Organizing v. cleaning
Have you ever noticed that even after your house is cleaned, it still feels cluttered? A lot of people conflate cleaning with organizing, perhaps even more so since Marie Kondo’s book was published in English with the title The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. You see, “tidying up” sounds like something you do before company comes over, by quickly putting thing away. But in this case, it actually refers to a specific method of organizing your belongings. I’ll talk more in depth about the KonMari Method™, since I am a Certified Consultant.
This photo was taken by Anton for Unsplash.
Marie Kondo says that cleaning opposes you to nature – for example, as you use your bathroom, it will get dirty, and that’s perfectly normal. You’ll have to clean it periodically to keep it in good condition. However, organizing, or tidying in the KonMari sense, is something that opposes you to yourself. It’s your own belongings that are getting in your way, so change must come from you.
Cleaning, or even putting your things away, is maintenance that is performed in the short term. Cleaning removes dust and dirt. Organizing with the KonMari Method™ is for the long term, and it aligns your possessions with your values. It also creates less upkeep in general, thereby freeing more time and energy. Organizing removes clutter and stress.
To create an easy analogy, cleaning is like mowing the lawn, while organizing is akin to landscaping your yard. It’s resetting your home versus transforming it.
And here’s a point that I really want to get across: the KonMari Method™ will empower you. It is something that I will do *with* you, by teaching you skills and helping you develop your mindset. By finding what sparks joy, you will be the most authentic version of yourself. We’re not following a specific aesthetic, and there’s no need to be a minimalist – it’s simply about eliminating the things that do not serve you and that are not enhancing your life.
This photo was taken by Chastity Cortijo for Unsplash.
Imagine opening your closet, and everything you see sparks joy instead of stress. Imagine standing in your kitchen and you know exactly where everything goes – and it stays that way, even weeks later.
If you’re tired of cleaning the same clutter again and again, let’s set up a KonMari® session. It’s typically a one-time investment for long-term change. You’ll have less stress, more calm, and more time for what matters most.
Hi there! I’m Amélie, a professional home organizer in San Antonio, Texas. I help people like you declutter their home, organize their belongings, and simplify their life. I love cleaning out a closet and removing a carload of donations from a home! My goal is to help you create a functional space that will make your life easier and more peaceful.
Interested? Check out my personalized services or book your complimentary consultation!
