A couple of years ago, I starting going through my house to pare down and eliminate the clutter. This was all due to me reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Mario Kondo. If you missed the intro to this series, you can read it here. So far in the Konmari Method, I’ve completed Step 1: Clothing, and Step: 2 Paper (& Books). Today, I’m going to show you Step 3: Komono, specifically my makeup drawer.
I’m going to say this again, because it’s so important: if you’re going to do this right, you must read the book. You can buy it here.
It’s been hard for me to document this process, because when I’m decluttering, I’m decluttering. I don’t have time to stop and take photos after every step. The process is the same as Clothing & Paper, its just all of the other stuff in the house. So this post will focus on how I tidyed my Everyday Makeup Drawer as an example of Komono.
The Process
First, I emptied out the entire drawer. For this space, I really wanted it to have the stuff I reach for every day, or at least every week. I do have quite a massive collection of makeup, and I keep most of the special occasion products in my Alex drawers in my Master Closet Vanity. I went through most of that last month when I went on a massive Komono Decluttering Binge. Because I was on a roll then, I didn’t document it.
As I went through the products, I immediately tossed things that I knew were really old. I tend to keep products longer than their expiration date (I know that’s bad), so I knew I had to part with several things right off the bat.
Separating the products by type made sorting faster and easier. I went through foundations first, then concealers, then primers, blushes, powders, eye stuff, and finally lip stuff.
After sorting my items, I was left with the ones in this photo. I then separated them into two groups: every day/every week and special occasion.
After putting the special occasion items back in the closet drawers, this is what I was left with.
I know, it still looks like a lot. The truth is, most days I haven’t had time to put on makeup. After tidying my drawer, I decided that I’m going to make an effort to “put on my face” every day. This way, I can see if I really do use these products or not.
I then relined my drawer with shelf paper, cleaned the acrylic organizer (and removed one!), and then put my items back in the drawer. Also, I cleaned my brushes and that beauty blender. I use an amazing tool similar to this one to clean & dry my brushes in less than 30 minutes. I’ll have to do a post about it soon!
Other Komono
Over the last two years, I’ve completed this step in many other areas of the house. I’ve done the kitchen, the dining room, 2 attics and baby stuff! There are still many areas of komono I have to go through the craft room, beauty samples, jewelry, garage and weed out my special occasion makeup again.
I completed tidying the kitchen over a year ago, and it’s made such a difference! I haven’t really brought anything new into the space, because my shopping habits have changed significantly. We have a few empty cabinets. It’s made it much easier to plan our space for the upcoming remodel as well.
Conclusion
This step definitely takes the longest because its so massive. Miscellaneous really is everything but clothing, paper, and keepsakes. Break it down into categories, and take your time. I’ve spent over 2 years doing this process, and I’m still not done. But, our lives are so much richer without all of this stuff. So is our budget.
Don’t forget to check out the other posts in this series!
Konmari Challenge
Step 1: Clothing
Konmari Update Post
Step 2: Paper
Have you read The Life-Changing Art of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo or watched her new Netflix Series? If not, what are you waiting for? Have you completed Step 3: Komono yet? How do you feel? Tell me in the comments!
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