What Order is KonMari? A Deep Dive into the Life-Changing Method

The KonMari Method, popularized by Marie Kondo, isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about transforming your relationship with your possessions and, ultimately, your life. At its core, it’s a system designed to identify and keep only those items that truly “spark joy.” But the magic lies not just in the “spark joy” assessment, but also in the specific order in which you tackle your belongings. Understanding and following this sequence is crucial for achieving lasting results and preventing overwhelm. This article will guide you through the KonMari Method’s order, explaining why it’s structured as it is and providing tips for successfully navigating each category.

Table of Contents

Why the Order Matters in KonMari

The KonMari Method isn’t a random assortment of decluttering suggestions. The order in which you tackle different categories is carefully thought out to build momentum and develop your “spark joy” muscle. Think of it as a training program for your intuition. You start with categories that are easier to evaluate emotionally, building confidence and refining your ability to discern what truly brings you joy. As you progress, you move on to more sentimental items, equipped with the skills and clarity you’ve gained along the way. Skipping ahead or jumping around can lead to confusion, frustration, and ultimately, abandoning the process altogether. The structured sequence is the backbone of the KonMari Method’s success.

The order also helps you understand the sheer volume of items you possess. By gathering everything from a single category in one place, you gain a clear visual representation of your belongings. This can be a powerful motivator for decluttering and preventing future accumulation. It’s a shock, in the best possible way, that forces you to confront your consumption habits.

The KonMari Order: A Step-by-Step Guide

The KonMari Method follows a specific order of categories:

Clothes
Books
Papers
Komono (Miscellaneous Items)
Sentimental Items

Let’s break down each category and explore the nuances involved.

Step 1: Clothes – The Foundation of Joy

Clothing is often the easiest category to start with because it’s generally less emotionally charged than other items. Most people have a good sense of what they like to wear and what they don’t.

Gather Everything: The first, and perhaps most daunting, step is to gather all of your clothing from every corner of your home. This includes clothes in closets, drawers, storage bins, laundry baskets, and even those forgotten items hanging in the spare room. Pile everything in one central location. The sheer volume can be eye-opening.
The Spark Joy Test: Pick up each item of clothing, one by one, and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” Don’t overthink it. Trust your intuition. If the answer is yes, keep it. If the answer is no, thank it for its service and let it go.
Folding and Storage: Marie Kondo advocates for a specific folding technique that allows you to see all your clothes at a glance in your drawers. The goal is to store items vertically rather than horizontally, maximizing space and making it easier to find what you’re looking for. Consider using drawer dividers to further organize your clothes. Hanging items should be organized by type (shirts, dresses, etc.) and then by color, from dark to light.

Step 2: Books – A Journey Through Knowledge and Imagination

Books often hold a special place in our hearts. They represent knowledge, escape, and personal growth. However, many of us accumulate books that we never read or reread.

Gather All Books: Just like with clothing, gather all of your books from every room in your house. This includes books on shelves, in boxes, on nightstands, and even those stacked in the attic.
The Spark Joy Assessment: Hold each book and ask yourself if it sparks joy. Consider whether you will truly read it again or if you are holding onto it out of a sense of obligation. Marie Kondo suggests that books are for reading, not for displaying.
Letting Go: This can be a difficult category for many. It’s important to be honest with yourself about which books you truly value and which ones are simply taking up space. Donate unwanted books to libraries, schools, or charities.
Organizing Your Collection: Keep only the books that spark joy. Organize them in a way that is visually appealing and makes sense to you. You might organize them by genre, author, or color.

Step 3: Papers – Taming the Paper Monster

Paper clutter is a common problem in many homes. Bills, receipts, manuals, and other documents can quickly accumulate and create a sense of chaos. This category can be challenging, but it’s essential for maintaining a tidy and organized home.

Gather All Papers: Gather all of your papers from every drawer, file cabinet, and countertop. This includes bills, receipts, manuals, warranties, and any other loose papers you can find.
Categorize: Divide your papers into three main categories: To Do, Currently Important, and Someday/Maybe.
- To Do: These are papers that require immediate action, such as bills to pay or forms to fill out.
- Currently Important: These are documents that you need to keep readily accessible, such as insurance policies or medical records.
- Someday/Maybe: These are papers that you might need in the future, but are not currently essential.
Discard Ruthlessly: Most papers can be discarded. Bills and bank statements can often be accessed online. Manuals can be found on the manufacturer’s website. Shred sensitive documents to protect your privacy.
Organize and File: Store your “Currently Important” papers in a well-organized filing system. Use clear labels to easily find what you’re looking for. Digitally scan important documents to reduce paper clutter.

Step 4: Komono (Miscellaneous Items) – The Clutter Culprit

Komono is a broad category that encompasses everything that doesn’t fall into the previous three categories. This includes kitchenware, bathroom supplies, office supplies, electronics, tools, and anything else that clutters your home. This is often the most time-consuming category, as it requires sorting through a vast array of items.

Gather All Komono: This is the most challenging gathering step. Search every nook and cranny of your home, collecting all of your miscellaneous items.
Sub-Categorize: Break down the Komono category into smaller, more manageable sub-categories, such as:
- Kitchen Items (utensils, cookware, dishes)
- Bathroom Items (toiletries, makeup, towels)
- Office Supplies (pens, paper, staplers)
- Electronics (cables, chargers, gadgets)
- Cleaning Supplies (sprays, cloths, mops)
- Tools (hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches)
- Linens (sheets, blankets, pillows)
The Spark Joy Test: Go through each item in each sub-category and ask yourself if it sparks joy. Be honest with yourself about which items you truly use and value.
Letting Go: Donate, sell, or discard unwanted items. Be mindful of where your items end up. Consider donating to local charities or recycling centers.
Organize and Store: Find a designated place for everything you keep. Use containers, drawers, and shelves to organize your belongings. The key is to create a system that is easy to maintain.

Step 5: Sentimental Items – The Ultimate Test

Sentimental items are the most challenging category because they are tied to emotions and memories. These items often include photographs, letters, souvenirs, and gifts. This is where the practice of the previous categories pays off. You’ve sharpened your “spark joy” sense.

Gather All Sentimental Items: Gather all of your sentimental items from every corner of your home. This includes photographs, letters, souvenirs, gifts, and any other items that hold emotional significance.
Handle with Care: Take your time with this category. It’s okay to feel emotional as you go through your items. Allow yourself to reminisce and reflect on the memories associated with each item.
Ask Yourself: Instead of asking “Does this spark joy?”, try asking “Does this item support my ideal future?” or “Does this item represent the person I want to be?”. This subtle shift in perspective can help you make more objective decisions.
Keep the Essentials: Keep only the items that truly resonate with you and bring you joy. Don’t feel obligated to keep everything. It’s okay to let go of items that no longer serve you.
Display and Store: Display your most cherished sentimental items in a way that brings you joy. Store the remaining items in a safe and organized manner. Consider creating a memory box or scrapbook to preserve your most precious memories.

Tips for Success with the KonMari Method

Following the KonMari order is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some additional tips to help you succeed:

Commit to the Process: The KonMari Method requires dedication and commitment. Set aside enough time to complete each category without rushing.
Visualize Your Ideal Life: Before you begin, take some time to visualize your ideal life. How do you want your home to look and feel? This vision will help guide your decluttering decisions.
Be Honest with Yourself: It’s important to be honest with yourself about which items you truly value and which ones you are simply holding onto out of habit or obligation.
Don’t Get Distracted: Avoid getting sidetracked by browsing through old photos or reading old letters. Focus on the task at hand.
Thank Your Items: Marie Kondo encourages you to thank your items for their service before letting them go. This helps to ease the emotional attachment and allows you to release them with gratitude.
Don’t Buy More Storage: Avoid the temptation to buy more storage containers before you’ve decluttered. You might find that you don’t need as much storage as you thought.
Celebrate Your Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way. This will help you stay motivated and keep you on track.
Don’t Give Up: The KonMari Method can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t give up if you encounter obstacles. Keep going, and you will eventually achieve your decluttering goals.
One Category at a Time: Stick to one category at a time. Avoid multitasking and jumping between categories. This will help you stay focused and prevent overwhelm.
Ask for Help: If you’re struggling to declutter a particular category, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or family member. A fresh perspective can be invaluable.

The KonMari Method is more than just a decluttering technique; it’s a way to transform your relationship with your belongings and create a home that truly reflects your values and aspirations. By following the specific order and embracing the “spark joy” philosophy, you can create a clutter-free and joyful living space. The carefully designed progression makes the seemingly daunting task manageable and, ultimately, life-changing. Start with clothes, then books, papers, komono, and finally, sentimental items. This is the key to unlocking the transformative power of the KonMari Method.

What is the fundamental principle behind the KonMari Method?

The KonMari Method, popularized by Marie Kondo, is more than just decluttering; it’s about transforming your relationship with your belongings. The core principle centers around only keeping items that “spark joy.” This means that you should physically hold each item and evaluate how it makes you feel. If it evokes a sense of happiness, excitement, or contentment, then you keep it.

The goal isn’t just to discard things randomly; it’s to create a space filled only with items that you genuinely love and value. This fosters a sense of appreciation for what you own and prevents you from accumulating unnecessary clutter in the future. This conscious decision-making process about each item helps to establish a deeper understanding of your personal style and preferences.

Why does the KonMari Method emphasize tidying by category instead of by location?

Traditional tidying often focuses on cleaning one room at a time. However, the KonMari Method advocates for tidying by category because it allows you to fully grasp the sheer volume of belongings you possess within that category. For example, you might have clothing scattered across multiple rooms, closets, and drawers. Tidying by category, such as gathering all your clothes in one place, reveals the total amount you own, making it easier to assess what truly sparks joy.

This approach is more effective in preventing a cycle of repeated tidying. By confronting the entirety of a single category, you’re forced to make definitive decisions about what to keep and discard. Once you’ve KonMari’d your clothing, for instance, you’re less likely to accumulate more clothes without careful consideration, preventing future clutter in that specific area.

What is the specific order of categories in the KonMari Method?

The KonMari Method follows a specific order designed to ease you into the decluttering process and hone your decision-making skills. This order begins with clothing, followed by books, then papers, next is komono (miscellaneous items), and finally, sentimental items. This sequence is crucial for effectively mastering the method.

The rationale behind this order is to start with categories that are generally easier to evaluate objectively. Clothing, for example, is often simpler to judge based on fit and style. Moving towards more emotionally charged categories like sentimental items later allows you to refine your “spark joy” assessment, leading to more thoughtful decisions. This progression ensures you’re better equipped to handle more difficult items.

How should I thank items that I am discarding?

Thanking items you are discarding might seem unusual, but it’s a core component of the KonMari Method. This practice acknowledges the item’s service to you, regardless of whether it was heavily used or not. It’s a way of showing respect and gratitude for the role it played in your life. It helps to create a positive and respectful mindset towards your belongings.

This act of gratitude can transform your relationship with material possessions. Instead of viewing decluttering as merely throwing things away, you frame it as releasing items with appreciation. This helps to avoid feelings of guilt or regret associated with discarding things. This mindful practice can also influence future purchasing decisions, encouraging you to buy items you truly value.

What is ‘Komono’ and what are some examples of items included in this category?

Komono is a broad category in the KonMari Method that encompasses miscellaneous items. It’s essentially everything that doesn’t fall into the clothing, books, papers, or sentimental items categories. It is often the most challenging category due to its sheer volume and diversity of items.

Examples of komono include kitchenware (utensils, dishes, appliances), bathroom supplies (toiletries, cleaning products), hobby items (craft supplies, sports equipment), electronics (cables, chargers), and office supplies (pens, paperclips). The best way to approach this category is to further subdivide it into smaller, more manageable subcategories, such as kitchen items or stationery. This breaks down the overwhelming task into smaller, more achievable steps.

How can I deal with sentimental items when using the KonMari Method?

Sentimental items are typically the most challenging category in the KonMari Method because they evoke strong emotions and memories. It’s best to tackle this category last, after you’ve gained experience and confidence from decluttering other categories. This allows you to hone your ability to discern whether an item truly “sparks joy” or if you’re holding onto it out of obligation or sentimentality.

When evaluating sentimental items, focus on the memory itself rather than the object. Ask yourself: Does this item bring me joy now? Does it represent a positive memory that I want to actively cherish? If the item evokes negative feelings or if you’re only keeping it out of guilt or obligation, consider letting it go. Taking a photograph of the item before discarding it can sometimes help to preserve the memory without physically holding onto the object.

What are some common mistakes people make when using the KonMari Method?

One common mistake is not gathering all items of a single category in one place before starting. This prevents you from truly grasping the volume of your belongings and making informed decisions about what to keep. Another mistake is giving away items that don’t spark joy to family or friends without their explicit consent. This simply transfers the clutter problem to someone else.

Another frequently made error is failing to follow the correct order of categories. Attempting to declutter sentimental items before mastering the “spark joy” assessment with easier categories can lead to overwhelm and frustration. Also, rushing through the process or not giving yourself enough time for each category can result in less thorough decluttering and a higher likelihood of re-accumulating clutter in the future. The KonMari method is not a quick fix, but rather a long-term shift in mindset.