In the KonMari process, each time you tackle a category the event is called a "festival". So I call this one ”The Festival of Sundries.” You're going to declutter all the health, wellness, and beauty products you have, no matter where they are in your home– let's dive in!
Start by taking a basket or bin and collect everything in your house that fits in this category. My method is to enter each room and go clockwise around it, opening every door, cabinet, and drawer to search for items. Go through the entire house to gather all your health and wellness products including heating pads, bandages, sunscreen, and bug spray – and don’t forget your pet’s healthcare! Use this checklist to help in your hunt! Download PDF- Sundries Komono Checklist
Once you have everything in one location, sort by categories. Sort top to toes- hair care, lotions and skin care, makeup, dental care, medicine, first aid, shaving/hair removal, and so on. If you are doing this process and a family member has items to be tidied, gather their things but don’t mix them in with yours. Keep their things together – you’re not going to discard anything unless they give you permission. OK, you can KonMari for the dog….
Next, go through each category and eliminate expired items. According to Marie Kondo, many of these items have a limited shelf life. Skincare and toiletries last 1-2 years, 3 years if unopened. Once opened, powdered items will keep for 2-3 years, lipstick one year, liquid makeup a year. Medicines have an expiration date. The FDA requires sunscreen to have an expiration date unless it is proven to last for three years. Anything older than three years should go. Tidy up other family members things, but don’t discard any.
Then, touch each item and determine if it sparks joy. You may wonder “does my toothbrush really bring me joy?” Think of it this way– joy can exist in the pure thrill of a lipstick color that you love, or the “joy” of knowing that you’re taking care of your dental health.
Next, discard the expired items, anything you’re no longer using, and those items that don’t spark joy. Dispose of them safely and with respect to the environment (learn how to safely dispose of drugs here).
Congratulations! You’re ready to store the remaining items. It’s nice to open a window and air out the space. Wash and dry any products or items that are sticky or messy, as well as the storage containers and the spaces where they’re stored. Sort like with like, or sort by use i.e. things you use for your morning routine.
Then place into containers. Little boxes and baskets you find around the house will work just fine. If you decide you want to style your shelfie, go wild with pretty containers. Get some inspiration here on Pinterest (of course!) I like to use these stacking bamboo box tray organizers to divide items by frequency of use.
The tray on the left contains everything that is used to get ready on a typical day. It can be taken out of the drawer and placed on the vanity (no more digging around in drawers!) This “daily container” works well if you have roommates too. Each person can keep their beauty stash in their own room, not in the bathroom.
This process is actually pretty fun. The results are dramatic and transformative- you’ve just made yourself a special guest in your own home! It’s a simple luxury that’s the foundation for an enjoyable (and more efficient!) self-care routine.
Before….
After!