Is the KonMari Method the “Right” Way to Get Organized?

Have you watched Marie Kondo’s new show “Tidying Up” on Netflix? If you’re asking, “Who? What?” allow us to explain.

Marie Kondo is the now-international tidying icon whose method for tidying and home organization (dubbed the “KonMari method”) has taken the world by storm. Her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has spent weeks on multiple bestseller lists. In her Netflix show, Kondo visits people’s homes and teaches them her tidying method so they can gain control over the chaos of their spaces.

Needless to say, the Moxie Space team has watched the show and we regularly text each other about it (#organizerlife). Obviously, we get excited about anything that sheds light on home organizing and inspires people to create spaces they love. So, we had to share our two cents about this organizing phenomenon.

Is the KonMari Method the “Right” Way to Get Organized?

While many people have been successful using the KonMari method of tidying and organizing, it’s not necessarily the “right” way to get organized for everyone.

Don’t get us wrong, there are things we love about the KonMari method (aside from its delightful creator). It encourages people to express gratitude for the items they own, as our belongings always serve or teach us in some way. Cultivating a more mindful approach to our possessions is a great way to start the organizing process. Kondo also encourages sorting and categorizing “like with like” items, which helps you take stock of what you own and start developing a functional system of organization.

And, don’t get us started on Marie Kondo’s brilliant folding technique, also known as the “file folding” technique. We use it all the time!

However, in other ways, the KonMari method can seem a bit rigid, especially to an American audience. Kondo believes that every item you own should “spark joy.” If an item doesn’t spark joy, you should thank it for its service and let it go. Of course, it’s never a bad idea to declutter and keep the items that you use and truly love, but “spark joy” may not resonate for everyone. Let’s face it: most of us own items that don’t necessarily spark joy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be organized or live peacefully in our homes. Unless this idea resonates with you, we don’t recommend worrying too much about only keeping items that spark joy.

The KonMari method also advises that you tackle your entire home and follow a specific order. While that might work for some people, others may be overwhelmed by this process, or they simply don’t have the time and immediately get discouraged. Or, perhaps they’re only concerned about one area of their home, not the whole house.

As with anything, you have the choice to do what works for you. There is no “right” way to get organized. There isn’t one way to maintain your home. Each of us has a different threshold for organization, for tidiness, and for clutter – and that’s okay! The key to being organized in your home is creating a space that functions for you and your needs, which is why at Moxie Space, we learn about your goals, habits, and routines before we get to work. After all, your home should be your refuge. We think Marie Kondo would agree with that!

Moxie Space offers professional home organizing services in Austin, TX and the surrounding communities. Book a free phone consult today and let’s chat about how we can help you!