Welcome to 'My KonMari Journey' series. Over the next few months I will be sharing my progress, as I make my way through the KonMari Method, based on the best-seller book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' by Japanese organising enthusiast, Marie Kondo.
If you are new to my blog, Welcome! In case you missed it, be sure to read my Introduction and Getting Started post, so you know what the KonMari Method is all about and the reasons why I am doing it. To date, I have completed the first category - Clothes - you can read about it and see my before & after photos HERE, followed closely by the second category - Books and then Paper, which proved to be a massive task for me. I shared an update 2 days later.
In a nutshell, Marie Kondo has four rules she recommends people follow when doing the KonMari Method:
In a nutshell, Marie Kondo has four rules she recommends people follow when doing the KonMari Method:
1. Tidy in one shot, as quickly and completely as possible.
2. Sort by category, not by location
3. Selection Criterion: Does it 'spark joy?'
4. Order of tidying: Clothes, Books, Documents (Paper), Miscellaneous items (Komono), and Momentos (Sentimental)
As suggested in the book, I will start doing the KonMari Method with my own 'stuff' first, then I will work though the kids items, because I am too sentimental and would find it hard to part with their things right off the bat. I also need to get my head around this new process of de-cluttering, tidying and organising, so hopefully when it comes to purging my kids stuff, it will be a lot easier (well, let's hope so).
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The fourth category of the KonMari Method is KOMONO (Miscellaneous). Now for me, this category is probably bigger than the Paper category. Do you remember in my Introduction post, I mentioned I felt overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I had stored in containers sitting in my office, well majority of them fit into this category. I have containers of miscellaneous items - that I haven't really touched for the past 3 years and includes stuff I have kept for over 10! This category may take some time, however I will be following Marie Kondo's recommended order (see below) and will hopefully (fingers crossed) find a new home for everything and only "keep things because I love them, not 'just because'" (Marie Kondo) - which is totally why I always rebound, and why I NEED the KonMari Method in my life.
Over the next couple of weeks or however long it takes me, I will be tackling Komono (miscellaneous items 1) which includes:
- CDs, DVDs
- Skincare products
- Make-Up
- Accessories
- Valuables (passports, credit cards, etc)
- Electrical equipment and appliances (digital cameras, electric cords, anything that seems vaguely 'electric')
- Household equipment (stationery and writing materials, sewing kits, etc.)
- Household supplies (expendables like medicine, detergents, tissues, etc)
- Kitchen goods/food supplies
- Other
Today I am sharing - Skincare Products, Make-Up & Accessories
When I decided to start this sub-category I thought 'this won't take me long' because I don't own much in terms of Skincare products, Make-Up and Accessories. Well, that went out the window when I remembered I had a few 'containers' stored in my office that would contain the above items, and sure enough, there were.
I am fully dedicated to this whole KonMari Method, following her rules/principles as much as possible, because the last thing I want is to rebound. So do it properly once and you won't need to do it again. That being said, I grabbed the containers of Komono (miscellaneous items) and started sorting through them, one by one. I know it's going totally off track, however it was a job that needed to be done. I grouped like things together and found items that belonged in the 'beauty' sub-category that I was about to start, and there was quite a bit - stuff I didn't even know I had.
THE DISASTER ZONE!
This is for REAL! The side of KonMari you won't see! But you know what - I am SO glad I decided to do this before I continued with the Komono category. It was something that HAD to be done for me to 'tidy in one shot, as quickly and completely as possible'. These were containers I had been putting off for YEARS and now they are finally organised by 'like things together' - which means no more scrummaging through containers. *SUCCESS* *LIFE-CHANGING*
NOW I am ready to start the KOMONO sub-categories: Skincare products, Make-up and Accessories.
As always I will be keeping these three rules in mind when doing my purge:
1. Tidy in one shot, as quickly and completely as possible.
SKINCARE PRODUCTS
So the first thing I did was pulled out ALL of my skincare products, (I did include nail polish in this sub-category, just because it was there). The two make up bags you can see in the back were filled with moisturisers and creams I totally forgot I had (out of site, out of mind!). I then started grabbing the items I absolutely LOVE and spark joy, and that I use regularly.
This is what was left after the purge. Items I haven't used in YEARS, some still in the original packaging but never been used. I had some half empty tubes of creams I won't use simply because I couldn't tell you the last time I used them. (ugh right?) and a couple of perfumes I no longer like or suit me.
And these are all the things that 'spark joy' all corralled in this small rattan basket (from Kmart). This basket is stored in our bathroom cupboard. The pink hand moisturiser belongs in my handbag for when I'm out and about, and I have moved the Dove Cream Bar to the drawer (see pic below).
HAIR PRODUCTS
Next up was the hair products. I actually had a cull of these products a while back, so I didn't really have much to purge. It was more that I needed a better storage solution for them.
This is my pathetic purge. A comb, some gel (I've had this tub for YEARS and never even used it) and a half-empty tub of hair product I no longer use.
And this is the after! When I was doing the purge of all those containers I found a black mesh pen holder that is absolutely perfect for storing all of our combs. I am ALWAYS on a hunt for a comb, no w I don't have to - this actually really excites me. I also found a little case that used to hold mini stationery clips, and repurposed it for my bobby-pins (clever aye).
Our Bathroom Cupboard - NOW
This cupboard now SPARKS JOY :) Every thing has a home and is a lot easier to keep tidy.
I love these smaller rattan baskets in the bathroom, they look great.
The top drawer is for my partner, the second drawer is home to spare razors, toothbrushes + dental care and a few other body care items. And I my daughter has claimed the bottom drawer for her stuff, so the empty space didn't last long.
MAKE-UP
I'm not much of a make-up person, I tend to stick to the bare minimal. Most of the stuff I found was probably way past it's expiry date, or something I will never wear again, and not sure how it got into my collection, so it went straight in the bin!
My purge pile!
My keep pile.
I am very happy with the items I have kept, and they all fit in my pretty pink and gold beauty bag, which I carry in my handbag. I have given the manicure set (in the grey packet) to my daughter, so she has her own set of nail clippers and nail file. I have also kept one of the tweezers in the bathroom, which is always handy to have.
ACCESSORIES
I actually thought I didn't own much in terms of accessories, but after going through my miscellaneous containers (as mentioned above), I found more items to add to my collection. There was stuff I haven't worn in YEARS so it was pretty easy to move those items to the donate pile.
My keep pile.
I'm not much of an accessories person - I wear my Guess watch, a ring my daughter gave me for my birthday a few years ago, sleeper earrings and my taonga (greenstone/pounamu necklace), and these items rarely leave my body. I am however starting to get into long necklaces and bangles, especially for work and special events. The watch set was given to me by my Grandad (who passed away 2 years ago today), it was the last gift I received from him and I hope to pass it on to Miss B when she is a bit older.
KMART HACK:
I repurposed a spare desk tray I had purchased from KMart lasty year, into a jewellery/accessory tray. The tray fits perfectly in the top drawer of my dresser and my necklaces hang on an over-the-door hanger. I love it and can see everything I own, in one place. Perfect. - SPARK JOY -
You would NOT believe what I found in this little black bag! My daughters BABY TEETH! Eewww! Back in the day I thought it was a cute idea, but now I'm like...what was I thinking? So we thanked them and discarded them.
NOTE: There are some things I have come across during this purging process that I have thanked. Marie Kondo suggests we thank the items before discarding them. While I don't thank EVERYTHING, I do thank the items that were kept more for sentimental reasons - like the teeth. ha!
When I decided to start this sub-category I thought 'this won't take me long' because I don't own much in terms of Skincare products, Make-Up and Accessories. Well, that went out the window when I remembered I had a few 'containers' stored in my office that would contain the above items, and sure enough, there were.
I am fully dedicated to this whole KonMari Method, following her rules/principles as much as possible, because the last thing I want is to rebound. So do it properly once and you won't need to do it again. That being said, I grabbed the containers of Komono (miscellaneous items) and started sorting through them, one by one. I know it's going totally off track, however it was a job that needed to be done. I grouped like things together and found items that belonged in the 'beauty' sub-category that I was about to start, and there was quite a bit - stuff I didn't even know I had.
THE DISASTER ZONE!
This is for REAL! The side of KonMari you won't see! But you know what - I am SO glad I decided to do this before I continued with the Komono category. It was something that HAD to be done for me to 'tidy in one shot, as quickly and completely as possible'. These were containers I had been putting off for YEARS and now they are finally organised by 'like things together' - which means no more scrummaging through containers. *SUCCESS* *LIFE-CHANGING*
NOW I am ready to start the KOMONO sub-categories: Skincare products, Make-up and Accessories.
As always I will be keeping these three rules in mind when doing my purge:
1. Tidy in one shot, as quickly and completely as possible.
2. Sort by category, not by location
3. Selection Criterion: Does it 'spark joy?'
Please note: each of these sub-categories are to be completed separately, so ALL of the skincare products, ALL of the Make-up and ALL of the Accessories.
This is my journey...
3. Selection Criterion: Does it 'spark joy?'
Please note: each of these sub-categories are to be completed separately, so ALL of the skincare products, ALL of the Make-up and ALL of the Accessories.
This is my journey...
SKINCARE PRODUCTS
So the first thing I did was pulled out ALL of my skincare products, (I did include nail polish in this sub-category, just because it was there). The two make up bags you can see in the back were filled with moisturisers and creams I totally forgot I had (out of site, out of mind!). I then started grabbing the items I absolutely LOVE and spark joy, and that I use regularly.
This is what was left after the purge. Items I haven't used in YEARS, some still in the original packaging but never been used. I had some half empty tubes of creams I won't use simply because I couldn't tell you the last time I used them. (ugh right?) and a couple of perfumes I no longer like or suit me.
And these are all the things that 'spark joy' all corralled in this small rattan basket (from Kmart). This basket is stored in our bathroom cupboard. The pink hand moisturiser belongs in my handbag for when I'm out and about, and I have moved the Dove Cream Bar to the drawer (see pic below).
HAIR PRODUCTS
Next up was the hair products. I actually had a cull of these products a while back, so I didn't really have much to purge. It was more that I needed a better storage solution for them.
This is my pathetic purge. A comb, some gel (I've had this tub for YEARS and never even used it) and a half-empty tub of hair product I no longer use.
And this is the after! When I was doing the purge of all those containers I found a black mesh pen holder that is absolutely perfect for storing all of our combs. I am ALWAYS on a hunt for a comb, no w I don't have to - this actually really excites me. I also found a little case that used to hold mini stationery clips, and repurposed it for my bobby-pins (clever aye).
As for the hair dryers and straighteners (one for me and my old set for Miss B), are all corralled in this bag, and the bag is kept in a yellow rattan basket in the laundry cupboard (which is next to the bathroom). So all my 'hair products' are in close proximity to each other. I also put our travel bags in the basket, because there was no room in the bathroom cupboard.
Our Bathroom Cupboard - NOW
This cupboard now SPARKS JOY :) Every thing has a home and is a lot easier to keep tidy.
I love these smaller rattan baskets in the bathroom, they look great.
The top drawer is for my partner, the second drawer is home to spare razors, toothbrushes + dental care and a few other body care items. And I my daughter has claimed the bottom drawer for her stuff, so the empty space didn't last long.
MAKE-UP
I'm not much of a make-up person, I tend to stick to the bare minimal. Most of the stuff I found was probably way past it's expiry date, or something I will never wear again, and not sure how it got into my collection, so it went straight in the bin!
My purge pile!
My keep pile.
I am very happy with the items I have kept, and they all fit in my pretty pink and gold beauty bag, which I carry in my handbag. I have given the manicure set (in the grey packet) to my daughter, so she has her own set of nail clippers and nail file. I have also kept one of the tweezers in the bathroom, which is always handy to have.
ACCESSORIES
I actually thought I didn't own much in terms of accessories, but after going through my miscellaneous containers (as mentioned above), I found more items to add to my collection. There was stuff I haven't worn in YEARS so it was pretty easy to move those items to the donate pile.
My keep pile.
I'm not much of an accessories person - I wear my Guess watch, a ring my daughter gave me for my birthday a few years ago, sleeper earrings and my taonga (greenstone/pounamu necklace), and these items rarely leave my body. I am however starting to get into long necklaces and bangles, especially for work and special events. The watch set was given to me by my Grandad (who passed away 2 years ago today), it was the last gift I received from him and I hope to pass it on to Miss B when she is a bit older.
KMART HACK:
I repurposed a spare desk tray I had purchased from KMart lasty year, into a jewellery/accessory tray. The tray fits perfectly in the top drawer of my dresser and my necklaces hang on an over-the-door hanger. I love it and can see everything I own, in one place. Perfect. - SPARK JOY -
My daughter wearing all the jewellery I purged. She's such a goofball, but is totally rocking this 80's look. She has claimed the aviator glasses too.
You would NOT believe what I found in this little black bag! My daughters BABY TEETH! Eewww! Back in the day I thought it was a cute idea, but now I'm like...what was I thinking? So we thanked them and discarded them.
NOTE: There are some things I have come across during this purging process that I have thanked. Marie Kondo suggests we thank the items before discarding them. While I don't thank EVERYTHING, I do thank the items that were kept more for sentimental reasons - like the teeth. ha!
And that's a wrap! At first, I thought this was going to be an easy category because I didn't think I owned much, boy was I wrong. It feels so good having those miscellaneous containers emptied and sorted into categories - it was a job I had been putting off for a very long time and now I can continue my KonMari journey without having to scrummage through containers. Yaye!
Do you own a lot of skincare products, make-up and accessories? What is your weakness? Did you keep your children's baby teeth? Let me know in the comments below.
Next: 'My KonMari Journey' - Komono: Valuables & Electrical Equipment & Appliances
Please note: The Komono (Miscellaneous) category has several sub-categories, so I will be sharing a post for most of them. Watch this space or Subscribe to my Blog, so you don't miss a post.
Please note: The Komono (Miscellaneous) category has several sub-categories, so I will be sharing a post for most of them. Watch this space or Subscribe to my Blog, so you don't miss a post.
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Charlene
Linking up #IBOT
Also in this series:
Introduction & Getting Started
Clothes
Books
Paper
Paper (Update)
Komono (CDs & DVDs)
If you would like to give the KonMari Method a go, and you don't have the book - Here is a checklist of the fourth category - KOMONO (Miscellaneous items 1) . Click the image below and Save/Print. You can also view my previous checklists HERE.
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Wow, well done you. I have been in decluttering mode myself but not following the Konmari method. Being ruthless and detached from the items does help.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I had a difficult time culling my accessories. I like to have a few pairs of earrings to choose from and aside from that I only wear my wedding rings. The problem is that nearly everything else I owned, although I'll never wear it, has been given to me as gifts and I felt guilty for giving it away. I did end up keeping a few things just for sentimental reasons!
ReplyDeleteI just did this to my whole house in January! It is amazing! You won't look back. I too have found that I am wearing things I love now, and had forgotten about. Visiting from #teamibot
ReplyDeleteWOW. I knew about this but you are really making it happen. The photos are evidence we could all put on display I reckon. Good for you! I bless getting our house ready to sell, moving twice with helping me with much 'clearing' I did. I am less likely now to purchase (particularly storage!) now I know what I have enough of. Well-done. Denyse #teamIBOT
ReplyDeleteI've got the best makeup table, and I really need to through it. I use most of the things, most of the time, but I bet there's some items that have snuck in there that I forgot I had.
ReplyDeleteI need to find a way to store my necklaces. Like you I'm not much of an accessory wearer but I'm trying to wear more this year so need a better way of storing them so I don't have one big mess! Over the door sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI have listened to the Kon Marie audio book online so that has helped to give me an idea. I have now done many categories and are still doing them but can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. What I have done withthings such as combs etc was to categorise them, so I have a shower comb, different size round brushes for blow drying, and planning to buy an expensive boar bristle brush that makes hair shiny.
ReplyDeleteI also have a brush that I keep in my handbag, and one that is in a kitty for when I am travelling. Still I have managed to get rid of quite a few combs and brushes that did not quite fit into any of these categories, so technically, had no use.
Amongst the things I have accumulated I tend to try and keep the more expensive classy ones that will also last a long time.