If your home feels cluttered, stressful, or disorganized, you're not alone. Many people struggle to keep their living spaces tidy, especially with busy schedules and growing to-do lists. The KonMari Method, created by Japanese organizing expert Marie Kondo, offers a simple yet powerful way to bring order, peace, and joy into your space.
Here’s how to declutter using the KonMari Method, step by step.
What Is the KonMari Method?
The KonMari Method is a decluttering and organizing technique introduced by Marie Kondo in her bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Unlike traditional cleaning approaches that go room by room, the KonMari Method focuses on categories of items. The main goal is to keep only the things that “spark joy.”
This method isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about creating a home filled only with items that have purpose and meaning.
Step 1: Commit to Tidying Up
Marie Kondo emphasizes that tidying is a special event, not a daily chore. Mentally commit to the process before you begin. This mindset shift helps you stay focused and motivated throughout the journey.
Step 2: Imagine Your Ideal Lifestyle
Before touching a single item, take a few minutes to visualize your ideal life. What does a clean, joyful home look like to you? What do you want to feel when you walk into each room? Let this vision guide your decisions during the decluttering process.
Step 3: Tidy by Category, Not Location
The KonMari Method recommends decluttering in the following order:
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Clothing
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Books
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Papers
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Miscellaneous items (Komono)
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Sentimental items
Focusing on categories helps you see exactly how much you own and makes it easier to decide what to keep.
Step 4: Ask, “Does It Spark Joy?”
As you go through each item, hold it in your hands and ask yourself if it sparks joy. If it does, keep it. If it doesn’t, thank it for its service and let it go. This simple question shifts your mindset from “Do I need this?” to “Do I love this?”
You might be surprised by how many items you’ve kept out of habit rather than happiness.
Step 5: Discard Before Organizing
Only after you’ve finished discarding should you begin to organize what’s left. Group similar items together and find a designated place for each one. Use simple containers or boxes to keep things neat, but avoid overcomplicating your storage system.
Step 6: Respect Your Belongings
Treat your items with care. Fold your clothes neatly, stack books mindfully, and store things in a way that makes them easy to access. The KonMari Method encourages a sense of gratitude toward your belongings, which often leads to a deeper sense of appreciation for your home.
Benefits of the KonMari Method
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Less stress: A clean space helps clear your mind.
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More space: You’ll create more physical and mental room in your life.
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Intentional living: You’ll become more mindful of what you bring into your home.
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Lasting results: Once completed fully, most people find they don’t need to tidy in the same way again.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering with the KonMari Method is about more than just cleaning up. It’s a personal journey that helps you reconnect with the things you truly value. Whether you're downsizing, spring cleaning, or just trying to simplify your life, this method can help you create a space that supports and inspires you.
Take your time, trust the process, and remember: if it sparks joy, it’s worth keeping.
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