The holidays have been officially swept from the house. Or at least put in giant plastic bins and stashed (hopefully) somewhere you can find them again next year. But you look around and think "my work is not done here".
If your home feels like it’s bursting at the seams with belongings you never use or can’t remember the last time you saw, you’re not alone. Clutter is something we all deal with, and the modern world seems to encourage us to accumulate more and more.
For help getting us started on our tidy up journey, we turn to the world's most famous tidy-upper Marie Kondo, a Japanese tidying expert and author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
Hers is a transformative approach to cutting clutter that doesn’t just leave your home looking neater—it leaves you feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control. Yes, please.
Often referred to the KonMari method, her approach grounded in the belief that everything we own should spark joy. If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go. But what does it mean to tidy Marie Kondo style, and how can you begin cutting clutter in a way that transforms not only your living space but your mindset?
Start with a Vision: Understand Why You’re Tidying Up
Before you begin your tidying journey, it's essential to understand why you want to declutter. Marie Kondo encourages you to envision your ideal lifestyle—what does your dream home look like? How do you feel when you walk into a room that’s calm, organized, and full of items you truly love? This vision becomes your motivating force.
By focusing on your why, you’re not just throwing things away—you're creating a home that nurtures your well-being. When you approach decluttering with a positive intention, it can feel empowering rather than overwhelming.
Tidy by Category, Not by Room
One of the most important aspects of the KonMari method is to tidy by category instead of by room. This approach forces you to confront similar items all at once, making it easier to assess what you really need and what’s just taking up space.
Marie Kondo recommends the following order for decluttering:
- Clothes – Start with clothing because it’s typically less emotional than other categories.
- Books – Next, tackle your books. Hold each one in your hands and ask yourself if it brings joy. Support your local library's annual used book fundraiser or your neighborhood Little Free Library.
- Papers – Sort through papers like bills and documents. Discard what’s unnecessary.
- Komono (Miscellaneous Items) – This is often the largest category, covering everything from kitchenware to electronics. (Looking at you junk drawer).
- Sentimental Items – Finally, tackle sentimental items. These can be the hardest to part with, but it’s easier once you’ve cleared the other categories.
Hold Each Item and Ask: Does It Spark Joy?
Here’s the famous woo woo part. Marie Kondo’s signature technique is known as the “joy check.” When sorting through your belongings, pick each item up one by one and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” If the answer is no, it’s time to thank it for its service and let it go. Byeeeeee.
This isn’t about feeling guilty for items that no longer serve you; it's about recognizing that you deserve a space that truly supports your happiness. Items that bring you joy are not just practical—they contribute to the overall energy of your home.
While this might sound simple, it can be surprisingly emotional. Letting go of things is not always easy, but the process of joy-checking allows you to acknowledge the value of the things you’ve outgrown while honoring their past role in your life.
Tidy All at Once for Maximum Impact
Unlike other methods where tidying happens gradually over time, the KonMari method encourages you to tidy all at once—especially in the beginning. Kondo believes that completing the tidying process in one go (or in a few major sessions) creates a dramatic shift in energy. This intensity accelerates the process and results in a home that feels truly transformed. This may mean all spouses, kids, and pets need to go away for awhile because they are tidy space destroyers.
However, Marie counsels while it may seem daunting to commit to a few days of focused decluttering, the results will speak for themselves. Once you’ve completed a full category, you’ll notice the sense of relief and mental clarity that comes with an organized, decluttered space.
The Art of Folding: Keep It Neat
One of Marie Kondo’s most iconic contributions to the tidying world is her unique folding method. When organizing your clothes, she suggests folding items so they stand up vertically in drawers. This makes it easy to see everything at a glance, prevents clothes from getting wrinkled, and maximizes space.
Kondo also encourages folding clothes with care and intention, treating your belongings with respect and appreciation. This mindful approach to folding is a simple way to practice gratitude for the items that remain in your life. (ok that’s going a little too far but we see her point).
Let Go of the Guilt
Letting go of items can bring up feelings of guilt, but Kondo advises against holding onto things out of a sense of obligation or because they were gifts. If you’re not using something or it no longer serves you, it’s okay to part with it. Kondo encourages expressing gratitude for the item’s past role and then releasing it.
By letting go of guilt, you make room for more meaningful possessions—things that truly make you happy. And, importantly, the clutter that has been silently weighing on your mental and emotional space can finally be released.
The Power of Consistency
The final piece of tidying up Marie Kondo style is the principle of consistency. Once you’ve gone through your home and made decisions about what to keep, make tidying a habit. Put things away where they belong, and don’t allow clutter to pile up again.
Marie Kondo believes that tidying is not a one-time event but a lifestyle. It’s about living in a way that reflects the joy and peace you want to cultivate. When you continue to care for your space, your environment will support you in return, helping you feel more focused, relaxed, and in control.
Celebrate the Transformation
After completing your tidying marathon, take a moment to appreciate the transformation. Your home should feel lighter, more spacious, and filled with items that truly bring you joy. The process isn’t just about having an organized home; it’s about creating a space that reflects your values and priorities.
Tidying up Marie Kondo style is not a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about finding what works for you, making conscious decisions about what to keep, and embracing a life free from clutter. As Kondo herself says, “The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.”
By applying these principles, you’ll not only cut clutter but create a home and lifestyle that aligns with your truest self. A tidy, joyful space can be the first step toward a more organized, peaceful, and fulfilling life. Happy New Year!
