What is the KonMari Method®?

The KonMari Method® is a unique approach to tidying and organizing that was created by Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant, author (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up), and TV show host (Tidying Up). The method focuses on decluttering by category rather than by room, and its central philosophy is to only keep items that "spark joy" in your life. Here's an overview of the method and a bit about Marie Kondo:

#1 - Tidy by Category, Not by Location: Rather than tackling one room at a time, the KonMari Method® organizes by category. The categories are:

• Clothes

• Books

• Papers

• Komono (miscellaneous items)

• Sentimental items

#2 - “Spark Joy” Philosophy : The key principle of the KonMari Method® is to ask yourself whether each item in your possession sparks joy. If it does, you keep it. If not, you thank the item for its service and let it go. It is not about getting rid of things, it is about keeping the things that give you joy.

#3 Mindful Approach: The KonMari Method® encourages mindfulness and respect for the items you own. For example, Kondo suggests thanking objects for their service before discarding them, which adds a sense of gratitude and closure to the process.

#4 Folding Techniques: Marie Kondo popularized a specific way of folding clothes to make them easy to see and access. Her vertical folding technique, which allows items to stand up in drawers, maximizes space and visibility.

I had the privilege of attending a KonMari training by her team in New York earlier this year. We had a chance to hear from Marie and meet with her to learn more about the Japanese art of Tidying.

Interested in sparking joy in your house, let’s connect! 🩷