If you’re like the rest of us, you’ve already binged the new Netflix original series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” You might’ve already started learning how to fold properly or show gratitude to the things in your living space, but there are so many more ways to practice the KonMari Method in your own Apartment. Here are our takeaways from Tidying Up and how Marie Kondo’s method can help make your rental apartment even tidier.

Step 1: Organize, Categorize, and Take Inventory

Before you can start tidying up anything, you’ll need to go through each item in your home, by category. For example, if you have books in every room, put them all in one place and look at each book together. Once you see everything laid out next to each other, you might realize you don’t need two copies of Astrology for Dummies (or even one). Do this for everything, grouping shoes together, putting clothing together in another pile, and so on.

Step 2: Does It Bring You Joy?

Next, you’ll decide if each individual item brings your life joy. Maybe you do like having a copy of your favorite book because you read it once a year. Perhaps that blanket is the one you throw over your legs when you’re on the couch binging other Netflix shows. In many cases, however, you’ll find that you simply don’t get joy out of having certain items. Paper bank statements? A single glove you haven’t found the match for in years? These things take up space and probably bring you very little joy, at best.

Step 3: Tidy Up

Take a moment with each item you’ve decided does not bring you joy and show it gratitude. Then, discard it. Does this process sound simple? Well, it is. Although it might take a little longer to do this with sentimental items, you’ll still find that you can use the process for everything. Make sure all of your belongings are out in the open and visible; it will reduce clutter and keep you honest with your tidiness. It’s also important that everything has its own individual place so you’ll never have to search for anything in your own home. If you want to go a step further, you can even become certified in the KonMari Method.

Tidying Up Will Open Up a World of Possibilities

Once you’ve tidied up your apartment, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for your home and your things. You’ll find that you have so much more space for items that actually reflect you, the things you love, and even items to use for hobbies you didn’t know you had. Here are a few other ways Marie Kondo’s teachings will allow you to transform your apartment and your life.

1) You Can Ditch Your Storage Unit

With your new Method of keeping everything you actually want out in the open, you won’t need to keep anything in storage. Take advantage of this and let go of your storage unit (and its monthly cost), and spend that extra cash any way you want.

2) Feng Shui Everything

Getting rid of things that don’t give you joy will bring lots of added space to your apartment. Ever wanted to put the couch in a different place, but that old chair nobody used was in the way? Well, you’ve probably gotten rid of it by now, so take this opportunity to feng shui rooms in ways you’ve always wanted. New year, new apartment.

3) Say Goodbye to Losing Things

Forget the frenetic search for the TV remote that you probably know all too well. With the KonMari Method, everything will have its place, and you’ll put it back in its place once you’re done using it. So, when you go to look for the TV remote your roommate used last, your car keys, or the dog leash, you won’t get frustrated when you can’t find it. Enjoy the stress-free feeling of knowing exactly where things are when you’re ready to use them.

4) Create a Peaceful Bedroom, Free of Distractions

Our bedrooms should be our sanctuaries. Often times, there’s so much clutter and disorganization in our bedrooms that it affects our sleep. This won’t be the case after following Marie Kondo’s teachings. You’ll have a clean, organized, and relaxing place to come home to after a day of work, play, or simply lounging on the couch in the next room.

Thanks to Marie Kondo (and Netflix) the KonMari Method has garnered a massive following, and it’s easy to see why. Her simple tidying up tips have the ability to spark joy and help keep your apartment clean, reflect your interests, and create a stress-free environment you retreat to after a long day. Use these tips in your next apartment and you’ll understand why the KonMari Method is the easiest way to keep things tidy.

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