Konmari Checklist Bullet Journal
Learn how to use the Konmari Checklist for bullet journal and declutter your life! Copy my Konmari checklist bullet journal spread or download your free Konmari checklist pdf.
If you like to use the KonMari method to get your life organized then it makes total sense to use it together with bullet journaling.
The bullet journal is a great tool to get you organized as well. Inside it, you can track your habits, schedule lists, along with thoughts, ideas, goals, and so much more.
If you are like me and love the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by author Marie Kondo, then read on!
I am going to show you how to use the Bullet Journal Checklist for the Konmari method. Below you will also find a bullet journal printable version!
What is the Konmari Method?
Let me first give you a little introduction about this method which is explained in-depth in the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing”.
This summary is not intended as a replacement for the original book, all info is credited to the author and publisher of the book. Please purchase your book here.
The Konmari method is just a shorter term used to refer to this book. Basically, the book explains the importance of decluttering your home and your life along with some step-by-step systems for doing it.
The emphasis of the Konmari organization method is deciding what to keep or discard based on your emotional attachment to a certain item.
The Marie Kondo list explains that as you reduce your possessions, and discard the un-essential, you will reach a state that brings comfort.
That state is different for each person. You will know when you reach that point where you have enough to feel happy and comfortable.
As a very simple explanation, the method follows these rules below. This summary is not intended as a replacement for the original book, all info is credited to the author and publisher of the book. Please purchase your book here or read Marie Kondo blog for more info.
1. Discard first, then tidy
According to Kondo when you store things out of sight inside boxes or cupboards, you are not decluttering, you are just creating an illusion of decluttering.
Once the storage is overloaded you will have to face a much bigger task. So start by discarding, then you can truly tidy!
2. Find the Joy
Kondo explains that the best way to choose what to get rid of and what to keep is picking each item in your hand and asking the question “Does this spark joy?”.
If it does, you keep it. If it doesn’t then discard it immediately.
Once you have practiced discarding you will be able to understand and identify easily which items aren’t bringing you joy anymore.
The author explains that you should know straight away as you touch an item if it sparks joy or not.
3. The KonMari order
Follow the right order and category of things for discarding and tidying.
Kondo recommends that you gather all items of the same category before you decide what you will discard or keep. Lay them out on the floor and analyze them together.
For instance, let’s pick the category of clothes. Lay each item of clothing onto the floor (making sure everything is there included the clothes on the laundry basket), pick each one and identify which ones to keep or discard.
Kondo suggests that you follow this specific order for decluttering, going from easier items to harder ones that have sentimental value added:
- Clothing
- Books
- Papers
- Komono (Miscellaneous)
- Sentimental items
Starting with an easier category like clothing will get you in the mood for decluttering and give you enough practice for when you reach the category that is the hardest to part with, the sentimental possessions.
4. Designate space for everything
Kondo’s approach to organizing your belongings is simple: keep things of the same category together.
For clothes, don’t separate them by seasons, just follow a heavy to a light arrangement in your wardrobe and drawers.
Also, fold your clothing standing up rather than laying them flat so that at a single glance you can see each item. If you arrange them flat you can’t see the items at the bottom of a drawer.
Keep your book and paper collection small. Discard everything unless it falls into one of three categories: currently in use, needed for a limited period of time, or must be kept indefinitely.
Go through your miscellaneous items by category too. If they don’t spark any joy, discard them immediately.
Below I will show you how to use a Marie Kondo checklist to assist you in tidying.
How to use your bullet journal Konmari checklist for tidying up
Using a KonMari Journal will assist you in applying the KonMari method for tidying and decluttering. It is an adaptation for a bullet journal declutter page.
The Konmari bullet journal will help you figure out what you’re keeping or getting rid of, and create a plan for the entire decluttering experience.
As the book explains, there is an important order to tidying. First, you discard the unnecessary items, then you organize and store the remaining items.
Below are a few tips and a Konmari checklist for bullet journal. Here is how your bullet journal can help you get your life decluttered.
What is a Konmari Checklist?
The Konmari method checklist is just an easy tool to make sure you follow all the steps in the right Konmari order of decluttering!
Ticking things off your bullet journal checklist is always rewarding and will help you keep organized throughout the tasks.
The entire decluttering process will likely be long and tiresome depending on how much you have to declutter, but it is totally worth it!
However, having a Konmari decluttering checklist in hand will make sure that you don’t miss any steps or get ahead of yourself!
The Konmari Checklist for Bullet Journal
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Plan your steps on your bullet journal
I started by making a general list of my belongings, divided by category and following the author’s order suggestion. This is where you start with decluttering.
Right away, you will probably know which subcategory from clothing you need to declutter most. And then you can follow the categories in order.
As you can see I started with clothing. The CD and DVD category is out of order but that is because I just moved and I did I huge clear up before moving so that part is done too.
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Does it spark joy?
The next step is to find joy in the items you have.
Go down the category list, bringing your journal with you as you pick up each item or touch it. When you look at it or pick up the item, you should feel a sense of joy and happiness.
Does it bring up a happy memory? Do you feel more comforted knowing it is there? If so, keep the item. If not, get rid of it.
Once you are done with the category you can check it off your Konmari list.
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Record your progress
As you follow your discard and storing process, cross off the categories once you have gone through all items of the Konmari category list or subcategory.
I make a habit of also writing down any challenges I face through the decluttering process and also how long it took roughly.
Next time I can check my Konmari bujo to have a better idea of how much time I need during my tidying up session.
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Konmari method folding
Marie Kondo’s book also suggests a folding method to help you store and find your belongings easily.
Once I have finished a category I write down in my bullet journal any organizational tip in my Marie Kondo bullet journal list for future reference.
Have I learned something that will make my tidying up easier?
For instance, I am making an effort to store all tops (short, long, or no sleeves) in the same space, regardless of the season, arranging them from heavy to light so I can see all of them at once.
I noted down some folding tips on my checklist bullet journal page so I make a habit of doing it this way.
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Clear your mind
In my journal, I can also write down how letting go of stuff makes me feel.
If I find something that I used to cherish once but now it doesn’t seem to spark joy as before, I also write down some words of gratitude for having had that item and how I am ready to part with it.
I know it requires practice and I hope it will become easier in the future but putting down my feelings also declutter my mind, just like a brain dump does.
By the time you are finished, you will feel lighter and accomplished. The next time you declutter your home will be a lot easier by having your lists and tips in your bullet journal.
The Konmari Checklist PDF Printable
I created this Konmari checklist free printable based on my declutter bullet journal spread above, so feel free to print this if you don’t feel like doing it yourself!
This is a simple print-and-go checklist for your Konmari planner.
It is made to fit an A5-sized bullet journal notebook, but if your notebook is of a different size then just adjust your printer settings so the Konmari method list fits your planner or journal.
In this checklist, you will find the Konmari categories in order so you can schedule your tidying and tackle one thing at a time.
Do you follow the life-changing magic of tidying up checklist too? Let me know your spread in the comments below. Or let us know if you found our Kon Mari checklist helpful.
More Ways to Get Organized With Your Bullet Journal
PIN FOR LATER!
Scarlett
Wednesday 8th of February 2023
Please send me the download checklist
Diary of a Journal Planner
Monday 13th of February 2023
Hi Scarlett,
To receive the printable straight to your inbox just fill out your details in the form at the bottom of the post. We hope you enjoy using it.
Happy
Monday 6th of June 2022
I'm confused. Where is the "simple print and go checklist"? I've scanned this article in its entirety and ... nope. Lots of pretty graphics but nothing with a link that provides what it says it does - a pdf printable.
Is it just me?
Diary of a Journal Planner
Sunday 28th of August 2022
Hi,
Just scroll down to the 'THE KONMARI CHECKLIST PDF PRINTABLE' heading. You can see a box that allows you to add your email. The printable will then be sent straight to your inbox ( remember to check your junk file if it doesn't show up in your inbox). Hoppe that helps. Enjoy the printable :)
Tamara
Monday 8th of July 2019
i just discovered your & I find it very useful in my bullet journal journey. Thank you for the fantastic suggestions. Tamara
Diary of a Journal Planner
Thursday 15th of August 2019
Glad that we can help out Tamara. We are always looking for ways to help the Bujo community so let us know if there are more things we can write about in our posts which would help you.
Heather Champion
Monday 4th of March 2019
I’m quite new to Marie Kondo method but have been working on my home and have felt so much ‘lighter’ in everything. I lost my daughter 3 years ago and it’s now time to sort the remainder of her belongings. Using this method has helped me to make better choices and choices with meaning. Thank you.
Diary of a Journal Planner
Monday 11th of March 2019
Oh, we are so sorry for your loss Heather. I can only imagine how hard that task will be. Sending lots of love and light to help you along.
Mandy
Tuesday 15th of January 2019
The Konmari method must be like certain foods -- dill pickles, cilantro etc. People either love it or can't stand it! I love it and your bullet journal suggestions really hit the spot. Thanks.
Diary of a Journal Planner
Tuesday 15th of January 2019
I guess one could say that Mandy, glad you enjoyed it!