It can often feel like there is a fine line between having a home that is personal and not cluttered. Usually, the most sentimental items are those that are not design-led – and so incorporating them into your home can be tricky.
However, we all have personal items – including Marie Kondo – the master of home-organizing ideas – and the most famous tidier of our time. So, how does Ms. Kondo differentiate between personal pieces and clutter?
The Japanese-born consultant, Netflix star, and multi-best-selling author sat down with H&G to mark the release of her book Kurashi at Home – Kurashi translating to way of life in Japanese. Her conversation spanned from Marie kondo's top five tips to her tidying mistakes to avoid, but we couldn't help but also discuss the art of decluttering.
How can you tell if something classifies as 'clutter,' and how should you organize the personal items in your space? Here, Marie Kondo explains all.
Marie Kondo's rule for classifying clutter
'In chapter three of Kurashi at Home, I ask readers to visualize their ideal home, and I offer examples of my own or clients’ homes to offer inspiration. Each room in your home should and will have its own personal flare; whatever this may look like is ultimately up to you. Tidying, according to the KonMari Method, means holding onto items that spark joy for you, so from person to person, the number of belongings will always vary,' Marie says.
'Some may find they like a living room filled with family heirlooms and old books, while others may only cherish some art on the walls and a simple couch. Whichever type of person you may be, you’ll know your space feels cluttered when the items and decor on display are no longer sparking joy, and then it may be time to reorganize.'
How do you keep on top of 'clutter'?
In some cases, you may feel that each of your items 'spark joy', but you are still struggling to keep your space tidy. However, Marie Kondo has a solution. And whether you're organizing a small apartment or a large home, the guru's teaching remains the same.
'If you find that you love everything in your space, but it still feels cluttered, then try giving every item a home,' she says.
'Put tech items neatly in a drawer, keep miscellaneous paperwork filed away, and if you have children, help them put their toys back in designated spaces each morning/night. Giving all your items home can remove that sense of clutter you may feel in certain areas of your home.'
For more advice, we're adding a copy of Kurashi at Home to our baskets right now.
-
When to harvest daikon radish – the ideal time to lift the roots, and how to do it perfectlyTips to pick delicious radish roots to add to a wide range of dishes
-
Are all these trending dark colors just for cozy season? Or is there longevity to these moody hues? We asked designers for their takeDark and moody colors are everywhere right now, but do these statement hues hold their own year-long?
-
Marie Kondo has 'given up' on tidying, but it isn't a surprise – here's whyThe world's most famous organizer no longer prioritizes a tidy home – but this is fulfilling her KonMari method, experts say
-
Drew Barrymore's spring cleaning secret will bring 'a sense of control' to your homeThe actress decided she was going to 'Marie Kondo' her life – here's what her process involved – and how you can do the same
-
Marie Kondo says this is the biggest challenge when decluttering – and how to overcome it for a more organized lifeThe world's most respected organizer sat down with H&G to explain how to tackle the trickiest part of any tidying journey
-
The common decluttering mistake that is interrupting order in your home, according to Marie KondoIn an exclusive conversation with H&G, the guru shared the common error that 'results in constant organizing' – and what she does instead
-
Exclusive: Marie Kondo starts every 'tidying journey' with this simple rule
The world's most esteemed organizer shares how to organize a home that fits your 'ideal lifestyle' – and the simple way to bring instant calm to your space
-
KonMari Master warns against this pantry organization mistake – and suggests this clever zoning solutionThe organization guru urges you to replace scattered storage with a KonMari zoning tip – for a pantry that will stay tidier for longer
-
The 5 tidying mistakes to avoid – according to the Marie Kondo method
Make this your last weekend of decluttering for a while with these Marie Kondo-approved tips
-
Marie Kondo says having a 'power spot' will make your home happierHere's what it is and how to make one at home
