Marie Kondo

"Finish discarding first"- Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo, a renowned Japanese organising consultant and author, gained global fame with her KonMari Method, which emphasises tidying up by category rather than location. Born on 9 October 1984 in Tokyo, Japan, Kondo developed a passion for organisation and decluttering from a young age. Her philosophy centres around the principle of "spark joy," encouraging individuals to keep only the items that resonate with them emotionally and to part with the rest respectfully.

Kondo's groundbreaking book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, first published in 2011, became an international bestseller, translated into multiple languages. It inspired millions to re-evaluate their possessions and living spaces. The book also led to a Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, which debuted in 2019 and brought her practical yet mindful approach into viewers' homes.

The KonMari Method involves six key steps: visualising one's ideal lifestyle and proceeding through categories like clothing, books, and sentimental items. Kondo’s approach combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern minimalism, advocating for harmony in living spaces. Her work goes beyond physical decluttering, promoting mental clarity and a mindful approach to consumption.

Marie Kondo's influence extends to interior design, sustainability, and mental well-being. Her method resonates particularly in a world increasingly concerned with consumerism and environmental impact. Critics, however, have questioned whether her minimalist approach can be universally applied across different cultures and economic contexts.

Despite varying perspectives, Kondo remains an iconic figure in the realm of organisation and lifestyle improvement. Through her books, television appearances, and tidying philosophy, she continues to inspire people worldwide to create more meaningful, joy-filled environments, transforming both their homes and their mindsets.

The Body Of Work

Marie Kondo's works revolve around her philosophy of decluttering and organising to create spaces that inspire joy and serenity. Her primary contributions are her books, television series, and the development of her signature KonMari Method.

Books

1. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (2011):
   This is Kondo's seminal work that introduced the KonMari Method to the world. It outlines her step-by-step process for decluttering and organising possessions by category, focusing on keeping items that "spark joy." The book became an international bestseller, translated into over 30 languages.

2. Spark Joy: An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying (2016):
   A follow-up to her first book, this serves as a practical, illustrated companion to the KonMari Method. It provides detailed advice and visuals to help readers implement her techniques effectively.

3. Joy at Work: Organising Your Professional Life (2020):
   Co-authored with organisational psychologist Scott Sonenshein, this book extends Kondo's philosophy to the workplace, addressing clutter in professional settings and fostering productivity and job satisfaction.

Television Series

1. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (2019):
   A Netflix series in which Kondo helps families declutter their homes and lives. It brought her method into mainstream popular culture, showcasing the emotional and transformational aspects of tidying.

2. Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo (2021):
   Another Netflix project, this series expands her tidying principles to communities and businesses, demonstrating how decluttering can foster collective joy and connection.

KonMari Media

Kondo founded KonMari Media, a platform offering courses, consultation services, and a network of certified KonMari consultants to guide individuals and organisations in applying her method.

Her works emphasise mindfulness, gratitude, and the joy of simplicity, leaving a lasting impact on lifestyles worldwide.

Big Takeaways

Here are five big takeaways from Marie Kondo's philosophy and approach to organisation:

1. Keep Only What Sparks Joy

Kondo’s central philosophy is to retain only items that bring happiness or resonate emotionally. By focusing on what sparks joy, individuals are encouraged to be more mindful about their possessions, creating a space that reflects their true selves.

2. Declutter by Category, Not Location

The KonMari Method organises belongings by category (e.g., clothing, books, sentimental items) rather than by room. This approach ensures a comprehensive assessment of each type of item, reducing redundancy and promoting efficiency.

3. Respect Your Belongings

Kondo encourages treating possessions with gratitude, thanking them for their service before discarding them. This practice, rooted in Japanese culture, fosters mindfulness and reduces the guilt associated with letting go.

4. Visualise Your Ideal Life

Before tidying, Kondo advises reflecting on your ideal lifestyle. By defining the environment you wish to live in, you can align your possessions and choices to achieve that vision, making the process intentional and fulfilling.

5. The Power of Transformation

Tidying is more than just cleaning; it’s a transformational process. By decluttering physical spaces, individuals often experience mental and emotional clarity, enabling them to focus on goals and embrace a more joyful, purposeful life.

These principles have made Kondo’s method a global phenomenon, resonating with those seeking simplicity, harmony, and a deeper connection to their surroundings.