Clearing the Chaos: How the KonMari Method Helped Me Breathe Again as a Busy Mom

As a busy, single mom juggling a home-based business, I’m no stranger to chaos. Between running my bookkeeping business, maintaining my social media presence, managing the household, and caring for my energetic three-year-old, Sofia, it often feels like there’s never enough time in the day. My house was a constant reflection of that—cluttered, disorganized, and overwhelming.

I used to think that cleaning up just meant picking things up and putting them out of sight. But, after one too many days of feeling completely drained by the mess around me, I realized something had to change. That’s when I discovered the KonMari Method—Marie Kondo’s unique approach to decluttering—and decided to give it a shot.

Here’s how I used the KonMari Method to clear the chaos in my life and finally create a home that sparks joy for me, Sofia, and our little family of two.

The Mess That Wasn’t Just Mess

I’m sure a lot of you mamas can relate to this: you spend the entire day tidying up, only to feel like it’s all for nothing the next day. I’d clean, organize, and rearrange, but somehow, the clutter kept creeping back in. At first, I chalked it up to being a busy mom, but deep down, I knew there was something more to it.

The toys everywhere, the piles of paperwork, the laundry constantly building up—it wasn’t just physical clutter; it was mental clutter, too. I was so overwhelmed that I’d often feel paralyzed by the sheer amount of stuff around me. The more I ignored it, the more it built up, and the more stressed I became.

That’s when I read about the KonMari Method and the concept of decluttering by category, not by room. This approach promised a deeper, more meaningful way to clear out not just the physical clutter but the emotional clutter I’d been holding onto as well. It was time for a change.

Starting with What Sparked Joy

One of the core principles of the KonMari Method is asking yourself, “Does this spark joy?” When I first heard this, I’ll admit—it sounded a little woo-woo. But as I dug deeper into Marie Kondo’s philosophy, it began to make sense. The idea wasn’t just about discarding things; it was about making space for things that bring joy into your life.

I started by tackling clothes, which felt like a manageable place to begin. My closet was packed with old shirts, dresses I hadn’t worn in years, and random pieces I had hung onto “just in case.” Going through each item one by one, I held each up and asked, “Does this spark joy?”

To my surprise, a lot of it didn’t. Some of the clothes I’d been keeping were a reminder of a time when I was in a different place emotionally. Others didn’t fit or just weren’t me anymore. With each item I let go of, I felt a little lighter, a little freer. And every time I found something that truly sparked joy, I could feel the difference—it was empowering.

The Joy of Letting Go (Even the Stuff I Thought I Needed)

Next, I tackled Sofia’s room. If you have kids, you know how easy it is for toys and clothes to pile up. Sofia’s room was no exception. There were stuffed animals scattered everywhere, toys she had outgrown, and clothing that didn’t fit anymore.

I was hesitant at first—what if she’d miss a certain toy or outfit? But I realized that by holding onto things that no longer served us, I was keeping us both stuck. Sofia didn’t need every single toy she owned; she needed a space where she could easily find the toys she actually enjoyed playing with. So, I carefully went through everything, asking myself if each item truly sparked joy for her.

It was hard to let go of some things, but in the end, Sofia’s room became a place where she could play freely without feeling overwhelmed by too many options. And I noticed a change in her behavior too. With fewer distractions, Sofia seemed more focused and more content with her toys.

The Emotional Clutter

As I worked through each category, something unexpected happened. The KonMari Method was helping me declutter more than just physical things—it was making me confront the emotional baggage I’d been holding onto. Letting go of items I no longer needed wasn’t just about clearing space; it was about creating room for new possibilities in my life.

There were items I had been hanging onto out of guilt, like old gifts that didn’t match my style, or things I kept “just in case” they would be useful one day. Letting go of these things was surprisingly cathartic. It wasn’t just about freeing up space in my home—it was about freeing up space in my mind.

The more I let go, the more I realized that I was holding onto old versions of myself, and the act of decluttering was helping me release that baggage. It was like shedding layers of a past I no longer needed.

Tidying Up Our Mindset

One of the most significant shifts I noticed during this process was in my mindset. I had always struggled with the idea of “enough.” Would there ever be enough time? Enough energy? Enough patience? The KonMari Method helped me focus on what truly mattered and what I could let go of to make room for more of what I valued.

By organizing our space, I was teaching Sofia an important lesson, too. She watched as I carefully folded clothes, sorted through toys, and let go of things that no longer served us. I saw her start to embrace the idea of tidying up—not as a chore, but as a way to honor what we truly value.

I also realized that this wasn’t just about decluttering physical objects. It was about creating a home where I could feel at peace, where I could recharge and feel calm. I wanted to create a space that would nurture me and Sofia, not drain us.

The Power of Creating Space for What Matters

Now, every morning when I wake up, I’m not overwhelmed by a mess waiting for me. My home feels lighter. Sofia has her toys organized in a way that makes it easy for her to find what she wants to play with. And when it’s time to tidy up, it’s no longer a monumental task. The process of letting go has helped me make more intentional choices about what comes into our home and what stays.

But the biggest lesson I’ve learned through this entire process is that decluttering isn’t just about stuff. It’s about making space for joy. By clearing out the unnecessary, I’ve made room for the things that truly matter—quality time with Sofia, time for self-care, and the ability to breathe a little easier.

Here you can find, The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.

My Advice for Other Mamas

If you’re a busy mom feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your life, I encourage you to give the KonMari Method a try. Take it one step at a time—don’t try to do it all at once. Start with something small, like a drawer or a closet, and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” Let go of what no longer serves you, and create a space that truly supports your well-being.

The clutter you clear from your home can create space in your heart and mind, too. And that’s a powerful thing.

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