Decluttering for Downsizers: 5 Steps to Simplify Your Life with the KonMari Method®

Through all the stages of life, the one thing that can be guaranteed, is change, and changing your living situation is possibly one of the most stressful. Whether you are moving for a tree/sea-change, or due to one of life’s many transitions (birth, death, marriage or divorce) it can be overwhelming and possibly more-so if it means moving into a smaller space, whether it’s an apartment, a townhouse, or even a cosy cottage. Downsizing can feel overwhelming, but it can also be an incredible opportunity to clarify what is important to you and the way you want to live your life. One of the most effective ways to make this transition smoother is to declutter and reorganise, using the KonMari Method®, a unique approach created by tidying expert Marie Kondo.

If you’re thinking of downsizing, read on to discover how you can use the KonMari® method to transform your living spaces and simplify your life.  The KonMari method® will provide you with a roadmap to help you travel towards your next chapter, taking with you only the items that truly "spark joy” for you.

Downsizing ~ the Perfect Time for Decluttering

It has taken you all your life to accumulate your possessions and treasures, so the process of downsizing can seem daunting at first.  Downsizing often requires us to let go of a large quantity of our belongings, but rather than viewing this as a negative, it can be seen as a chance to evaluate what’s truly essential and meaningful to us. When faced with less space, each item in your home should serve a purpose, either in terms of functionality or emotional value. By decluttering, you're not just reducing physical possessions, you're also lightening the mental load that comes with maintaining a larger home full of unused items.  You can also view this as you taking responsibility for your stuff, rather than leaving it for the next generation to deal with.

But where to start?

1: Understanding the KonMari® Method

Marie Kondo’s method of decluttering is based on the belief that everything in your home should “spark joy”. If an item no longer brings you happiness or has lost its functional value, it's time to thank it for its service and let it go. This mindset helps shift the focus from just "getting rid of stuff" to “what do I want to keep?” and curating a space that supports your future self and your ideal lifestyle.

Before diving into the physical work of decluttering, take a moment to reflect on your reasons for downsizing. Is it to simplify your lifestyle? Focus on travel? Save money? Accommodate a new life transition? Acknowledge these motivations as you move forward, allowing them to guide and motivate you on your decluttering journey.

 

2: Reflect on your ideal life in a smaller space

Take some time to imagine how you want your new home to feel. What do you want to be surrounded by? A cosy and tidy environment that feels peaceful? What will your mornings be like? What will be your favourite things to do during the day?  What will your evenings be like?

Your vision of your ideal lifestyle will give you a reference point as you begin to consider each of your belongings. 

Don’t be tempted to skip this step. It's easier to make decisions about what to keep when you are clear about what kind of lifestyle you want to create. Once you have your vision set, the actual process of decluttering becomes much easier.

3: Tidy by Category not by Location

One of the key principles of the KonMari Method® is to declutter by category, not by location. By doing this, you’re able to see the full measure of your possessions. Sometimes just seeing the quantity of your belongings in a category in one pile, will be enough to motivate you to want to reduce what you keep.  It also helps you to see any duplicates you may have accumulated over time.  

The KonMari Method® involves decluttering in a particular sequence starting with clothes, followed by books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and lastly, sentimental items.  Using a KonMari® checklist can make the task simpler.

Here is an overview of how to approach each category:

• ü Clothing:

Start by removing all your clothes from every closet, drawer, and storage space. Lay them out on your bed and start the process of deciding what to keep. Ask yourself: Does this piece of clothing make me feel good? Do I love wearing it?  Does it fit? Is it in good condition?  Will I wear it in my new home? If the answer is "no”, it's time to part with it.

Make sure you have a supply of boxes or garbage bags, have one marked for donate and one for recycling and have a spot to put all the items you want to keep.  Work through sub-categories one at a time: tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, shoes etc to help minimise confusion.

If you know the size of the closet space in your new home, this can guide you on how much to keep.

• ü Books:

Books can often be one of the most difficult categories to declutter, especially if you’ve built a personal library over the years. But in a smaller space, it might be beneficial to let go of those books you’ll never read again.

As with your clothes, gather all your books together in one space and consider if each book still sparks joy or if it has just been collecting dust for years.   If books are important to you and they spark genuine joy, then keep them with confidence. At the same time being mindful of how you will display them in your new home. If you keep them only to store them in boxes in the back of a cupboard or storage area, then really question your decisions.   

If you find it difficult to let go of certain books, think about how you can donate them to a local library or book fair (Lifeline) or share them with friends and let them spark joy for others out in the world.

• ü Papers:

This category includes all documents, receipts, bills, appliance manuals, magazines, workshop notes, and any other papery paperwork. For downsizers, it’s important to keep only what’s essential, like legal documents and personal records. Shred old paperwork that no longer serves a purpose and embrace digital storage where possible. This will not only save space but will also make it easier to stay organised in your new, smaller home.

Your goal is to create three moderately sized files, one for those papers that must be kept indefinitely (wills, title deeds, birth certificates etc), one for documents that need to be kept for a period (warranties, insurance policies etc) and one for those papers that need to be dealt with promptly (bills, receipts to be recorded), this last one should be emptied regularly!

• ü Miscellaneous Items (Komono):

Komono is the biggest category and refers to everything else in your home: kitchenware, electronics, tools, beauty products, etc. As with the categories, start by gathering all these items into one place, then go through them one by one. As a downsizer, you need to be especially mindful of keeping items that serve a specific purpose in your smaller living space.  Using a checklist to complete the Komono category is especially useful.

Keep your vision of your ideal lifestyle at the front of your mind, continually asking yourself, will this item support this vision, does this item represent how I want to live?

Of course, there will be plenty of items that may not necessarily spark joy (think toilet brush, mops, dustpan etc), but do have essential functionality, that to live without them there would be considerably less joy!

• ü Sentimental Items:

Lastly, sentimental items like photographs, heirlooms, and mementos can be the most challenging to declutter and this is exactly why this category is always the last one to tackle.

Remember, the goal is not to discard the things you love, it’s about preserving what truly sparks joy for you. If an item doesn’t fit into your new space, consider alternative ways of keeping it, like creating a memory box, scanning photos, or by keeping and displaying only the most meaningful items.  There is little point in keeping your most treasured items, if only to be stored in a dark box in a forgotten cupboard.

 4: Store Smartly in Your New Space

Once you've finished decluttering, the next step is organising your items in your new, smaller home. The key to maintaining a decluttered space is efficient storage. Consider using multifunctional furniture, such as beds with built-in storage or under-bed drawers, to maximise space. Vertical storage solutions, such as shelves or hooks, can also be a game-changer for smaller homes.  A certified KonMari® consultant can guide and teach you how to store everything, including how to fold your clothes and linen in such a way that it will spark joy every time you open your drawers and cupboards!

5: Maintain a "Spark Joy" Mindset Going Forward 

 

The final piece of the puzzle is to continue practicing the KonMari Method® in your new home. Going forward, only bring in items that truly enhance your life and spark joy.  Continue to joy-check your things from time to time, asking if they are still serving your ideal lifestyle, and continue to discard with gratitude. This will keep your space serene and purposeful. 

 

 

Downsizing with the KonMari Method Is More Than Just Decluttering

Downsizing is not just about reducing the number of things you own; it’s about creating a home that truly reflects who you are and supports the lifestyle you want to lead. The KonMari Method® empowers you to make decisions with purpose and mindfulness, ensuring that every item in your home has a clear reason for being there.

As you take on the task of decluttering and downsizing, remember: This process is a journey, not a race. Be kind to yourself, trust the process, and, most importantly, enjoy the clarity and freedom that comes with a simpler, more intentional life.

 

Katrina Mellon from Hi Tidy is a certified KonMari® consultant with many years of experience, working with families and individuals at all stages of life.  Helping them to achieve clarity and joy in their homes and spaces, with her sensitive application of the KonMari Method®.