It’s January in Ottawa. Outside, the Rideau Canal is (hopefully!) freezing over, and the wind chill is making us all want to hunker down until May. But inside? Inside, you’re looking at that "everything drawer" or the mountain of holiday boxes and feeling… overwhelmed.
I get it. The New Year brings a beautiful surge of "I’m going to change everything!" energy, but it often fizzles out by the time we hit the first February blizzard.
If you’re craving a home that feels like a sanctuary rather than a storage unit, 2026 is the year we stop "cleaning" and start tidying. As a Certified KonMari Consultant, I’m here to tell you that the KonMari Method™ isn’t about throwing everything away—it’s about making room for what sparks joy.
Here is your (rather simplified) guide to starting your journey toward a calm, curated home this year.
1. Commit Yourself to Tidying
The first step of the KonMari Method™ isn't picking up an item; it’s a mental shift. Decide that you are going to finish the cycle. In Ottawa, we know how to commit to a long winter— so think of this as your indoor tidying marathon, or festival as us KonMari Consultants like to call it.
2. Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle
Close your eyes. When you walk through your front door after a long day at work (or a long day of working from your kitchen table), how do you want to feel? Do you want to see a clear entryway with a dedicated spot for your heavy winter boots? Do you want a bedroom that feels like a boutique hotel?
Now keep that image handy! Either in your mind, your Pinterest account, or an actual vision board. This vision is going to be your North Star when the tidying gets tough.
3. Tidy by Category, Not Location
This is the KonMari secret sauce. Instead of tidying the spare room on Sunday and the linen closet on Tuesday, we tidy by category. We start with clothing, then books, paper, komono (miscellaneous), and finally, sentimental items.
Why? Well because when you see all your clothes from every closet in the house in one giant pile on your bed, it’s a reality check. It’s also the moment you realize you probably don't need seventeen "just-in-case" black cardigans.
4. Does it Spark Joy?
Hold each item. Yes, actually hold it. If it gives you a little "thrill" or a sense of quiet contentment, it stays. If it’s a "maybe," or if it’s an expensive blender you’ve never used but feel guilty about… it is time to say thank you and let it go with gratitude.
5. Seek Support (In-Person or On-Screen)
Tidying is an emotional process. Whether you’re here in Ottawa and want me by your side to tackle all of your mugs and high school yearbooks, or you’re joining me virtually from across the globe, having a coach keeps you accountable.
I help you navigate the "messy middle" so you can reach the finish line.
Ready to make 2026 your simplest year yet?
If the thought of starting alone feels like trying to shovel a driveway during a snow squall, let’s chat. I offer in-person sessions across Ottawa and virtual coaching for clients everywhere else.