Complete Decluttering Guide: Marie Kondo Method Made Simple

The KonMari Method: 6 Core Principles

1. Commit to tidying up: Decide to declutter completely, not just organize
2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle: Visualize how you want to live
3. Finish discarding first: Remove unwanted items before organizing
4. Tidy by category, not by room: Gather all similar items together
5. Follow the right order: Start with easy categories, end with sentimental
6. Ask if it sparks joy: Keep only items that make you feel positive

The 5-Category Order (Never Skip or Rearrange)

Category 1: Clothes (1-2 weeks)

• What to include: All clothing, shoes, accessories, undergarments
• Process: Gather from every room, closet, laundry
• Joy test: Hold each item - does it make you feel confident?
• Folding method: File fold vertically to see everything
• Average reduction: 50-70% of clothing

Category 2: Books (3-5 days)

• What to include: Books, magazines, manuals, CDs, DVDs
• Keep criteria: Reference books, favorites to reread, current interests
• Let go: Books you "should" read but never will, outdated information
• Digital alternative: Many books available as ebooks or audiobooks

Category 3: Papers (1-2 days)

• Golden rule: Discard almost everything
• Keep only: Currently in use, should be dealt with, must be kept indefinitely
• Digitize: Scan important documents, store in cloud
• Filing system: Simple categories: Action, Reference, Archive

Category 4: Komono (Miscellaneous) (2-3 weeks)

Category 5: Sentimental Items (1-2 weeks)

• Why last: Your joy-detection skills are strongest by now
• Photo strategy: Keep best shots, digitize the rest
• Heirloom test: Would you want your children to inherit this?
• Memory preservation: Take photos of items before letting go

How to Determine What Sparks Joy

Physical Joy Test

1. Pick up the item: Physical contact is essential
2. Notice your body's response: Does it feel good to hold?
3. Check your energy: Does it make you feel lighter or heavier?
4. Imagine using it: Does the thought make you happy?

Joy vs. Other Feelings

Sparks Joy	Obligation	Guilt	Someday
Makes you smile	"I should keep this"	"It was expensive"	"I might need it"
Feels energizing	"It's still good"	"It was a gift"	"I'll fit into it again"
Excited to use it	"I paid for it"	"Someone gave it to me"	"Just in case"

Common Decluttering Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: "I Might Need It Someday"

Solution: If you haven't used it in 2 years, you probably won't. Most items can be borrowed, rented, or repurchased if truly needed.

Challenge: "It Was Expensive"

Solution: The money is already spent. Keeping unused expensive items doesn't recover the cost, it just creates clutter guilt.

Challenge: "It Was a Gift"

Solution: The gift served its purpose when it showed someone cared. You're not obligated to keep items that don't serve your current life.

Challenge: Family Resistance

Solution: Start with your own items only. Let your transformation inspire others naturally. Don't declutter others' belongings without permission.

After Decluttering: The KonMari Organization System

Storage Principles

• Vertical storage: File fold clothes, stack books spine-up
• Visible storage: See everything at a glance
• Designated homes: Every item has a specific place
• Easy access: Daily items in convenient locations

Maintenance Habits

1. Daily reset: Return everything to its designated home
2. One in, one out: Remove an item when bringing something new home
3. Regular joy checks: Quarterly review of borderline items
4. Mindful purchasing: Ask "Does this spark joy?" before buying

Timeline and Expectations

Disposal and Donation Strategy

Donation Options

• Goodwill/Salvation Army: General clothing and household items
• Women's shelters: Professional clothing and personal care items
• Schools: Art supplies, books, office supplies
• Animal shelters: Old towels and blankets

Disposal Methods

• Electronics: Best Buy and Staples recycling programs
• Batteries: Hardware stores and grocery collection bins
• Expired medications: Police stations and pharmacy take-back programs
• Hazardous materials: Municipal collection centers