23:18 24-11-2025

Minimalism at home: Marie Kondo's guide to decluttering

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Learn how to declutter your home with the Marie Kondo method: sort by category, keep what sparks joy, and create a calm, minimalist space that supports you.

A clean home can feel like the start of a new life. The experiences of many who chose to rethink their habits and let go of excess bear that out. Minimalism rests on a simple idea: keep only the things that genuinely bring joy.

This approach rose to worldwide prominence thanks to Japanese author Marie Kondo and her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Her work encouraged people across the globe to look at their belongings differently and learn to part with what they don’t need, and it’s easy to see why the idea resonates.

Understand the reasons

Before diving into decluttering, get clear on your purpose. Make a list of items and habits you’re ready to let go of. Picture the order and atmosphere you want to achieve. That vision helps set priorities and keeps the process from sliding into chaos.

Don’t be afraid to act right away

Marie Kondo suggests not confining the effort to a single room. Start with whatever comes to hand and remove what’s unnecessary. This way, results appear quickly and build momentum instead of tempting you to put things off.

Sort by category

The task gets simpler when you group things: clothes, books, documents, personal items. For example, gather all your clothing in one place and keep only what you like and what fits. The rest can go to friends or charity.

Books are worth sorting too: keep those you’ve enjoyed or truly plan to read. Everything else can find a new home with friends or at a library.

A place for everything

Once the excess is gone, organize what remains. Give every item its place. That habit preserves order and saves time later. Magazines, papers, and household odds and ends won’t end up scattered if you plan their storage in advance.

Decide what has value

Kondo’s key principle, Tokimeki, suggests an item is worth keeping if it elicits positive feelings—if it delights you. Before you hold on to something, take it in your hands and notice your reaction. If there’s no spark, it’s safe to donate or discard.

Minimalism isn’t about austerity; it’s about comfort and the quiet joy of living with things you appreciate. By following the straightforward rules of this Japanese approach, you can shape a space that lifts your mood and streamlines daily life. Even small changes make it easier to breathe and focus on what truly matters.