By: Lauren McRae

Japanese organizational expert and Netflix sensation Marie Kondo says the act of tidying up sparks joy. A clear living space = a clear mind.

So if you’re ready to declutter your life, here’s how to get started:

1. Time yourself. Don’t get sucked down the rabbit hole of decluttering. Setting a timer will ground you in reality, plus working in increments makes the task more manageable.
2. Start small. Take it one step at a time by focusing on specific categories. Maybe attack your closet first, then move on to papers, DVDs, cookware, etc.
3. Put it to the test. As you consider each item, judge its value by asking yourself: “When was the last time I used this?” If it no longer sparks joy, it’s probably time to say bye-bye.
4. Phone a friend. Don’t go it alone. Bring in an objective opinion to help you decide what should go in the trash pile.