If you’re just tuning in, go back and read my initial thoughts on the KonMari Method and Decluttering My Closet for context.
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Quick background for anyone who didn’t click back: I’m decluttering my home over the next several months using Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
While I don’t follow every single rule to the letter, I love the KonMari approach: it keeps me motivated and focused. In the past I would declutter for a day or two and then get distracted. This time I’m committed—and having readers follow along helps keep me accountable.
This month I focused on decluttering books and papers.
Decluttering Books
I thought clearing my book collection would be quick—I’d already reduced it to a small, messy bookshelf. Then I remembered the under-bed storage box, the closet stash, the nightstand, and the armoire. The KonMari practice of gathering all like items together is priceless: seeing everything at once makes the task real.
My goal was to fit every book I wanted to keep on that small bookshelf. I handled each book and asked myself, “Does this spark joy?” Some books are absolute keepers—ones I’ve read multiple times and that shaped me, like:
These Are My People
For the Love
Wild at Heart / Captivating
Unglued
I kept reference and business books I use regularly and the few books I’m currently reading. I purged many marriage books I bought years ago and never revisited, and I donated most of my fiction—no more “I’ll read this at the beach someday” thinking. Realistically, I won’t be lounging with a paperback by the shore for a long time; I mostly listen to audiobooks now and will pass on those paperbacks to someone who will use them.
I also discarded a large stack of Bible study workbooks and study guides accumulated over the years. If I’m honest, I’ve never gone back to reference them; they were taking up space without serving me. That said, I did not throw away any personal journals. I journaled intensely for years and those volumes are packed safely in a trunk of keepsakes. I’ll review that trunk when I tackle mementos later in the decluttering process—journals are staying.
After sorting and donating, the bookshelf holds nearly everything I own now—except a few cookbooks and the handful of books used for styling around the house. For the moment I’m limiting myself to this single shelf to see how it feels and whether I truly use and enjoy these books.
Note: I did not touch my children’s books. I’ll sort their items after I finish decluttering my own spaces.
Decluttering Paper
Paper was the tougher category; I’m still working through it. I’d stuffed random papers into boxes and let them sit in the office/guest room for nearly a year—baby’s first year really disrupted my usual routines.
Marie Kondo’s rule for paper is refreshingly strict: discard everything unless it has an ongoing purpose. That advice helped me fight my instinct to hoard “just in case” documents. To stay on top of incoming papers, I set up a simple command center near the kitchen with two folders: one labeled “papers to file” and another for “papers that need follow-up.”
My plan is to process these folders regularly so they never overflow. The goal is to avoid shoving things anywhere and forgetting them. There are, of course, a few papers you must keep—tax records, title documents, warranties—but Kondo recommends keeping even these in one consolidated folder. It’s simpler and faster than building an elaborate filing system you’ll rarely use.
Going through the boxes turned up unopened mail, checks to deposit, expired coupons, random receipts I needed for taxes, picture frames, and other clutter. I’m glad I tackled this now—sorting these papers revealed receipts and documents that would have been hard to find later.
I also overhauled how I store manuals and warranties. I used to keep everything in huge binders full of plastic sleeves. Kondo suggests discarding most manuals because you rarely need them; in practice, I decided to keep only manuals for higher-ticket or frequently serviced items and to store them in compact magazine holders instead of bulky binders.
I don’t have a polished “after” photo of the paper purge yet, but the office is steadily improving. When it’s done I’ll share pictures of the command center and the organized space.
Next Month’s Topic
Next I’ll tackle komono—miscellaneous items. That category can feel overwhelming because it includes so many small things, so I’ll break it down and start with my office, which is the space most in need of attention. I’ll sort the following items:
- notepads and notebooks
- binders and folders
- calendars and envelopes
- labels, pens, pencils, markers
- hole punches, shredders, printer paper
- staplers, paper clips, rubber bands
- tacks, magnets, erasers, whiteout
- stickers, tape, glue, scissors
- craft supplies and wrapping paper
- bubble wrap and cardboard boxes
- credit and reward cards
- spare change, video games, board games
- CDs, DVDs, spare cords, phone accessories
- remote controls, cameras, computers
- home decor and photo props for blogging
That’s a long list, but I’m excited to keep making progress. Every donation and trash bag removed from my house brings a surprising lightness. I’m consistently surprised by how little I miss items I’ve held onto for years.
It’s Not Too Late
If your home feels overwhelmed by stuff, join me. Decluttering is easier with accountability and encouragement. Pick up the book and begin with your closet, books, and papers. Marie Kondo estimates the whole-house process takes about six months, so patience is part of the plan—but the result is a calmer, more intentional home.
Buy the book and start today.
More Posts You Will Love:
- The Two Rules to Eliminate Paper Clutter for Good!
- How to Tame the Paper Clutter: Industrial Command Center
- How to Declutter Your Home in 5 Simple Steps