The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, along with the Netflix series that followed, became a hot topic of conversation earlier this year. Kondo’s method’s central tenet is to ascertain whether an item “sparks joy.” If it doesn’t, it’s clutter that you don’t need. Here’s how to implement Kondo’s organizing techniques in your own house:

1. See Whether It Makes You Happy

Kondo advises going through everything in your house, taking an item in your hand, and asking yourself if it makes you happy. Like your preowned engagement ring, it’s time to part with anything if you don’t feel good about it. You can give it to someone who will value it higher or sell it. This holds true for your clothes in addition to furniture and trinkets.

2. Sort by Category Rather Than Room

Kondo advises classifying everything and sorting through it that way rather than walking through your house room by room. You’ll be able to see everything you have in that grouping with clarity in this method.

3. Folding Vertically

One of Kondo’s more avant-garde thoughts is perhaps the vertical folding technique. You’ll be able to see every article of clothing if you fold and store it upright because nothing will be hidden behind overturning heaps.

4. Spotless Containers

Food, according to Kondo, usually comes in loudly labeled, vibrantly colored cartons when it is purchased. She suggests moving your food to “clean” containers so that your cupboard becomes a peaceful, cozy space rather than a chaotic one.

5. Apparel

According to Kondo, it’s critical to keep track of every item of clothes you wear throughout a given season when keeping it. To avoid buying items you already own, she also suggests pairing up similar-type and colored clothing.

6. Handbags

When it comes to purses, Kondo advises making it a daily habit to empty your luggage. Move the contents to a different box that corresponds to the things you’ll need on a daily basis for your purse. She also suggests keeping the bags inside one another to conserve space and keep the bags from losing their shape.

7. Images

Although it can be difficult to part with photos, according to Kondo, you should only actually save the ones that are incredibly memorable. To find out how Kondo saves and arranges her pictures, go this link.

8. Textbooks

According to Kondo, you ought to divide your book collection into two sections: those you have already read and those you have been meaning to get around to but haven’t yet. The first batch can be donated because they have fulfilled their purpose. It’s likely that you won’t read the second bunch if you haven’t before, and they can also be given. She advises preserving only your all-time favorite books.

9. Work Area

You must have a functional workspace. Eliminate everything from your workstation that does not support the work you are performing because of this. Kondo recommends storing critical documents, etc. in vertical files.