In a world overflowing with possessions, it’s easy to feel burdened by the weight of our things. We accumulate, organize, and tidy up—yet somehow, clutter always returns. The secret to breaking this cycle is simpler than it seems: to truly transform our living spaces and, in turn, our lives, we must embrace the art of letting go.
A One-Time Transformation
Rather than tidying up a little every day, aim for a one-time, complete transformation. Clean in one powerful swoop and aim for perfection. When you achieve that sense of order, maintaining it becomes much easier. The common approach of organizing things daily can give the illusion that the clutter problem is solved, but true tidying starts with discarding, not just rearranging.
Discard Before You Store
Effective tidying boils down to two essential actions: discarding and deciding where to store things. Discarding must come first. It’s important not to jump into organizing or putting things away until you have fully committed to letting go of unnecessary items. Tidying in one go, quickly and thoroughly, is the secret to success.
But how do we decide what to keep? The selection process is simple: keep only those things that spark joy in your heart. The goal is to focus on what you want to keep, not what you want to get rid of. By asking yourself whether an item makes you happy, you can confidently discard everything else.
Clothes First, Mementos Last
When it comes to tidying, the best order to follow starts with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous items (komono), and finally, mementos. Begin by gathering all your clothes from every closet and drawer into one spot. Make sure not a single piece is left behind, as this ensures you’re making decisions with a complete picture of what you own.
Once you’ve sorted through your clothes, organize them simply. Clothes can either be hung or folded. The key to effective storage is to store items vertically, not horizontally. Folded clothes should be placed standing up in drawers, while coats, suits, and dresses should be hung in a way that respects their material and shape.
Books and Papers: Let Go of What No Longer Serves You
Books often present a challenge because of our emotional attachment to them. We hold onto books we haven’t read yet, hoping that one day we’ll get to them. But if a book has been sitting on the shelf unread, perhaps its purpose was to teach you that you didn’t need it in the first place. The same goes for books you’ve only partially read—they’ve already served their purpose.
For papers, the rule is simple: discard anything that isn’t currently in use, needed for a limited time, or required to be kept indefinitely. Keep papers organized in just three categories: those that need attention, those that should be saved for reference, and those that must be kept for legal reasons.
Tidying Miscellaneous Items
Miscellaneous items, or komono, often clutter our homes without us realizing it. From mysterious cords to electronics boxes and gifts that have outlived their purpose, these items accumulate and weigh us down. If you find yourself holding onto a gift you don’t use, remember that its purpose was fulfilled the moment you received it. Let it go and create space for new experiences.
The Emotional Weight of Mementos
Mementos are the last category to tackle because they hold the most emotional weight. From old photographs to sentimental items passed down from loved ones, these belongings often tie us to the past. However, to fully cherish the items that matter to us, we must let go of those that no longer serve us. By releasing items tied to the past, we make room for the joy and excitement of the present.
The Art of Storing
Once you’ve completed the process of discarding, you can begin to focus on storing your belongings. Storage should be simple and purposeful. Keep all similar items in one place and avoid scattering storage spaces throughout the house. A common mistake is to store things based on where it’s easiest to take them out, but this can lead to clutter. Instead, focus on reducing the effort needed to put things away.
Transform Your Life, Not Just Your Space
The process of tidying is about more than just creating a clean space. It’s about restoring balance between you, your possessions, and your home. When you reduce your belongings to only those that spark joy, you revitalize your relationship with your environment. As you discard items that no longer serve you, you also release the emotional weight they carry, making space for new opportunities and growth.
By confronting the things we own, we confront our emotions and attachments. The act of tidying gives us confidence in our decision-making abilities, helping us make clearer choices in other areas of life. It’s a magical process that can transform not just our homes, but also our mindset.
The Ripple Effect of a Clean Space
When we declutter, we often find ourselves cleaning more often, and more thoroughly. As we reduce our belongings, we also reduce the amount of dust and dirt, leading to fresher air in our homes. This not only creates a more peaceful environment but also encourages healthier habits. With less clutter, we can focus more on our well-being, from eating healthier to staying more active.
In the end, tidying isn’t just about creating a neat home. It’s about living a life that reflects who we truly are and what brings us joy. By letting go of the past and making thoughtful choices about what to keep, we open ourselves up to a more vibrant, fulfilling life.
So, ask yourself: does it spark joy? If it doesn’t, it might be time to let it go.
By following these principles, you’ll not only create a space that feels good but also experience the deeper benefits of clarity, purpose, and joy that come from living with intention. Your home will become a sanctuary, and you’ll have the energy to focus on what truly matters in life.