August 6, 2025

This week, we had a special workshop where our club engaged in a transformative decluttering workshop led by Young Hash, a certified professional organizer trained in the KonMari Method by Marie Kondo and founder of her professional organizing service, Lavender & Olive. The evening was filled with insightful discussions, practical demonstrations, and an interactive decluttering activity that left us inspired to tackle our own spaces.

Young opened the workshop by sharing her personal journey into the world of decluttering and organization. She emphasized that decluttering is not merely about tidying up physical spaces but is deeply intertwined with our emotional and mental well-being. As she quoted Marie Kondo, “Decluttering is the act of facing ourselves,” she encouraged us to view their spaces as reflections of their inner lives.

Throughout the workshop, Young highlighted the significance of committing to the decluttering process. She introduced the six essential rules of the KonMari Method, which include:

1. Commit to the Process: Understand that decluttering is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.
2. Imagine Your Ideal Lifestyle: Visualize the life you want to lead, which will motivate you to declutter.
3. Finish Discarding Before Organizing: Prioritize letting go of items that no longer serve you.
4. Tidy by Category, Not Location: Gather all items of a specific category to assess their volume and significance.
5. Ask Yourself if It Sparks Joy: Evaluate each item based on whether it brings you joy or adds value to your life.
6. Let Go with Gratitude: Acknowledge the role of each item in your life before releasing it.

In-person members and guests were then divided into groups for a hands-on decluttering activity. Each group tackled a box of assorted items, applying the principles they had just learned. From sorting through clothes to organizing books, the collaborative effort showcased the power of community in overcoming the challenges of decluttering.

As the workshop concluded, Young encouraged attendees to reflect on their own spaces and identify areas that could benefit from decluttering. She emphasized that even small changes can lead to significant improvements in one’s mental and emotional state.

This workshop served as a reminder that decluttering is not just about physical space; it’s about creating a sanctuary for our minds and souls. As we embark on our decluttering journeys, let us remember that every item we choose to keep or let go of is a step toward a more intentional and fulfilling life.

See you at our next meeting!