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Kitchen Konmari

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I shared all about how to do the Konmari Method with little girls and little boys, but I should have included a warning: once you start Konmari, you just want to keep going.  I wish I would have discovered Marie Kondo’s book in July and not August but que sera sera and I’ll just have to be patient as we Konmari our way through our house, one category at a time.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up
Buying books would be opposite of what Kondo recommends, however, I recommend buying this book. I’m finding it invaluable as a guide as I go along.

Clutter is overwhelming.  For many of us, it is hard to fathom tackling it – like shoveling in a snow storm!  The Konmari Method claims that you will deal with clutter once and for all – but you still have to go through it that once.  Here’s how I am approaching my Konmari:

  1. Kondo recommends you start with a vision of how you’d like your home to be, how you’d like to live.  So start dreaming and come up with some “goals.”  My goals include keeping only things that bring joy to my family, reducing our stuff by 50% and finishing the Konmari Method in 6 -12 months with the majority happening by January.  I need the long “deadline” because I don’t anticipate we will be able to get all our outdoor stuff done before the snow flies, but you never know.  My vision includes feeling lighter and needing less time for cleaning and tidying, leaving more time for relaxation.  I’m still working on my vision – it’s hard to think when you’re weighed down by so much stuff!  I also found it helpful to consider what my vision doesn’t include.  For example, Kondo empties her bathtub of all products after each shower and empties her handbag daily.  Things like that are not important to me and won’t be happening!  I don’t expect a picture-perfect show home – we still need to live!  I don’t envision buying new things that spark joy or otherwise redecorating.  After all, I’m focusing on making do, and besides, I will need some time for the whole Konmari experience to gel before I can make good long-term decisions about home decor.
  2. Make a list of all the categories, with sublists under clothing and “komono” (miscellaneous items), adding any categories that might be relevant to you.  For example, I added holiday decorations, camping stuff and work stuff to my komono list.  You can find Kondo’s list and order of categories on Pinterest or just buy the book!
  3. Slot the categories into months, considering what your calendar holds for the next 6 months.  By breaking the decluttering into chunks, it isn’t quite as intimidating.  Kondo has a recommended order for tackling clothes, so I further subdivided them and slotted them in by week in September.  The point is to break it down as much as you need to to get manageable chunks in times that actually work in your life.
Kitchen Konmari
Doesn’t that look do-able?!!

Doing my kitchen in the beginning is not Kondo’s recommendation but it is what worked for me.  I needed to declutter my pantry heading into Fall anyway, and decided to do it with a Konmari twist (which means I was ruthless… in a peaceful Japanese way)!  Even though I can shove everything “away” in cupboards, that doesn’t mean everything in the cupboards sparks joy!  Grab a coffee, promise not to judge me and read on for before/after shots of my Kitchen Konmari.

Since we were just talking about coffee, here's my coffee/cookbook cupboard before and after. Why on earth was I holding onto all those cookbooks that I NEVER use and old instant coffee??!! I looked at that every dang day for the past 6 years. I feel better already.
Since we were just talking about coffee, here’s my coffee/cookbook cupboard before and after. Why on earth was I holding onto all those cookbooks that I NEVER use AND old instant coffee??!! I looked at that every dang day for the past 6 years.  I kept coffee filters even though I use a French press! Sigh, I feel better already.
I hosted a "top chef" party last Fall and inherited one billion cutting boards which I KEPT - why?!!! I had two-deep layers of cutting boards. AND you can't see but there are giant BBQ mitts on top my martini glasses!! Mr. Style!!
I hosted a “top chef” party last Fall and inherited one billion cutting boards which I KEPT – why?!!! I had two-deep layers of cutting boards. AND you can’t see but there are giant BBQ mitts on top my martini glasses!! Mr. Style!!  I only kept them because I plan to demand an outdoor pizza oven.
Working my way clockwise around the kitchen, this corner cupboard has NEVER been organized... till now!
Working my way clockwise around the kitchen, this corner cupboard has NEVER been organized… till now!  Trays and jugs up top, measuring cups and serving bowls in the middle and small appliances on the bottom.  
The bottom corner cupboard is like a dark hole (when there's no flash). I donated at least 10 vases!!! Got rid of crystal glasses that we have moved from place to place for 16 years and NEVER ONCE USED. I kept my Christmas dishes because they are huge and make giant portions seem normal.
The bottom corner cupboard is like a dark hole (when there’s no flash). I donated at least 10 vases!!! Got rid of crystal glasses that we have moved from place to place for 16 years and NEVER ONCE USED. I kept my Christmas dishes on the bottom because they are huge and make giant portions seem normal.  And just FYI, I consider lifting my Kitchenaid up and down to be exercise.
I like the idea of a clear windowsill but momma needs a place to put her melons, etc. I thrifted that rooster jug and I have no idea why, but it sparks joy to this day... especially when filled with champagne punch!
I like the idea of a clear windowsill but momma needs a place to put her melons, etc. I thrifted that rooster jug and I have no idea why, but it sparks joy to this day… especially when filled with champagne punch!  I didn’t keep much of my kids’ art but I like this little canvas so it stayed.  The blue ceramic planter is our “Remember-lution” jar – since January 1st we have been jotting down memorable things and we will read through them on December 31st.
I made a bold decision and got rid of all our plastic dishes except the Lego cups. AWESOME! I will no longer have to try and cram my travel mugs around my crockpot - and they need to be easily accessible because I'm now a hockey mom AND a dance mom.
I made a bold decision and got rid of all our plastic dishes except the Lego cups. AWESOME! I will no longer have to try and cram my travel mugs around my crockpot – and they need to be easily accessible because I’m now a hockey mom AND a dance mom. #nooneknowswhatsinmytravelmug
And now for my pantry. You can't tell, but in the after shot, the flours and sugars are lined up in rows like little baking soldiers.
And now for my pantry. You can’t tell, but in the after shot, the flours and sugars are lined up in rows like little baking soldiers.  I know where everything is and threw out tons of expired goods, I’m ashamed to say.
This was the worst. Insert sheepish smiley.
This was the worst. Insert sheepish smiley.
The bottom half of the pantry including the snack and cereal shelves, and baking stuff. I KNOW WHERE EVERYTHING IS!! That is a huge mental burden lifted!
The bottom half of the pantry… I KNOW WHERE EVERYTHING IS!! That is a huge mental burden lifted!  (and yes, that’s Ichiban.  Remember, I said no judgment!)
Now for the island drawers that hold A TON of stuff, usually totally disorganized.
Now for the island drawers that hold A TON of stuff, usually totally disorganized.  Now all the tea is in one place and my spice jars are alphabetized!!  
The dreaded container drawer! My nemesis every day of making lunches. I made another bold move and decided we would store the majority of containers with their lids ON. So much better!
The dreaded container drawer – my nemesis every day of making lunches!  I made another bold move and decided to store the majority of containers with their lids ON. So much better!
The bottom drawer with 1000 cookie cutters that I never use amongst other things.
The bottom drawer with 1000 cookie cutters that I never used amongst other things.  It’s still too many water bottles for my taste but we have a high attrition rate on water bottles and there’s plenty of room AND I KNOW WHERE EVERYTHING IS so I let them stay.
This cupboard NOW holds all our lunch kits so they can be put away when not in use. AMAZING!
This cupboard NOW holds all our lunch kits so they can be put away when not in use. AMAZING!
This little shelf is the kitchen-catch-all... WAS the kicthen-catch-all. Now I have a section for papers we need to keep, a section for paper that need to be addressed and a notepad. Feeling lighter and lighter!
This little shelf is the kitchen-catch-all… WAS the kicthen-catch-all. Now I have a section for papers we need to keep, a section for paper that need to be addressed and a notepad. Feeling lighter and lighter!
This cupboard above the fridge holds cookie sheets, etc. I had more wire racks than one girl could ever need, not to mention old rusty sheets and TWO spring-form pans.
This cupboard above the fridge holds cookie sheets, etc. I had more wire racks than one girl could ever need, not to mention old rusty sheets and TWO spring-form pans.  Now I KNOW what all is in there and I don’t have to risk 6 loaf pans falling on my head every time I need something.
My husband has a bad habit of coming home with free stuff including ugly wine glasses. Buh-bye! Let's just focus on filling these ones as often as possible.
My husband has a bad habit of coming home with free stuff including ugly wine glasses. Buh-bye! Let’s just focus on filling these ones as often as possible.  I also may have had a couple hundred dollars worth of expired vitamins up top!  Who needs vitamins when you have wine?!!
I could barely close this drawer and unbeknownst to me, I had one million aprons and no tea towels. See what you learn when you Konmari?!!
I could barely close this drawer before and unbeknownst to me, I had one million aprons and no tea towels. See what you learn when you Konmari?!!  (ps. I have since folded the aprons Konmari style and they are much happier – I’ll post it to Instagram later!)

And that concludes my Kitchen Konmari Tour!  I still need to go through the fridge and freezer but I had to wait for garbage day (today) because I know there are freezer burnt mysteries that are going to have to go, but all in all, I am so happy with the results!  I donated SIX large bags just from these cupboards alone.  I’m flabbergasted.  In a good way.  My post-Konmari kitchen may not be fit for a show home but it is palpably peaceful and that sparks some serious joy!

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16 Comments

  2. Cassandra Snider

    Okay. I am sold. I need to read this book.

  3. Rachelle LaBrie Vandersteen

    Wow! Your before pics made me wince… Excellent work!!

  4. Kathy MacDonald

    Wow..you been busy, girl! Looks awesome!

  5. Holly Gilchrist

    Looks great. Incidentally , I found a $15 chapters card when I was tidying my wallet and the book was on sale for $15… A $0.75 book sparked some joy in me so I ordered it 🙂

  6. Shannon Ebbesen

    I love that the bunny cups made the cutU0001f600 It looks great…and peaceful…

  7. Andrea Brown Seretny

    Looks awesome! I just started the book!

  8. The Spirited Thrifter

    Tell me about it!! Now for the REST of my house!

  9. Cathy Pattison

    Not only will you feel less stress, you will save time and money. More time for yourself, family and friends and more money for thoughtful expenses. Plus, everything is easier to keep clean.

  10. Martie Grant

    Love it! I have KonMari’d both my kids rooms and now onto the dreaded bonus room!! Maybe I need wine while I work?!

  11. Riki Green

    Looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing pictures of your home! I love before and after pictures.

  12. The Spirited Thrifter

    I would be having buckets of wine if I wasn’t doing Whole 30 right now (maybe that’s a good thing)!

  13. The Spirited Thrifter

    Thanks Riki! It’s not an updated reno’d kitchen but it still deserves some Konmari love!!

  14. Martie Grant

    I didn’t get to their clothes yet but my daughter wants to fold her clothes like I do 🙂

  16. Colonygal

    Thanks for the inspiration! Before you mentioned Komari a few posts ago , I was in the dark, suffering and overwhelmed. Thank you for putting Konmari in my path!

  17. Kare

    I love how your “kitchen catch-all” corner transformed. I just finished the book and did my clothes last night. I have a day off tomorrow and will move on to books and papers soon. Great job with your home!