Comparing Decluttering Styles: Find Out If Marie Kondo's Minimalist Approach Aligns With Your Needs?
In the realm of decluttering, one size does not fit all. Homes and Gardens magazine has recently published an article that delves into various decluttering methods, each with its own philosophy and practical approach [1][2]. Here's a rundown of these innovative techniques, along with their key differences from well-known methods like Marie Kondo's "Spark Joy" and Swedish Death Cleaning.
## Introducing the Methods
1. **Ski-Slope Organizing:** This method breaks rooms into zones and uses a laundry basket to move items to their correct homes, efficiently removing trash in the process. The focus is on completing one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. **Expiry Decluttering:** Place undecided items in a box with an expiry date. If unused by that date, discard. This method delays decisions to reduce stress, using time as a filter.
3. **Outbox Decluttering:** Keep a box for unsure items. If unused or unremembered in a month, declutter. This method reduces regret by allowing a cooling-off period.
4. **90/90 Decluttering Rule:** Ask: Have I used this in the last 90 days? Will I use it in the next 90? If no to both, discard. This rule uses a strict time-based criterion for utility.
5. **20/20 Decluttering Rule:** If you can replace an item for under $20 in under 20 minutes, consider letting it go. This rule focuses on replaceability and convenience.
6. **Didn’t Know Decluttering:** If you forgot you had the item, get rid of it. This method uses memory lapse as a decluttering trigger.
7. **Value-Based Decluttering:** Assess items based on personal values (e.g., simplicity, personal touches). This method tailors decluttering to individual priorities.
8. **Mottainai:** A Japanese concept emphasizing respect for resources, avoiding waste but not hoarding. This method is a cultural/philosophical approach to mindful keeping.
## Comparing the Methods
- **Decision Timing:** Methods like Expiry Decluttering and Outbox allow for delayed decisions to reduce stress and regret, whereas 90/90 and 20/20 rules enforce immediate, criteria-based choices.
- **Criteria for Keeping Items:** Spark Joy (Marie Kondo) uses an emotional response; 90/90 and 20/20 use utility and replaceability; Value-Based uses personal values; Mottainai uses resource respect.
- **Approach to Space:** Ski-Slope is zone/room-focused, while Marie Kondo is category-focused. Project 333 is clothing-specific and time-bound.
- **Philosophy:** Swedish Death Cleaning is about preparing for the end of life and reducing burden on others. Mottainai is about mindful use, not legacy.
- **Ease of Use:** Methods like Didn’t Know and 20/20 are simple rules for quick decisions, while Value-Based and Mottainai require deeper reflection.
## Additional Decluttering Methods Not Detailed in the Article
- **Marie Kondo’s “Spark Joy”:** An emotional, immediate response to each item; not about utility or time. - **Project 333:** Capsule wardrobe challenge: 33 items for 3 months; clothing-specific and time-bound. - **Move Out Method:** Simulate moving to identify essentials; not described in the article. - **Decluttering Game:** Often gamified (e.g., remove one item on day one, two on day two); not mentioned. - **Swedish Death Cleaning:** Focused on legacy and reducing others’ burden; not covered.
## Embrace Your Decluttering Journey
Whether you're inspired by Marie Kondo's emotional approach, or you prefer the practicality of the 20/20 rule, the best method depends on your personality, goals, and the types of items you need to declutter. Remember, the purpose of tidying is to learn to make meaningful choices and find gratitude in everyday life. Happy decluttering!
[1] Homes and Gardens. (2022). The decluttering methods you need to know about. Retrieved from https://www.homesandgardens.com/interiors/decluttering-methods-to-help-you-get-organised-and-reduce-clutter
[2] Homes and Gardens. (2022). Decluttering methods: The best ways to declutter your home and simplify your life. Retrieved from https://www.homesandgardens.com/interiors/decluttering-methods-to-help-you-get-organised-and-reduce-clutter
- In the world of fashion, the 20/20 decluttering rule can be applied when deciding whether to keep an item of clothing. If a piece can be replaced within twenty minutes and for under $20, it might be worth considering letting it go.
- For personal growth enthusiasts, the Value-Based Decluttering method offers a tailored approach to decluttering based on individual priorities like simplicity and personal touches.
- In terms of lifestyle and news, the Homes and Gardens magazine's article on decluttering highlights numerous innovative techniques, each with its distinct philosophy and practical approach, which can be compared to famous methods like Marie Kondo's Spark Joy and Swedish Death Cleaning.
- For education and self-development seekers interested in Japanese culture, Mottainai is a cultural/philosophical approach to mindful keeping that emphasizes respect for resources and avoids waste without hoarding.
- And for those who love fashion-and-beauty trends, undertaking the Project 333 challenge, a capsule wardrobe assignment, can be an exciting way to declutter and simplify their fashion choices for a more intentional, curated wardrobe.
