Marie Kondo's new Netflix series, Sparking Joy, is about to premiere, and we can't wait! This moment seems perfect to reflect on her decluttering approach centered around the concept of sparking joy. But what does it mean to truly spark joy?
According to Kondo's method, you evaluate your feelings towards an item by holding it and asking yourself if it brings joy. Joy is a personal experience, so there's no universal answer. Kondo describes the sensation as 'a little thrill, almost like your body is coming alive.'
This is the book storage solution your home has been waiting for, yet many struggle with the idea of sparking joy (us included!).
To enhance our kitchen storage ideas, we consulted Platinum KonMari Consultant, Sue Spencer, founder of A Life More Organised, who provided valuable guidance.
Identifying Joy: Insights from a KonMari Consultant
'The Japanese term for 'Spark Joy' is 'Tokimeki,' which means 'heart flutter.' When assessing joy, look for items that elicit this feeling,' Sue explains.
'I advise clients to hold each piece and notice how it resonates with them. Consider its role in your ideal lifestyle. Some items will instantly resonate, whether because they make you feel amazing or are simply comfortable, like your favorite joggers. Even practical items like saucepans count if they enhance your cooking experience.'
With so many belongings, where to start? Sue suggests beginning with clothing, as it's often the simplest category. She recommends sorting items into sub-categories, gathering everything from one category to see it all together.
'You might discover the sheer volume and duplication of what you own, especially if your clothes are cramped together in a drawer or closet,' Sue points out.
'Focus on your favorite item, reflect on why it brings you joy, and hang it up so you can admire it. Then, choose two or three more favorites and repeat the process of reflection.'
'These chosen pieces become your benchmark for joy—compare everything else against them,' she adds.
Sue advises applying this method across all items in your home—from toiletries to hobby supplies to kitchen tools. 'Seeing everything at once is more effective than rummaging through a cupboard for something to discard,' she says. 'When everything is visible, it's easier to identify what sparks joy and what doesn't.'
Some items might be harder to assess than others. For these, Sue has a practical method.
'If you're uncertain about an item, don't get bogged down. Set it aside in an unsure pile and continue with your joy-checking process,' Sue suggests.
'Once you finish the initial round, revisit your unsure pile. Many find that focusing on what they love helps clarify their decisions regarding items they were uncertain about initially.' It's the living room storage solution your home will appreciate.
We'll be dedicating time to explore this KonMari approach and its one-emotion decluttering technique—right after we finish watching Sparking Joy.
