How can we use quarantine (a period ordered to be spent at home, affecting all of us across the planet) for personal growth? It’s a difficult time for everyone. We currently spend more time at home than we’re used to. We can see it as an obligation and a nuisance — or turn it into an opportunity for change and personal development.
We now have an incredible chance to pause, turn inward, and reflect on what works in our lives and what we would rather change. Many of my friends often say they’d love to declutter and really need it, but don’t have time. So why not start now, when we’re required to spend more time at home? Besides tidying the home, we can also focus on our personal growth.
Before you begin, pause
I recommend stopping for a moment before diving into mindless cleaning and asking yourself a few questions:
- Look around — do you like your home?
- Are you surrounded by items that bring you joy?
- Do you feel comfortable at home?
- Does energy flow through your home?
If your answers were not yes, you currently have an incredible opportunity to change that! You may think, “Sure, I’d change a lot, but where do I get the money?” Good news — I’m not suggesting a renovation, so you won’t need financial resources. Just take a piece of paper and honestly write down what you need to change. It could be decluttering your entire apartment, house, garage, or just one part. Focus on your personal development. Before you start practically, try tuning into how your ideal home, wardrobe, or lifestyle would look.
Work with your vision
Is your vision personal growth, tidying your home using the KonMari method, or changing your lifestyle? In general, clarifying where you’re going and what your goal is helps you stay on track. If you feel overwhelmed, reconnect with your vision and remind yourself why you started. You can read more about this in the article KonMari Basics Step 2: Vision of an Ideal Life.
Proceed category by category
According to the KonMari method, follow this order:
- Clothing
- Books
- Papers
- Komono (everything not mentioned above — kitchen items, bathroom items, etc.)
- Sentimental items
Why category by category? It’s a system that works well — you’ll have a clear plan and won’t do everything at once. More details can be found in the article KonMari Basics Step 3: Sorting in the Exact Order.
Don’t postpone — start
Set realistic goals. If your wardrobe has more than 500 pieces, you probably won’t finish in one afternoon. Break the work into phases — start with tops, then bottoms the next day. This prevents frustration and the feeling that it’s endless. Sorting all categories takes time — it won’t magically happen in one weekend.
It’s simple!
How to make it work and keep the sorting flowing? Simply gather all items of the same category from the entire home and place them in one spot. For example, all tops (shirts, tank tops, jackets, coats, etc.) in one pile. Then take each item in your hands and ask yourself whether you like it.
In general, you’ll learn to tune into how each item makes you feel. Create three piles:
- Yes, I’ll keep it.
- No, I’ll let it go.
- Maybe. I’m not sure.
Useful tips:
Put items you’re letting go of directly into dark bags and don’t go through them again. Don’t be afraid to be uncompromising. Most things we think “might be useful someday” rarely are. They take up space and collect dust. Let them go — you and your home will feel relieved!
Don’t let other family members rummage through your discard pile and convince you to keep things. Try to take the bags to the car, garage, or basement as soon as possible — and donate or dispose of them at the first opportunity. Don’t keep them in sight!
Look for ways to grow personally as well.
The whole family sorts
If the whole family is at home with children, you can involve everyone. Kids will be excited to carry things into one pile — even if they create a bit of chaos. Our three‑year‑old son is always fascinated when I sort. One rule must be followed: everyone sorts only their own things, and decisions about what to keep are personal. Never sort or throw away someone else’s belongings! If you find something belonging to your partner, set it aside and let them decide.
Tidying as inspiration for the whole family
If you feel that you personally have things tidy and sorted, but your home is messy because of your partner or children, turn the finger back to yourself. Lead by positive example. When you start sorting, other family members often get inspired. There’s no need to force anyone. I’ve found that whenever I sort and reorganize even one cabinet, my husband usually starts sorting his things the same day or the next. It works — it’s magical!
Finally, I’d like to remind you that in the KonMari philosophy, it’s very important to focus on joy and on things you like and love. Try starting your sorting by choosing your favorite pieces. It gives you energy and can kick‑start your personal growth. Only then move on to items to discard.
Turn your home into an exhibition of you and everything you love. Our home should not be a museum of memories, unwanted gifts, or a storage space of “what ifs.”
I wish you lots of success with decluttering and transforming your home into your ideal space. Unfortunately, I can’t sort with you right now, but if you need advice, feel free to contact me — I’ll gladly answer any questions. You can also use a free 20‑minute online consultation. And remember — it’s entirely up to you how you use all the time spent at home.
