Marie Kondo

The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.

If we treated all things we use in our daily life... with the same care that athletes give to their equipment, we could greatly increase the number of dependable 'supporters' in our lives.

When I put my house in order, I discovered what I really wanted to do.

Discard anything that doesn’t spark joy.

The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.

Tidying is a way of taking stock that shows us what we really like.

The act of folding is far more than making clothes compact for storage. It is an act of caring, an expression of love and appreciation for the way these clothes support your lifestyle.

Being surrounded by things that spark joy makes you happy.

The best criterion for choosing what to keep and what to discard is whether keeping it will make you happy, whether it will bring you joy.

The custom of storing seasonal clothes is behind the times. With the introduction of air-conditioning and heating, our homes are less subject to the weather outside.

You cannot judge whether or not a book really grabs you when it’s still on the shelf. Like clothes or any other belongings, books that have been left untouched on the shelf for a long time are dormant.

My basic principle for sorting papers is to throw them all away. There is nothing more annoying than papers. After all, they will never inspire joy, no matter how carefully you keep them.

The True purpose of a present is to be received. Presents are not 'things' but a means for conveying someone’s feelings.

To put your things in order means to put your past in order, too. It’s like resetting your life and settling your accounts so that you can take the next step forward.

If you put your house in order in one fell swoop, you will have tidied up in one fell swoop.

Start by discarding, all at once, intensely and completely.

Tidying is a dialogue with one's self.

The moment you start you reset your life.

To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose.

The process of assessing how you feel about the things you own, identifying those that have fulfilled their purpose, expressing your gratitude, and bidding them farewell, is really about examining your inner self, a rite of passage to a new life.

Tidying as a Life-Changing Magic

Marie Kondo advocates that tidying is not just about cleaning up your physical space but a transformative event that resets your life. By thoroughly tidying all at once, rather than in small increments, you can dramatically change your mindset and lifestyle. As Kondo writes, "When your room is clean and uncluttered, you have no choice but to examine your inner state." For example, many of her clients experience profound personal transformation after completing the tidying process, discovering new passions and attaining clarity in their lives.

Keep Only What Sparks Joy

The central tenet of the KonMari Method is to surround yourself only with items that bring you true happiness. By physically holding each possession and asking, "Does this spark joy?" you make a conscious decision to keep only what truly resonates with you. This approach shifts focus from what to discard to what to keep, fostering a positive mindset. For instance, instead of keeping clothes out of guilt or obligation, keep only those that make you feel confident and happy. Kondo states, "Discard anything that doesn't spark joy."

Tidying Leads to Self-Discovery

Engaging in the tidying process is a journey of self-reflection and personal growth. Through deciding what to keep, you clarify your values, passions, and what matters most to you. Kondo notes, "The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life." For example, one of her clients realized her true passion for social welfare after tidying her belongings, prompting a career change. Tidying becomes a means to discover and embrace your authentic self.

Tidy by Category in the Right Order

Kondo emphasizes the importance of tidying by category, not by location, and following a specific sequence: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items. This methodical approach builds your decision-making skills progressively. Starting with easier categories like clothes helps you hone your ability to discern what sparks joy before tackling more emotionally charged items. She explains, "By starting with the easy things first and leaving the hardest for last, you can gradually hone your decision-making skills."

Discard First, Then Organize

Before considering storage solutions, it is crucial to first eliminate items that no longer spark joy. Kondo advises against organizing before decluttering, as it often leads to storing items you don't need. "The real problem is that we have far more than we need or want," she notes. By discarding first, you reduce your possessions to what truly matters, making organizing simpler and preventing rebound clutter.

Simplicity and Gratitude in Storage

Simplicity is key in organizing your belongings. Use straightforward storage solutions and avoid overcomplicating systems. Kondo recommends storing items vertically and keeping them visible and accessible. She also emphasizes treating your belongings with respect and gratitude. For example, she suggests thanking items before discarding them and carefully considering how you store and care for the possessions you keep. "When you treat your belongings well, they will always respond in kind," she writes.

Let Go to Embrace the Present

Letting go of items tied to past memories or future anxieties allows you to live fully in the present. Kondo encourages confronting attachments to the past and fears about the future by asking why you're holding onto certain items. For instance, keeping unread books 'just in case' reflects a reluctance to let go. She emphasizes, "The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past." By releasing these possessions, you free yourself to focus on who you are today and what you truly value.

Ask 'Does It Spark Joy?'

When tidying, hold each item and ask yourself if it sparks joy. Keep only those items that bring genuine happiness.

Tidy All at Once

Conduct a thorough tidying marathon rather than tidying a little at a time. This creates a lasting impact and transforms your space and mindset.

Tidy by Category, Not Location

Gather all items of the same category and sort them together. This helps you see the full extent of your possessions and make better decisions.

Follow the Right Order

Tidy in the recommended sequence: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items. This builds decision-making skills and prevents overwhelm.

Designate a Place for Everything

Assign a specific spot for each item you keep. Returning items to their designated place after use prevents clutter from accumulating.

The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.

If we treated all things we use in our daily life... with the same care that athletes give to their equipment, we could greatly increase the number of dependable 'supporters' in our lives.

When I put my house in order, I discovered what I really wanted to do.

Discard anything that doesn’t spark joy.

The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.

Tidying is a way of taking stock that shows us what we really like.

The act of folding is far more than making clothes compact for storage. It is an act of caring, an expression of love and appreciation for the way these clothes support your lifestyle.

Being surrounded by things that spark joy makes you happy.

The best criterion for choosing what to keep and what to discard is whether keeping it will make you happy, whether it will bring you joy.

The custom of storing seasonal clothes is behind the times. With the introduction of air-conditioning and heating, our homes are less subject to the weather outside.

You cannot judge whether or not a book really grabs you when it’s still on the shelf. Like clothes or any other belongings, books that have been left untouched on the shelf for a long time are dormant.

My basic principle for sorting papers is to throw them all away. There is nothing more annoying than papers. After all, they will never inspire joy, no matter how carefully you keep them.

The True purpose of a present is to be received. Presents are not 'things' but a means for conveying someone’s feelings.

To put your things in order means to put your past in order, too. It’s like resetting your life and settling your accounts so that you can take the next step forward.

If you put your house in order in one fell swoop, you will have tidied up in one fell swoop.

Start by discarding, all at once, intensely and completely.

Tidying is a dialogue with one's self.

The moment you start you reset your life.

To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose.

The process of assessing how you feel about the things you own, identifying those that have fulfilled their purpose, expressing your gratitude, and bidding them farewell, is really about examining your inner self, a rite of passage to a new life.