Master the art of decluttering your home with the KonMari method

Imagine walking into your home after a long day. You’re greeted by clutter—a pile of papers on the kitchen counter, clothes overflowing from your wardrobe, and miscellaneous items scattered across the living room. You’ve tried tidying up before, but the mess always seems to creep back in. Sound familiar? This is where the KonMari method comes in, not just as a technique to declutter your home using the KonMari method, but as a way to transform your relationship with your belongings and, in turn, your life.

The story of decluttering your home using the KonMari method starts with a simple yet powerful question: “Does it spark joy?”

The Philosophy Behind the KonMari Method

Marie Kondo, the creator of the KonMari method, didn’t always know that she wanted to be an organizing expert. In fact, as a young girl growing up in Japan, she was obsessed with tidying. She would spend hours cleaning her family’s home, organizing items and creating order in every room. It wasn’t until later, during her university years, that she developed the foundation for her now world-famous method.

At the heart of the KonMari method is the idea that you should only keep items that “spark joy”—a phrase that has become synonymous with mindful living. Instead of approaching decluttering as a task where you discard unwanted things, Kondo encourages people to focus on what they want to keep, what makes them happy, and what aligns with their ideal life.

This method has resonated with millions worldwide, not just because it’s effective, but because it’s deeply personal. It isn’t just about tidying up your space; it’s about rediscovering your connection with the things you own and, in doing so, finding clarity in how you live your life.

How the Journey Begins: The 6 Rules of Tidying

Before starting the actual process of decluttering, there are six basic rules to remember. They aren’t just steps to follow—they set the tone for the transformation that’s about to take place.

• Commit yourself to tidying up – Like any worthwhile project, decluttering requires dedication. It’s not a quick fix but a lifestyle change. You have to be ready to put in the time and effort.
• Imagine your ideal lifestyle – What does your dream home look like? What kind of space makes you feel happy and at peace? Visualizing this goal gives you a sense of direction when deciding what to keep.
• Finish discarding first – Before you organize, you need to let go. This is an essential part of the journey. The path forward becomes clearer once you’ve discarded what no longer serves you.
• Tidy by category, not by location—This is one of the most unique aspects of the KonMari method. Instead of tidying room by room, you focus on one category at a time—starting with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, kimono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items.
• Follow the right order – Clothes come first because they are often the easiest category to tackle. Sentimental items come last because they’re usually the most difficult to let go of. Following this order, you gradually build your decision-making skills, making the process easier.
• Ask yourself if it sparks joy – This is the key question throughout the journey. Hold each item and ask yourself: Does it bring me joy? If the answer is yes, you keep it. If it doesn’t, you thank the item for its service and let it go.

The Step-by-Step Journey to a Clutter-Free Home

Clothes: Where It All Begins

You begin with clothes because they are tangible, easy to handle, and typically hold less sentimental value than other categories. Imagine gathering every piece of clothing you own—from every closet, drawer, and storage box—and piling them on your bed. It’s a visual representation of everything you have accumulated over time.

You hold up a shirt. It’s worn out and faded, but you’ve had it for years. Does it still bring you joy? If not, it’s time to say goodbye. By the end of this stage, your wardrobe only contains pieces that make you feel good, confident, and comfortable.

Books: Discovering What Inspires You

Next, you move on to books. For some, this is an emotional category—each book tells a story, not just in its pages but in the memories it holds. But here’s where the method helps. Gather all your books in one spot. When you hold each one, ask yourself if it sparks joy. Maybe it was a book you read once and didn’t enjoy, or perhaps it no longer aligns with your interests. Keep only those that inspire you or serve a meaningful purpose.

Papers: The Necessary Sort

Papers are often the most tedious category—bills, receipts, and documents that seem to multiply over time. But papers are an essential step when you declutter your home using the KonMari method. Start by sorting through important documents—what needs to be kept? What can be discarded? Old bills, receipts, and papers no longer relevant can be shredded, leaving behind only what’s truly necessary.

Komono: Tackling the Miscellaneous

Komono, or miscellaneous items, are the things that don’t seem to fit neatly into any one category. From kitchen gadgets to office supplies, these items often create clutter in drawers and cabinets. By now, you’ve strengthened your decision-making skills. Use that same “spark joy” philosophy to decide what stays and what goes.

Sentimental Items: The Final Step

Finally, you arrive at sentimental items. These are often the most difficult to declutter because they carry emotional weight—old letters, childhood keepsakes, and gifts from loved ones. But even here, the KonMari method offers guidance. Hold each item and reflect on the memories it holds. If it brings happiness and positive emotions, keep it. If not, it’s okay to let it go. Letting go of the physical item doesn’t erase the memory—it simply clears the space for new experiences.

The Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Decluttering

Decluttering your home using the KonMari method goes beyond creating a tidy space. It transforms the way you think about your belongings and your environment. When you only keep the things that bring joy, you cultivate a more mindful approach to your surroundings.

As your space becomes clearer, so does your mind. You feel lighter, more focused, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. The clutter that once weighed you both physically and emotionally disappears, leaving behind a home that reflects who you are and what you value.

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home

Once your home is decluttered, maintaining that order becomes the next step. But with the KonMari method, this is easier than it sounds. When every item in your home has a designated place and serves a purpose, tidying becomes second nature. Regularly reassess your belongings, be mindful of new items you bring into your home, and remember that joy is always the priority.

A Joyful Home, A Joyful Life

Decluttering your home using the KonMari method isn’t just about getting rid of things. It’s about discovering what makes you happy and creating a space supporting that happiness. It’s a journey of self-reflection, mindfulness, and joy. So, as you embark on your decluttering adventure, remember: it’s not just your home you’re tidying—it’s your life.

FAQs

What are the 5 steps of the KonMari Method?

The KonMari Method consists of five key steps for decluttering: start by tidying clothes, then move on to books, followed by papers, next is komono (miscellaneous items), and lastly, tackle sentimental items. Each step builds upon the previous, allowing for smoother decision-making as you progress through each category. By tidying this way, you avoid being overwhelmed by trying to tackle an entire room at once.

How long does it take to do the KonMari Method?

The time it takes to complete the KonMari method varies depending on the size of your home and the amount of clutter. Some people may finish in a few weeks, while others might need several months to declutter fully. The key is to set aside consistent blocks of time and approach the process thoughtfully, focusing on one category at a time rather than rushing to finish.

Does the KonMari Method wrinkle clothes?

The KonMari method is designed to keep clothes neatly organized and, when folded correctly, it helps prevent wrinkling. By folding clothes into compact, upright rectangles, airflow is allowed between items, which reduces the chances of creasing. The careful arrangement also ensures that garments maintain shape and are easily accessible without excessive handling.

What should you fold and hang in KonMari?

In the KonMari method, soft and easy-to-fold items such as T-shirts, pyjamas, and tops are best folded and stored upright in drawers. Meanwhile, delicate items like blouses, dresses, and jackets that wrinkle easily should be hung in the closet to preserve their shape. Folding saves space while keeping clothes visible and easy to access.

How do you store sweaters in KonMari?

Sweaters should always be folded in the KonMari method. Hanging them can cause the fabric to stretch and lose shape. Instead, fold sweaters into small, tidy rectangles and store them upright in drawers or on shelves. This method helps maintain the quality of your sweaters and makes it easy to see each one at a glance, ensuring your wardrobe stays organized and accessible.

How to Declutter Your Room: Simple Steps For a Tidy Space

How to upcycle old jeans into household items: creative DIY ideas