1. Does it spark 'joy'?

Although this phrase has become more of a meme, I truly appreciate the sentiment behind it. The purpose of the mantra is to only have those belongings in our lives that add to the overall value of our environments. I see absolutely nothing wrong or exhausting about that.

2. Build one piece of furniture that you're proud of

For me, this was a beautiful IKEA bookshelf that I put together one evening. I am a major book nerd and a collector of books. Not having a place that highlights and preserves my favorite belongings placed a damper on my mood, especially when looking around my room. Now, I have a focal point that when I look towards, I feel a strong sense of pride and love.

3. Start with your purse or pack

If tackling a mess that looks something like the gif above, start with the small things. Regularly (if not nighty) emptying and re-packing purses, bags, and backpacks can help with a clean slate for the next day. By doing this, I am more likely to file my receipts from the day (preventing a crumpled up mess at the bottom) and tend to throw out all the wrappers and crumbs that accumulate.

4. Use post-it notes to create categories

I am a big fan of the Post-It note and other variations of it. Spinning 360-degrees around my room and my desk-space at work, you will find a note somewhere on every major surface of furniture and wall. I also love the fact that I can easily remove notes and recycle them so that I can physically feel the effects of finishing a task.

5. Start with one corner of the home

Even just your top desk drawer that contains all the horrors of five years of casual dumping efforts. This can seem the most intimidating, but at the end of the day, these drawers mostly have broken paper clips, hardened rubber bands, and random ideas scratched out onto paper that you can translate onto your phone. (Also, pro-tip: write out your creative ideas on paper if it's handy, but always remember to get it onto your phone later.)

6. Have a mini fashion show

This is my favorite part of any room clean-up. I sometimes clean my closet and drawers as a relaxation method. But, then again, that might make me a bit weird. I even cleaned my best friends' and my roommates' closets (after asking, of course) and took a lot of joy in it. I get to try on my clothes and see what fits and what doesn't, and if my roommates and I did it together, then we'd have a little apartment fashion show. If you are interested in donating, I have a great pro-tip a few points below.

7. Collect storage containers as you find them

This is definitely a KonMarie method tip that I have taken on for myself. I have decided to not buy any new storage or sorting containers until I have finished tidying up everything first. This might seem counter-intuitive, but really it ends up being super helpful and prevents over-buying.

8. Check out Instagram for ideas

I have a few Instagram accounts that I follow for interior decorating and storage ideas. The one of the best (in my humble opinion) is Bobby Berk's since he posts both about the places that he renovates and also his own home that he redecorates.

9. Donate, sell, and hand-down

Throwing away should not be the first option. If something is in relatively nice condition, pop it online and try to sell it. I have only used Facebook to sell through the UCLA Free and For Sale group. However, I know that Facebook marketplace, eBay and Depop are also relatively well-known selling platforms.

If the item isn't sellable or you aren't interested, then I highly recommend donating. For clothes, you can donate to thrift stores or charity shops, donate in those large receptacles for Clothes and Shoes, or even donate back to a store. I usually donate to H&M as they both donate and recycle clothing at all levels of quality and newness.

Also, pro-tip: H&M gives out 10% coupons for every bag of clothing that you donate.

Recycling electronics, plastics, and paper can be done at private recycling plants or even your local recycling center.

10. Be honest with yourself

This process of tidying will be inspiring, relieving, and a kind of awakening for your mind and soul. However, it will be equal parts frustrating, trying, and heartbreaking. Cut yourself some slack, but stay honest with yourself. You do not need that sweater that felt soft years ago and that has remained only as a ghost of comfort so many years later. You do not need every single photo from every single event that you attended in the last 15 years. Sometimes the memories along are enough and you do not need the physical object to weigh you down.

But, at the same time, keep all those things that being you that 'joy' that you always want to have around you.