For many, cleaning has always felt like a tedious chore—a dreaded obligation that eats up precious hours that could be spent with friends, gaming, or diving into a good book. Some people find it a stress reliever, a way to calm down while tidying up, but that feeling rarely lasts. The real issue isn't laziness; it's the sheer volume of unused items we accumulate, which we then struggle to part with. After all, we bought them with a clear mind, so they must have a purpose, right? Yet they don't. They just gather dust on shelves and in closets, cluttering not only our physical space but also our mental clarity.
Marie Kondo, a renowned organizing consultant and author of "The Magic Cleaning: The Japanese Art of Tidying Up Your Home and Life," created the unique KonMari method. Her fascination with organization began in childhood. At just five years old, she started reading books about space management and home economics magazines, applying her insights at home and school. Her method is rooted in ancient Japanese traditions, particularly the art of discarding, which was widespread in Japan during the 1990s. Marie refined this practice to perfection.
Looking back at photos of Japanese homes from that era, you might spot oddities—old cassette tapes, CDs, books, or toys. These objects often serve no practical purpose and may seem obsolete (like cassettes). Yet they share a common thread: they evoke warm, happy memories for their owners. The KonMari method isn't solely about tossing junk; it's about crafting a cozy, inviting environment.
For Marie, cleaning means bringing order to both your home and your mind. She views it through two lenses: practical and spiritual. The practical side focuses on cleanliness and organization in your living space. The spiritual side brings clarity and peace to your thoughts. Kondo believes that all objects have a life force. Like living beings, they need care and a designated spot. By discarding unnecessary items, we make room for cherished and frequently used ones. This creates a harmonious atmosphere where comfort and tranquility prevail.
The Core Principles of Marie Kondo's Cleaning Philosophy
Rule 1: Focus on What to Keep, Not What to Discard
Marie's cleaning approach isn't about throwing away everything old. You might even have new, unused items that aren't needed. The key is to retain only those possessions that bring you joy and hold pleasant memories. For instance, if a beloved, dinosaur-printed sweater is gathering dust, feel free to keep it.
Rule 2: Envision Your Ideal Space
Mentally picture how you want your apartment or room to look. The goal isn't to maximize empty space but to create a comfortable, cozy living environment.
Rule 3: Organize by Category, Not by Room
Don't try to do everything at once. Plan your decluttering by categories like "clothes," "books," "documents," and "dishes" instead of "living room," "kitchen," or "bathroom."
Rule 4: Avoid Buying New Storage Containers and Fill Boxes to 90%
Use what you already have at home: small cookie boxes, large shoeboxes, cartons, jars, and other packaging that can hold items. When filling boxes, try to store things upright and fold clothes like origami.
Rule 5: Make Decisions Immediately and Alone
It's best to tidy up without witnesses. Friends and family may have different opinions about what to keep or toss. Since the aim is to hold onto items you love and that bring joy, their input might not align with your true desires.
Rule 6: Arrange Clothes from Light to Dark
Marie believes that similar items should be stored together, just as we feel comfortable with like-minded people. Hang clothes from left to right, moving from light to dark shades.
How To Clean Up The Apartment And Life: Amazing Tips From Marie Kondo – Konmari Method
Rule 7: Storage Should Be Convenient, Not Complicated
Place items where they are easy to retrieve, not just where they seem easy to store. Imagine storing all your spices, sauces, and oils in a high cabinet. Every time you cook something more complex than mashed potatoes, you'd need to reach or climb for them. Even if you grab what you need and put it back, it's still inconvenient. Plan storage wisely.
Rule 8: Don't Keep Things "Just in Case"
It's tempting to keep clothes for wearing around the house. Marie argues that even at home, you should wear items you wouldn't be embarrassed to open the door in or run to the store with. Hesitation signals uncertainty about an item's value. If you're unsure, pause and reflect on the emotions and memories tied to it.
Rule 9: Let Go of the Past
This rule addresses the challenge of discarding sentimental items that take up too much space. It's often hard to choose which treasured objects to keep, especially when they're linked to people or places. When it's time to part with them, spend a moment with each, recalling the memories. Take a photo and write a description to remember, freeing up space for new experiences. Think of it as saying goodbye to someone with whom you share a deep connection but whose path has diverged from yours. Release and move forward.
Rule 10: Use Things with Intention
Always put items back in their place, thank them for their service, and care for them. Marie believes this practice helps you understand each object's purpose and value. You'll start to appreciate and use them more consciously.
This philosophy might not fully align with Western thinking, but we can borrow its core principles to bring order not just to our closets but also to our minds.
How To Clean Up The Apartment And Life: Amazing Tips From Marie Kondo – Konmari Method
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