From Marie Kondo to the Home Edit: What Home Organizing Philosophies Are Out There?
As we spend more time at home, it's natural to want to make our living spaces as comfortable and inviting as possible. One way to achieve this is through home organization. But with so many different philosophies out there, it can be hard to know where to start. From the famous KonMari method to the trendy Home Edit, here's a breakdown of some of the most popular home organization philosophies and how they can help you achieve your happy space.
1. Decluttering the KonMari Way by Marie Kondo
“Does it spark joy?” You are probably aware of the KonMari method, developed by Marie Kondo. From a best-seller book to a Netflix show, Marie Kondo has gone around the world sharing her organizational principles. The key? Only keep things that spark joy and let go of anything that no longer serves a purpose in one's life. This philosophy encourages individuals to thoroughly assess each possession they own and only retain things that truly bring them happiness. One of the remarkable advantages of the KonMari method is its ability to cultivate mindfulness towards belongings. By focusing on what genuinely sparks joy, people are less likely to accumulate clutter and more inclined to surround themselves with possessions that genuinely make them happy. Marie Kondo's approach not only aligns with minimalism but also emphasizes cherishing the items one chooses to keep. She is also known for her infamous folding technique. Rather than stacking your clothes in a pile on top of one another, making it difficult to get to an item at the bottom, fold and store them vertically so you can see what you have and more easily retrieve the item you want. Plus, your clothes will have fewer wrinkles.
The KonMari method is a great fit for individuals who value minimalism and simplicity in their homes, as it emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with only the things that bring happiness and contentment. It can be especially helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by clutter and want to make a fresh start in creating a space that is both functional and uplifting.
2. Organizing Using the Minimalist Approach
Adjacent to the KonMari Method, is the minimalist approach. It is a lifestyle philosophy that revolves around the idea of living with less. By reducing clutter and streamlining possessions, minimalists prioritize what truly holds value in life. If you’re like most people around, you are probably a hoarder - old receipts, unworn clothes, gift items from god knows when - they can all pile up. And while it can be challenging to get rid of your belongings, there is a sense of liberation once you let go of the unnecessary. Some simple starting points can include minimizing duplicate items, tossing something each time you buy something new, choosing to rent instead of buy and even just switching to digital records instead of piling up the paperwork. Counterintuitively, you can also reduce your storage space, because as you expand your space, you’ll find things to fill it up!
The minimalist approach goes beyond just tidying or decluttering, it is a way of life that has the potential to alleviate stress and anxiety. Plus - it can be more sustainable! With fewer things to worry about, you can shift your focus to the aspects of life that truly matter, such as nurturing relationships and engaging in meaningful experiences. Ultimately, if you’re looking to become more mindful and intentional in your daily routine, the minimalist approach might be for you!
3. Home Organizing Like the Home Edit
Another super popular organization style (thanks to Netflix!) is The Home Edit. Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin are the dynamic duo behind this ingenious concept that on the surface is all about beautifully color-coded and labelled items. But at its core their approach is simple yet effective, consisting of three essential steps: The Edit, The Assembly, and The Upkeep. First up, the edit, where you declutter like a pro, bid farewell to the unnecessary, and make room for what truly matters. Next, we have the assembly, where you organize your space based on your needs and preferences. And finally, the upkeep, the secret to maintaining your newfound order and preventing chaos from sneaking back in. If everything has a designated space, you can’t lose it! With The Home Edit, function meets form.
If you are a fan of rainbows or just enjoy visually appealing spaces, The Home Edit might be for you. With easy-to-follow steps, it's the ultimate solution for individuals who want to transform their surroundings into beautiful, functional, and effortlessly maintained havens.
4. Organizing the Swedish Death Cleaning Way
Yes, it sounds morbid, but The Swedish Death Cleaning method is a refreshingly practical approach to home organization that adds a unique twist to tidying up. The concept behind this method is to declutter your living space by letting go of things you no longer need or want, sparing your loved ones the burden of dealing with it when you're no longer around. It's like a gift of home organization from beyond the grave! Margareta Magnusson is the brilliant mind behind this method. Key questions to ask yourself as you’re organizing - "Will I ever need this?" and even more importantly, "Will anyone I know be happier if I save this? If you’re not sure, you can always ask your loved ones. And if there’s that special necklace or painting that your grandchildren will love - why not share it with them now? It can be immensely rewarding to see their joy while you’re still here.
While it may seem like this method is best suited for people in their twilight years, in reality, it's great for anyone looking for a practical, simple and proactive approach to decluttering. If you’re a hoarder looking to downsize, there is nothing more striking than realizing that this item will hold no value once you’re gone.
5. The 5S Home Organizing Method
What do Toyota manufacturing and home organization have in common? the Kaizen housekeeping technique called 5S which is used in many businesses applying the Lean Production philosophy. Kaizen is a Japanese word literally translated to mean “continuous improvement”. So what are the Five S Steps, which you can apply to organizing your home? Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. If you approach your home systematically, using these five steps, you will be able to create and maintain an organized space. To achieve this, first, embark on a treasure hunt to sort through your belongings, keeping what you love and need. Then, assign each item its special place to bring order and ease into your life. Next, bring out your brooms and dustpans, and make the space shine. Use systems to standardize your home and finally, ensure that you sustain all the effort you have put in!
Whether you’re a LEAN methodology expert or not, the 5S method is beneficial for everyone seeking to bring order, efficiency, and serenity into their lives. It’s a lot of work up front, but if you do it successfully, it can set you up for a calm and organized home environment.
6. The Clutterbug Professional Organizers
With over a decade in home organization, Cassandra Aarssen, the founder of the Clutterbug organizational philosophy realized something - everyone is different, even in the way they approach tidiness. So, she created four monikers: Ladybug, Cricket, Bee, and Butterfly to help you identify your organizational style. Are you a Ladybug who loves a pretty surface but hides clutter in cabinets? Or perhaps a Cricket, striving for that picture-perfect Pinterest look at the expense of your sanity? Maybe you're a Bee, buzzing with DIY projects cluttering up your counters? Or are you a free-spirited Butterfly, proudly displaying your organizing systems for all to see? There are unique methods, tips and tricks and tons of great advice for all the types.
Overall, the Clutterbug method is a great option for people who are looking for a personalized approach to organizing that takes into account their individual strengths and weaknesses. By understanding your organizing style, you can create a space that works best for you and your lifestyle.
7. Our Organizing Philosophy at The Happy Space Co.
At The Happy Space Co., there is no one size fits all. Instead, we use a blend of all these philosophies, with an added bit of our intuitive sense and understanding of Hong Kong homes and lifestyles. We’ve see a wide variety of preferences and styles. If you are a maximalist with a desire to show off all your unique knick-knacks and decor, then the Swedish Death Cleaning Method is not for you. Or, if you prefer a more minimal vibe, clean and sleek, then we aren’t going to rainbow your house with The Home Edit. And if you have kids, that’s a whole other story!
Our basic principles? You won’t use what you can’t see. Real life isn’t perfect. Systems must be simple. And the ultimate marriage is beauty and functionality.
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of organization and transformation? Say hello to your happy, organized space! Just drop us a note - we can’t wait to chat with you!