It is well known that a neatly folded item takes up much less space than one folded without a system or taking into account the material of the product. But there is a more economical option, developed by Marie Kondo and named after her - Konmari. This is a vertical storage of clothes that allows you to maintain almost perfect order. It is interesting that there are many both adherents and ardent opponents of the method, but this topic has not left anyone indifferent. The practical application disappoints some, while giving others new inspiration in their quest for perfection in their closet space. It’s worth trying to apply this in your home or apartment to come to a final conclusion. Perhaps this is the right one for you. The main thing here is to set up a fun experiment and test the principle in action.
Content:
- Vertical storage system
- The main principles of the vertical storage method
- Storage by type
- Pants and shorts
- Dresses and skirts
- Tops, shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts
- Socks and tights
- Vertical underwear storage system
- Bed sheets
- Towels
- Additional convenience features
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Konmari Folding
- Where to store using Marie Kondo's method
- What to do with the remaining things
- How does the Attic work?
- Conclusion
KonMari Technique Basics
Surely you have already experienced a feeling of slight euphoria and liberation after another spring cleaning. Japanese expert Marie Kondo recommends getting rid of all the junk that has accumulated over many years at once. This process should be perceived as a small holiday, because after it a person will definitely feel relief, begin to breathe more freely and look at his home differently.
This process is called decluttering. It is important that each family member cleans their things independently, establishing energetic contact. Exception: only small children and elderly people who need help.
- It is not advisable for someone close to you to help you declutter. This will make it harder to part with any memorable but unnecessary thing.
- It is necessary to turn off emotions and focus on what should remain, and not what should be thrown away.
- You need to start cleaning in the morning to maintain your spirit and get it done in one day.
Decluttering should be carried out strictly in stages:
- Take apart the clothes hanging on hangers in the closet (first the large ones - coats and jackets, then the small ones - suits, trousers, skirts, etc.). It's better to start with non-seasonal ones. For example, in the summer you can take out your winter clothes.
- Pack items that are relevant at any time - T-shirts, sweaters, jeans.
- Sort underwear, hosiery.
- Specific clothing: swimsuits, tracksuits, homewear.
- Shoes.
- Bags.
- Accessories.
- Bed sheets
- Books.
- Documentation.
- Dressing table.
- Souvenirs.
Home clothes according to the KonMari method should be chosen specifically for the purpose of wearing them at home. It should not be a thing that has served its purpose and you know that you will never wear it “out in public” again. Throw away such clothes immediately. You must respect yourself in your home attire. Marie Kondo argues that even in casual settings, clothing affects our self-image.
Vertical storage system
First, it is important to understand what it does, what it is for, and what the tangible benefits are. The basis is the doctrine of the ergonomics of space, where it is necessary to relieve the horizontal by using height. Originally it meant clothes. Many people are especially annoyed by the inability to remove one T-shirt from a common pile without them all falling apart. It turned out that the classics can also be improved by finding a creative solution. If you do not put, but put any object, a lot of new possibilities open up, as Marie Kondo proved in practice.
Take the time to learn cleaning hacks
Your goal is to get rid of the problems that irritate you the most. Hate cleaning your refrigerator? Wrap shelves with cling film. Got enough cat hair? Arm yourself with a window squeegee that does a better job than a roller. There are a million recipes for cleaning solutions and storage systems for anything and everything on the Internet. But, of course, technology works wonders. If possible, purchase, for example, a steamer. With him, life blossoms with new colors. By the way, Internet advisors recommend wrapping a regular ironing board under its cover with foil. Then things will be smoothed out on both sides at once. You didn’t dare try it yourself, but suddenly there are daredevils among you.
The main principles of the vertical storage method
The main goal is to ensure constant order. This can be achieved by following the basic rules.
A very important stage is preparation. Before you put something in a closet or chest of drawers, you need to determine whether it is needed and how much. To do this, all contents are removed and then laid out in accordance with the parameters:
- necessary constantly;
- used sometimes;
- not required at all.
The last segment is sold, given away or thrown in the trash. The remaining volume is sorted. It is advisable to immediately separate bags, socks, and so on into piles.
Space optimization
To find a place in your closet for everything you need, you need to properly design its interior space. Don't hang everything on a hanger. Think about how you can use vertical space.
- Idea 1: Place shoes in clear boxes and place them at the bottom of the closet.
- Idea 2: Buy underwear organizers and stick them in your closet doors.
- Idea 3. Place hats, scarves and gloves in a large box, preferably fabric, and send it to the top shelf of the mezzanine.
- Idea 4: Place bags under hangers. Place the small ones on top of the large ones, like nesting dolls. And send the ones you wear to the hallway or put them in a closet in a special organizer.
- Idea 5: Get out your coat hangers. This way they will fit more in the closet and will not constantly bend.
- Idea 6. For wide and deep shelves, use special dividers. They will allow you to organize several neat stacks of things on one shelf. Move rarely used items, such as curtains, to the back of the room.
Storage by type
Before you understand how to fold clothes vertically, it is worth determining what such treatment will not harm, but will only benefit, and where you cannot do without a hanger. Such wardrobe details are also hung according to certain criteria.
Pants and shorts
These things are needed quite often, but in accordance with the season. So you will have to clearly determine the degree of usefulness of each item. It is worth considering that for classic models made of fabric that quickly wrinkles and loses its appearance, this approach is unacceptable. Only a special compartment in the closet and full-size contents. But jeans, knitted leggings and cropped versions are not capricious, and a vertical clothing storage system is ideal for them.
The installation method is simple. The legs are folded one to one, then the edges are folded towards the waist, and then this three more times. It's easier with shorts - you need to build a square.
Dresses and skirts
Any hem is a ready-made rectangle, or with a flared model, 2 triangles on the sides. They are wrapped in the center and then made into a roll that can be easily installed vertically. The principle is not suitable for outfits with a rigid bodice base, rhinestone embroidery and an abundance of large decorative elements, but in each specific case you need to calculate all the possibilities.
Tops, shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts
This is a separate category that has a lot in common. The difference is in the density of the fabric and the presence or absence of sleeves. The rest is similar, as is the folding method. Drawers or stationary drawers are suitable for them. You can find what you need at a glance, with minimal disturbance to the rest. If vertical storage is chosen, then the described diagrams will tell you how to fold a certain type of wardrobe items.
Socks and tights
It is recommended to keep these little things in an organizer or compartments divided into segments. They are divided by material, length or color - as you like. They do not lose their shape when twisted, and the advantages are obvious: the pairs will be in place and there will be very few lost ones. It is worth considering that the rolls unwind easily, so a lid or tight packing is advisable so that nothing falls out. A great idea is to sort by density level, then you won’t have to look for nylon items among woolen items.
Vertical underwear storage system
Bodices and panties are stored separately, even if it is a set. The first ones are folded into cups, the straps are carefully straightened and placed inside. It is important not to break the rigid base and prevent it from becoming distorted during laying out. The second ones make nice rolls. If the task is to arrange them into sets, then dividers and partitions are used in the cabinets, and an organizer with separate cells is placed on the shelf.
Bed sheets
There are two options: fold each item separately or immediately form a large roll from the set. It is better to select the top shelf, with a wide space, but shallow, otherwise it will be difficult to get what you need. But it is also recommended to use delimiters. Sometimes it is worth choosing a separate dresser drawer or shelving segment, since there is no daily need for these items.
Towels
They are the ones who are in the most advantageous position. If you need to figure out how to stack things vertically, this is where you should start. After washing and drying, each one is rolled up and stored in a drawer. The space savings are colossal, plus - absolute order. The principle of location will be suggested by your imagination. There is an accessible height for children so that they can pick up the required towel on their own. The piece can be placed in the bathroom, on a small shelf or a box fixed at an angle, leaving a system for organizing items.
Additional convenience features
To completely unload the space and maintain order without much effort, you can use original accessories for installing and strengthening storage units.
A shelf or mezzanine is suitable for bags and other accessories. There you can determine in advance how to vertically stack things that will not be needed soon, so that they do not lose their original appearance, shape and color.
Clothes dividers perfectly fix individual parts on the shelf, so when you try to pull out a separate item, nothing falls out. If the box is too deep, then it is worth dividing it into segments in order to put away what is temporarily unclaimed.
The organizer is considered a brilliant invention. Transparent walls allow you to see the contents, the compartments allow you to evenly distribute the contents, and the lid protects against dust and falling out. New design finds in this direction appear regularly, such as a bar with holder cells for rolls of small wardrobe items and others.
How to fold bed linen correctly
Even minor clutter can lead to a big mess. Most often this applies to clothes that are difficult to fold and stretch correctly without disturbing the overall order. Bed linen requires the same attention as other wardrobe items. Old, holey, yellowed pillowcases and duvet covers should be thrown away.
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You should fold one at a time, without mixing all the laundry. First, the duvet covers are put in order, then the sheets, and finally you can move on to the pillowcases. With large-sized bedding, difficulties may arise, since an even rectangle will not work. Therefore it is better to place it in:
- carton boxes;
- organizer;
- container;
- dresser;
- drawer.
Using this storage, duvet covers can be quickly found and taken out. Standard size bed linen is placed in a closet, neatly stacked vertically.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Konmari Folding
Each system necessarily has pros and cons. Moreover, their type and quantity often depend on subjective opinion. Nevertheless, it is worth considering the most popular points of view. The vast majority of supporters of the method note among the advantages:
- the process of cleaning the premises is significantly simplified and reduced in time;
- each type of clothing has a strictly designated place;
- a significant part of the living space is freed up;
- saves space in closets;
- disorder disappears;
- the process of finding the right part of the outfit is accelerated;
- the aesthetics of the appearance of the shelves is improved.
Yes, this method is not suitable for everyone. But those who value every minute and do not want to waste time constantly raking away rag piles will undoubtedly appreciate the principle of vertical folding of things in the closet.
The shortcomings are quite relative, but for some they can become fundamental, so you need to take into account:
- Warm and light clothing may be at one level;
- It is inconvenient to roll bulky objects;
- no seasonal distinction;
- A lot of boxes and drawers are required, which is not always convenient in limited space.
The main slogan “nothing extra” implies that there is no provision for storing it for “later”. And those who have difficulty parting with memorable items that evoke pleasant memories will have a hard time.
Cleaning up your closet by getting rid of unnecessary things
Before you move on to a new method of organizing space in your closet, you should get rid of what has ceased to bring joy. You should part with unnecessary clothes easily, making room for new sensations and emotions. Only after the things you use remain in your house can you start learning and putting together a “card file.”
Where to store using Marie Kondo's method
The method is almost universal and is suitable not only for trousers, dresses and T-shirts, but it can also be used for books, cosmetics, and spices. The main criterion for selecting an item is positive emotions. According to the recommendations of the founder of the system, everything that causes a depressing impression, grief or anger is mercilessly thrown away, regardless of the level of material value.
This organization of space removes everything unnecessary from visibility, while at the same time leaving it at hand. A closet and separate shelves or drawers are suitable, depending on the style of the decor or the capabilities of the owners of the room. Dresser drawers, shallow baskets and containers are ideal. In terms of comfort, this option is much higher than the usual classic layout.
Trousers and jeans
Traditionally, pants and jeans are stored in stacks on shelves, and trousers are stored exclusively on hangers. It doesn’t work out compactly, the stacks fall apart, and hanging waist items take up a lot of space. We recommend taking a closer look at vertical storage in drawers. The advantage of this folding method is that there are no creases. The item does not need ironing before putting it on.
Instructions:
- Lay out the jeans and smooth them with your hands. Fold in half. Place the pant legs on top of each other. The edges and seams should match. They should not be gathered in folds or like an accordion.
- Fold the protruding corner of the interstitch seam, trying to get an even strip.
- We wrap the top part, fixing the triangle.
- Fold the trouser legs to the trouser waistband.
- We put the trouser legs into the pocket formed by the upper part.
- We straighten the package and put it away for storage.
A way to compactly fold jeans or trousers
Jeans and trousers made of thick fabric can be rolled into a roll from the bottom of the legs to the waistband. Or fold flat to form a square or rectangle. Place round rolls on a shelf or place them vertically in a deep drawer.
Flat packages are convenient to store vertically. Place it in the box with the fold outward, pressing it with other things. Or form piles of things and place them compactly on shelves.
Pants with arrows need to be laid out correctly, neatly, without folds in the fly area. Otherwise, when storing things, creases will form.
What to do with the remaining things
In any case, there will be items that simply cannot be folded compactly or rolled into a roll. Some are too voluminous, others do not tolerate such an attitude, immediately losing their attractiveness and shape. The type of storage depends on the category:
- books are arranged according to the size of the binding and its strength, as an addition you can take into account the color and theme, but it is worth remembering that placement in only one row is allowed, nothing can be placed on top, otherwise deformation may begin;
- pictures, postcards and old bills are thrown away because emotions are valuable, and they have already been received and the fading outlines evoke unnecessary melancholy;
- sentimental little things are also mostly subject to disposal, the reason is that they pull into the past, and the Konmari system is aimed at the future and becomes an incentive for renewal;
- small accessories should be stored in a clearly designated segment for them, laid out according to their intended purpose; it is more convenient to do this with the help of an organizer or several boxes.
The kitchen also does not stand aside and the principles are fully implemented. This means that all countertops are emptied, and dishes that are being saved for a special occasion are taken to another storage location. Spices and other small items are also placed in boxes, rattan or wicker containers, but in any case are removed from open view. You can use new boxes or adapt existing ones for these purposes, improving their appearance.
There will inevitably remain elements that cannot be folded vertically. These include: suits and dresses for special occasions, classic jackets and trousers, hats with a rigid base. You will have to allocate a separate place for them, but it will be several times smaller than if the entire wardrobe was placed on hangers and horizontal stacks.
How to properly organize things, ideas on how to compactly place things and free up space
Most clothes are hung on a hanger. The exception is knitted and crocheted items. Dresses made of silk or other delicate materials are hung on shoulders covered with fabric. For clothes made from thick, non-elastic fabrics, wooden hangers are suitable. For evening models with a complex cut, it is better to purchase a hanger with additional clamps. Since they are rarely worn, they can be covered and stored in the back of the closet.
Seasonal clothing and items that are rarely used are best stored in blankets
Jackets and vests are hung on wooden hangers with rounded ends so as not to deform the shoulder lines. Before this, all contents are removed from the pockets.
Store jackets and coats on hangers
It is practical to hang skirts and trousers on hangers using special clips. Skirts are fastened at the waist, at the hips of the trousers or at the bottom of the trouser leg. To save space, multi-level hooks are purchased, on which you can hang 4-5 things at once.
It is convenient to store chopsticks on special hangers that can hold up to 5 pieces at a time
Jeans are not extravagant in stockings. They can be turned over, folded or rolled up, equipped with a separate shelf.
Summer T-shirts, T-shirts, turtlenecks are stacked in stacks of 5-6 pieces.
If closet space allows, you can hang it on trouser hooks.
Men's shirts are hung on thin hangers and can be placed next to their trousers.
Knitted and woolen sweaters and jackets cannot be hung on a hanger. This leads to stretching and loss of shape of the product.
They are folded and laid out on shelves. To keep the fibers elastic, light fluffy fleece items are placed on top of the pile. It's best not to stack more than three thick wool sweaters in one pile - the pile can become very wrinkled. To ventilate the food, place tissue paper between them.
Store sweaters and turtlenecks in neat piles
It is best to store underwear in drawers. If you don't have them in your closet, you can buy organizers with small compartments. The laundry will retain a pleasant smell if you put a natural fragrance in the drawer.
Even tights, socks and stockings are stored in the drawers. Cases with compartments for each pair allow you to quickly find the item you need, but take up more space.
Underwear and socks are best placed in separate drawers
Accessories: Ties, neckerchiefs, scarves, belts and belts are best placed in a compartment with a clothes hanger. This way they will always be ready to use. To do this, you can purchase special hangers and allocate space on the side of the closet. Another option is to roll up your items and put them in an organizer.
For ties and scarves you can purchase a special hanger
How does the Attic work?
Every person at least once in his life wanted to have a bottomless chest, where he could put temporarily unnecessary things, and then get them back in the same form. Dreams come true and now such a place exists. No more tripping over your skis in the summer and over your kayak in the winter. Each item has a shelf or rack. You can leave only what you need at the moment at home. Let the rest wait in the Attic. This is an original system where property is fully ensured safety, security and constant control.
To place an order, select a convenient form:
- telephone;
- mobile app;
- website;
- social network.
The process is extremely simple. The main thing is to agree on the time of arrival of the movers. Before this, it is necessary to prepare items that need to be sent for long-term maintenance. Packaging and labeling will be handled by specialists. They take photographs of what is accepted and take it to a warehouse, where optimal conditions are created for any items and a certain level of heat and humidity is maintained. Upon receipt, everything appears in your personal account - this is a virtual version of the storage. If a return is required, everything will be brought home again. It is possible to arrange a new arrival by calling movers on a certain day or to deliver unnecessary items yourself.
Video: How to fold a T-shirt “in a pocket”
Skillful folding of things allows you to quickly find what you are looking for and leave other elements untouched. This will keep things organized. They wrinkle less and there is no musty smell.
Let's look at how to fold a towel for vertical storage so that it doesn't fall apart.
- Fold the towel in half widthwise. It will be almost a square.
- Fold it again, but onto a triangle, like a scarf.
- Turn it over and place it in front of you like an isosceles triangle.
- Place both ends of the resulting triangle towards each other, making something like an envelope.
- Turn the envelope over. Start rolling it towards the top.
- Tuck the top into the pocket formed from the diagonal. The roller is ready!
