Streamlining Chaotic Clothes Drawers: Adopting the Japanese Philosophy of 'Mottainai' for a More Sustainable Lifestyle
As a cluttered fashionista dealing with limited space, my messy bedroom drawers were an obvious eyesore. I've tried every organization tactic imaginable, but one thing I hadn't explored was the Japanese concept of 'Mottainai'. Here's my experience applying it to my clothing chaos.
Embracing the Japanese Philosophy: Mottainai for My Drawers
Professional organizer Di Ter Avest, founder of Diisorganized, explains Mottainai: an intimate Japanese organizing technique that translates to "don't waste" or "what a waste." Beyond that, it's about respecting and fully utilizing what we own, whether it's food, time, or even clothes. It's a reminder to be mindful, use what we have, and avoid neglect or excess.
By adopting this philosophy, I sought to ensure that everything in my wardrobe got utilized, especially amidst the underconsumption trend. Ben Soreff, a professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, added that Mottainai can be a valuable resource for efficiently maximizing space in drawers.
With a move on the horizon, I wanted to declutter intentionally. Mottainai proved to be the perfect ally in my quest to think like a professional organizer and start packing light.
Organizing My Drawers With Mottainai
1. Empty and Categorize
Any effective declutter must start with the fundamentals. That means pulling out every item, drawer by drawer. By categorizing my clothes ahead of time (skirts, dresses, trousers, etc.), I avoided common home organizing mistakes.
2. Review Thoughtfully
Now came the challenging part: Evaluating each piece of clothing based on the principles of the chaotic decluttering method. The Mottainai philosophy, with its focus on sustainability and minimizing waste, guided my decision-making process. By considering when I last wore each item and if I'd realistically wear it again, I was able to effortlessly reduce clutter without causing undue guilt.
Professional organizer Ben utilized Mottainai to highlight the importance of reviewing one's belongings: "People often throw their socks in drawers and believe they've finished organizing, but they neglect to review. You may discover socks with missing pairs, stains, or that belong somewhere else."
To minimize waste, discard damaged items, but consider donating clothes that are still in good condition to charities offering fabric recycling.
3. Re-organize Mindfully
Once I had critically evaluated my clothing, I used the 'file folding' method to neatly put everything back in its place. By considering the value of each item and adopting the Mottainai philosophy, my clothes no longer felt like an overwhelming mess but rather a thoughtfully-curated collection.
The Verdict
I wholeheartedly endorse the approach of Mottainai, particularly when it comes to managing fashion clutter. Di, a professional organizer, agreed, stating:
For deep drawers, this method was incredibly effective, and I found it to be a mindful approach to decluttering rather than a harsh exercise to be more ruthless.
What to Buy
Looking for some organization tools to help your Mottainai journey? Check out these useful options:
1. Folding Boards
If you struggle with folding clothes neatly, consider investing in a folding board. Suitable for various garments, these boards are easy to use and sturdy, making perfect additions to your organizing toolkit.
2. Drawer Organizers
If you have limited drawers and fewer categories for your clothes, consider using drawer organizers to keep items neatly categorized. Collapsible and lightweight, these organizers are perfect for efficient storage.
3. Clothes Racks
A humble clothes rack can help maximize hanging space, which is essential for deep drawers. Affordable, sturdy, and helpful in keeping your clothes organized, try a clothes rack to transform the way you store your wardrobe.
Meet Our Experts
Ben's experience with level five hoarders has given him unique insights into mindful decluttering without promoting unnecessary waste. Di has helped numerous clients transform their relationships with clutter, using methods such as Mottainai to streamline their spaces[2][3].
It's not just clothing drawers that can benefit from the Mottainai approach. For example, freelance writer Rebecca Shepherd utilized Mottainai to declutter her kitchen cabinets, while Chiana Dickson, a content editor on Solved, used the Japanese concept of 'Mottainai' to organize her living room shelves. Whether you're tidying up your wardrobe or rearranging your entire home, Mottainai's thoughtful and deliberate philosophy can help guide you along the way.
[1] Di Ter Avest, Diisorganized, https://diisorganized.com/
[2] House to Home Organizing, https://www.housetohomeorganizing.com/
[3] Solved, https://www.solved.com/
- Incorporating Mottainai into my organizing routine allowed me to extend its principles beyond my wardrobe, like Chiana Dickson who successfully applied it to her living room shelves.
- With a desire to organize not only my clothing drawers but also my kitchen and garden essentials, I will also seek the application of Mottainai techniques to my home-and-garden items, following the example set by freelance writer Rebecca Shepherd in her kitchen cabinets.
