If you are reading this, you’ve already made the first and most important step – committing to your first Tidying Lesson with For the Love of Tidy! If you’re feeling any nervous anticipation…that’s OK! It’s natural to feel this way when diving into a new experience. Please, trust the process, and review the following tips to ensure your first lesson sparks an incredible amount of joy!
DO NOT TIDY AHEAD OF TIME. I cannot emphasize this enough! Do not clean or pick up anything in your home because it is important for your consultant to see the space as you do, in its current condition, before we jump into the KonMari Method®.
REDUCE POTENTIAL DISTRACTIONS. Your spouse, children, pets, phone calls, nosy relatives…all of these distractions can potentially knock you out of your tidying zone. Ensure those you love know that you are unavailable while tidying so your attention remains undivided.
GATHER CLOTHING STORED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME. Bring all of your clothing (includes accessories, shoes, hats, jackets, etc.) to your bedroom, collecting them from ALL rooms in your home. Exterior locations may include your car, a family member’s home, a storage unit, etc. Removing these articles of clothing from your closets and drawers to prepare is optional, as we will discuss the power of the pile and other KonMari® signature organizing techniques during the Lesson prior to shifting the space.
FINISH LAUNDRY; FOLDING IS OPTIONAL. Please pick up all of your dry cleaning and ensure all of your clothes are washed. This ensures nothing is missed during the initial inventory and joy check. We will practice the KonMari® folding technique on all items that spark joy, so feel free to leave garments unfolded.
SET ASIDE YOUR UNMENTIONABLES. If there are items in your home that are particularly delicate or private that you do not feel comfortable handling in front of a consultant, feel free to set them aside. You are a student of tidying! As we progress through the Lessons you will hone your ability to choose what sparks joy and can sort through those items privately as a homework assignment.
VISUALIZE YOUR IDEAL LIFESTYLE. Understanding your vision is a critical aspect of the method. We will solidify your ideal lifestyle/living environment during your first Lesson and you will be provided a copy of The Tidy Home Joy Journal to enhance this aspect of your journey. If you’d like to begin to shape your vision in advance, check out Episode 5 of Spark Joy podcast for preliminary guidance.
BREATHE AND SMILE. It’s time to get tidy!
Note: Many “Konverts” ask if they need to finish Marie Kondo’s books (The Life-changing Magic of Tidying or Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up) prior to our first Lesson or watch every episode of Netflix’s Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Please note, this is not a requirement. While having a general understanding of the KonMari Method® is useful, our in-person Lessons will cover the book and beyond, tailored to fit your unique situation.
