I tried decluttering my closet by asking myself, ‘Does this spark joy?’ Here’s how the KonMari method went, and why it works

If there’s one person who knows a thing or two about decluttering, it’s Marie Kondo – the brains behind the world-renowned KonMari Method™ and New York Times bestseller.

Along with her Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, the famous organizer is perhaps best known for her simple but effective tidying method, which encourages you only to keep items that make your heart sing.

I tried putting these decluttering tips to the test and the KonMari Method has helped me to say goodbye to ‘joyless’ clothing items from my closet and clear clutter, too. Here's why I approve of this method.

The KonMari™ method helped me declutter my closet

There is no shortage of decluttering methods. From the ‘Didn’t Know’ decluttering method and The Minimalists' out-in-the-open decluttering rule, to the 1 in, 10 out decluttering trend and the 2-minute decluttering process.

If you're looking for inspiration to help you clear the clutter, in 2025, the (decluttering) world is your oyster.

However, since Kondo first published her book in 2011, released it in the US in 2014, and took Netflix by storm in 2019, unlike other viral decluttering methods, the KonMari Method seems to have stood the test of time.

So, what is the KonMari Method?

According to professional home organizer, Amélie Saint-Jacques, who is a certified KonMari Consultant, the decluttering framework is Kondo’s tried-and-true method for tidying, and one of the lessons I learned from Marie Kondo's book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, available at Amazon.

'When Marie Kondo talks about tidying, she means decluttering and organizing, not cleaning', Amélie explains. ‘While you can apply the KonMari Method™ to any area of your home, Marie Kondo encourages doing a 'tidying festival', which means that instead of organizing a specific area, like your closet or pantry, you would be organizing all of your belongings,' the expert adds.

But, unlike many other decluttering rules, you aren’t just decluttering – instead, Amélie says that you are making room for what you 'truly want' in your life. ‘This helps change your mindset so that you no longer accumulate things thoughtlessly,’ the expert adds, which is the same concept applied when lessting.

When trying out this decluttering method, there are a couple of Kon-Mari method mistakes to avoid. For example, you might be wondering how to know if an item sparks joy? To help make this decluttering process understandable, Amélie says Kondo has six basic rules of tidying to follow.

1. Commit yourself to tidying up – ‘This is “a chance to reset your entire life," not just a quick project to organize a small area’, Amélie notes.
2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle – ‘Ask yourself whether the items you are keeping are helping you get closer to your goals,’ the expert suggests.
3. Finish discarding first. Amélie says, ‘Declutter first, then organize what is left.’
4. Tidy by category, not by location. ‘For example, if you are tidying your clothes, bring ALL your clothes from any area of your home, instead of focusing only on the ones in your closet – that means the ones in the coat closet, the guest bedroom closet, the dresser and the off-season bin under your bed, etc,' the expert says.
5. Follow the right order. Under the KonMari Method clothes are first, then books, followed by papers, komono (miscellaneous items like those in the bathroom or kitchen), and finally, sentimental items. 'That’s because you’re working from easiest to hardest, honing your ability to make decisions along the way,' Amélie says.
6. Ask yourself if it sparks joy. ‘The KonMari Method is unique in that the criteria for keeping things are personal, not dogmatic or one-size-fits-all, ’Amélie adds.

In the KonMari Method, you're not encouraged to buy organizing products until you complete the decluttering process.

However, after decluttering my clothes and giving weeks of thought to the organizing items that will help me keep my closet streamlined, these are the pieces I'll be investing in.

Prices correct at time of publishing.

Why I approve of the KonMari Method

1. It helped me clear a stack of clothes

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At the end of the decluttering method, I was surprised (almost shocked) at how many items of clothing I was ready to let go.

I say this because it was only a few months ago I tried out the 90/90 decluttering challenge which made me first embrace minimalism. And it had only been a matter of weeks since I had used the 5-second rule to declutter before Christmas.

But what was different with the KonMari Method was that it forced me to envision my 'ideal life'. Erin Mursch, a master KonMari consultant and professional home organizer said, 'This vision will guide your decision-making going forward, as you can compare your belongings to how they fit into your life.'

Personally speaking, clothing-wise, a 'dream' situation would be to have a streamlined (but joyful) closet, where everything has its place, and nothing's shoved away or kept for no reason.

When I really thought about whether the items I'm keeping are helping me get 'closer' to my goals, more often than not, the answer was 'no'. Instead of helping me streamline my space, they were just taking up unnecessary room. Therefore, I decluttered first, by placing items in bags, like these sea breeze-scented Hefty Ultra Strong 13 Gallon Trash Bags from Amazon and labeled them with Post-it Super Sticky Notes so I knew what was to be donated, sold or recycled.

2. It’s not quick

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Speedy decluttering tips and tricks, like the 2-minute decluttering rule can help you banish mess and fast. And while I'm usually all for getting the job done (and quickly!) it was nice to slow down for a change and really give some thought to this decluttering challenge – you're changing your life remember, not just your closet!

So along with taking me two separate weekends to complete the clear out of my clothes, the thing with the KonMari Method™ is that things get worse before they get better – and that's an understatement!

‘If you are looking for a guide to get organized before guests are coming over next week, or before your baby comes next month, for example, this isn't it,' Erin highlights.

At first, this decluttering challenge sounded a little daunting to me. I like to get things ticked off of my to-do list, you see, as I know first-hand how a clean and decluttered house does make you happier.

But the KonMari Method isn't a decluttering method that will give you fast thrills or and instant hit of gratification. Instead, the wave(s) of satisfaction come (and stay) after you've finished steps one to six, and you find yourself surrounded by items that make your heart sing.

3. It’s helped me find my true authentic style

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Before

Trends come and go. But a person's clothing style can help you express yourself – and in an authentic way.

Due to the fact that I gave myself the time and space to complete the decluttering process, I had days to really assess whether or not the items I'm keeping are helping me get closer to my 'minimalist but joyful' clothing goals.

After questioning whether these items brought me joy, the honest answer was no. A large handful was purchased many moons ago for ease, back in the day when my head told me I should buy items that go with everything. But in reality, my gut tells me color and leopard print is what makes my heart happy.

The end result? A closet that is packed full of happy hues, powerful prints and above all – joy!

My verdict

I must admit, I've never tried out the KonMari Method before because I've never really been in the right head space to commit myself to the task.

So, if you're the same and have often wondered when is the best time of the year to declutter or try out the KonMari Method, professional organizer Erin suggests using this decluttering hack if you are at a crossroads in life, and want your home environment to 'reflect your internal truth'. Just remember – timing is everything.

'It might take you eight weeks, it might take you 100 weeks,' Erin notes. 'It depends on how quickly you make decisions and how much time you have to devote to this project. Although it is time-consuming, it is a mindfulness practice that puts you in touch with what you value most in life.’

And I couldn’t agree more. Now, where are my books....

For more ways to help streamline your home, discover the organizing trends an expert thinks will be big in 2025 and the organizing trends that don’t work.