Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prepare for my first session?

• Take time to dream.  The very first step of the KonMari Method™ is to imagine how you want to live, and what you want your space to feel like . . . See my recommendation for a simple self-reflection exercise here.
• If possible, limit distraction by booking your session at a time when kids will be out of the house, and set boundaries with partners & roommates – let them know you’ll be unavailable during your sessions.  Ensure your schedule isn’t too full – While we’re aiming for 5 hours, it might be a bit less or a bit more.  I want you to feel complete by the time I go home, and it’s best not to rush.
• Our first session will cover the clothing category.  Your best results will happen if all your clothes are clean & dry (bring them home from work / the car / the gym).  If you do a last minute load of laundry before our session, there is no need to fold it.  Wear an outfit that sparks joy and will be comfortable to work in.
• Save up some nice empty boxes and baskets of varying sizes. We may use them to maximize storage on shelf space or divide drawers into compartments.
• This can be deep work and may take more energy than you expect.  Try to get a good night’s rest, eat a nourishing breakfast, and drink lots of water.

Do I need to read “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”?

It would be helpful (it’s a pretty short read).  If you have a basic understanding of certain concepts before beginning, we’ll be able to achieve a lot together.  That said, I will show you everything you need to know – so if you’re not a reader, you can consider this optional.

I listened to the audiobook initially.  This is a great option, and would be a good way of getting into a good mindset before beginning your sessions.

Should I watch “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”?

While this show did a great job of raising the profile of the work I do, I wouldn’t recommend it at this point as the show doesn’t set good expectations of what it will actually be like to work with me. It’s television – so the clutter is amplified and the method is edited for time and entertainment value.

Instead, here’s a great Youtube video (about 30 mins) that will give you a better understanding & idea of what it will be like to work with a consultant.

You could also listen to the “Spark Joy” podcast to get into the mindset.

Can we declutter my partner’s/kid’s belongings?

My goal as a Certified Konmari Consultant is to help you tap into what sparks joy for you, and support you in decluttering your own possessions and releasing what is no longer serving you.  This is a very personal process that is intended to address only your own items.

I encourage parents with children over the age of 5 to engage their kids with deciding what their favourite toys/games/clothes are, and start teaching them how to take responsibility for their items at an early age.  I developed the Kids’ Konmari Checklist to help with this process.  I can offer sessions for kids as part of a family package, but I only work with children whose parents have explored the Konmari Method for themselves as it’s important that parents understand & support the process.

Your partner may or may not be interested in this method.  I suggest working first with your own items, which may inspire others close to you.  I do offer packages for couples which include a mix of shared and private sessions.  When it comes to shared areas/categories like the kitchen, I recommend speaking with your partner and welcoming them to express any “must stay” items, and providing the opportunity to review discarded items before moving them on.

Will I have time to clean?

“Tidying is the act of confronting yourself,” Marie Kondo writes, and “Cleaning is the act of confronting nature.”  During our sessions the focus will be on tidying, not cleaning, as this is the value that I have to offer and you can get help with cleaning at a much more economical rate.

A simple wipe-down of a shelf before putting items in place is fine – but if deeper cleaning is needed I will recommend you get back to that at another time.  The bonus of the Konmari Method is cleaning becomes so much easier without the clutter!

In most cases, you’ll know what area we’re going to tackle before my arrival.  If you think a mess will distract you, consider cleaning the area before our session.

If something is so unclean that I feel we are unable to complete a task, I’ll do my best to redirect our energy to tidying something we can access more easily.  In this case I’ll ask the area be cleaned before our next session.  I would be happy to recommend a short list of local housekeeping services.

Is there any paperwork?

Before we start, I’ll ask you to review & sign a short coaching agreement which outlines confidentiality, liability, etc.  There’s also an optional photo release for before & after pics.

I will provide a printed copy of my Konmari Checklist for you to follow as a guide throughout our sessions and to help track that everything gets tidied.