Marie Kondo swears by these incredibly easy organizational buys – and advises against the purchase homeowners 'always regret'

Marie Kondo is all about simplicity, and that also applies to her approach to organizational purchases. The famed professional organizer advocates for only keeping items that 'spark joy' leading to a pared-back, minimalist approach to storage. Kondo recommends keeping it intuitive and easy to use.

In our exclusive interview with Kondo on home organizing ideas and her upcoming appearance at London's Clean & Tidy Home Show in September, she reveals that her top organizer is probably something you already have lying around your home. Kondo states: 'What I recommend most as an organizer is a simple box. You can also reuse empty boxes from when you bought something.'

The storage idea is brilliant because it is so versatile that it can be used in different areas across the home. First, it's easy to use boxes for organizing a dresser. Kondo says, 'Using small boxes as dividers in drawers is a great way to store small items neatly. You can use boxes as dividers in any drawers, including bathroom storage, dressers, and wardrobes.'

According to the professional organizing consultant, large boxes or bins can also be used to organize a bedroom or child's room. 'Similarly, box-shaped bins are simple and easy to use. In addition to clothing, they can be used for a wide range of items including children's toys,' she says.

Bins are one of the best tools professional orgnizers can't do their jobs without because they can be design-led. Kondo states: 'I recommend bins made of natural materials such as cotton, linen, jute, or rattan, which are gentle to the eye.' These materials will ensure that your storage is not only functional, but fits in well with your design scheme.

Regarding organizing purchases the pros always regret, Kondo states: 'On the other hand, you are likely to regret it when you buy something you don't like just because it's cheap, or buy something that doesn't fit your lifestyle.' She advises: 'When buying a new organizer, it's important to be clear about where you want to utilize it and what you want to store in it. After closely examining the color, material, shape, and size, choose only what really sparks joy for you.'

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Kondo concludes: 'If you have completed tidying using the KonMari Method™ before buying new organizers, you will have a clear idea of what you need and what you like, and you will be less likely to make shopping mistakes.' We're always inclined to follow Kondo's advice, especially when it's so easy to follow.

Marie will speak at the Main Stage of the Clean and Tidy Home Show on October 19. Also, in partnership with the Clean and Tidy Home Show, KonMari will hold an In-Person Consultant Course, which will be the first one in 5 years in Europe. The registration closes on September 30. Why don’t you leap and change your life in 3 days?