In today’s fast-paced world, clutter isn’t just a nuisance—it can actively contribute to our stress. When the environment around us feels chaotic, it often mirrors how we feel inside. That’s why methods like Marie Kondo’s KonMari MethodTM can be so transformative. Not only is it a practical system for organizing your home, but it also teaches a mindful, intentional approach to decision-making and emotional regulation. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your stuff or like your home isn’t quite the peaceful haven you need, the KonMari MethodTM may be just the reset you’re looking for.
Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant, became a global sensation after publishing The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up in 2014. She followed this with several other books, including Joy at Work, and a popular Netflix series. At its heart, the KonMari MethodTM isn’t about how to fold towels—though that’s part of it—it’s about redefining the way we relate to our belongings, using joy as our guide.
As someone who was part of the very first group trained by Marie herself to become a KonMari Consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how this method changes lives. There are four foundational principles I use when applying this approach, and they can be particularly powerful during transitional times—like the start of a new school year or season.
1. Focus on Joy
The cornerstone of the KonMari MethodTM is asking: Does this spark joy? This isn’t just a whimsical question—it’s a serious shift in how we make decisions. By holding each item and assessing whether it brings us joy, we begin to rewire our brains to prioritize positivity and fulfillment. Over time, this sensitivity to joy strengthens, and we find ourselves creating spaces filled only with things that support and uplift us. Studies even back this up: focusing on what we love and have abundance in helps us recover from stress and build resilience.
2. Honor the Past
Letting go doesn’t have to mean feeling guilty or sad. Instead, KonMari encourages us to honor our past by thanking items for the role they played in our lives—before releasing them. This small act of gratitude transforms decluttering into a meaningful ritual. It’s a powerful lesson for children learning healthy attachment and for adults shaping their legacy. Whether it's saying goodbye to clothes your child has outgrown or heirlooms that no longer serve you, this practice allows us to move forward while acknowledging what came before.
3. Tidy All at Once
Think of KonMari tidying as a one-time “festival,” not a never-ending chore. While it doesn’t all happen in one day, committing to a defined period—like before school starts or by the time your next birthday arrives—helps keep momentum. This intensive burst lets you retrain your mind and habits, creating a new normal. A pro tip: pause all new purchases during your tidying process. Keep a “someday maybe” list on your phone instead and write down items you were tempted to buy there, but wait until the end of your tidying festival to see if you truly still need and want these. This prevents backsliding and gives your decisions space to breathe.
4. Tidy by Category, Not by Room
Unlike traditional organizing advice, KonMari doesn’t start with a room—it starts with a category. Clothing, books, papers, miscellaneous (komono), and sentimental items are tackled in that specific order. This allows you to see the full volume of what you own and make more informed choices. Grouping by category reduces overwhelm and increases clarity, making it easier to design systems that last.
In the end, the KonMari MethodTM is about more than decluttering—it’s about building a life that reflects who you are and what you value. It teaches us to choose with intention, honor our experiences, and create calm in the spaces we can control. And in a chaotic world, that’s a gift we all deserve.
