Feeling overwhelmed by clutter in your home? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with overstuffed closets, chaotic drawers, and an overwhelming number of possessions. But what if there was a way to not only tidy up your space but also spark some joy in the process? Try the KonMari method.
This internationally renowned approach, created by organizing expert Marie Kondo, goes beyond traditional tidying methods by focusing on keeping only the items that genuinely “spark joy.” It’s more than just decluttering, it’s a philosophy, a lifestyle shift, and a practical way to transform your living space.
If you’re ready to declutter your home and find joy in your surroundings, here are five actionable tips to help you get started with the KonMari method.
Tip #1: Commit to the Process
Before you dive into decluttering your home, it’s important to prepare yourself mentally for the task ahead. A full home decluttering may be a drawn-out process that can’t be finished in just one day, but the rewards are well worth it. Once completed, it brings a sense of order and tranquility to your living space. The key is to seriously commit to finishing the job.
For the KonMari method to truly work, you need to dedicate yourself to the process wholeheartedly. Ideally, you’d complete the entire decluttering journey in a focused time frame, such as a weekend or several consecutive days. While it may not always be possible to finish everything at once, maintaining momentum is crucial.
To stay committed and focused on the task, set aside specific time blocks for each category. I recommend dedicating one weekend to clothing, another to books, and a separate day to sentimental items. If you stop midway without completing a category, you risk leaving unfinished clutter and losing motivation. Stay committed, trust the process, and remind yourself of the transformation waiting at the finish line.
Tip #2. Tidy by Category, Not Location
A common mistake when decluttering is tackling one room at a time. While this might seem logical, it often leads to merely shifting items around rather than truly organizing them. When belongings in the same category are scattered throughout different spaces, it’s easy to underestimate how much you actually own.
KonMari’s tidying by category means gathering every item within a specific category and sorting through them all at once. For example, when decluttering clothes, start by collecting every piece of clothing from every room and placing them in one spot. Seeing everything together provides a clear, objective view of exactly how much you own. It can also be an eye-opening moment, forcing you to acknowledge how poorly you have been treating your possessions, especially when confronted with a huge mound of clothes
By organizing this way, you’ll avoid the cycle of rearranging clutter and instead make intentional, lasting progress toward a tidier, more harmonious home.
Tip #3. Finish Discarding First
One of the biggest reasons people struggle to finish tidying up their homes is that they try to store everything without getting rid of unnecessary items. While neatly storing everything may create the illusion of order, overfilled storage spaces quickly become chaotic again, leading to clutter relapse.
The key to a successful tidiness is to finish discarding before you even think about storage. First, decide what to keep and what to discard. Then, accurately assess how much truly needs to be stored and find the best way to organize it.
Avoid the temptation to plan storage solutions too early or worry about whether you can fit everything in. This will only slow you down and divert your focus from the real task at hand: letting go of what no longer serves you. Treat any storage decisions made during decluttering as temporary and stay focused on sorting through each category. This mindset is the secret that will help you complete the process efficiently and quickly. Remember, the end goal is to create a home that stays organized for the long term.
Tip #4. Follow the Right Order
KonMari recommends not only tidying up by category but also following a proper order, which is clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and finally, sentimental items.
Have you ever started cleaning, stumbled upon old photos, and lost track of time while you were looking at the photos? This common distraction is exactly why the KonMari method follows a specific sequence. It helps you refine your ability to recognize what truly sparks joy by starting with easier decisions (like clothing) before tackling emotionally charged items (like sentimental keepsakes).
Clothes are a great starting point because they’re relatively simple to assess. They could no longer fit or be out of style, making decisions easy. Meanwhile, photos and other sentimental belongings should be saved for last. By the time you reach them, you’ll have sharpened your decision-making skills, making it easier to part with things that no longer serve you while treasuring those that do.
Tip #5. Focus on What Sparks Joy
The criterion for deciding what to discard and what to keep is simple: does it spark joy? Instead of focusing on what to discard, shift your mindset to keeping items that genuinely bring you joy.
To determine this, hold each item firmly in both hands. Pay close attention to how your body reacts. If something sparks joy, you may feel a light, uplifting sensation, almost like a small spark of excitement. If it doesn’t, you’ll likely notice a heavier or dull feeling.
When discarding items that don’t bring you joy or no longer serve you, don’t forget to thank them before saying goodbye. Thanking them for their purpose, whether they brought you joy in the past or taught you a lesson, fosters a deeper appreciation for the belongings you choose to keep. This practice not only helps you create a clutter-free home but also nurtures a mindset of mindfulness and intentionality in all aspects of life.
Additional Tips for Decluttering Your Home Using the KonMari Method
Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle
Before diving into decluttering, take a moment to picture the home and lifestyle you truly want. Do you dream of a serene, minimalist space or a cozy, organized retreat? Sketch it out, jot down notes, or create a vision board. This exercise clarifies why you’re tidying up and keeps you motivated.
Without a clear goal, many people declutter only to revert to old habits. By defining your ideal space, you turn decluttering into a meaningful transformation rather than just a chore.
Designate a Proper Home for Everything
Stuffing belongings under the bed or cramming them into a closet isn’t organization, it’s just hiding clutter. Give each item a designated place where it belongs and can be easily accessed.
When everything has a proper home, you’re less likely to accumulate excess and more likely to maintain a tidy space effortlessly. This approach also makes it easier to decide what to keep. If something doesn’t fit within your organized system, it might not belong in your home at all.
Fold, Don’t Hang
No one likes folding clothes, but doing so saves space and keeps them in better condition. Marie Kondo’s signature folding technique allows you to store garments upright, making them easy to see and select. This simple change can streamline your morning routine, protect your clothing from unnecessary wear, and make your wardrobe feel instantly more organized.
Declutter Alone (Most of the Time)
Decluttering is a personal journey, and outside opinions can sometimes get in the way. Family members may try to convince you to keep things out of sentimentality or concern, making it harder to let go.
To stay focused and true to your own needs, work through your items alone. The one exception? Sorting through old photos. Invite loved ones to join in, after all, it’s a great opportunity to reminisce while organizing cherished memories.
Prevent Re-Cluttering with Mindful Shopping Habits
Since many struggle with staying decluttered, consider adopting mindful shopping habits to prevent re-cluttering. Before making a purchase, ask yourself whether the item truly sparks joy and serves a purpose in your home. Avoid impulse buys and instead focus on quality over quantity.
Regularly reassess your belongings to ensure they align with your ideal lifestyle, helping you maintain an organized and clutter-free space in the long run.
Conclusion: Transform Your Space and Your Mindset
The KonMari method is more than just a decluttering strategy. It’s a way to connect with your belongings and create a space filled with items that genuinely make you happy. By committing to the process, categorizing wisely, focusing on joy, and organizing intentionally, you can transform your home and the way you interact with your possessions.
Imagine waking up each day in a tidy, joyful space that reflects who you are. That’s the power of the KonMari method.
Are you ready to bring this transformation to your own home? Start today with these five tips and see the difference decluttering can make, not just in your living space but in your overall well-being.
