7-Day KonMari-Inspired Challenge For Beginners

We can't get enough of organizational strategies, and the one tactic that pops up over and over again is that of Japanese decluttering expert Marie Kondo. It's commonly called the KonMari method, and in a nutshell, it involves significantly paring down your belongings until you're left with only the items that spark joy or see regular use.

Inspired by Kondo's method, we've created a seven-day challenge that will help bring order to your home for good. Some of her methods may seem dramatic, so it's important to do what you can. Plus, she advocates getting rid of many household items, so make sure to consider donating anything in good or reusable condition. Finally, Kondo suggests that aspiring organizers tackle their home in one whirlwind day, but we believe that true, lasting change takes a bit longer — perhaps, one full week.

Sunday — Clean Out Your Bedroom Closet, and Properly Fold What Remains
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Sunday — Clean Out Your Bedroom Closet, and Properly Fold What Remains

Take a good, hard look at the items in your dresser and closet. Marie Kondo recommends taking everything from your dresser and closet and making one big pile to go through all at once.

Ask yourself: What do you wear regularly? What sparks joy? If you truly love an item, keep it. But if you're saving a certain piece of clothing for an indeterminate occasion, say goodbye.

When you've gone through everything — and discarded quite a bit — it's time to properly fold what you're keeping. The KonMari method dictates folding shirts and pants into small squares and then storing them vertically in a drawer or shelf. That way, you can see every single possession — and nothing gets squished at the bottom of a pile.

Monday —  Make Room by Your Entryway For Daily Essentials
POPSUGAR Photography | Lisette Mejia

Monday — Make Room by Your Entryway For Daily Essentials

After a Monday at work, it's time to focus on a small area: your entryway. Does the area look like a general repository for whatever is in your hands when you arrive home, including old mail, shoes, pet accoutrements, and bags?

It's time to clear all that out. Make a space by your front door where you can store daily essentials like a wallet, a transportation pass, and shoes — and that's it.

Tuesday — Rid Your Desk and Office of Old Papers and Books
POPSUGAR Photography | Lisette Mejia

Tuesday — Rid Your Desk and Office of Old Papers and Books

Proponents of KonMari believe that keeping old papers and books is of little value. Sure, you can hold on to essentials like deeds, warranties, and birth certificates, but get rid of out-of-date bills and random papers.

Even book collections can be reassessed. Consider only keeping the books that make you happy, and entertain the idea of actually recycling or donating the rest. Odds are, you'll never again read most of your books, and right now, they're only taking up space and collecting dust.

Wednesday — Clear Shelves in Your Living and Dining Rooms of What You Rarely Use
POPSUGAR Photography | Lisette Mejia

Wednesday — Clear Shelves in Your Living and Dining Rooms of What You Rarely Use

It's Hump Day, so this should be a simple day — unless you happen to have shelves bulging with old DVDs, electronic equipment, and games. If so, you're in for a lot of decluttering.

Just as with your desk and bookshelves, rid the surfaces and cabinets in your dining and living rooms of the items you likely will never use again. That definitely includes out-of-date technology (goodbye, VHS player!) and the random cords found around every home.

When you're done, take a rest on your couch. You deserve it.

Thursday — Pare Down Your Bathroom Vanity to the Essentials
POPSUGAR Photography | Lisette Mejia

Thursday — Pare Down Your Bathroom Vanity to the Essentials

Bathrooms have a habit of getting filled up with products that are no longer used. Be relentless when it comes to paring down your vanity and storage to only the makeup, shampoo, conditioner, and other items you actually use regularly. Get familiar with beauty expiration dates and chuck anything you really shouldn't be using anymore. You'll be surprised at all the room you've suddenly freed up and how easy it is to locate and grab the items used daily.

Friday — Declutter and Refold the Items in Your Linen Closet
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Friday — Declutter and Refold the Items in Your Linen Closet

Sheets and towels are often kept long after they're needed "just in case." Give yourself permission to let go of textile products you likely will never use again; if they're in still-usable condition, donate them. Free up space in your linen closet so that cherished pieces have room. If you aren't a pro already, familiarize yourself with how to fold a fitted sheet properly.

Saturday  — Edit and Organize Kitchen Cabinets and Refrigerator
POPSUGAR Photography | Jae Payne

Saturday — Edit and Organize Kitchen Cabinets and Refrigerator

Much as you did in your bathroom, take a good look at what's in your kitchen and decide what you use vs. what's just taking up space using this KonMari kitchen guide. If you are holding on to old serveware or silverware for sentimental reasons, thank the pieces for all they've done — and give yourself permission to give them away. Tidy your fridge and cabinets, and organize what's left so that you can easily find what gets used often.