When Lauren Salaterski first read The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo, she discovered clarity in not only her approach to her home—but also in her approach to her life. She devoured all of Kondo’s books, became trained in Kondo’s KonMari Method and started implementing her instruction. “It changed my life,” she says.
Then, Salaterski, who has a background in teaching, decided to share her knowledge. “Marie Kondo has had almost a 100 percent success rate when working one-on-one with clients,” she says. “I wanted to help other people as her method helped me.” She launched Tucked & Tidy, a Somerset-based luxury green cleaning and home organizing service committed to health and wellness. Salaterski breaks down some basic rules to get you started.
Keep Only What You Love
People tend to start organizing by buying storage boxes, but really, the first step is to declutter and discard. Lay everything on the floor and select what you treasure the most rather than focusing on what you want to discard. Marie Kondo recommends you hold each item in your hand as you decide. This process allows you to create a space where you are surrounded only by the things that you love.
Tidy by Category, Not Location
In the KonMari Method, the idea is to keep all items in the same category in the same place. Doing this is easier mentally than trying to remember where you stored something by frequency of use. For example, you should store shoes, coats and keys with like items rather than right by the door. Create a designated spot for every category, even the tiniest things that end up on countertops. This will change your mindset and make you naturally inclined to not bring home things you don’t need.
Maximize Your Space by Using Vertical Storage
File, don’t pile. Folding your clothes vertically and storing them as if they were papers in a filing cabinet will save space and allow you to see all your clothing at a glance. You won’t have to dig, which also saves you time. Similarly, in the kitchen, put your cereal in clear containers that allow you to see the contents. As the cereal gets low, put it in a smaller container to maximize space.
Use the Sloping Effect in Closets
To give your closets a clean look, use matching hangers and organize clothing with a sloping effect: Hang items from longest to shortest from left to right.
To learn more about organizing your home visit tuckedandtidy.com.
Commit Yourself to Tidying Up
Set aside the time and space you need to tidy your home, your relationships, your mindset—and then make a commitment to complete it.
Imagine Your Ideal Life
Decluttering your space also declutters your mind. Considering how positive you will feel in a tidy space will make it easier for you to start the process.
Ask: Does the Item Spark Joy?
If you are having trouble parting with an item, ask if it sparks joy in your life. This is an excellent litmus test for what should stay and what should go.