Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant, author, and television show host. She gained international fame for her unique KonMari method of tidying and decluttering, which emphasizes keeping only possessions that "spark joy" and organizing them in a specific way. Her famous mantra is, "Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest.

Kondo's bestselling book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired millions of people worldwide to declutter their homes and lives. She has also hosted a Netflix series titled "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo," where she helps families and individuals declutter and organize their living spaces.

Here are 10 useful tips from Marie Kondo:

Commit to Tidying Up: Make a firm decision to declutter your space and commit to the process wholeheartedly.

Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle: Envision the type of lifestyle you want to live in a clutter-free environment to motivate yourself throughout the tidying process.

Tidy by Category, Not Location: Organize your belongings by category (e.g., clothes, books, papers) rather than tackling one room at a time to ensure thoroughness.

Follow the KonMari Method: Hold each item in your hands and ask yourself if it sparks joy. Keep only the items that bring you joy and let go of the rest.

Thank Items Before Letting Go: Express gratitude to the items you decide to discard for their service before releasing them.

Fold Clothes Vertically: Fold clothes in a way that allows you to see each item at a glance when they're stored vertically in drawers, maximizing space and visibility.

Designate a Place for Everything: Assign a specific home for each item, ensuring that everything has its place to maintain order.

Store Items Properly: Store items in a way that is accessible and visible, making it easy to maintain the tidiness of your space.

Handle Paperwork Promptly: Sort through paperwork regularly and discard or file documents as soon as possible to prevent accumulation.

Tidy Up Daily: Develop the habit of tidying up a little each day to prevent clutter from accumulating and maintain a tidy living environment effortlessly.

Here are other ways you can stop being a hoarder:

Hoarding is often a manifestation of deeper emotional struggles, where the accumulation of possessions serves as a shield against unresolved issues." - Dr. Randy O. Frost, Psychologist and Expert on Hoarding Disorder.

Under-Bed Storage: Make use of the space under your bed by investing in storage containers or bins that can slide underneath. This area is perfect for storing off-season clothing, extra bedding, or shoes, keeping them out of sight while maximizing storage space.

Optimize Closet Space: Maximize closet space by using organizers such as shelves, hanging organizers, or stackable bins. Utilize vertical space by installing additional rods or hooks to hang clothing, bags, or accessories. Keep clothing and belongings neatly organized to make it easier to find what you need and to maximize closet capacity.

Go Digital: Minimize physical clutter by digitizing documents, photos, and media. Invest in digital storage solutions and cloud-based services to store files and documents electronically, reducing the need for bulky filing cabinets or storage boxes.

Keep It Minimal: Embrace minimalism by decluttering regularly and keeping only the items that you truly need or love. Streamline your possessions and avoid accumulating unnecessary clutter to maintain a clean and organized living environment.

Create Zones: Divide your apartment into functional zones to optimize space and improve flow. Define areas for sleeping, working, dining, and lounging using furniture arrangement, area rugs, or room dividers. Creating distinct zones helps to visually separate different activities while maximizing the usability of your space.

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