Everything is Everything: Category 4, Komono or Miscellaneous

It.is.a.lot.

There are over 300,000 items in the average American home, and a good chunk of those items fall into the komono or miscellaneous category. The komono category includes everything that does not fall within the first three categories (clothes, books, paper) and sentimental. Think kitchen, bathroom, hobbies, toys of all shapes and tiny sizes, cords, etc. The volume can feel overwhelming, so how will you make it through? You need a plan. With a plan and a continued focus on joy, the finish line will come into sight.

Stretch, get your water bottle, and let’s do this.

Tips for the komono category:

·         Break komono into subcategories and start with a plan. By the time I get to komono with a client, I have an accurate estimate on volume and the amount of time it may take to move through each subcategory. I create a komono plan with each client, a spreadsheet with each subcategory and the estimated amount of time it may take. (In a previous life, Excel spreadsheets brought me joy.) The sheet gives us an idea on how many subcategories we can move through in each session and areas that the client could choose to focus on outside of sessions.

·         Manage your expectations on how long it might take. How long did it take you to accumulate items? Will you make it through komono in a one session?

·         As in other categories, save any sentimental items for the final (and next!) category, sentimental. Also storage is temporary until the end of the entire process.

The joy of komono:

·         The komono category is a likely place for an empty box/storage bin collection to emerge, if it has not already. A satisfying supply of exactly what you need might be at hand already, without the expense of a trip to a tempting storage store and the uncertainty of knowing whether or not what you bought will be what you actually need.

·         Mysteries will be solved! The long lost, beloved toy? Turns out it was at the bottom of a box of DVDs. The dog’s special sweater? It was found in the holiday lights. Did you uncover a total of 4 can openers all over the house? Great, now you can decide which one is the best. Celebrate the power of mysteries solved!

·         Adding your personality and brand of joy to your space becomes easier as you move through the categories, especially this one. Those buttons with salty language that used to bring you joy? Maybe they can still bring you joy if you keep them in a spot where you see them, a jewelry drawer or closet area. Or add them to your jacket, why not? It’s your show.

This is just the tip of the komono iceberg. Don’t get me started on how much joy I get from organizing bath komono or really, truly sorting out a fridge. You’ll find your joy in komono too. But what about (insert problem area)? And how do you deal with toys?! It’s not all happening at once. It’s a marathon, and change comes eventually!