How my KonMari Survival Kit began….One of my favorite reality shows is Naked & Afraid on the Discovery Channel. Each episode features survivalists who CHOOSE to be dropped in the middle of the wilderness, free of all clothing and belongings, with the challenge of making it to the 21 day mark without tapping out. They are allowed to bring one essential item (usually a machete or a fire starter) to help them build a shelter and find food and water.
I love this show because it’s something I would absolutely NEVER do. But, I’m fascinated by how people train and prepare to push themselves to such extremes.
The KonMari Method® is as charming as it is progressively uncomfortable. But, unlike the wilderness, it doesn’t require you to know how to hunt a wild boar or nurse frost bitten toes!
To complete your 21, 40, or 90+ day radical self-care decluttering challenge at home, keep certain tools handy so you can be ready to make the best decisions on your journey into the clutter-filled unknown.
Below, I explore EVERYTHING I keep in the KonMari® Kit that I bring with me when I tidy in homes all across Chicago. Everything in my bag is hand selected and heavily vetted, as I enter homes with a self-contained light load. I’ll break down everything from the essential to the optional so you can best prepare for your tidying adventure:
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission or incentive if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you. #winwin!
Clothing, Carriers, and Protective Gear
| Handy bag/box | Contain everything in your kit in one place |
| Protective clothing | An apron, smock, or old shirt, etc.  |
| Comfortable and supportive shoes | Rothy Slippers – $20 off |
| Hair band or tie | Slip Silk Scrunchies |
| Mask | For those with allergies or dust sensitivities |
| Nitrile gloves | For heavily soiled areas, stickiness, or delicate items |
Guides and Professional Assistance
| KonMari® Folding Guide | Take the Tidy Pledge to receive your FREE KonMari® Folding Guide! |
| Spark Joy Podcast | Easy Listening Guide (160+ episodes to listen to while you tidy) |
| The Tidy Home Joy Journal + pen/pencil | Your #1 tidying companion available on Amazon |
| ME! | Invest in change, not more stuff! Instantly book a virtual or in-home KonMari® Tidying Lesson to finish up once and for all.  |
Cleanliness and Nourishment
| Water Bottle | Stay hydrated! |
| Hand wipes or lotion | Stay clean! |
| A favorite light/quick snack | Stay nourished! |
| Facial tissues | To catch tears of sadness or joy |
Decluttering Tools
| Smart Phone and charger | For before/after photos/videos, notes, measuring tape app, timer, tidy playlist, etc. |
| Disposable Bags or boxes | To contain items to sell, recycle, donate, or discard |
| Tag/Label/Sticker Remover | Peel off those tags! |
| Post-it notes (super sticky) | Temporary labels for the keep and discard categories |
| Slice safety cutter | For slicing out a page from a journal or magazine or opening boxes |
| Scissors | Cut those tags! |
Organizing Tools
| Label maker | To add final touches |
| Non Glare Sheet Protectors | Great for Paper and Sentimental items heading into 3-ring binders |
| Measuring tape | Measure twice before you buy anything! |
Optional Miscellaneous Items
The items below are also in my tidy kit, but are probably not applicable for you. Listing them anyway in case you’re curious!
- Pain reliever
- Chapstick
- Mints
- Headphones
- Outerwear and Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Car charger
- Shoe bag/carrier
- Business cards
Happy tidying!
[…] for your minimalist basic labeling needs (see my KonMari® Survival Kit for more tidy […]
So fun to read and useful too! Thanks for sharing this info!
Thanks Julie! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.