11 Things Marie Kondo Would Never Let in Her Own Home
This post may contain affiliate links.
A philosophy of mindful living and intentional organisation formed by Marie Kondo has inspired millions. The way she declutters, or what she calls the ‘KonMari’ method, isn’t about tidying up; it’s about making space that brings joy and peace. Marie thinks of a well organized home as some thing more than just tidy, it’s a sanctuary. It’s not about taking away the personality of a home, but rather making the most of what brings the most happiness and purpose.
Have you ever wondered what Marie herself would banish from her home? Marie knows what items and what devices she does not ‘need.’ If you want to simplify your space, here’s a closer look at some of the things she’d probably say “no, thanks” to.
Sentimental Clutter
Marie Kondo may stress the need to keep things that ‘spark joy,’ but she’s not one to let sentimental clutter take over her home. We keep old birthday cards, school projects, or souvenirs that don’t have a lot of practical use. Marie says the memory is not in the object itself, but in the experiences. She thinks that the habit of holding onto mementos for the sake of nostalgia can keep us down, rather than lift us up.
Excessive Storage Containers
Marie loves organization, but she won’t hoard storage containers. Bins, baskets, and boxes and jars accumulate in many people’s lives because they believe they will help keep things neat, but too many storage options can actually contribute to chaos instead of order. Marie suggests finding a balance: enough containers to organize things without as many containers as possible crowding the space. Her philosophy is all about focusing on what you’re keeping and not how you’re keeping it.
Beauty Products Expired Or Unused
Marie’s decluttering method even stretches to the bathroom. No place for old or expired beauty products in her routine, dried out mascaras or half used lotions. She finds a clutter free beauty space helps her appreciate the products she really use, not distracted by an over flow of expired items.
Broken or Unusable Items
One of Marie’s key principles is respect for the items you own, and that means letting go of broken or unusable things. She thinks if it is beyond repair, it’s time to end it. Perhaps it’s a chipped mug, or a dead electronic, or a torn pillow, and Marie would probably say that these things have done their job. They just clutter up your space with things that don’t contribute positively to your life.
Excessive Decor
Less is definitely more in Marie’s world, especially when it comes to decor. She would never fill her home with knick knacks or decorative pieces that didn’t actually serve a purpose. She prefers simple and minimal design because she feels that spaces that are over adorned can be visually overwhelming. Instead of crowding every corner, she suggests picking only those pieces that make you smile and make sense, thereby calming and balancing the home.
Clothing That No Longer Fits
Marie Kondo, who is famous for encouraging people to think carefully about their wardrobes, has one of her main rules being to throw away clothes that don’t fit anymore. Not only can hanging onto clothes from a different season of life fill up your closet, but it can also keep you emotionally attached to the past. Her advice? Hold on to what fits you at that moment, right now, and how you can step into that self with confidence without dragging the past along with you.
Unused Kitchen Gadgets
From avocado slicers to egg poachers, kitchen gadgets can pile up, but Marie doesn’t like unnecessary culinary tools. She prefers a streamlined kitchen that has only the essentials without the clutter that goes with gadgets that don’t get much use. In her view, a well organized kitchen should be conducive for a pleasant cooking experience—not a game of “hide and seek” till you’ve rummaged through drawers stacked with unused tools.
Stacks of Books
Marie loves books, but she does preach moderation in the book department. She’s not the type to let books accumulate if they’re not making her happy. If they are sitting on a shelf collecting dust, maybe it’s time to read them, or release them and make space for something new.
Outdated Papers and Bills
She is also strict about keeping unnecessary paperwork in her home, as bills, receipts and old documents tend to pile up quickly. She suggests having a dedicated system to handle paper work and suggests to scan important documents or discard the old ones. It’s about keeping only what is necessary and getting rid of the never ending paper clutter.
Free Promotional Items
Marie Kondo doesn’t keep anything that doesn’t bring her joy, and that includes those branded pens, reusable bags, and random giveaways that may seem harmless. They give freebies out without a second thought to whether they will ever be used or not, and they pile up fast. Politely decline or donate promotional items so you don’t have an overflow of random objects in your home.
Duplicate Items
If there’s one thing Marie doesn’t accept, it’s duplicates . Excess and unnecessary are words she likes to use when referring to owning multiples of the same item. For example, you don’t need two sets of measuring cups or two pairs of scissors. Not only does this conserve space, it makes decision making easier, saving time and stress in everyday life.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
