I’ve talked to several people about the KonMari Method since I read the book and implemented parts of it in my own house. I know that one of the main complains is…
“Where do I start? How do I start? It’s too much at once!”
I can see how it is intimidating – taking everything you own and tossing it in a pile doesn’t sound very appealing to most people – I know I didn’t have an urge to empty all of my clothes on to the floor of my dressing room and watch my dogs dig around and create nests. (Which they do under any time of cloth – and frankly, they’re hard to find when they’re buried.) And frankly, I know some of it isn’t realistic! Most people have hobbies! I can’t get rid of all my paper – paper IS my hobby! I can’t get rid of every tiny thing that doesn’t bring me joy immediately, because I’m also a person that goes through phases with my hobbies. Right now, I’ve been making perler bead figures. Three months ago, I could’ve donated them because I hadn’t used them in ages.
So here’s my proposal: Let’s start again and let’s start small. And let’s start with a game.
I first saw the #minsgame on Instagram and couldn’t figure out what it was at all. A quick google search let me to this description from The Minimalists:
Find a friend or family member. Someone who’s willing to get rid of some of their excess stuff. This month, each of you must get rid of one thing on the first day of the month. On the second, two things. Three items on the third. So forth, and so on. Anything can go! Clothes, furniture, electronics, tools, decorations, etc. Donate, sell, or trash. Whatever you do, each material possession must be out of your house—and out of your life—by midnight each day.
It’s an easy game at first. However, it starts getting challenging by week two, when you’re both jettisoning more than a dozen items each day. Whoever can keep it going the longest wins. You both win if you can make it all month. Bonus points if you play with more than two people.
Sounds fun, right? And a little less daunting than throwing away everything at once? I think this is a good way to ease into the KonMari Method – after all, you have about 6 months to get your house in order with the KonMari Method. I propose we all start on July 1st, 2015 and play the #minsgame together! Post your pictures on Instagram and tweet about it – and add #organizeitRTS so I can see your progress!
I know it sounds a little challenging – e.g. two weeks in, FOURTEEN things to get rid of? Well think of all the little things in your house:
- nail polish
- old utensils
- board games you never play anymore
- books
- makeup or lotion you don’t use
- tattered linens you don’t need anymore (am I the only one that keeps saving junkie, bleached towels?)
- Dog toys (just kidding – Hami would never let me throw away any of his toys)
- Maybe SOME of that stationery and paper we don’t need…
Or adjust it as you need to – get rid of one thing a day everyday of July! Just join me! Let’s start decluttering for the summer. Leave a comment if you plan on joining in – I can’t wait to get started!
