With the daily demands of juggling work, errands, and for some, studies, tidying up our homes often feels like a luxury we simply can’t afford. For many, it’s either a matter of not having the time or not knowing where—and how—to begin.

In the recent Our Home Masterclass series titled “Finding Home: Creating Space for What Truly Matters,” held on June 18, 2025, at SM Megamall Building, certified KonMari consultant Christine Dychiao offered actionable tips to help anyone kickstart their decluttering journey.

Originally developed by Marie Kondo, the KonMari method is a thoughtful, joy-driven approach to organizing. It encourages people to keep only the items that truly spark joy—and to let go of the rest.

Here are three key takeaways from Christine’s masterclass:

According to Christine, decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about cultivating joy by being intentional with what we choose to keep.

“If you really want to enjoy life, you have to find what brings you joy, what really matters to you,” she said. “Start with your physical surroundings, the things in your home, the things that you own. If you start with that, you will see that life will become more intentional. It’s a process but it can be done.”

Christine emphasized the six rules of tidying: commit to decluttering, imagine your ideal lifestyle, finish discarding first, tidy by category (not location), follow the right order, and ask yourself if it sparks joy.

One of the most crucial parts, she shared, is following the correct sequence—saving sentimental items for last.

“Your decision-making confidence improves as you work on the less personal categories, so by the time you get to the sentimental items, you are less emotional,” she explained.

For those struggling with guilt over letting go, Christine advised finding new homes for items that no longer bring joy—allowing others to benefit from them and giving those objects renewed purpose.

Let’s face it—decluttering can feel daunting. But according to Christine, there’s a trick to making it manageable: keep it within a three-hour window.

“Make it your priority. Make time and commit to it,” Christine said. “By doing that, 90 percent of your home will be tidy. And in reality, it will only take three hours to declutter, it will not take the whole day or the whole week. Let go of that mental block. Don’t go beyond three hours because mentally you’ll be tired. You can’t declutter the whole day. You won’t make the right decisions after three hours.”

Practical solutions can make a huge difference. Christine encouraged using clever, low-cost systems to keep things in order—without needing to splurge.

“Right now we have a lot of practical solutions to take care of our things. Try stocking things up, also known as the Matryoshka doll storage method. This is a more sensible thing to do. You can do it with your kitchen utensils or bags,” Christine said. “For little items, think bento. You don’t even have to buy those organizers. Just do the bento style. Then put small items together like perfumes, candles. Be creative. You don’t have to keep on buying.”

She also emphasized choosing furniture that doubles as storage. In shared spaces, storage ottomans can house games or throws while serving as extra seating. Entertainment centers with cable management systems help hide wires without compromising style. Stylish baskets and bins keep everyday clutter under control and can make quick tidy-ups before guests arrive effortless.

In the bedroom, under-bed storage for off-season clothing or linens and wardrobes with thoughtful internal layouts help streamline routines. Nightstands with drawers and charging ports keep essentials organized but out of sight.

For those working from home, a dedicated workspace with proper filing systems and desktop organizers can significantly boost focus and reduce stress. When everything has a designated place, your environment becomes more productive—and peaceful.

The good thing is, this type of furniture can be found at the Our Home Storage Solution collection. It features everything from modular closet systems that adapt to changing needs, to beautifully crafted wooden drawers that are as aesthetic as they are functional. Each piece is chosen for its durability, practicality, and ability to stand up to everyday family life.

The beauty of Our Home’s Storage Solution line lies in its accessibility. With 33 branches nationwide, customers can see and feel the materials for themselves. In-store consultations are also available to help them tailor their choices to their unique space and lifestyle needs.

Decluttering isn’t just about tidiness. It’s a shift toward intentional living. And with the right mindset—and a few creative strategies—you can start reclaiming your space, one joyful item at a time.