Tidying in Uncertain Times: Part 1 of ???
“It’s at least a lot.”
I am not here to say it’s time to tidy up. It’s clear that between figuring out what work looks like now, managing remote learning and care taking, the dance parties and happy hours on Zoom, for many people it is challenging to know how to reorder our schedules, let alone reorder our spaces at home. As my 3 year old son says, “it’s at least a lot.” So far I’m not sure anyone claims to have it figured out. No really, like not at all. This is a one day at a time situation.
Also is time ever really the issue? See a recent Onion article (satire). It always goes beyond time. Our belongings represent choices we’ve made about what comes into our spaces and facing those choices one by one can take us down some challenging paths. Right now we are closer to those choices as we spend more time at home. That might be changing how we feel about our homes or reinforcing how we feel (good, bad and in between) about them.
So before tackling the Tupperware cabinet or a closet full of clothes, here are two steps to try. If this is where you start and end your tidying journey, you will still notice a difference.
Step 1: How do you want to feel in your home? In the KonMari Method, we ask clients to define their ideal lifestyle. This might feel challenging to do in uncertain times with the possibility of financial challenges and other changes. So keep it simple. Choose 3-5 words to describe how you want to feel in your home. Think about your values and how you enjoy spending time in your home. Involve other members of your family and post the list of words somewhere.
Step 2: Gratitude. We are leaving homes right now for limited reasons, so when we come back, we have a choice. We can feel dread and limitations upon our return or we can feel grateful. Take 20 seconds to greet your home, out loud or in your head. Do whatever feels natural. What do you love about your home right now? (I love the French word for today, aujourd’hui, and nothing feels more relevant right now. It’s hard to think much further sometimes.)
Give yourself a break from any expectations that this time must be fully maximized. That includes organizing. Be gentle, and take care.