The KonMari Method: A Life-Changing Approach to Tidying Up
Discover Marie Kondo's revolutionary tidying method that transforms not just your space, but your entire life through mindful organization.
Lisa Anderson
Organization Specialist
Marie Kondo revolutionized the way we think about organization with her KonMari Method. But this isn't just about tidying up your space - it's about transforming your relationship with your possessions and, ultimately, your life.
Core Philosophy: Keep only things that "spark joy" and let go of everything else with gratitude. This simple principle has transformed millions of lives worldwide.
What Is the KonMari Method?
The KonMari Method is a decluttering and organizing system created by Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo. Unlike traditional tidying approaches that focus on where to put things, KonMari focuses on what to keep.
Key Principles
Commit to Tidying Up
Make a clear decision and commit to the process completely.
Imagine Your Ideal Lifestyle
Before you start, visualize how you want to live.
Finish Discarding First
Complete the decluttering process before organizing.
Tidy by Category, Not Location
Gather all items of the same type from throughout your home.
Follow the Right Order
Start with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous items, and finally sentimental items.
Ask If It Sparks Joy
Hold each item and ask yourself if it brings you joy.
Understanding "Spark Joy"
The phrase "spark joy" is at the heart of the KonMari Method. But what does it actually mean?
How to Identify Joy
✅ It Sparks Joy When:
- • You feel a little thrill when you touch it
- • It makes you smile or feel positive
- • You can clearly see yourself using it in your ideal life
- • You feel energized, not drained, by its presence
❌ It Doesn't Spark Joy When:
- • You feel guilty about not using it
- • You keep it "just in case"
- • It feels heavy or burdensome
- • You forgot you even owned it
Important Note: Some items may not spark joy but are necessary (like a plunger). That's okay! The method also accounts for functional items you need.
The KonMari Order: Step by Step
Marie Kondo recommends following this specific order because it builds your "joy-checking" skills gradually, from easiest to most difficult.
1Clothes
Start with clothing because it's the easiest category to make decisions about. Gather ALL your clothes from everywhere in your home.
Subcategories to tackle in order:
- Tops (shirts, sweaters, etc.)
- Bottoms (pants, skirts, etc.)
- Clothes that hang (dresses, jackets, coats)
- Socks
- Underwear
- Bags
- Accessories (scarves, belts, hats)
- Special event clothing
- Shoes
KonMari Folding Tip: Marie teaches vertical folding - fold clothes into small rectangles that stand upright. This maximizes space and lets you see everything at once.
2Books
Gather all your books in one place. Don't open them - just hold each one and ask if it sparks joy.
Common Book Myths to Avoid:
- ❌ "I might read it someday"
- ❌ "Someone gave it to me, so I must keep it"
- ❌ "I should finish it even though I don't enjoy it"
- ✅ Keep only books that truly resonate with who you are now
3Papers
Marie's rule for papers is simple: discard everything. Of course, some papers are necessary to keep, but the default should be to let go.
✅ Keep These:
- • Currently in use
- • Needed for a limited time
- • Must be kept indefinitely (contracts, etc.)
❌ Discard These:
- • Credit card statements (over 1 year old)
- • Old warranties for items you no longer own
- • Manuals you can find online
- • Greeting cards (take a photo first if needed)
4Komono (Miscellaneous Items)
This is everything else: kitchen items, bathroom supplies, electronics, hobby materials, and more. Break it down into smaller subcategories.
Kitchen
Bathroom
Garage
Electronics
Hobby supplies
Stationery
Cleaning supplies
Linens
Tools
5Sentimental Items
Save this category for last. By now, you've honed your joy-checking abilities and can make clearer decisions about emotional items.
Key Insight: The purpose of a memory is not to possess it physically. The memory itself is what matters, and that lives in your heart.
Digital Alternative:
Take photos of items that hold memories but don't spark joy. This preserves the memory while freeing up physical space.
The Life-Changing Benefits
People who complete the KonMari Method report transformations that go far beyond a tidy home:
Increased Clarity
A decluttered space leads to a decluttered mind. Many report feeling more focused and decisive.
Better Self-Awareness
The process of choosing what sparks joy teaches you about your true preferences and values.
More Time & Energy
Less stuff means less to clean, organize, and manage. You reclaim time for what truly matters.
Financial Benefits
You become more conscious of purchases and stop buying things you don't truly need or love.
Common KonMari Mistakes to Avoid
Tidying by Location Instead of Category
If you tidy room by room, you never get a full picture of how much you own. Always gather everything in a category first.
Rushing the Process
The KonMari Method is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take weeks or months to complete thoroughly. That's normal and expected.
Buying Storage Solutions First
Wait until after you've discarded to buy storage. You might not need as much as you think, and you'll know exactly what you need.
Deciding for Others
Don't force KonMari on family members or discard their belongings. Lead by example and focus on your own items first.
Ready to Start Your KonMari Journey?
The KonMari Method is more than just tidying - it's a mindfulness practice that helps you clarify your values and design the life you want to live.
Your First Steps:
Pro Tip: Use Guthly to track your KonMari progress! Create a habit for each category and check it off as you complete them. Seeing your progress builds momentum and keeps you accountable.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join thousands of people using Guthly to track their habits and achieve their goals.