Marie Kondo has become a household name for anyone seeking to bring order to their homes. Her KonMari Method™ isn’t just about tidying up; it’s a philosophy centered on keeping only the items that “spark joy.” For closets specifically, her approach is a game-changer. Whether you’re drowning in clothes or simply looking to refine your wardrobe, her method offers clarity and a practical path to a clean, functional, and uplifting space.
The cornerstone of Marie Kondo’s method is tidying by category, not location. Here’s how it works when applied to your closet:
Lay It All Out: Start by emptying your closet completely. Pile every piece of clothing, accessory, or shoe onto your bed. This visual shock helps you realize just how much you own.
Spark Joy Test: Take each item in your hands and ask yourself, Does this spark joy? If it doesn’t, thank the item for its service and set it aside for donation or recycling.
Sort by Category: Divide your wardrobe into subcategories—tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, accessories. This allows you to focus and prevents overwhelm.
Designated Spaces: Once you’ve narrowed your belongings down to joyful essentials, organize them neatly in designated spaces. Marie emphasizes visibility, so you should be able to see every item at a glance.
When I tried this step, laying out all my clothes on the bed felt overwhelming at first, but it forced me to confront how much I owned. Letting go of items that no longer “sparked joy” was surprisingly emotional yet liberating.
Marie Kondo’s folding method is iconic for good reason—it saves space and ensures you can see everything in your drawer. Her vertical folding technique transforms piles of clothing into neat, upright rows.
When I first tried her folding technique, it felt like a mini art project. Suddenly, my drawers weren’t just storage spaces; they became organized showcases of my favorite items
Marie Kondo’s philosophy extends far beyond organizing clothes. By focusing on what brings joy, her method encourages mindfulness in every aspect of life.
While tidying my closet, I realized that many items weren’t just cluttering my space—they were weighing me down mentally. By letting go of clothes I didn’t love, I felt a renewed sense of clarity and control. The process became a way of practicing gratitude for what I owned and creating room for things that truly mattered.
I still remember the moment I laid all my clothes on the bed—it was both shocking and eye-opening. I discovered items I hadn’t worn in years, stuffed in drawers and forgotten in boxes. As I picked up each piece, asking myself if it “sparked joy,” I realized how much I held onto out of guilt or habit.
By the time I finished the process, my closet was unrecognizable. It transformed from a chaotic mess into a curated collection of clothes that genuinely made me happy. Now, every morning when I open my closet, I feel a sense of calm and satisfaction instead of dread.
Emotional Attachments: It’s hard to let go of clothes tied to memories or “just in case” items. A tip is to focus on the joy an item brings now, not the past.
Overthinking: If you’re stuck, ask yourself practical questions like, “Have I worn this in the past year?”
Time Management: Tidying an entire closet can feel daunting. Break it into manageable chunks—one category at a time.
When I faced emotional resistance to letting go, reminding myself of Marie’s rule to thank each item helped me move forward with less guilt.
Once your closet is sparkling clean, the next challenge is keeping it that way. Here’s how:
Since adopting these habits, my closet has remained organized for months—a feat I never thought possible before.
Marie Kondo’s approach to organizing isn’t just about achieving a tidy closet—it’s about transforming your mindset and fostering a deeper appreciation for your belongings. By following her method, you’re not just decluttering; you’re creating a space that supports your happiness and well-being.
For me, the true beauty of the KonMari Method™ lies in its simplicity and its emphasis on joy. Every time I open my organized closet, I’m reminded that I’ve created a space filled with items that truly matter—and that’s a joy worth celebrating.
