Breaking News: Marie Kondo Returns with Tips on Decluttering Your Home and Workspace
A Collaboration with Epson
Breaking news: Marie Kondo is back! In a new collaboration with Epson, the world-renowned tidying expert and best-selling author has returned to doing what she does best: sharing her top tips on decluttering our homes and workspaces by embracing the philosophy of "kanso," achieving simplicity and clarity.
The Problem with Clutter
As a tech journalist, disorganized clutter is something I struggle with immensely. If it isn’t a tangled mess of wires under my desk, then it’s boxes of chargers, batteries, phones, headsets – you name it. My biggest issue at the moment seems to be spools of plastic material for my 3D printer, and yes, it does all bring me immense joy so I’m not throwing it out. I also have one of the best art printers for photography work, and this takes up a large chunk of space in my home office.
The Benefits of Decluttering
I’m not alone in enduring a messy workspace, and according to Epson’s research, 60% of 2,000 Brits surveyed feel that decluttering their homes provides them with an inner sense of peace and calm, while 35% said their homes would feel more peaceful if their tech was more organized. If it’s true comfort that you seek, take a look at our guide to the best office chairs for back pain, or keep reading for Marie Kondo’s expert advice on how to embrace Kanso in your home.
Marie Kondo’s Top 5 Tips for Decluttering Your Spaces
Tip 1: Keep What Sparks Joy
Marie believes in what is known as the KonMari Method, which encourages practitioners to make space for things that spark joy and to let go of things that don’t. The process of letting go is essential to creating a home that allows you to live fully, and Marie advises that the best way to start is by discarding unused tech devices and excess wires and by bringing the philosophy of Kanso into your home.
(Image credit: Marie Kondo / Epson)
### Tip 2: Form Follows Function
On the topic of home offices, Marie suggests that the concept of whether something sparks joy won’t always apply. In this instance, you should consider if the object makes your life easier (and, therefore, more joyful). When objects serve a practical purpose and simplify our lives, then according to Marie, they are a welcome addition to any space.
It’s wise to consider tidier alternatives for the tech appliances that you can’t live without, such as some of the best monitors for working from home, for example. Marie advises switching your bulky desktop computer for a laptop that can be stowed away, or replacing your TV with a sleek and portable projector.
### Tip 3: Welcome Empty Space
If you’ve let go of clutter that doesn’t spark joy or fulfil a purpose, then the next step is to embrace open spaces to promote tranquillity and avoid the temptation to overfill these tidy spaces with new and unnecessary items. Marie says that space is a key element of kanso, and when the eye rests on an empty space, the mind feels a sense of calm and simplicity — a welcome pause from the commotion of everyday life.
(Image credit: Marie Kondo / Epson)
### Tip 4: Give Everything a Home
I think this next tip from Marie is super useful. She advises that every item in your home or office space should have a designated place to create a true feeling of simplicity and spaciousness.
Once everything has a home, there is no question of randomly leaving it on a tabletop. If you organise items by category, this will also help to maintain order, such as keeping all batteries in one place and writing supplies in another.
### Tip 5: Embrace Imperfection
Marie suggests that wabi-sabi (the act of experiencing beauty in simplicity and calmness) celebrates imperfection. She states that no two homes will ever look the same – or embrace Kanso in the same way – because no two people have the same definition of joy and what matters to them.
You should always ask yourself what you need most from your home, and embrace it. In other words, Marie’s advice is to personalise your home based on what brings you joy, rather than striving for perfection.
## Conclusion
By embracing the philosophy of Kanso, you can create a home that is clutter-free, peaceful, and simple. Marie Kondo’s top 5 tips provide a practical guide to achieving this goal, and by following her advice, you can create a space that sparks joy and promotes a sense of calm.
## FAQs
### Q: What is the KonMari Method?
A: The KonMari Method is a decluttering method that encourages practitioners to make space for things that spark joy and to let go of things that don’t.
### Q: What is Kanso?
A: Kanso is one of the seven principles of wabi-sabi, and when roughly translated, it means “simplicity” or “clarity”.
### Q: How can I get started with decluttering my space?
A: Start by discarding unused tech devices and excess wires, and bring the philosophy of Kanso into your home.
### Q: What is the difference between clutter and clutter-free space?
A: A clutter-free space is a space that is free from unnecessary items and promotes a sense of calm and simplicity.
