January 17, 2020

How to Tidy Your Condo the KonMari Way

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

Living in a condo has its perks—modern spaces, great amenities, and the convenience of city living. With proper organization and smart design solutions, you can create a spacious, functional, and unique home. Every corner can work effortlessly to support your lifestyle. Never fear; the KonMari Method is here to save the day!

Made famous by organization expert Marie Kondo, the KonMari way of tidying is all about transforming your home into a space that truly sparks joy. You’ve probably seen the buzz online: people folding their clothes a certain way, thanking their belongings, and creating lighter and more intentional spaces. 

This organization method is a great way to transform your RFO condo into a joyful sanctuary. Check out these practical tips tailored for condo living, blending the magic of Marie Kondo’s teachings with actionable steps for maximizing your space. 

11 Tips to Tidy Your Home the KonMari Way

Transforming your condo into a peaceful, Japanese-inspired space is easier than you think. Through the KonMari Method, these tips will help you declutter with intention and style. 

1.  Tidy all at once

Think of decluttering as your home’s “refresh button.” Instead of tidying up bit by bit, Marie Kondo suggests tackling everything in one go. Why? It transforms not just your space but your perspective. A full reset allows you to truly see and feel the joy of an organized home, making it easier to manage your things over time.

2. Visualize your dream life

Before tidying, imagine the kind of life you want to live. What do you want your dream home to look and feel like? What would less clutter mean? Dig deep and specify what you want your room to be like. Remember, the more exact you are, the better.

3. Discard and organize

The KonMari Method is rooted in simplicity: first, discard what no longer sparks joy, then organize what remains. Think of it as returning to the basics—prioritize what truly matters in your space. Focusing on essentials and letting go of the excess can help you create room not just for things but also for peace and clarity in your home.

4. Keep only the things that spark joy

The KonMari Method flips decluttering by focusing on what to keep, not discard. Hold each item and ask yourself: Does this spark joy? 

But here’s what’s vital—make sure your “joy-checking” matches your space. In a condo, where every inch matters, it’s not just about joy but also practicality. Balancing emotional value with spatial limits means creating a functional home filled with meaningful possessions.

5. “Someday” never comes

If you are holding on to some stuff because you think it will come in handy someday, discard it. Though it’s good to be prepared, these “someday” items often become dust collectors. It’s better to donate them to benefit others.

6. Organize by category, not location

Since we usually keep similar items in different areas around the condo, organizing room by room only compartmentalizes clutter. 

Kondo advises organizing by category rather than location to track all items stored in different rooms. It also helps you build an effective mental inventory of all your things.

7. Work in the right order

Kondo advises organizing clothes first since they’re the least emotionally valuable possession. Then move on to books, papers, and komono or miscellaneous items. Save the mementos for last since they’re the hardest to let go of. Working in this order strengthens your “spark joy” meter, which will help you tackle the last category.

8. It’s not about storage

Storage is not the solution—it’s about owning what you truly need and love. Overstuffed bins and scattered organizers can create the illusion of tidiness but often hide clutter. Instead, keep storage simple and intentional, like how The Seasons Residences‘ Japanese Storage System embraces simplicity and intention. It combines innovative design with mindful living. 

You can also utilize helpful tools like clear bins or dividers to keep things visible and easily accessible while avoiding bulky stacks. Remember, the goal is a home that feels open, not overcrowded. 

9. Fold the “hikidashi” way

The KonMari method promotes folding clothes into a small, smooth, simple rectangle that can stand up on its own. Start by folding in the sleeves, the short end of the rectangle towards each other, then in thirds. This way, you can easily see and reach for your clothes in the dresser.

10. Paper rules

The general rule is to discard almost all documents and papers. However, there are three categories you should keep: papers you need to deal with, such as bills; papers you need for a limited time, such as warranties; and papers you need to keep forever, such as marriage certificates and real estate titles. 

You should file these documents per category and organize them in one place.

11. A grateful heart

One of the main takeaways from Marie Kondo is to respect and thank your possessions. The KonMari method takes its roots from the Shinto religion, where objects are respected and treated with value, regardless of actual monetary worth. 

Kondo asks that you consider the feelings of your possessions. Before tidying, greet and thank your home for its service. During the process, appreciate your items for their role before launching them on a new journey.

Tidiness Sparks Joy

Marie Kondo’s philosophy is more than cleaning your home. It’s about recognizing what makes you happy and shedding what weighs you down. Followed to a T, the KonMari method will help you transform your condo into an oasis amid the business of life. When everything flows, joy and serenity will come easily.

Decluttering can feel stressful for many people, so don’t let it overwhelm you. Take it one step at a time, whether clearing out a shelf or a medicine cabinet. The important thing is to make progress every day.

Ready to embrace a life of tidiness and calm? Discover The Grand Midori Ortigas, a thoughtfully designed condominium in Pasig City that embodies the Japanese principles of simplicity, functionality, and harmony from a trusted real estate developer in the Philippines, Federal Land. Experience a home where everything flows beautifully and invest in our projects. 

Connect with us today to find your perfect match!