how to joy-check clothing.

These are the basic steps for joy-checking your clothing according to Marie Kondo’s method.

Step 1. Gather all of your clothing  in one place. (If you have a very large volume, you can work on one sub-category of clothing at a time, starting with tops.)

Step 2. Sort clothing into sub-sub-categories if needed (e.g., tops, bottoms, outerwear)

Step 3. Touch each item and ask yourself if it sparks joy (see tips below)

Step 4. Sort "joy" items to one side and discard items to the other

Step 5. Thank each discard item as you let it go

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tips for joy-checking.

  • OPTION 1 - Select from the top of the pile, sorting
    into piles of “joy” and “thank you for your service”

  • OPTION 2 – Start with your top 3-5 items and your
    bottom 3-5 items, then see where everything else lands

  • Set aside a “maybe” pile for items that you are unsure about, and come back to those afterwards.

questions to ask when you get stuck.

When you get stuck, ask yourself the questions below. I've been told by clients that it helps to speak the questions and answers out loud--it makes them be more honest with themselves. 

  1. When did you get it?

  2. How often do you use it?

  3. When is the last time you used it?

  4. If you were being honest with yourself, would you keep it?

  5. Why are you hesitating?

  6. Would you buy this today?

  7. If you accidentally put this into the donation bag and gave it away, how would you feel

  8. If you didn't have it, what would you do/wear instead, and how would that feel?

take it for a test drive.

If you are stuck on an item that you love but do not know how or when to wear, then consider:

  1. What occasion or event would you wear this to?

  2. Do you have what you need to complete the outfit?

  3. If not, would you like to search for outfit inspiration? (Pinterest is a great resource because you can search by style such as "chunky turtleneck sweater outfit")

  4. Do you need to give it a test drive? If you haven't worn an item for a very long time, then you may not know how you feel in it. In the coming weeks, is there a specific time/place that you can wear the piece to see how you feel in it? You may find that it is itchy or uncomfortable, or absolutely perfect.

cherish your belongings.

The items that you keep are now part of your joy wardrobe. Keep them with confidence, find more ways to enjoy them, and offer them respect and gratitude at all times.