The KonMari method
Those who don't like being disorganised or living in a cluttered space are always looking for ways to improve their living situation. The KonMari method offers a solution, invented by the famous Japanese organisation consultant and author, Marie Kondo. She has written many books about tidying up and organisation, and now even has her own TV show. Most importantly, though, she’s getting people off their feet and helping them to live much happier, healthier, and more organized lives.
There are three keys to this method.
Contents |
[edit] 1. Everything has a purpose
Have you noticed how cluttered modern homes are? There are the seashells from that vacation you took ages ago with a few pebbles in the same jar. There are the flowers you got for that one special Valentine’s Day. There are endless rows of decorative items around the house, filling up space. Regardless of how sentimental you are, these items are just collecting dust.
It’s nice to have memories and collect memorabilia, but what’s the point when those things just end up making you feel claustrophobic? You don’t even notice how many useless things you have until you start cleaning up. You don’t even notice how much they suffocate you and make you feel unhappy.
To end this vicious cycle of hoarding, the KonMari method proposes one simple rule: everything must have a purpose. Things that don’t bring you joy and things that have just been lying around don’t have room in your home anymore. Before you start organising, you’ll have to declutter the space completely.
[edit] 2. Organisation is key
Where you store your things is very important. Nothing should just lie around and collect dust; it needs to have its place. The problem with modern homes is that there is often not enough storage room, leading you to have a disorganised place and thus a cluttered mind.
As well as being able to see how much you’re going to store, you’ll also get to plan it. This way, you’ll be organizing in advance. In other words, you won’t give yourself the opportunity to hoard useless things and pile them around.
[edit] 3. The way you put things away matters, too
The “how” of putting things away is just as important as the “where.” Organisation would mean absolutely nothing if you didn’t fold and store your things the right way. Think of it this way: what’s the use of having sufficient storage space if you use it inefficiently? This is why the KonMari method is characteristic by its folding method.
This has to do primarily with clothes. The items you want to keep should be folded in a filing system.
What makes the KonMari method so successful and efficient is the fact that clothes (and other household utilities) are filed according to category, not room. Take your closet, for example. Because your clothes will be organized by category, you’ll be able to save space, while finding what you need easily.
[edit] Conclusion
Because of the popularity of the KonMari method, anyone can be a cleaning expert. You don’t have to succumb to the things you own and possess any longer. We’re confident your home will shine its brightest colours once you’ve implemented this new organisation system and got things in order.
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.