12 Decluttering Tips Marie Kondo Got Totally Wrong

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Decluttering can feel like a never ending journey that is supposed to make our lives simpler but instead leaves us with a growing pile of ‘maybe later’. If there is one thing we learned from Marie Kondo, queen of tidying, it’s that she swept into our lives with her KonMari Method, inspiring millions to ask if their belongings spark joy. Not every tip has aged gracefully, and in some cases, Marie’s way of doing things could actually make things more complicated than they need to be.

Here are a few Kondo suggestions to consider as you dig into your own decluttering efforts, or perhaps to rethink.

Start With Clothes

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Marie suggests beginning with clothing, because it’s the easiest category to overcome. Clothes are loaded with memories and emotions though! Clothing is sentimental; from the jacket you wore on your first date, to that shirt you keep for ‘someday.’ A better approach? Begin with a less personal thing, say kitchenware, bathroom supplies. You’re less likely to get caught up in nostalgia about a spatula and you’ll build momentum to get to the harder stuff.

Discard First, Organize Later

Kondo says to throw everything away and then organize what’s left. This, however, can result in a chaotic mess in the middle of decluttering, and easy to lose your motivation. Rather, use a “one area at a time” approach in which you declutter and organize at the same time. It’s a lot more motivating when you see progress immediately, which will keep you motivated to continue. And you won’t be left surrounded by mountains of stuff you’re not ready to say goodbye to.

The “One Shot” Purge

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Marie is a proponent of a full blown one time purge session, but not everyone has the time or energy to take everything all at once. Life gets busy, so it’s ok to go slow and declutter gradually. A National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals survey found that half of Americans are overwhelmed by clutter but don’t have time for a major cleanup. And taking it bit by bit can be just as effective and much less exhausting.

Only Keep What “Sparks Joy”

The “spark joy” philosophy sounds nice but let’s face it: not everything we need sparks joy. They aren’t thrilling, but toilet brushes and tax documents are necessities. For stuff that is more about function than flair, attempt to rework this into “Does this serve a purpose?” Even if it doesn’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside, there is a kind of magic to practicality.

Keep Things Tidy by Category and Not By Location

Rather than decluttering by room, Kondo suggests, decluttering by category, like clothing, books, or papers. This can work but it’s not always practical. If you live in a bigger place, it is very tiring and messy to gather all the items from around the house. If you declutter by room, you can break down the clutter one room at a time and then see the transformation right in front of you. And you don’t have to trek through your home with armfuls of stuff in order to stay in one category.

Folding Clothes Into Little Rectangles

Marie’s method for folding clothes is precise, and it may be neat, but it’s certainly time consuming and not for everyone. Not everyone is patient (or dextrous!) enough to fold socks into little perfect rolls. If you aren’t meticulous about folding, don’t make yourself. There are some who simply need clean, easy to get to clothes in a closet or a basket.

The Ultimate Goal Is Minimalism

The KonMari Method is quite minimalist, but not everyone is looking for a minimalist home. For some people, ‘clutter’ is actually part of their story and they like it. Decluttering should strive to be balanced, not minimalist. If you’re feeling it, embrace a “maximalist” mindset because a room full of things that mean something can feel warmer than one that’s empty.

Thanking Objects Before Discarding

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Marie’s habit of thanking items before discarding them is sweet somehow, but not entirely necessary. It can be a little bit too, well, theatrical for some, but it can help people with letting go. Skip it if saying goodbye to an old coffee mug feels silly. Remember that you are making room for what you really need and love.

Decluttering Paperwork

Marie’s method is to purge paperwork as strictly as possible, keeping as little as possible. But not every bit of paper needs to be digitalized and while it might not be possible for everyone to digitize everything, there are some documents that are needed legally, for tax purposes, or for personal reasons. Instead of throwing all the paper away, try to sort the paperwork into “keep” and “review later” categories. That way, you don’t accidentally throw away something important in the heat of the moment.

Do Not Acquire Storage Solutions Before Decluttering

Storage solutions are something Kondo advises against buying until after decluttering, but in some cases, storage helps you stay organized from the get-go. Boxes, bins, and dividers can be a real game changer if you have a small space. Don’t feel bad about investing in storage solutions early on; in fact, they may make things easier because everything has a spot from the get go.

Books Belong in Moderation

Marie famously suggests that books should be limited to 30 or fewer. For avid readers, however, this seems a sacrilegious rule! Books are a source of knowledge, sometimes comfort, and sometimes decoration. Instead of setting an arbitrary limit, try to think of books you love to read, or that you know you’ll pick up again. There’s no hard limit on what you can donate of what you’re done with to make room for new reads.

Not All Family Involvement Is Necessary

In theory, Marie stresses family participation in the decluttering process. However, in practice, not all family members are on board with a major decluttering mission. Forcing those around you to tidy up can create tension, and even resistance. You can focus on your own areas and set the example. Your actions will sometimes speak for themselves and inspire others to come along for the ride, on their own timetable.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.