Life Is So Different Now! The KonMari Method 5 Years On | The Lessons MAJOR Decluttering Taught Me

⭐️ ENROLL IN THE CLUTTER CURE-ALL HERE: HowToGYST.com/... ⭐️
It's been five years since I started the KonMari Method and my life has changed a lot since then. So today I'm sharing the top lessons I learned on my decluttering journey... and not all of them were pleasant surprises!
Watch the video and then let me know...
What's the biggest benefit you've noticed from decluttering and/or organising a space? 💖
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⚡️ My KonMari Journey (From The Beginning): • My Very First Time Tac...
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Thank you for your support, and I hope I can help you get your shit together!
Laura

[@penicksue]

I have been using the "spark joy" method for 2 years now. Many projects have come and go....what I found is when shopping, I ask will it spark joy... if not, don't spend on it. With all money not being spent, I paid off my house. Now instead of small things to spark joy, I can replace old crappy furniture with pieces that spark joy. Life is even better...less clutter, more beauty, and the time to relax and enjoy

[@katowu2480]

I found Konmari this year. After I read a book I knew it is something I have to do. I have 2,5 year old and expecting second child and I was stressing that our house is mess all the time. Every time soon after cleaning there are things everywhere again. Junk in cupboards and drawers. So I started and I feel much better. Not finished yet but I will get there 😁. My husband is on board so it is good.

[@marylhere]

I have a 1720s trunk that our family packed all their worldly goods into. My mother packed her out of season clothes in. It would not be big enough for my shoes.

[@ProfessorLukas]

I can really relate to what you were saying in the beginning. I live in Northern California and we were evacuated in the Oct 2017 fires, and I realized I had a ton of stuff I didn't care about enough to go through the hassle and effort of packing and lugging with us to the hotel where the four of us (including my 1yo and 5yo kids!) were staying until we found out whether our house made it (which it did!). That is what started my minimalism and decluttering journey. That, and you. I found you through your bullet journal video but was inspired by your KonMarie videos. You're where I heard of her first! ❤️

[@blushmuffin5259]

Your videos have helped me so much and made me feel less embarrassed about my messy home. While I'm nowhere near my personal goal, I am strides better than I was a year ago, and definitely better than I was when my own Kon Mari journey started. Thank you so much!

[@HowToGYST]

You are so welcome! Well done on all that progress you've made. I bet it feels great. :D

[@cosmicpolitan]

I totally agree that all our stuff is one day going to end up as trash. And having that long term perspective has been sooooo helpful for me in becoming VERY picky about what I buy and what I bring into my house. I’ve also realized in my decluttering journey that a cluttered environment is stressful and affects my mental health. Now I appreciate empty space in my house because too many things distract my attention and gets my mind wound up. True, I have regretted a few things that I’ve gotten rid of, but the regret is short lived and the good feelings I get from owning and appreciating fewer things is more meaningful and satisfying than any regrets. ❤️

[@sinkintostillness]

I agree with your comment. I started small. I cleared the space around my bed so that when I wake up I don't see clutter. It makes such a difference to me (mental health) seeing those clear spaces first thing in the morning.

[@creativedutchess4866]

I sometimes struggle to declutter certain sentimental items. I just let myself keep some of those items until I can let go with confidence. Most of the time I can let them go in the next decluttering session.

[@jessicadavis5620]

We had a house fire when I was 23. I had just had surgery and was home alone with my then 3 little kids. I couldn't stop the fire before it got out of hand, so i grabbed my kids and ran outside. Lost almost all of the contents of the house but everyone was safe. It made me realize that things meant basically nothing to me. I lost all the clothes pictures family mementos. Literally everything with the exception of a handful of things because my room what's the closest to the fire. I'm still rebuilding my wardrobe and trying to decide what my thirty-year-old style is. It's still to be decided LOL. At this point in my life I think the only thing that I own that I would be very upset losing (children safe obviously my number 1 priority) would be my computer. I think everything else could be easily replaced if even needed to be replaced.

[@sabrinefarjallah]

Thank goodness you and your children were safe and unharmed. You are right, physical materials are replaceable. I also lost most of my belonging two years ago due to a massive mold contamination at a house we rented. We couldn't salvage a lot of items, so we ended up throwing most out. my kids are still upset about losing sentimental things. I'm working on recreating my wardrobe and we're still missing some furniture, but currently working on getting new ones in. Take good care my friend.

[@GardensOfChina]

Dear Jessica, I really recommend to subscribe to a cloud storage if you have not yet, as computers are easily stolen or broken! Happened to me and it's crushing.

[@XXina123]

I can relate to the "cleaning for others" you mentioned. I like to have my stuff in order and clean, but I often don't prioritize it for myself. But when someone is visiting suddenly the motivation and flow to clean is there and I kind of enjoy it. I want to be seen as perfect and having my sh... together but often don't have the energy to keep up to this "wish" for myself when I prioritize work or other things over beeing perfect with my stuff and cleaning chores. Best wishes from Germany and thank you for the video. :-)

[@bkirstie]

i’d like you better NOT having your shit together 😋

[@biancahagenberg7471]

This is the day! Finally 80 000 subscribers!!! Congratulations!!! 🍾🎉👍 I think you should have 8 million.

[@ellenocbrown]

I cleared out my house this time last year and it was so difficult at the start but the more I got into it the easier it got and it was so freeing , and yes it is brilliant to be able to say I know exactly where everything is unless it is in my husbands office , I cannot cope with that flipping mess! 🤣🙈Everything I have now I love and use but its no longer my identity!

[@silvergirl2847]

Laura youade laugh and cry when you mentioned that you don't.mindthe place being messy because nobody's calling 🤣 honest to god 5hat hit a cord and as you say it is the fact of being worried what people think of you and how we handle our lives .thanks for your perspective view you really help x

[@carjhb]

sylvia timoney this also was a lightbulb moment for me.

[@codered0280]

Your videos have really helped me over the years in decluttering 🙏💕

[@KevinWJenner]

I'm compelled to try it, after all ridding of a lifetime's smoke and shit by leaps and years now; it's time as my motivator finally is up and running. Anything to get that going is paramount. Thanks for the perspective, I'll try Kon Mari after all I have heard.

[@benny_lemon5123]

Did you spy on me when you were putting this video together? Because I feel like you saw my house and are now speaking directly *to* me lol. I'm not gonna lie, this could not come at a better time. I'm at the point where I desperately *need* to straighten my living space out. I know I have the determination to do so, but as someone with adhd- in order for me to create structure I *require* structure. Yet again, I find myself super glad I to have subscribed, and humbly await your shared experience and expertise!

[@jamieburton8329]

Many of your videos have motivated me, however, this video... Laura, this video "spoke" to me on a different level. Truly. Thank you. I am on the list and looking forward to a clutter free life!

[@silverlining7112]

I have fully decluttered my home a few months ago but I keep watching you because I really relate to you and your experience, from ppd to finding comfort and control in decluttering. So thank you for showing me it's not just me. Love from Oxford

[@lettygarcia2476]

Congrats! A positive thing to see life is to acknowledge that “things are replaceable if we really need it” rather than everything is trash or will become trash. Also less things will be easier to have control of them.

[@itoshiibaka8267]

I like the trash idea because it encourages us to be responsible about our consumption. It isn't trash right now. I think maybe it could be rephrased as that we should think about the life cycle of our things. Should I buy shelves made of plastic, particle board, steel, or wood? What will happen to it when it's used up and broken? Can it be repaired? Will someone else want it?

[@HannahRainbow88]

Oh yes. PND was savage! I felt like a husk/a ghost, purely there for my boy's survival. I feel alive again after getting the help I needed (medically), and I use decluttering and organisation to feel more in control of my life again. The fact that I'm literally controlling who and WHAT is important in my life (as well as hubby&G) was a revelation. What I hold on to / get rid of, literally helps shape my life: getting rid of the guilt of abandoned crafts and other things that trigger sad memories is SO therapeutic... As is defining what your treasures / hobbies you enjoy are. It really is "magic" how you can set your life on a course to match up with your values

[@jennesont4791]

I can eye to so much you are saying... you have taught me there is hope for me yet!

[@aliceadler4569]

A little interjection of humor : I have not Kon Marie’d my home YET; I see the value of going thru stuff & donating or tossing; re: being able to locate something: Both me & my husband were pack rats. Not a proud thing - just a fact - but I could locate ANYTHING - my husband said that women came with Homing Beacons in their women’s parts!!! It used to make me laugh. He has since passed away 20 years ago. I still think of it & I have lost my engagement ring from him which is very sad & I wish I could find it!!! Thank you for your videos. It makes a difference. Thank you.

[@DisneyNever]

You just supplied an aha moment... new stuff is merely future trash. Thank you so much.

[@vivianhudacek1556]

I enjoy your videos. Your transparency is refreshing. I also suffered from postpartum depression, & it is horrible! (That was decades ago for me, but I’ll never forget the experience.). I watch your videos for motivation. Thanks!

[@HowToGYST]

I'm so sorry you went through that. It's an awful experience. Very glad to be out the other side!

[@Feathe3642]

Love your honesty! I have so many feelings like you do and it makes me feel good to know others feel the same way 😊

[@laura-floricamocanu9637]

I found konmari in 2016, thanks to you. So I resonate with you ( maybe because we are both Laura 😅). Hugs and kisses and keep on doing the good thing you do!

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

For me its the other way around. After around 8 years of being a minimalist, now Im a proud maximalist.

[@schoo9256]

I don't think the video mentioned minimalism once. It's just about getting rid of the things that don't make you happy and arriving at a number of possessions that makes you feel content. I believe it is perfectly possible to do the Konmari method and still be a maximalist. If you feel you're being targeted when someone says "declutter", then maybe that means you think of some of your posessions as clutter...

[@lorenheard2561]

Ps.Love your channel,be at ease with yourself...often enough for judgement from others,we shouldn't condemn ourselves as well!😉☘🌻

[@DLM440]

Thank you so much for those video. 💛 I really needed to hear your message

[@CountessCain]

I'm following you now for a few years and I really love your videos. It's such a motivation if I get stuck on decluttering. Konmari and me is somewhat an on and off relationsship. I still want to declutter but sometimes time is working against me or my motivation flies out the window. Though, what I reached so far is really helpful. It's a good feeling if you can say bye to things you know you never need anymore. Any tips for decluttering books? They are my weakness. I'm working as a bookseller and it's so easy to bring a new one home now and then... Before a year I was against decluttering my books, so I'm relieved that changed so far. Still haven't started yet though...

[@itoshiibaka8267]

The best tip I have is straight from Marie Kondo: the time for reading a book was when you got it. If that time has passed, the book should go. You can always buy it again or get it from the library if you really want to read it after all. Another idea would be to do a "project pan" but for books. You can't bring any new books home until you finish reading the ones you have. My final tip is something I came up with: it was easier for me to part with books that were available at the library. I let go of all of those I could borrow except my very favourites. If the book wasn't at the library and I was on the fence, I kept it for a while until I was pretty sure I would never read it or read it again. I recently sold a book that I deeply enjoyed and might have read again because it had a negative impact on my mental health, too. Those should go. It was a good read, but I'm glad it's gone. If you really love to be surrounded by mountains of books, JUST KEEP THEM!!! Maybe large quantities of books brings you more joy than a smaller selection of your very favourites!! ☺📖📚💕

[@TimelordUK]

Wow I've not seen you for YEARS! Good to see you again

[@HowToGYST]

I've been here the whole time. ;)

[@miaschu8175]

"Moving stuff around to get to other things." That is my life! I am so fed up with doing it! I am still in the process of a huge sort out. I haven't unpacked everything from moving a month ago because I don't want it all, but the good stuff is mixed up with the crap.

[@marydrummond5451]

09 May 2020 Saturday quarantine in Youngstown Ohio USA because of COVID-19 and coronavirus. Hope your all well .I am staying home and staying safe I HOPE and HEALTHY . Enjoy your show and keeping me Entertained and showing me what I can be doing. Thanks .Happy Mother’s Day 2020.

[@manonborst1910]

I love your shirt. I used to be way more messy also. I lost my identification paper when I was young and had to replace those, just like you needed to replace your licence. So annoying if something like that happens. My house still gets cluttered, but I can find anything and know where every item is, even when it's not in it's place. Just cause there are so much less items, everything is so much easier. The only things I would really miss if my house caught fire would be my knitted items.

[@jayroberts1388]

Wow what an incredible, thoughtful video. Really touched my heart ❣️ Thank you so much 💗

[@lisashoegal]

Loved it Laura

[@obragg1]

Nice to see you again! You are starting to sound more American! Great video!

[@hellototheworld]

Over the years I have done my closet 3 times getting ready for a 4th I can't stop it's not a do once and you are done kind of thing 😭

[@jennygibbons1258]

Well done you . Very encouraging 👍

[@caramoonlynn]

We have had 4 major fires at the farm over about a 10 year span. Each one weirder than the next. It's interesting the things we grabbed when we needed to. Library books, piggy banks, memory box from my stillborn baby.

[@caramoonlynn]

"How much I do proves myself." Yikes! That's what I do.

[@helpmetosleep]

@@caramoonlynn library books, I love it. Responsibility!

[@caramoonlynn]

@@helpmetosleep isn't a lost library book like $100,000 to replace? Haha

[@helpmetosleep]

@@caramoonlynn I did get sent to collections once because I didn't realize I hadn't return material and somehow missed ALL the notices!

[@caramoonlynn]

@@helpmetosleep ugh! That's terrible.

[@m0L3ify]

lol that knife holder is brilliant! 😂

[@lisa-mariay.5995]

Already loving your video few minutes in!

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks so much. :D

[@RoryRita]

Oh Hi Girl! How are you? Hope all is well, I've missed your videos and help!!! I will watch, hope its recorded!!

[@HowToGYST]

Hi Cathy! It is. =) I've been uploading twice a week (one regular video and one live stream) so plenty there to catch up on. =)

[@RoryRita]

@@HowToGYST Wow I have missed that! I didnt have the bell thing set correctly. I will catch up!!

[@msunshine4412]

Thank you! Great points! You are an inspiration.

[@bonnierodriguez2491]

So much wisdom!

[@HowToGYST]

A lot of lessons learned the hard way. ;)

[@jamesbriggs5740]

You only buy things that spark joy or you need for survival. That's what I concluded. Kathy B.

[@mauricepowers3804]

Great video!!!💖 Thank you for being vulnerable...its hard and your honesty is awesome!!! (I think its konmari....not marie)

[@HowToGYST]

The woman who created it is called Marie Kondo. =)

[@nataliebutler]

No-one likes other people to see their home when it's in a mess. Don't be hard on yourself about that - it's totally normal!

[@itoshiibaka8267]

Especially after a struggle with mental health, too. Cheers to all of your hard work caring for yourself until you came out of your depression. 💕

[@sarahstrang5232]

Just stumbled across your video accidentally, totally agree with your points mama .. ❤️.. agreement whilst laying in bed after a long day .. what even day is it? 😂

[@suzannecamp1777]

Look into the Flylady system

[@HowToGYST]

I did. Doesn't work for me, sadly. I'm more of an organising person than a cleaning person. Ha ha.

[@sarahkelly4026]

@@HowToGYST I tried it too and Konmari is a better system for me. It lacks that "click" or "spark joy" moment or awareness. Plus, FlyLady is spammy AF. Marie Kondo doesn't have my email.

[@HowToGYST]

The FlyLady emails are definitely hardcore. Even the "light" version.

[@MSKCCooke]

I want that, and what some "minimalists" folks have, but what is the underlying cause for the behaviors that make me messy? (I have an undergrad in psychology, after all) It isnt just the clutter, is it? Like, I dont really have a lot of stuff, but why don't I put it away? At the end of the day, why do I pile up stuff on the end of my bed instead of putting it away?! Drives me nuts. Can decluttering help?

[@donnutella1519]

Have you heard of Clutterbug? Look it up here in KZbin; highly recommended! She's also recently released a new workbook far does actually touch on the psychology 😬

[@antiantipoda]

It depends on the approach of psychology you want to take with messiness. Do you want to change you behaviors, do you want to find the reason for your behaviors? Are you messy because more things than places for them to go? Are you messy because you lack the energy to put things where they need to go? Are you messy because you are replicating systems you learned in childhood that don't work? Answers only you can give. PS: I'm only a patient, not a psychologist. But I have been there, thinking about these things.

[@grogers511]

MSKCCooke I used to do this also. I’d have a weeks worth of clothes on the bedpost. It took me purposefully creating the habit of putting things away. I had mantras COMPLETE THE CYCLE OR LOOP. Get it out. Put in on. Take it off. Hang it back in the closet or.put it in the laundry bin. Make a home for ‘“wear again” clothes. Or DO IT NOW. I would walk past a little piece of paper on the floor and think “I need to vacuum”. Well, maybe... but just pick up the little piece of paper. I had these conversation with myself many times and successfully created the habit.

[@antiantipoda]

@adultblues I think it's because we buy what we like, not what we need. I am almost done getting rid I bought without thinking and don't serve me. Now I started making lists for the things I need, with all the specifics. I buy very little, but what I buy I need and I use.

[@lorenheard2561]

U just tell people that animals moved in while we were sleeping and just took over the house...nothing we could do about it..it all happened so quickly... .

[@mo2890]

Uhh, please come help me. My problem are my closets and my guest bedroom. Every other room is pretty good. I also had ppd 😭

[@stephaniecasper7578]

Why is your hair long in the talking bits and short in the B-roll? Did you cut your hair after doing the talking bits? Is the B-roll from the last time your hair was short?

[@HowToGYST]

The b-roll is footage from the previous 5 years. All my decluttering progress along the way. =)

[@stephaniecasper7578]

How to Get Your Shit Together Cool. I’m impressed. I’ve never seen anyone else who was able to pull off every hairstyle between the pixie and the bob, but you look great in all of it.

[@greenlimabean]

Starts at 2:08

[@ceegee823]

Is there a way to sign up without having my credit card saved on file? I never check that box but apparently I cannot proceed.

[@HowToGYST]

Oh dear, that doesn't sound right at all. What happens when you try to click the 'enroll' button? Or is it greyed out? I'll get the tech team to look into it.

[@m0L3ify]

I think Konmari leaves out guidance and rules for what to do about stuff afterwards, especially buying new things, because she knows her method so dramatically changes your relationship with objects and how you interact with them that you'll ultimately make much better choices for what fits your lifestyle and how you want to live. Therefore, whatever you buy in the future is going to be a much more careful choice, and you'll be able to recognize when you're done with something and how to let it go right away. That's the beauty of it. It's not minimalism or a cleaning guide, it's a total psychological shift towards living your best life.

[@entretenimiento3347]

Yeah an a lot of people foret te first thibg se said that is imagine your ideal life and that will give you a guideline to what to shop

[@kathypflaume4652]

I have many collectible dolls. I have kept all the boxes. I’m not sure if I should put them in recycling or keep them. Please help

[@HowToGYST]

Do you plan to sell them or keep them? If you plan to sell, look at other listings to see if they fetch a higher price with the box.