Published: February 15, 2026

Marie Kondo Organization Method: Simplify Your Home

What Is the Marie Kondo Organization Method?

The Marie Kondo organization method, popularized by the bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, has become a household name for a reason. It’s a simple yet powerful approach to decluttering and organizing your space. The method is built around a key principle: keep only those items that “spark joy.” If something doesn’t bring you joy or serve a clear purpose, it’s time to let it go. This philosophy encourages mindfulness in our possessions and aims to create a space that promotes peace and happiness.

In essence, the Kondo method is not just about organizing—it’s about shifting the way we view our belongings. It helps you reevaluate your relationship with the items you own and consider their emotional and functional value. Whether you’re moving into a new home, tackling a home renovation, or simply looking to bring some order to your space, this method offers a practical and mental framework for a more streamlined lifestyle.

Key Principles of the Marie Kondo Method

Marie Kondo’s method is broken down into a few essential steps that can be applied to any home, regardless of size or style. Here’s a closer look at the core principles:

• Tidy by Category, Not Location
  One of the most distinctive aspects of the Marie Kondo method is the recommendation to tidy by category rather than by room. This ensures that you can clearly see the quantity of each type of item you own, from clothing and books to papers and miscellaneous items. By grouping similar objects, it becomes easier to assess what you really need and what’s just taking up space. 
• Follow the Right Order
  Kondo recommends tackling your home in a specific order: start with clothing, then move on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and finally, sentimental items. The idea is to begin with the easiest categories and gradually work up to the more emotionally charged items, such as family heirlooms or mementos. This progression allows you to build your decision-making skills before addressing the more difficult possessions. 
• Ask Yourself: Does It Spark Joy?
  The hallmark of the Marie Kondo method is the question, “Does this item spark joy?” If the item does not bring a sense of happiness or utility to your life, it’s time to part ways with it. This approach encourages you to keep only what truly enhances your life. As you go through each category, this mindset fosters clarity and purpose in your belongings. 
• Respect Your Items
  The Kondo method is built on the principle of respecting your belongings. This means treating your items with care and thoughtfully organizing them so they have a designated place in your home. By doing so, you foster gratitude for what you have and prevent unnecessary clutter from accumulating.

How to Implement the Marie Kondo Method in Your Home

Implementing the Marie Kondo method can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, you can transform your space into a harmonious environment that fosters calm and clarity. Here’s how to get started:

• Prepare Mentally
  Before diving into decluttering, take a moment to reflect on why you’re doing this. Ask yourself what you hope to achieve—whether it’s a more organized home, a simpler life, or simply a more peaceful environment—understanding your “why” will help you stay motivated throughout the process. 
• Start With Clothing
  As recommended by Kondo, begin with your clothing. Take everything out of your closet and drawers, then go through each item, one by one, and ask yourself if it sparks joy. Fold and organize the items you decide to keep so they are easily accessible, such as using the KonMari folding method. This can bring a sense of order and mindfulness to your clothing collection. 
• Tackle Books, Papers, and Miscellaneous Items
  Once you’ve finished with clothing, move on to books, papers, and miscellaneous items. For books, handle each one and ask if it sparks joy or if you truly need it. For papers, sort through them and discard any outdated or unnecessary documents. For miscellaneous items, be honest about what’s truly needed and what can be donated or discarded. 
• Handle Sentimental Items Last
  Sentimental items are the hardest to part with, which is why they should be addressed last. After you’ve practiced the method on the easier categories, you’ll have the tools to make more objective decisions about mementos and sentimental items. 
• Maintain Your Organized Space
  After you’ve decluttered and organized your home, the key to maintaining a tidy space is to regularly reassess your possessions. Remember, the Kondo method isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a mindset shift that encourages mindful living.

Ready to bring more order and peace to your home? UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Atlanta can help you with your storage needs during the decluttering process. Whether you need extra space to temporarily store items or organize your home, call us today at (678) 218-6057, and let us help you create a space that truly sparks joy!