important to handle each item with care and respect. When you treat your belongings with respect, you'll be more mindful of what you own and less likely to accumulate clutter in the future.

Part 4: Organizing and Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home

Once you've decluttered your home using the KonMari
method, it's time to organize the items you've decided to keep. Marie Kondo
recommends storing items by category and in a way that makes them visible and
easy to access.

To maintain a clutter-free home, it's important to
establish daily habits that align with your ideal lifestyle. This can include
things like making your bed every morning, folding your clothes neatly, and
storing items in their designated places.

In addition to the KonMari method, there are other
decluttering techniques you can use, such as the "one in, one out" rule.
This means that for every new item you bring into your home, you should get rid
of an old item.

Part 5: Letting Go of Sentimental Items

One of the hardest parts of decluttering is letting go
of sentimental items. This can really slow the process down, which isn’t great
if you are trying to declutter fast. When it comes to sentimental items, Marie
Kondo recommends asking yourself whether the item truly brings you joy or
whether the memories associated with it bring you joy. If the memories bring
you joy, take a photo of the item and let it go. The photo will help you to
remember the item without taking up physical space in your home.

Well, that's all I have for you today! I hope these tips help you to declutter your home quickly and efficiently. Remember, decluttering is not just about getting rid of physical items, it's also about creating space for the things that truly matter in your life. So although many people would like the process to be fast, my advice to you is to take your time, be mindful, and enjoy it! You are more likely to maintain it if you feel the value of the experience you have been through. 

And if you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, don't
hesitate to reach out for help. You can ask a friend or family member to assist
you, or you can hire a KonMari Consultant to guide you through the process, or
you can send me an email or a DM on Instagram @caro.thor. I will always answer
you! 

Thanks for listening, and if you have any other topics
or questions you'd like me to cover in a future episode, feel free to reach
out. Until next time, happy organizing! Remember, it is a journey, not a
destination. Take it one step at a time and enjoy. Until next time!