Japan keeps sending us cleaning and ordering systems. After the worldwide success of Marie Kondo, now it is the turn of the method 5s. A method that is really not new, but that is beginning to gain strength in Spain at the moment.
The 5s system is a methodology of order and cleanliness very simple that originally served to organize and optimize workspaces (we all know how important it is to maintain order in the office to be more creative and productive). And from the office, the system was quickly extrapolated to homes.
Why is it called the 5s method?
The method is based on 5 Japanese words starting with S: seiri, seito, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke. And each one of them is a step in the strategy aimed at ensuring that order reigns in our home, to make it a better place. To start with the 5s method, you have to first choose a room to start with. And from there, work the rest of the house.
Seiri: classification and elimination of the unnecessary
The first point is the Seiri: the moment when we must classify, separate and eliminate everything that is left over or that we do not need. At this point, Marie Kondo would be happy. This first step will help us free up space so that the room is lighter and more pleasant.
It begins by analyzing the elements in the room, thinking about whether their presence is necessary. To make everything easier, you can make several piles to classify what you want to have on hand, what you are going to store (for example, documents), what you want to give, donate or sell, and what you are going to throw away to free up space physical.
The advice: let this sorting process be quick and instinctive like yes or no. If you think about it a lot, you will not get rid of many things that you do not really use, or that you do not need.
‘Seito’: everything in its place
When we have already selected and classified the objects, it is time to order them so that we can use them (and find them) comfortably and quickly in our day to day life.
Each thing must be in a certain place. And also, with some logic. The things or garments that you use daily, should be in an accessible and visible place so as not to waste time when looking for it.
For example, when ordering cabinets or drawers, place what you use most often in comfortable areas within easy reach of your eyes and hands. The things you use less, use upper compartments, such as the mezzanines, or lower ones, such as the storage space under the sofa. In the kitchen, follow the same procedure: the tools that you use the most, store them in the most accessible drawers.
The advice: use baskets, boxes with labels, food containers, filing cabinets … everything that can help you to get everything in its place is welcome.
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Six
The third phase of this method of Japanese order goes hand in hand with cleaning. Because if you want order at home, you will have to have the house like a whistle. To achieve this, cleaning is not enough. We must integrate the prevention of dirt in our day to day, (applying what is cleaner is not the cleanest, but the least stain).
In this sense, this method tells us to establish daily cleaning habits, such as spending a few minutes cleaning before going to work, in order to fill the space with good energy. Also take the opportunity to ventilate and allow pure air and energy to invade your home.
The advice: Before After leaving the house, collect in the living room everything that bothers you in sight: magazines, mail, some keys. At bedtime, spend a few minutes tidying up the bedroom, picking up clothes, shoes, accessories that are on the bed or in the armchair.
A groomsman will help you have the bedroom more tidy, by leaving the clothes that you will put on the next day ready (49.95 euros).
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‘Seiketsu’
The 5s method asks us to establish cleanliness and order habits in our house. And to achieve this, he asks us to set daily routines of a few minutes to clean, clean up, and make the house lighter. He does not ask us for great efforts such as cleaning the room daily and in depth.
What he asks of us is routines for picking up clothes, placing remote controls, books and magazines, the teleworking corner … This process will help you maintain order in the things that you had previously classified and ordered. .
To keep the remote controls in order, this bracket will be great for you. It costs 26.99 euros on Amazon.
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The advice: Focus especially on having the magnet areas in order (those areas in which we usually accumulate objects, such as the hall dresser, the table or coffee table in the living room, or the bedside tables in the bedroom). With these simple gestures, we will ensure that our house does not fall into disorder again, preserving peace and comfort in our home.
‘Shitsuke’: discipline is essential
If we want to establish new habits of cleanliness and order at home, discipline is key. And that is why the fifth step of this Japanese method invites us to work on discipline and commitment to order. To achieve that discipline, you have to establish cleaning habits.
In addition to the commitment to collect for a few minutes each day, we must also establish weekly and monthly routines (such as deep cleaning a room, the refrigerator, the dressing room …) to maintain what is obtained and that the house is always in order.
The advice: To establish the routines and involve the whole family, you can prepare a calendar with the weekly and monthly routines, indicating the activity, and the family member who has to perform it.
A house cleaning planner with a checklist and notes will be of great help. It costs 6.23 euros.
House Cleaning Planner: Home Cleaning Planner with Checklists and Notes for Success Organized in Your House, Housework Planner.
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