12 Times Marie Kondo’s Minimalism Was Just Too Much

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Millions have been mesmerized by Marie Kondo; her ‘spark joy’ mantra and her particular method of decluttering. She has changed the way people view their things and how many people have simplified their homes and lives. But some of her ideas are so extreme, even as inspiring as her approach is. Not all homes are willing to part with sentimental items, nor can all homes imagine themselves with so little in the way of possessions.

Kondo’s take on minimalism is pushing the boundaries, which many have embraced, but at times her take might leave us scratching our heads. And in this article, we’ll laugh a bit about some of the times Marie Kondo’s approach might have been a little too intense.

Folding Socks With Care – Too Much Care?

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Kondo’s folding method is meticulous, but she looks askance at how she folds socks. However, Kondo says that socks should be folded carefully to prevent “stretching them out.” She views tossing socks in a drawer, an insult to them, as if they could feel the neglect. Neatly folded socks can make any drawer Pinterest perfect, but most of us don’t have the time or energy to pay our socks that level of respect. They are sometimes just balled up in the drawer, no ceremony necessary!

Thanking Them Before Letting Objects Go

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With Kondo’s process, every single thing you part with is given its proper goodbye, with a loving “thank you” for its service. There’s something nice about admitting the things we’ve had in our lives, but it’s kind of weird to thank a beat up spatula or a threadbare pair of jeans. For some, it’s a sentimental approach, but for others it’s way over the top. If you’re going to let go of something, sometimes you don’t need a formal ceremony of farewell for each item.

The Bare-Bones Closet

Organized White Wooden Closet
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Kondo supports a minimalist wardrobe, of essential pieces only. The idea of having just a few outfits sounds freeing to many of us, but it can also be limiting. Picture it: you’ve got five or six options to choose from, none of which feels right for the situation. That’s the kind of restriction that could lead to more stress than joy, especially for anyone who takes joy in expressing themselves through fashion.

Throwing Anything That Doesn’t ‘Spark Joy’

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The core principle (one of Marie Kondo’s principles) is the only items you keep are those that ‘spark joy.’ It’s a great idea, but what about practical items that don’t necessarily make your heart sing? Not often is a toilet plunger, a first aid kit, or even a basic screwdriver something that would make your heart sing, but they are definitely needed. Some things are kept for most people because they’re useful, not because they bring happiness. Joys vs. pragmatism is probably one of the biggest challenges from adopting Kondo’s approach.

Paper Clutter: No Tolerance

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Kondo another bold stance takes her belief that paper clutter has no place in a minimalist household. She advises people to get rid of most documents and to go digital whenever possible. But let’s face it: there is some paperwork that is just too important to throw out, like tax forms, medical records or your dog’s vaccination history. We would all like a paperless world, but some physical documents are still essential, even if they clutter up our filing cabinets.

Only One of Each Kitchen Item

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Kondo has suggested that we should own only one of each type of kitchen item. One mug, one spoon, one frying pan – it’s a simple concept but how can you implement this into a home with guests, or even a family? The idea of a dinner party with only one plate per person is bleak, and any cook knows that a single pan doesn’t always work. In theory, the idea works, but in practice, a kitchen needs a bit more than the bare minimum.

Minimalism in the Bathroom

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Kondo’s philosophy also extends to the bathroom: she recommends keeping the number of personal care products used minimal. For her, a few items suffice. The bathroom is where our little luxuries live for many of us, that favorite lotion, a couple of shampoos, or even some backup products. It’s neat to cut down to the essentials but it can also feel restrictive, taking away those little comforts we have everyday.

Not a Fan of Souvenirs

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Marie Kondo is perhaps famously unsentimental about souvenirs. This philosophy suggests that we throw away mementos that bring us no joy or purpose, something that many travelers and those who like to keep the memories will be resistant to. Adventures and loved ones often come with souvenirs. Whether it’s a snow globe from a family trip or a piece of art from a favorite city, these are things more than junk – they’re pieces of history.

A Tidy Desk A Productive Desk, Or Is It?

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The rest of Kondo’s approach is a little minimalist, and her workspace philosophy is no different. Maintaining a nearly empty desk helps your focus and productivity, she believes. Of course, creative minds may disagree, as many find inspiration in a work space where there are books, art, or knick knacks that spark ideas. A clean desk is definitely nice, but for some, a little bit of chaos is much more inspiring.

The Principle Is Also for Children’s Toys

Toys
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Kondo’s approach also applies to children’s toys, and she suggests that parents keep an eye on the amount of playthings in their home. It’s true, that too many toys can be overwhelming for both child and parent, but limiting a child’s toy collection is no small feat. Toys are tools for kids to imagine, grow, and be comfortable with. Many parents might not want to take this joy away by decluttering their collections.

A Sparse Living Room

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Kondo’s ideal living room is a space free of almost everything, except the essentials. That’s to say that she believes in eliminating as much useless furniture and décor as possible, leaving space for an open and uncluttered environment. For some of us, the living room is a comfy refuge where nothing’s wrong and we’re free to unplug and lay about on comfy pillows, blankets, and maybe a few pictures of family or personal treasures. A stripped down living room is chic, but can also be too cold, sacrificing comfort for look.

Cleaning Out Books After Reading

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One of Marie Kondo’s recommendations is that we should only keep only important books in our homes. That is almost unthinkable for book lovers or avid readers. Reduction of a lifetime collection of novels, reference books or coffee table volumes is unsettling. Books are more than pages — they’re friends to revisit, memories of past travels, and dreams of places we hope to go for many of us. I am thinking not many may agree with this one

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

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