If the KonMari process has taught me anything, it’s that I’m not quite the minimalist I thought I was. Especially when it comes to toiletries. I mean, I knew I had a few bits and bobs, but THIS much?!
Nah. Must be someone else’s stuff, ‘cause I don’t wear skincare products or make-up so I can’t possibly have that many toiletries. Can I?!
Here’s the run down:
“Body” consisted of shower gels, lotions, shaving stuff, hand soap, etc. Haircare was made up of shampoos, conditioners, oils, clips, bobbins, sprays, hair dryer, straightener, curling tongs, gas cylinders, grips, hair bands, brushes and combs. I counted my hair clips as 1 and bobbins as 1 because… ain’t nobody got time for that shit. At a guess, I’d say I had about 200 clips and 50 bobbins. And that’s a conservative estimate. And then there was all the random stuff that had no real home.
Miscellaneous bits included:
- Cotton pads
- Safety pins
- Shoe polish
- Nasal spray
- Candle
- Badges (?)
- Measuring tape
- Small scissors
- Heel liners
- Mints
- Nail brush
- Body fat calliper
- Coldsore cream
- Tweezers
- Blackhead remover
- Compact mirror
- Measuring jug
And who needs 5 travel bags?! Not I.
In hindsight, it was a massive mistake not to break this down into sub-categories. Maybe bathroom products, haircare, and nail polishes and paraphernalia. Instead, I broke down the time I spent on it. It took me so long to gather it all together that I just left it for a day or two until I had the time to come back and tackle it. Then, after I’d decluttered it, I left the remainder for another day or two until I had the time to come back and organise it. Blah.
But I did it, and the bathroom stuff is now all perfectly presented in my tall cabinet and the rest is in storage containers in my bedroom.
Safe to say I’m a bit of a stockpiler so, though I don’t use that many products overall, I have multiples of most things. Still, at least I know they’re being used and enjoyed. And, whereas before I’d be out and about and spot a deal on something and buy it in bulk, now I can see at a glance that I already have enough stuff to last me over a year, so I can save my money for something a bit more joy-inducing than shower gel.
As usual, here’s a handy video. In it, I ramble about the process and beg you to keep a secret from my husband.
It’s been 2 months since I started the KonMari Method and I’m seeing big improvements around here. So, undeterred by the enormity of it all, and buoyed by the success so far, I’ll be tackling stationery next. My biggest weakness! Wish me luck!
5 responses
I’m trying to use up all of my products this year to get down to those I really love. I am making progress.
That’s the reason I kept so many things — to use them up. In the end I just dumped or donated them because, honestly, what’s the point in using things that don’t bring you joy? Donate them to a women’s shelter if they’ll take them and get straight to the good stuff. 😉
This category was quite simple for me. I don’t wear makeup/nail polish and I don’t have any perfume. I don’t even own a hairdryer. My biggest issue is that I have sensitive skin and it has taken me a long time to find products that I like, can afford long-term, and work. I also have very challenging hair it is very thick, very frizzy, and very coarse. After years of experimenting I finally found sulfate free products keep the frizz down and actually leave it feeling more like human hair. I hate throwing away products I have barely used even if they did give me a rash or leave me looking like I’d stuck my finger in a light socket. Some of these I passed to my daughter who thankfully does not have super sensitive skin or gigantic hair. Some I had to throw out even though it is wasteful. Hubbie has no issues he does not accumulate toiletries and keeps it basic. My daughter doesn’t wear makeup yet but she does have a lot nail polish. She also has the habit of partially using a soap or shampoo than switching to another bottle so all the bottles are half empty. We did have travel size stuff that was all expired. Hubbie picks it up when he goes on conferences and he thought our daughter would use them at gym when she showers but she doesn’t.
Isn’t it wonderful when you find an “easy” category? It gives you that boost you need to keep going. =)