If you’ve ever dreamed of a perfectly organized home, free from clutter and full of things that spark joy, the Marie Kondo Method checklist may be just what you need. Created by bestselling author and tidying expert Marie Kondo, this approach to decluttering is as much about mindset as it is about organization. This article, will guide you through a KonMari checklist to help you remove the clutter and transform your space with intention.
From clothing to sentimental items, get ready to tackle each category in a way that brings harmony and lasting order to your home. Explore these decluttering tips and organizing hacks to transform your home into a peaceful, joy-filled retreat, whether you're living in a stylish apartment in downtown Cleveland, OH, a cozy coastal home in Miami, FL, or a spacious rental in Newark, NJ.
Marie Kondo is a renowned Japanese organizing expert and the author behind the popular KonMari Method, which focuses on keeping only items that bring joy. Her approach to decluttering, rooted in mindfulness and gratitude, has helped people worldwide create calm and orderly spaces that reflect what truly matters to them.
In a nutshell, the KonMari Method simplifies the decluttering process by encouraging you to organize your home by category rather than by room. Marie Kondo suggests beginning with clothing, then progressing through other categories such as books, papers, miscellaneous items, and, finally, sentimental objects.
One of the most celebrated aspects of Marie Kondo's philosophy involves reflecting on each item you own and asking yourself whether it sparks joy.. Does it speak to the heart for you? Does it bring you happiness? If it doesn’t, take a moment to thank the item for its role in your life and part ways. Many choose to donate or pass on items that don’t bring joy as part of this decluttering journey.
As Kendall from KENDALLCLUTTER in Los Angeles, CA suggests, incorporating a “declutter-as-you-go” strategy can make a huge difference. “When you make breakfast, declutter coffee cups. When you get dressed, declutter old clothes you haven't worn in years. Even if you declutter just one item a day, that's progress,” states Kendall. A simple daily routine can help make decluttering a habit over time, making the overall process more manageable.
Here's a step-by-step guide for how you can follow the Marie Kondo Method, as well as your very own Marie Kondo Method checklist.
As with all journeys of self-improvement, the first step in the Marie Kondo Method checklist is to commit. Just as you'd commit to losing weight, working out or starting a new hobby, commit to tidying and organizing your home through and through right at the start.
Leah Forbert, owner of LRO Home Organizing in Austin, TX, recommends starting small, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed. “Choose a single room or even a simple drawer to begin. Take your time and be thorough. Organizing and decluttering your home can be challenging, so be patient with yourself. It’s a process that takes time, but once you experience the joy of a well-organized home, you’ll be motivated to tackle even more spaces,” shares Forbert. This reminder helps reinforce the KonMari philosophy: committing to the process with patience and persistence is key to success.
Create a picture in your mind of your ideal lifestyle. What does it look like, and how does organizing and decluttering the home fit into it? “What do you envision for your home or for your space? Having a specific goal in mind before you begin will give you momentum as you begin and move through the decluttering checklist,” advises Suzanne O’Donnell of My LA Organizer. Visualizing the lifestyle you want can keep you motivated throughout the journey.
These answers are deeply personal and can vary significantly from person to person. For instance, a cluttered home can alleviate stress and anxiety levels, making it hard to relax or focus. Research shows that disorganization can lead to feelings of overwhelm and distraction, impacting productivity and contributing to mental fatigue. In contrast, a neat and organized environment promotes a sense of calm and control, allowing for clearer thinking and greater peace of mind. By eliminating clutter, you not only create a more visually appealing space but also foster improved mood and motivation, supporting your overall well-being.
When organizing and tidying your home, it's easy to get sidetracked along the way. However, the Marie Kondo Method emphasizes the importance of staying focused, beginning with the process of discarding items. Prioritizing what to let go of is crucial before fully transforming your space. Consider this step a cathartic release; only by removing the unnecessary can you truly envision and create your ideal environment. Clearing out what you don’t need allows for a fresh start and sets the foundation for realizing your dream home.
As you sort through each category, let go of items that no longer serve you by expressing gratitude for their role in your life. Reflect on their value, thank them, and prepare them for a new purpose. If something didn’t serve you well, consider why and how future choices might better align with your goals. This reflection not only eases the letting-go process but also clarifies what you truly need going forward.
Missy Weimer from Lifehack Organizing located in Oak Park, IL suggests, “When unsure what sparks joy, start with what doesn’t. Begin with items you never used or didn’t like—broken or useless items—and say, ‘Your job here is done.’ It’s a great way to build decluttering momentum.” Starting with items that clearly don’t serve you can help ease you into the process.
Nicole Korman, owner of Cincinnati, OH-based Westside Cleaning Services, also suggests a “Declutter Challenge” that might be helpful. “Empty the room or space, fill a box or trash bag, select 10 items to keep, and donate the rest to your local domestic shelter..” These incremental steps can make the discarding process more achievable.
Parisa Ozmen from Organize Me Well in West Hollywood, CA adds, “Choose items that truly add value or joy. Start with a small category like kitchen gadgets, evaluating each piece. This focused approach builds momentum and prevents overwhelm.” Tackling a manageable category first can simplify the process, making it easier to move on to larger areas with confidence.
One of the key differences of the Marie Kondo Method is that, instead of going through your home and tackling your decluttering project room by room, you do it category by category.
When helping clients achieve balance and calm, Paula Pham, Health and Organizing Coach at SparkOrganizers in Topanga, CA, notes the importance of containers. “I often use white storage containers when a client’s life is overwhelming or chaotic. Clear containers with bamboo lids offer clarity and simplicity, while the natural warmth of bamboo adds a grounding richness,” she says. Using purposeful containers as you categorize and organize can also support well-being and harmony in your space.
When organizing by category, Marie Kondo emphasizes the importance of following a specific order:
The KonMari Method stresses that it's important to start with clothing when beginning the Marie Kondo Method checklist. Gather all your clothes, hold each and think about your history with them. Did you use it often? If so, how? Does it spark joy? If it does, place it in the “keep” pile; if not, express gratitude for its service and let it go. Leah Forbert advises, “Take your time and categorize each item. Pull everything out, and as you go, sort through each piece. You’ll often find items to donate or discard right away.”
Many of us enjoy building extensive book collections. Marie Kondo herself prefers to keep a small selection, but recognizes they're often exceptions in decluttering and organizing a home. Her advice: hold each book, assess whether it sparks joy, and decide what to keep based on that feeling.
With papers scattered everywhere— to-do lists, flyers, pamphlets—it can be overwhelming to know what to keep. If you struggle to part with the paperwork cluttering your space, the KonMari Method can guide you in identifying what is truly essential and valuable.
This step in the Marie Kondo Method checklist could take a while, as we all have tons of miscellaneous junk cluttering up our homes, but it's extremely important to sift through it and determine what you actually use, need and spark joy within you.
This final category is the most difficult to work through. Maybe there's a figurine that your grandmother gave you. Perhaps it's a now-broken souvenir from a favorite trip.
Leah Forbert suggests the “edit” step. “Let go of broken items, clothes that no longer fit, or items that you have multiples of. Once you experience the joy of a well-organized home, you’ll be motivated to tackle even more spaces,” says Forbert.
Similarly, Suzanne O’Donnell notes, “Establish a ‘home’ for everything. And if you cannot create a home for certain items, then you know it’s time to edit.”
We all accumulate a lot of belongings over time, often leading to cluttered spaces that can feel overwhelming. To help you stay focused during your decluttering journey with the KonMari Method, we’ve created a comprehensive KonMari checklist. This handy resource is designed to guide you through each category, ensuring that you don't miss a step along the way. You can easily download and print the checklist, making it a practical tool to reference as you tidy up your home. Whether you're just starting or need a little extra motivation, this checklist will support you in creating a more organized living space.
As you're going through the Marie Kondo Method checklist, you must ask yourself the key question: Does it spark joy? Sparkle & Shine Cleaning LA emphasizes this approach by suggesting, “Start small and focus on one area and keep only what truly makes your space important or makes you feel good, letting go of the rest.”
Regardless of the reason, if an item truly sparks joy within you, it deserves a place in your home. Remember, it’s your space, and curating it with items that truly make you happy can lead to greater contentment and a sense of harmony in your everyday life. By focusing on joy, you’re not just clearing out clutter; you’re intentionally creating a mindful living space that reflects your values and brings you peace.