Declutter Konmari Method for a More Organized Life

The Konmari Method is a decluttering approach that's all about sparking joy in your life. According to Marie Kondo, the founder of the method, decluttering is not just about getting rid of stuff, but about creating a more organized and fulfilling life.

To start, you'll want to gather all of your belongings and sort them into categories, such as clothes, books, and kitchen items. This process, known as the "Konmari Box", helps you see what you have and make intentional decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.

By holding each item and asking if it sparks joy, you'll begin to let go of things that no longer serve you. This is a crucial step in the decluttering process, as it helps you focus on what truly brings you happiness.

The goal of the Konmari Method is to create a space that feels peaceful and clutter-free, where you can find what you need quickly and easily.

Marie Kondo is a tidying expert from Japan.

She is the author of the New York Times best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and its companion, Spark Joy.

Marie Kondo has also starred in a Netflix series called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, where she coaches families, couples, and individuals with cluttered homes through her KonMari Method.

Her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up was first published in 2011 and became an international bestseller, introducing a radically new way of decluttering.

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Marie Kondo is a tidying expert from Japan.

She is the author of two best-selling books, including The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy.

Marie's books share her story of how she got into tidying and lay out the principles of her tidying process, known as the "KonMari Method".

Spark Joy is an illustrated guide that goes into greater detail on the finer points of the KonMari method, including how to fold clothes and store various items.

Marie has also starred in a Netflix series called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, where she coaches families, couples, and individuals with cluttered homes through her KonMari Method.

Marie Kondo became obsessed with tidying and organization at a very young age, spending hours in her room testing out different organizing strategies and techniques.

She experimented with various methods, some more effective than others, until she realized that the key to organizing was not only arranging things neatly, but also discarding items that didn't "spark joy".

This focus on discarding items became the foundation of her work, and she even went so far as to discard some of her family's items in secret, although she later learned that it's best to focus on one's own items rather than someone else's.

Marie Kondo wrote The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up to share her KonMari Method with the world, which has been a huge success and has helped thousands of people tidy their spaces.

In her book, she recommends tidying in a specific order: clothes, books, paper, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items, which can be a helpful approach for those who feel overwhelmed by clutter.

Marie Kondo's emphasis on "sparking joy" has inspired people to reexamine their belongings and let go of items that no longer bring them happiness.

The KonMari Method is a decluttering approach that emphasizes the importance of only keeping items that "spark joy." Marie Kondo, the founder of the method, recommends tidying by category, not by location, and starting with clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items.

You'll need to take every item in each category and bring it to one place to sort through them. This can be a time-consuming process, but it's essential to get rid of items that don't spark joy. Be sure to thank the items you're parting with, as this can help you let go without guilt.

The KonMari Method is not just about decluttering; it's a transformative experience that can help you make meaningful choices and find gratitude in everyday life. By following the method, you'll be able to free up space and enjoy your remaining items all the more.

The Six Basic Rules of tidying are a crucial part of the KonMari Method. These rules are meant to guide you through the process of decluttering and organizing your space.

First, it's essential to learn the lessons your decluttered items have to teach you, so take your time. Confront your feelings and express your gratitude before moving on.

To tidy effectively, Marie Kondo recommends starting with clothes, then books, paper, miscellaneous items, and finally sentimental items. This order makes sense because clothes are often the most overwhelming category.

The KonMari Method is all about sparking joy in your belongings. Ask yourself if each item sparks joy, and if not, consider letting it go.

To make the process easier, gather all items from a category and bring them to one place. This helps you see everything you own and make decisions about what to keep.

It's also essential to thank the items you're parting with, as this can help you let go without guilt.

The true purpose of tidying isn't to have a perfectly tidy home, but to learn to make meaningful choices and find gratitude in everyday life.

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Marie Kondo's KonMari Method is a game-changer for anyone looking to declutter their space and find joy in their belongings. The method is built around six basic rules that help you decide what to keep and what to let go of.

To get started, it's essential to learn the lessons your decluttered items have to teach you. Take your time, confront your feelings, and express gratitude before moving on.

The first rule is to gather all items of a particular category, such as clothes or books, and bring them to one place. This allows you to see everything you own and make decisions about what sparks joy.

The second rule is to hold each item in your hands and ask yourself if it sparks joy. This is a very personal experience, and it's essential to pay attention to your physical response.

The third rule is to decide what to keep and what to discard based on whether it sparks joy. If it does, it goes in the 'keep' pile; if not, it goes in the 'discard' pile.

It's also essential to express gratitude for the items you discard, and thank them for the service they provided in your daily life.

Marie Kondo recommends tidying in the following order: clothes, books, paper, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items. This order helps you build momentum and confidence as you work through each category.

Here's a rough outline of the KonMari Method categories:

The KonMari Method is not just about decluttering your space; it's also about learning to make meaningful choices and finding gratitude in everyday life. By following the six basic rules and working through each category, you'll be able to find joy in your belongings and create a more organized and peaceful living space.

The decluttering process can be overwhelming, but with the KonMari Method, you can break it down into manageable steps. Start by finishing discarding first, gathering all items in a category together in one place, and handling each item to discover whether it sparks joy.

It's essential to focus on discarding before worrying about storage, as you may find that storage pieces are freed up during the process. This makes it unnecessary to go out and buy more storage items.

Tidy by category, not by location, to make more accurate decisions about what to keep and what to discard. For each category, gather all items together and handle each one to determine if it sparks joy.

You don't move on to the next category until you're completely done, as this helps build momentum and makes the process easier. Start with clothes, as they are often less sentimental than other possessions.

Within the clothing category, move from decluttering tops first, then bottoms, followed by jackets, and then on to socks and undergarments. This order makes sense because your closet is a space you see every day, and having it tidy will be the motivation you need to keep you going.

The specific order of the categories is also important, ranging from the easiest (clothing) to the most difficult (sentimental items). This order helps you learn to flex your decluttering muscles on the more replaceable items before building up to the hardest parts.

You can even try the "Move Out Method" by pretending to move to a smaller space and sorting through your belongings as if you were packing them up. This can help you see what you really need and what you can get rid of.

The KonMari Method requires a significant amount of time and effort to be effective.

Marie emphasizes that to experience the "dramatic changes" her clients have described and have lasting success, the tidying process must be completed quickly, all in one shot.

The timeline will vary based on several factors, including how many people live in the home and how much "stuff" needs to be tidied. Most of her clients finish the process in six months or less.

The KonMari Method can be a game-changer for your space and sanity, but it does require a significant time commitment.

Marie emphasizes that to experience the "dramatic changes" her clients have described and have lasting success, the tidying process must be completed quickly, all in one shot.

Most of her clients finish the process in six months or less, which is a relatively short timeframe considering the benefits of a clutter-free home.

The KonMari Method really works, or at least it did for one person who said their house stayed less cluttered and more organized since reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up in 2015.

Following the KonMari Method correctly from start to finish can lead to discarding a significant number of belongings and freeing up large amounts of space.

You'll also start to apply the 'sparks joy' criteria to all aspects of your life, choosing the most fulfilling activities and hobbies.

It's not just about decluttering, but a truly transformative experience that can change your life.

Some people find that tweaking the method to suit their needs and personality works better for them than following it exactly as laid out.

Even Marie Kondo, the creator of the KonMari Method, seems to have softened her stance on this, giving tips on how to live with family members' untidiness and encouraging people to not worry if they fail.

By the end of Spark Joy, Marie acknowledges that it's okay to learn to live with a little bit of mess and that your house won't blow up if you don't tidy up perfectly.

The KonMari Method is a game changer for many people, and one of the key benefits is the emphasis on intentionally deciding what to keep rather than what to get rid of.

Assuming everything is going and just picking the things you actually use and love is incredibly freeing, and it has kept people from falling into the "but what if I need that someday..." trap.

The method encourages you to tidy up and remove unnecessary items consistently rather than do a major cleaning occasionally, which can be overwhelming and lead to burnout.

Expressing gratitude for the items you discard is an important step in the KonMari process, as it helps you let go of items that no longer serve you and appreciate the things that bring you joy.

By focusing on the things that spark joy, you'll find that your closet stays neater, and you're less likely to throw your items on the floor if you decide not to wear them or are in a hurry.

Dealing with sentimental items can be tough, but Marie Kondo says that by the time you get to this category, you've already become good at making decisions and figuring out what sparks joy for you.

It's helpful to remember that handling each sentimental item and deciding what to discard is a way of processing your past.

According to Marie Kondo, "By handling each sentimental item and deciding what to discard, you process your past" (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, page 116).

You can see the process of tidying up sentimental items in action by checking out Marie Kondo's method for organizing sentimental items.

Expressing gratitude for the items you discard is an important part of the KonMari process, and it's also a good idea to thank the items you'll be keeping for the service they've provided in your daily life.

Marie Kondo emphasizes that tidying up is a personal process, and you should avoid outside influences that might sway your opinion.

You should also not discard the belongings of anyone else who lives in your home without their permission.

By following Marie Kondo's method and tidying up by category, you can make meaningful choices and find gratitude in everyday life.

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The KonMari Method emphasizes intentionally deciding what to keep, rather than what to get rid of, which is a small but important mindset shift.

This shift allows you to focus on what sparks joy, rather than accumulating more stuff. By doing so, you'll be less likely to fall into the "but what if I need that someday" trap.

Marie Kondo's method encourages you to tidy up and remove unnecessary items consistently, rather than doing a major cleaning occasionally. This helps you develop a new mindset regarding clutter and organization.

The KonMari Method is not just about decluttering, but also about acquiring a new mindset that values simplicity and gratitude. By letting go of items that don't spark joy, you'll be able to focus on what truly brings you happiness.

To help you make this mindset shift, Marie Kondo recommends holding each item in your hands and asking yourself if it sparks joy. This simple yet powerful question can help you tune into your physical response and make intentional decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.

By adopting this mindset, you'll be able to approach decluttering with a sense of curiosity and openness, rather than dread and obligation. You'll be able to see the process of tidying up as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than just a chore to be completed.

Folding and storage is a crucial part of the KonMari Method, and Marie Kondo recommends folding as many clothes as possible. Folding helps keep clothes organized and accessible.

To determine what to hang and what to fold, consider the type of fabric and cut of the garment. Hang clothes made with soft materials that flutter in the breeze or have highly tailored cuts, such as blouses and dresses.

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The file folding method is a game-changer for keeping clothes organized and clutter-free.

Using a filing method for folding clothes, like the KonMari Method, allows for easy storage and can help reduce clutter in drawers.

My boys share a not-huge dresser, and the filing method makes it possible to fit everything in one piece of furniture.

With the traditional stacking method, it's unlikely that all their clothes would fit in one dresser.

The Two-Part System is a crucial part of the KonMari Method, and it's surprisingly simple. It's all about discarding and organizing, and you must complete the discarding stage fully before you can organize the items you plan to keep.

To start, you'll need to remove the clutter, which is the first part of the system. This means getting rid of anything that doesn't spark joy or serve a purpose. Remember, Kondo favors "ultimate simplicity" in storage, so be ruthless – keep only what brings you joy.

Once you've cleared out the clutter, you can move on to organizing the items you plan to keep. This is where the idea of keeping like items together comes in – a primary principle of ultimate simplicity. For example, keep coats in one closet rather than in various closets and hooks.

To fold clothes, you need to create a rectangle shape and then fold it as many times as needed to fit in your drawer. This unique folding technique allows clothes to take up minimal space.

The KonMari Method of folding means that your clothes should stand upright of their own accord. This makes it easy to see and access each item.

Lighter coloured items should be stored in front with darker items at the back in a drawer. This helps maintain a neat and tidy appearance.

Folding clothes using the KonMari Method can be a game-changer for shared dresser spaces. It allows you to fit more items in a smaller area.

To make the decluttering process more manageable, consider breaking it down into smaller tasks, such as decluttering one category of items at a time.

Decluttering by category helps you focus on a specific area, like clothing or books, and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the entire house.

Start by gathering all items in a particular category, like all your clothes or kitchen utensils, and sort them into three piles: keep, donate, and discard.

This approach helps you see what you have and make intentional decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.

Make sure to handle each item only once to save time and mental energy.

If you're unsure about an item, ask yourself if it sparks joy, a key principle of the KonMari method.

The KonMari Method for decluttering clothes is a game-changer. You'll start by gathering all your clothes in one pile, including those from your closet, drawers, laundry basket, coat rack, and anywhere else they might be hiding. This is where your KonMari journey begins, and it will be one of the most rewarding categories.

The key is to make quick decisions, not to try on items or reminisce about the last time you wore them. This will slow you down and break your momentum. If you're unsure about an item, set it aside for now.

Some items of clothing are more mementos than anything, and it's perfectly fine to keep them, but if you're not currently wearing them, get them out of your closet and save them for the sentimental category. Don't keep an item just because it cost a lot – the money is gone, and you won't feel better about it by wearing the item.

You'll want to decide what to hang and what to fold. Marie Kondo recommends folding as many items as possible, but she makes exceptions for clothes that would be happier hung up, such as soft materials or highly tailored cuts.

Here's a rough guide to help you decide:

Remember, tidying by category, not location, is key. Gather all your clothes together, handle each item to discover if it sparks joy, and keep or discard accordingly. Don't jump between categories – start with clothes and finish before moving on to the next category.

Decluttering books can be a tough category, but Marie Kondo recommends keeping only the ones that spark joy. This means taking each book in your hands and asking if it sparks joy, rather than just glancing at the spines.

If a book has been sitting on a shelf for a long time and hasn't been read, it's likely never will be. This is where the "spark joy" rule comes in - if a book doesn't spark joy, it's time to let it go.

You can also use your library's app to see if you can easily get your hands on another copy of a book. This can make it easier to part with your own copy. Bonus points if it's from the library, because it'll be free!

Don't deprive a fellow bookworm of a book that could bring them joy. If you're not truly excited to read a book, it's okay to let it go. There are eleventy bajillion books out there, and you don't have to force yourself to read something that isn't speaking to your soul.

Marie Kondo recommends that you keep only the books that spark joy, but she also says that if something sparks joy, you can keep as many as you like. So don't worry if you have a lot of books - just focus on keeping the ones that bring you joy.

Here are three tips to help you declutter your book collection:

As for papers, Marie Kondo recommends discarding nearly everything. However, there are some essential pieces that you'll need to keep. To make it easier, divide papers into two categories: papers that need to be saved and papers that need some sort of action to be taken.

If a paper doesn't need to be saved or actioned, it's time to let it go. And remember, you can always find digital versions of statements and user manuals online, unless it's something like a birth certificate where a hard copy is necessary.

To stem the flow of paper clutter, switch to e-statements, get off junk mail lists, and cancel unwanted magazine and newspaper subscriptions. This will make it easier to keep your papers organized and clutter-free.

Here are three tips to help you declutter your papers:

The KonMari method is all about finding joy in the things you own, not getting rid of everything. Focus on what you want to keep instead of what you want to discard.

When organizing your closet, start with a "rise to the right" approach, placing longer and darker pieces on the left and lighter and shorter items on the right. This will give you an uplifting feeling.

Using matching hangers can create a clean and uniform look, but it's not necessary. If you're short on space, slim hangers work well.

By giving each item a clear and distinct home, you'll avoid clutter and make your life easier. Make each item have a dedicated space in your home, and put it there each time you're done using it.

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Focusing too much on organizational systems can be a hindrance to achieving a vibrant and happy life. Putting your house in order is the magic that creates a vibrant and happy life.

The Konmari method suggests that decluttering your home while keeping organizational systems in mind can make all the difference.

You want to make sure you don't overemphasize the system, or you'll end up with a cluttered home and a cluttered mind.

It's free to KonMari your home, but you may incur costs for storage products. You can start decluttering and organizing without spending a dime.

Some common costs to consider include the purchase of storage products. These can add up quickly, so it's essential to plan ahead.

Hiring a KonMari consultant or professional organizer can also increase your expenses.

The KonMari Method is to be tackled all at once, not in small steps or a little at a time. This means clearing the clutter in one go, which may take several weeks or months, but will make future organizing more straightforward.

Unlike other methods, the KonMari Method goes by category, not room by room. The five categories are clothes, books, papers, 'komono' (miscellaneous), and mementoes (sentimental).

Marie Kondo describes this process as a "tidying festival", which is a great way to approach it. After all, it's not just about decluttering, but about creating a more organized and peaceful living space.

The KonMari Method is not a one-day task, but rather a process that requires commitment and hard work. As Marie Kondo says, her students need to be very committed to the method to see the best results.

In fact, 38% of people I surveyed said they found the book "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" incredibly helpful in understanding and completing the KonMari Method. So, don't skip the book, it's definitely worth reading.

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Decluttering can be a daunting task, but being aware of the potential obstacles can help you stay on track. It's essential to acknowledge the common challenges that people face when trying to declutter their homes.

You may feel overwhelmed if you try to tackle your entire home at once. Marie Kondo recommends that you follow the order of categories when decluttering, which can help make the process more manageable.

Divide each category into subcategories if you feel too overwhelmed, and remember to hold every item and ask yourself if it sparks joy. This simple question can help you make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.

One of the biggest challenges is maintaining your space after decluttering. It's essential to store items in a way that makes sense, such as storing items of a similar material together.

Here are some tips for storing items:

Remember that your surroundings and stuff will be greatly impacted by major life events, such as moving or having children. It's essential to re-visit your categories every so often to ensure that your belongings still spark joy.

Marie Kondo became a tidying expert at a young age, spending hours in her room testing out different organizing strategies and techniques. She was even forbidden from tidying her family's items after being caught discarding some of theirs.

Marie Kondo's KonMari Method emphasizes the importance of "spark joy", a concept that has inspired thousands of people to reexamine their belongings. This means deciding what to keep by asking your heart, not just your head.

The KonMari Method recommends tidying in a specific order: clothes, books, paper, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items. This approach helps you focus on each category separately.

Marie Kondo's method is not just about having a perfectly tidy home, but about making meaningful choices and finding gratitude in everyday life. This mindset shift can make decluttering feel less daunting.

Marie Kondo encourages people to tidy by category, not by location, which can help you see what you really need and what you can let go of.