Have you ever glanced around at the state of disarray in your home and wished for a cleaning fairy to magically declutter everything with the wave of a wand?
Now it’s time to take matters into your own hands and declutter your life using the principles of the renowned organization guru Marie Kondo. Learn how to apply Marie Kondo’s KonMari tidying method to the heart of your kitchen – the spice rack.
The 6 rules of the KonMari method
Professional Japanese organizer Marie Kondo created the popular KonMari method as a simple approach to tidying up so you don’t relapse into clutter. What makes this method unique is your mindset as you clean up. You only keep things that speak to your heart; for items that no longer serve a purpose, you thank them for their service and let them go.
This philosophy encourages individuals to be introspective when tidying up, viewing this practice as a way to set the stage for how they want to live their lives — clutter-free and purposeful. Here are the six rules of the KonMari method:
Commit yourself to tidying up
Cleaning should be done routinely, not just when the mess starts getting a little too noticeable. Find the intention to stick with this practice and carve out the time to do so.
Imagine your ideal lifestyle
Envision the life you want to lead and describe it in a medium that speaks to you, whether it be drawing your ideal lifestyle, writing it down or creating a vision board. This exercise clarifies why you want to tidy up and how it plays a role in helping you become the best version of yourself.
Finish discarding first
Let go of belongings that you no longer need, but before doing so, express gratitude for how each item has served its purpose. This helps you be more mindful of what new items you purchase in the future as you question their necessity.
Tidy by category, not by location
Instead of going room by room, it is more efficient if you go by category. You probably have the same type of things in different places and forget about what you already have when you move on to the next location.
Follow the right order
From her years of practice, Marie has found the most effective order to tidy is clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items and sentimental items. The rationale behind this is that you start with an easier category, and as you get better at deciding what should go, you won’t be stuck with decision paralysis when you reach the harder things to discard.
Ask yourself if it sparks joy
The KonMari method puts your feelings at the center of decision-making. Instead of following rules like throwing out whatever hasn’t been used in two years, you ask yourself whether an item sparks joy. You only want to keep items that bring you happiness.
Kon Mari-influenced decluttering techniques for spice organization
Do you have long-expired spices or ones you’ve only touched once or twice but can’t seem to let go? If so, you are probably overdue for a spice rack audit, and chances are it needs a touch of Marie Kondo’s magic. Your cooking space should be clean and organized so you can cook peacefully without having a disheveled spice rack sitting in the corner of your eye.
Check expiration dates
To apply the KonMari method to the often-overlooked spice rack, assess each spice, considering not just utility but also the joy it brings to your culinary endeavors. Toss ones beyond their expiration dates and spices that no longer bring you joy in your cooking.
Build a capsule collection
After doing this cleanse, you may notice that your options have dwindled significantly. You don’t need a shelf full of spices to create delicious dishes, but make sure you have a capsule collection that can provide diverse flavor combinations. Chicken powder seasoning should be on your roster to bring a savory taste and extra protein to your food. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, mushroom powder is a great alternative to chicken powder, and it adds a rich umami flavor to your soups, stew and sauces. For a less conventional spice, enchilada seasoning mix will change things up with Mexican flavors.
Use matching jar sets
Although putting the spices in new matching jars isn’t necessary, it’s a recommended step for aesthetic reasons. It also ensures the containers are the same shape and size so they fit nicely in your drawer or cabinet. After all, organization is about bringing joy, and these little details matter.
Select an organizer
Once you’ve jarred the spices, label them with their respective names and expiry dates. Then, choose an organizer to store the jars. This depends on the space you have — it can be a spice riser, a turntable or putting the jars in a drawer. Sort the jars either by usage or alphabetically. This is where it all comes together as you see the beautifully displayed, matching jars. Don’t you feel more motivated to cook now?
Extending the KonMari method to your lifestyle
Marie Kondo made cleaning her life’s work, helping others declutter their space to realize the numerous benefits of having an organized environment. A study published in Current Psychology found that clutter was linked to procrastination, feeling overwhelmed and lower quality of life among young adults. On the other hand, cleaning leads to mental health benefits such as restoring a sense of order and control and helping regulate emotions.
Decluttering your spice rack is just one case where the KonMari method can come in handy. Embracing a mindful philosophy can extend beyond cleaning and spill into other parts of your life. Practicing mindful consumption — reflecting on whether the item adds value to your life before purchasing — or creating rituals like morning meditation to help you stay grounded are all habits that help you live a life of intentionality outside of decluttering.
Infusing joy into the everyday
Finding the motivation to tidy up can be challenging, especially after a long week. However, decluttering your space, like the spice rack in your kitchen, is important to improve your mental clarity and uplift your mood. Try the KonMari method yourself to experience the life-changing magic of tidying up.
Zuzana Paar is the creative force behind her websites Low Carb No Carb, and Best Clean Eating.