When Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (non-affiliate) book hit shelves in 2014, it did so with little pomp and circumstance. Fast forward just four years later and Kondo’s KonMari method of organizing has taken the world by storm.
While the book is wonderful (we recommend reading or listening via audiobook!), we don’t all have the time or desire to really get into the thick of Kondo’s organizing tips.
However, thanks to Netflix’s recent addition of their show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, we can get a bite-sized taste of the KonMari method with a favorite joy-sparking bowl full of popcorn while we privately judge the families. (Don’t worry – we all do it, don’t we? Hashtag no shame.)
Below are 3 KonMari-inspired tips for giving your space a little attention and love.
1. Take a good look around. What things in your vacation rental spark true joy for you?
You may or may not live in your Airbnb full-time but regardless, you should still take time to look through the items in your place and decide which things still bring forth a positive emotion for you.
Seeing as this exercise probably will have you sorting more through items of necessity rather than personal belongings, you may find there’s not much that particularly sways you one way or the other.
However, when you do come across something that piques your interest or brings back fond memories, set it aside.
Meanwhile, when you find things that have little or no use to your guests and that also sparks little or no joy for you, put those items in a separate pile.
2. Find a place to display pieces that have more meaning to you.
Being a great host also means creating a warm and inviting space for your guests. While you don’t want to personalize things too much, there’s still a place for things that hold some sentimental value to you.
If you have items you’d like to share with your guests – perhaps some great photos you took on your own vacation, interesting souvenirs or objects you found, or an old, favorite something, honor these things by giving them a special place in your Airbnb. Display them so both you and your guests can enjoy them.
3. Be grateful for what you have but don’t need.
A big part of the KonMari method is showing gratitude to items that no longer fulfill a purpose in your life. This may seem odd, but it’s a great practice to get into.
Tidying Up author Marie Kondo suggests taking each item you are sorting in your hands and if it no longer sparks joy, before you toss it into a pile, thank it. Sometimes, it’s good to be reminded of how much we do have as opposed to the things we feel we’re lacking. Let this exercise bring a positive energy into your vacation rental space.
We all can stand to gain something by sifting through our belongings – whether it be rediscovering things we truly love or identifying things that no longer serve a purpose. This spring, as you prepare for the influx of vacationer traffic, take a little time to take stock of your Airbnb place and tidy up.
