After reading Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up earlier this year, I couldn't wait to read and review her brand new book – A Letter from Japan.

Much like her previous books, it's filled with her characteristic expert advice, and I can vouch for the fact that it's just as inspiring as the others I've read. After all, if these guiding principles are good enough for Marie, they're certainly ideas I want to emulate in my own space.

Here are three key lessons I've learned since reading Letter from Japan, available at Amazon, from an all-too-common decluttering mistake to how to reuse things respectfully.

3 Lessons I Learned from Marie Kondo's 'Letter from Japan'

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

1. Cleaning is a Task that Creates Value for Ourselves and Others

It seems so simple, yet all too often is forgotten – a clean house really does make you happier, and the reason why, according to Marie Kondo's new book, Letter from Japan, is obvious.

In her chapter entitled Soji or 'cleaning,' Marie reflects on her childhood and time spent at school, and how that shaped the way she views cleaning and taking care of her home today.

'From cleaning our classrooms every day to taking off our shoes and changing into slippers at school to avoid tracking dirt inside, we learned to respect and care for the spaces we were lucky enough to call our own,' she writes, and isn't that such a simple yet effective idea?

When we spoke to Marie earlier this year about mistakes people make when decluttering, she reflected deeply on how childhood lessons stay with us for life.

Admittedly, sometimes I just don't want to clean my bathroom, or do laundry, but what I've lost sight of is how lucky I am to have an en suite bathroom to clean, or clothes that I love wearing and therefore need to launder.

'We should all recognize that cleaning is a task that creates value for ourselves and others,' Marie continues in the new book, even comparing this concept to examples she's spotted in my beloved Studio Ghibli movies, directed by legendary Hayao Miyazaki, naming Kiki's Delivery Service – one of the very best – as a prime showcase of this idea.

I love the way Marie combines personal and cultural moments to explain her concepts in this book. It's one of the reasons I always enjoy her writing. It's accessible, easy to understand, and you can read any of her books in any order without feeling any loss of vital context.

In Letter from Japan, Marie details the big impact and value of simple tasks such as opening windows to let in fresh air, cleaning the floor, and removing dust.

Reading about these tasks through the eloquent lens of the value Marie places on daily cleaning has inspired a new level of mindfulness in me, and it's now something I want to carry forward in my own life and home. Treating my spaces with respect, by putting in the time and effort to care for them, and knowing that, in return, they'll care for me too, is a great lesson to keep with me.

Marie describes cleaning not just as a task we must do to respect our space, but also as 'an act of care' that honors our surroundings and the loved ones that live in them, or visit and enjoy them too.

2. Waste is Almost Always Avoidable with Respect and Reuse

If you're familiar with the concept of mottainai, a Japanese organizing technique, you'll know that it's all about never wasting anything that could serve a purpose, like reusing candle jars, for example. One example Marie gives in Letter from Japan is shoe boxes, or gift boxes.

This is something I already do in my own home, but what I hadn't realized is just like cleaning to show value, mottainai is all about showing respect and appreciation for something by repurposing it to give it a new lease of life, an idea that's deeply rooted in Japanese history.

One of the most famous examples of this is kintsugi, which can be used to make broken belongings beautiful and encourage sustainability at home.

In her new book, currently Amazon's number one new release, Marie recounts mending her favorite rabbit plate using kintsugi, and therefore making it a 'true original’.

I like how Marie highlights in the book that those repairs now serve as reminders of not just the plate's history, but hers. 'None of this would have happened without the concept of mottainai,' she writes.

Now, more so than ever before, before throwing anything away, I'll truly consider whether it could come in handy elsewhere, rather than contributing to mounting waste and landfill. I find it very satisfying when the simple act of reading a book like Letter from Japan can help us make changes for the betterment of ourselves and the planet.

For examples of how to use this concept in more detail, here at Homes & Gardens, we've tried mottainai to organize living room shelves, mottainai to declutter kitchen cabinets, and even used the mottainai concept to easily organize chaotic clothes drawers.

Fundamentally, the possibilities are endless, and the key to nailing it is respect, according to Marie.

3. Focus on Your Space, Not What You're Decluttering

If you're anything like me, when using decluttering methods or tidying your home, you may find yourself getting bogged down in how much you're getting rid of or, rather, how much you're not. But, says Marie, this is completely the wrong way to look at the process, and now I see why.

'People often focus too much on decluttering when tidying,' she writes in Letter from Japan, detailing that by embracing the philosophy of ma, you can take 'a moment to pause and breathe, allowing us to see the spaces we inhabit in a new light.'

Sometimes, concepts like ma can feel hard to understand, but with Marie's straightforward and heartfelt writing, you can absorb the knowledge she is imparting, without getting bogged down by complex language or ideas. Instead, she once again proves how accessible her writing it and that makes this a quick, enjoyable and effortless read.

By the way, if you're not familiar with it, the Japanese concept of ma focuses on creating negative spaces around your home, which is where I've now shifted my focus to when I declutter or tidy. It's no longer about how much stuff I can offload, but rather how much space doing so creates.

'Space is limited in Japan, especially in cities like Tokyo,' writes Marie. 'Much like a cluttered closet in need of breathing room, ma is a wisdom, developed and refined over centuries, that lets in light and air through the fabric of society.'

What to Shop

'Tis the season for hosting, and Marie Kondo's tips for tidying before hosting guarantee a space that sparks joy.

There is a saying in Japanese that experience is the best teacher. It's true in most cases, but in my opinion, doesn't apply to tidying. If you don't know how to tidy, you often end up repeating the same mistakes again and again without success.

It wasn't until I started working as a tidying consultant that I realized most people have never learned to tidy up, which is why this task can be so hard to do and maintain. This includes those who have been full-time housewives for a long time, and those who have been interested in tidying up and practicing it.

I myself was no exception. I have been interested in tidying up since I was just five years old and loved reading lifestyle magazines for housewives, trying storage tricks, and tidying up on my own at school and home. However, I never learned any tidying or decluttering tips from my parents or at school.

Nobody taught me how to tidy

When I was a child, I learned some storage ideas from magazines I read, but that covered only a small part of tidying. There were no books available at the time that taught me the entire process of tidying up a house.

However hard I tried, there was one problem that I could never overcome. No matter where I tidied up, the storage would always return to its original state after a while.

Signs you were never taught how to tidy

It might be time for you to learn how to tidy if:

• You tidy up, but never seem to be able to finish.
• Even if you tidy up the house and feel refreshed for a moment, you always end up attracting clutter, and the house returns to its original state after a while.
• You are always 'chased' by the task of tidying up.

It is quite natural for people to struggle with tidying or to feel bewildered because they do not know how to do it. You have nothing to worry about if you feel that way.

That's why when I was creating the KonMari Method, I made sure it had a clear procedure and order. If you follow it, tidying up WILL come to an end.

The end of tidying means:

1. You have chosen what to keep from every item in your house, asking yourself whether or not you really should keep it.
2. You have decided on a designated place for everything you chose to keep.

Once that state is achieved, all you have to do daily to keep the tidy state is to put things back in their place after use.

To achieve this, avoid these common mistakes people make when tidying.

Mistakes people make when tidying

1. Tidying by location

Living room shelves today, bathroom tomorrow. It is not entirely wrong to tidy up by location like that. However, if your house ends up in a cluttered state with a large number of things no matter how many times you tidy, I recommend you try tidying by categories of objects instead.

For example, when you organize your clothes, start by gathering every piece of clothing in your house in one place. This enables you to visually understand the total amount of clothes you own.

When you do this, I’m sure you will be shocked at how much you have. It gives you the determination to choose only what really sparks joy for you.

You may also realize that you have several similar outfits.

Whether it's stationery or cosmetics, first gather everything by category, then choose only what sparks joy, and store the items you chose without dispersing them. If you follow these steps, I’m sure you will find the process of tidying up much simpler.

2. Buying storage items before choosing what to keep

The world is full of seemingly useful storage methods and products, and it is easy to understand why people tend to think that tidying up equals storage. However, storage ideas alone can never be the solution for tidying up. This is because, in many cases, many of the things you are trying to store are actually things you don't need.

If you simply put things in storage goods and keep them out of sight, you will eventually end up with more and more things overflowing your storage space. That is why you should choose what to keep and decide what to declutter before thinking about storage.

After you have chosen only what sparks joy, you will know what you really need in your life. You will not buy unnecessary things, and you will be less likely to accumulate things.

Also, if you look for storage items after you have chosen what to keep, you will make fewer shopping mistakes because you will clearly know the size and quantity of storage items you need.

3. Randomly throwing away things you don't need

When you find things you don't need during tidying up, you cannot learn anything if you simply throw them away roughly. What’s important is to let them go with gratitude, even if they are seemingly unnecessary.

For example, from a piece of clothing you didn’t wear, you might have learned that those types of clothes don’t suit you. It’s important to realize what the object taught you and let it go after thanking it.

By carefully reviewing each item, you will accumulate experience and understand more clearly what you need in your life and what you don't need in your future life.

It enables you to shop more wisely with less mistakes and prevents you from accumulating too many things.

4. Not deciding a fixed place for each item

If there are things in your house that don’t have designated places, you will leave them at random places in your house instead. The more things are placed in unfixed positions, the more cluttered the house becomes, and tidying feels like a more painful task to you.

An important thing in tidying up is to decide a designated place for every single item in your house (one of my secrets for a tidy home).

This enables you to keep the house in a tidy state by a simple habit of putting things back to their place after use. Even if the room becomes temporarily cluttered due to your busy day, you can return the house to its tidy state by sparing a little time to tidy up with a daily 'closing shift'.

Use a daily tidying task to stay on top of things

My daily tidying task is very simple: put things back in their designated place after use. I recommend making it a habit to reset the house to a tidy state at least once a day, by the end of the day.

My children and I always return the house to a tidy state before dinner. I recommend considering tidying as a family task. Including your children teaches them how to tidy from a young age, instilling good habits from the start.

Even if you are too busy with parenting, work, housework, or other things during the day to put used items in their place right away, you can usually restore the house to a tidy state within 10 minutes, which gives you peace of mind.

When the daily task of tidying is reduced in this way, the time spent tidying and searching for things can be used for things that spark joy for you. Some people pursue a more mindful and joy-sparking way of life, others enjoy spending more time with their children, and still others focus more on their work.

When you can tidy up naturally even without thinking, your ordinary days become more joy-sparking.

This year, I am expanding my life-changing approach to mindful living with a new project, the KonMari Club, a year long journey to spark joy. This empowering program is set to launch on January 18, offering members an immersive framework to bring greater joy, balance, and intention into their lives.

If there’s one person we, and millions of others around the world, wholeheartedly trust when it comes to decluttering and organizing, it is, of course, Marie Kondo, who created the famous KonMari organizing method.

And, with Christmas and festivities fast approaching, it’s time to get homes in order for incoming guests, and sort out all those areas we have been guilty of putting off for far too long. While it may seem like a time-consuming task now, you’ll surely thank yourself when you’re able to relax and show off your host with the most prowess to your friends and family.

Luckily, Marie Kondo has shared her top tips for tidying before hosting guests on Instagram, so once you’ve tackled your pre-guest cleaning checklist, streamlining your home will feel a breeze.

Marie Kondo's top tips for tidying before hosting

Do a ‘Joy Check’

This is one of the lessons I learned from Marie Kondo's book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, available at Amazon. Cleaning and decluttering is so often considered a somewhat negative chore, so we love Marie's positive perspective. After all, hosting for the holidays is a time for fun, which will only be enhanced if you don’t have to stress about mess.

On her KonMari Instagram post, Marie begins, ‘We become so accustomed to living in our space, that it is difficult to see it objectively. Start by walking through the front door as if you were a guest. Move through each room, looking at it with fresh eyes.'

Taking in your entryway ideas and living room ideas as if seeing them for the first time, focusing on areas your guests are likely to spend the most time relaxing and socializing. Don’t forget to approach your powder room ideas, with the same fresh perspective. This might be the first place guests go after a long journey.

Adding a diffuser or candle, in a fresh scent, such as the COCORRÍNA Reed Diffuser Set in Clean Linen, available at Amazon, is one of the things people with nice smelling powder rooms always do, and sets a welcoming, inviting impression, too.

‘Perhaps you’ve stuffed things in a closet or piled items you’re feeling unsure about,’ continues the KonMari post. ‘Take this opportunity to ask yourself if these things really spark joy. If they don’t, thank them and let them go.’

As Marie Kondo says in her bestselling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, available on Amazon, ‘When you put your house in order, you put your affairs and your past in order too,’ and we couldn’t agree more.

Why not take a basket, such as the Household Essentials Wicker Basket available at Wayfair, with you as you walk round, and fill it with things to donate as you go.

Letting go of these items which no longer serve you will give your house breathing room, and make much-needed room for loved ones.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Then, decide where things belong

As with most organizing and decluttering tips, deciding where things go in your home is a vital step in curbing mess. As you walked around, did you discover anything lying around, for example, which should be put away?

'This is your opportunity to decide exactly where it belongs,' continues the KonMari post. 'Having a vague idea that something should be kept "around here" isn't sufficient.

'The remote control goes in a gold tray on the right side table (or as part of your coffee table styling ideas), pens on the counter go in the ceramic holder, and the pile of mail goes in the pending box on your desk,' in your home office ideas.

‘If you want to maintain a tidy home, you – and everyone else who lives there –must know precisely where each item belongs.’

If an item has a home and usually ends up somewhere else, consider adding a storage solution where it often ends up living, which is part of the Desire Path decluttering method.

Finally, keep a neat kitchen

Finally, keep your kitchen ideas neat and reduce visual clutter in the kitchen to create a warm and open heart of the home.

‘The kitchen in particular tends to look cluttered because it’s home to so many miscellaneous items,' continues the KonMari post. 'The key to making it look as neat as possible is to display only your favorite items on the countertop.

'Anything that can go in a drawer or a cupboard should be put away. If you keep the area around the sink clear (following the kitchen sink organizing rules), it will be easy to wipe drops of water and maintain a clean kitchen.’

We recommend using a microfiber cloth, such as the HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon to do so, as they’re super soft, absorbent, and lint-free, and leave surfaces streak-free and shiny when paired with the Method All-Purpose Cleaner available at Amazon.

Feeling inspired? Try Marie Kondo's top five tips for how to declutter, the KonMari way, and learn about the crucial tidying mistakes to avoid. There are also plenty of inspiring lessons to learn in Marie Kondo's Letter to Japan, too.

It seems like the hardest part of decluttering would be going through all of your items, but what's most difficult comes before. Often, the most taxing part of decluttering is the emotional piece. From nervousness around starting to attachment to items you don't want to let go of, decluttering is psychologically arduous.

Luckily, Marie Kondo is here to make it easy. The acclaimed Japanese organizing consultant became famous for her pared-back approach to decluttering. Ahead of her appearance at the Clean and Tidy Home Show in London, Kondo revealed all of her top tips in an exclusive interview with Homes & Gardens.

When asked about how to approach decluttering for someone nervous about it, she responded with an intellectual exercise to address an emotional discomfort. Kondo states: 'First, I would encourage them to envision their ideal way of life. It is understandable that they feel nervous if they think only of the task of tidying up.' In other words, tidying techniques are about more than the task itself, it's about achieving your ideal life. What would your life look like if you could get all of the clutter in check?

She continues, 'Tidying is a means, not a goal. Before you start tidying up, you need to envision the ideal life you want to achieve through tidying up, freely and happily. Try to imagine so concretely that you can picture yourself living in a tidy room and feel the excitement and happiness you would feel.' Rather than dwelling in the stress and negativity of how difficult the process of decluttering might be, it's important to focus on the positives that will come out of that process. This is an approach that will help you realize the goal of a clean home making you happier.

Kondo further advises turning the fear of decluttering on its head: rather than getting rid of items, you are choosing what makes you happiest to keep. She states: 'Another thing I would recommend is to choose what sparks joy.' This is the easiest way to make cleaning fun and reduce tidying anxiety.

Kondo states: 'Choosing what sparks joy is the most important mindset to turn tidying into a positive experience. When tidying, you tend to think you have to throw things away or you have to reduce what you own. Instead, think of tidying as a positive process to choose what makes you happy. It makes the process of tidying up more enjoyable.'

In addition to allaying your nervousness, we recommend organizing one step at a time to spend less time cleaning. This will help decluttering and tidying feel less overwhelming as well as help you prioritize doing the most important work first. With advice from Homes & Gardens and Marie Kondo on your side, you can't go wrong, so why not check out Marie Kondo's tips for tidying before hosting next.

・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?

Since the dawn of social media, home organization has had somewhat of a renaissance. The highly Instagrammable nature of home edits and storage upgrades has lead to a variety of organizational fads that are aesthetically pleasing, but don't necessarily have staying power. Marie Kondo's organizational methods are the opposite of this 'fast organizing' craze.

The famed Japanese organizing consultant focuses on organizing for sustainable change, and long-lasting home decluttering. In our exclusive interview with Kondo about her upcoming appearance at the Clean and Tidy Home Show, I was keen to ask about her recommendations for timeless organizing techniques that will never go out of style. Her simple advice didn't disappoint.

Kondo says that the one originizing golden rule that will be just as relevant in 100 years is, 'to keep what sparks joy.' She tells Homes & Gardens: 'Choosing only what you love is an essential step in the process of tidying up.'

However, this decluttering golden rule isn't about just throwing things away willy-nilly. Intentionality is a huge part of the method. Kondo states: 'When you let go of things, be grateful. When there is love and gratitude between you and your belongings, you will naturally be motivated to tidy up and keep your house in order.'

Mindfulness is a huge part of this slow decluttering process. Kondo continues, 'Being grateful for things that have served their purpose is the first step toward remembering the love you have for everything you own.' When you organize this way, it becomes about more than objects or trends; it's an overhaul of your lifestyle.

After you have freed yourself from clutter using Kondo's decluttering tips, it's time to carefully place the remaining items in their designated spot. Kondo advises: 'Finally, designate a place for each object you own. Once every item has a designated place, all you have to do is simply put things back after use, which makes daily tidying much easier.' This will contribute to long-term success in your home organization.

Good organization shouldn't be complicated. Kondo herself says: 'I believe that the rules of tidying should always be simple.' Rather than investing in thousands of plastic organizers that will end up in landfills in a few years, focus on creating sustainable solutions that can stand the test of time.

To recreate Kondo's simple tips, start with a small section of your home, such as decluttering a closet. Begin by removing everything from the closet so that you can see everything that has built up in the space. Chances are, there will be several items you didn't even remember you have. By laying everything out, it's easier to determine what sparks joy and what doesn't, rather than abstractly imagining your items to determine what you might want to keep, rather than abstractly imagining your items to decide what you love and what's better to drop.

No matter your decluttering question, Marie Kondo has the answer you are looking for. Kondo will speak at the Clean and Tidy Home Show on October 19 in London, UK. We can find out more via their website.

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.'

Shop Organizational Boxes

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?

No one knows 'tidy' like Marie Kondo. The Japanese organizing consultant, author, and TV presenter has written four books on organizing and starred in her own Netflix original series. Her philosophy of only keeping items that 'spark joy' has become a massively popular way to minimize clutter and maximize happiness in the home.

Luckily for you, Homes & Gardens has her exclusive tips on organizing a kitchen. In our recent interview with Kondo on her upcoming appearance at The Clean and Tidy Home Show at ExCeL London, she explained how to utilize vertical storage your space. It's oh so simple.

'Using vertical storage in the kitchen is a very useful solution with high storage capacity,' Kondo exclusively tells H&G. 'The key is to store items in such a way that you can see what is where at a glance.'

She continues: 'First, divide the items into categories. I recommend simple categories such as spices, powders, canned foods, retort foods, etc., which are easy for anyone to understand. In addition, for each category, place the most frequently used items at the front, where they are easy to reach, and the less frequently used items at the back. For foods in the same category, check the expiration date and arrange them so that the items closest to the date are in the front.' This works just as well for organizing a pantry.

Furthermore, using the best kitchen organizers is just as important aesthetically as where you place each item. Kondo states, 'Using containers of the same series as dividers makes the storage look more consistent and beautiful. If you find a series of containers that you like, it might be a good idea to buy a set of those.'

She concludes: 'Kitchens are full of miscellaneous items and storage may seem difficult at first glance. But the principles of tidying are as simple as in any other area of the house. By regularly reviewing your kitchen storage, letting go of expired items, and rearranging items to make them more accessible, you can create a kitchen that is uniquely yours and sparks joy for you.'

Shop Pantry Storage Techniques

After you've purged the items you don't need, and organized them based on category, organization containers are a must for giving your kitchen that polished look. We love this innovative spice rack from Sweet July for keeping spices and powders organized.

These large canisters from Amazon are ideal for dry goods, and the glass and bamboo design makes them so gorgeous in any space. A lazy susan like this one for Nate Berkus is perfect for maximizing vertical storage by stacking smaller food items high on each shelf.

Using your vertical storage is about maximizing the aesthetic beauty and functionality of your space

If you want more KonMari tips, Kondo 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 in 5 years in Europe. Registration closes on September 30. Why don’t you leap and change your life in 3 days?

There's no doubt about it, sentimental items are the hardest to declutter. When we do let go of heirlooms we never really liked and children's 'artwork,' it feels liberating – and it frees up valuable space for things you actually use.

KonMari consultant Marie-Helene Riverain's number-one decluttering tip is to set sentimental items to one side without giving them much thought when you're in the middle of decluttering a room.

Otherwise, that old teddy bear will stop you in your tracks, slowing down your progress on other less emotionally tricky items.

How to declutter sentimental items

So, whenever you're ready, here's how to declutter sentimental items.

'Remember, your house is your home and not a museum,' says Lauren Saltman. 'Be sure to surround yourself with items that make you feel good about yourself and let go of items that bring back sad or unwanted memories.'

Importantly, you should never keep sentimental items in a storage unit – so if you don't have the space for them, consider letting them go instead.

1. Warm up with the cutlery drawer

Marie Kondo recommends starting with the easiest, least sentimental items first. Clear out spare cutlery, expired cleaning products, old calendars, mugs, and glasses before going anywhere near sentimental items. 

'We always want to jump straight into photos and sentimental items but it's the toughest place to start and we don't want anyone falling at the first hurdle,' agree Ingrid and Lesley from The Declutter Hub Podcast. By starting with objects that don't elicit an emotional response, we strengthen our decluttering muscles, compelling us to do more.

2. Gather everything together

This sounds overwhelming at first, but the next step is to gather all of your sentimental items together. Lauren Saltman says it's best if you get everything out at once, checking the back of the closets, the attic, and the basement. Ask a friend or family member to help you.

Follow the same Marie Kondo principle of starting with the easiest things, so: photos of people you no longer recognize, elementary school report cards from your adult children, or items you look at and wonder why you kept them in the first place.

3. Ask yourself these questions

Lauren Saltman says you should ask yourself the following questions as you hold the item in your hand:

• Does this item conjure pleasant memories?
• Do I have the space to display this item so I see it regularly and can enjoy it?
• Would this item be appreciated more by someone else?

Another tip is to consider your response to every item. 'If when you look at a sentimental item, your response is neutral or negative, let it go,' advise Ingrid and Lesley from The Declutter Hub Podcast.

4. Let go of 'gift guilt'

'Are you holding onto gifts that you only keep so as not to offend the giver? Give yourself permission to let these go,' says Laura Saltman.

The same goes for family heirlooms, such as large pieces of furniture. If these are cluttering your home and don't work in your space, let them go. Decluttering experts Lesley and Ingrid recommend asking yourself, 'Whose memories are they?' when worried about decluttering regret.

'Often, we hold onto memories that mean nothing to us because we think we are respecting the person's memory,' they comment. 'If a parent has passed away and left you with their sentimental items, it's important they that hold a special memory for you too.' If not, let them go.

5. Take photos

Preserve the memory and make it easier to get rid of items that transport you back to a certain time or memory by taking photos of them. This makes it feel much less final and allows you to free up storage space for your future self, be it living room storage or space in the attic.

6. Separate the item from the memory

Disposing of items that hold memories of someone who has passed away might make you worry that you will also lose the memory, the love, or the happiness attached to this memory, says Marie-Helene Riverain. 

The first step to overcome this is to become aware of this fear. 'Realize that getting rid of the object will never remove the moment you had with it,' she says. 'This will be forever stored in your heart. That is why gratitude plays a big role in your relationship with your belongings: to me, gratitude helps engrave the emotion right into your heart.' 

7. Be methodical

Marcia Sloman of Under Control Organizing's top tip is to work through items that stir up a memory of just one thing, or person, at a time. 'Sort through all of those items that trigger their memory. Having everything related to that person will make it easier to decide whether to keep or eliminate specific pieces,' she explains. 

'As this is an emotional experience, you may want to carve out “alone time” or enlist the support of another.'

8. Celebrate what you keep

After parting with several sentimental items, you'll be left with a few pieces to treasure. Can you display them as part of a gallery wall or on your living room shelving?

Ingrid and Lesley from The Declutter Hub podcast recommend displaying sentimental items in box frames, at Etsy. These can be hung on the wall and can contain tickets, children's artwork, travel tickets and souvenirs, and other small items. This is a lovely way to bring your sentimental into your everyday life and honor them while bringing character to your gallery wall.

If the idea of displaying a specific sentimental item in your home just doesn't feel right, this is a sign that you don't truly love it.

9. Give yourself some grace

Ultimately, if you’re not ready to let it go, don’t beat yourself up over it, just make sure items are kept in a safe place with no risk of exposure to humidity, mold, sun, and even rodents. A memory box might be a nice way to honor smaller sentimental items.

'If you are tempted to just store them away to get them out of your way fast, you might be hiding some deeper emotions you don’t want to face,' Marie-Helene tells us. 'One day something will click, and you’ll be ready to let it go with a smile. Letting go is a beautiful thing, and it doesn’t mean you’re going to forget about a person or a situation, but simply that you are at peace with it.'

FAQs

Marie Kondo, the most famous organizer of our age, has said she has 'kind of given up' on tidying following the birth of her third child. So, naturally, this made headlines around the world. 

The tidying guru has spent years reshaping our decluttering habits with Japanese organizing techniques – whether through one of her best-selling books or in her Netflix shows. However, Marie Kondo admitted that tidying up was less of a priority in her busy family home. 'My home is messy, but the way I am spending my time is the right way for me at this time at this stage of my life,' she told the Washington Post.

Before welcoming her third child, Marie said she was a professional tidier who tried to maintain order in her home at all times. Now, however, she is more focused on spending time with her young family. 'I have kind of given up on that, in a good way for me.' Marie Kondo says. 'Now I realize what is important to me is enjoying spending time with my children at home.'

As the queen of cleaning, you'd be forgiven for being shocked at Marie's revelation. However, KonMari Master Sue Spencer (who was trained by Ms. Kondo) is not surprised by the news.

'As a KonMari Master, I’m not at all surprised by this,' Sue says. 'Marie is actually following her KonMari Method and living her ideal lifestyle. At the heart of Marie Kondo's tidying method is the aim of focusing on the things that are most important to you. Discovering the things you love – the things that spark joy – and then creating the time & space to enjoy them.'

As Sue explains, the famed 'KonMari Method' was never about perfectionism or maintaining a pristine home. Instead, it's about curating a home that nurtures and works for you – wherever you are in your life.

'The second ‘step’ in Marie's Method is to ‘imagine your ideal lifestyle’ – this means so many different things to people,' Sue says. In the case of Marie, she is aiming to spend time with her children, and this is what her home allows her to do.

'A lot of parents I work with say they want to feel that they don’t have to tidy up all the time and can have more time to be with their children,' Sue adds. 

'There is an element of guilt and stress associated with the fact that when they sit down at home, it feels cluttered; they don’t know where to start. They feel they should tidy up rather than spend time doing the stuff they really want to do.'

The KonMari master says that there is no set approach to home organization – but first and foremost – it should support how you want to live your life. 'That doesn't have to be about tidying up all the time,' she says.

'There are no 'rules' with the KonMari Method. You don't have to fold your clothes, and your home doesn't need to be perfect. As long as you know what you have, can find it easily, and pop it back when you have time then you are sorted.' 

You can discover more about curating a home (and life) that works for you in Marie's new book below. 

Drew Barrymore may be an award-winning actress – and host an eponymous chat show – but she is not immune from ordinary chores that take place in every household. And this includes the all-important (and fast-approaching) spring clean. 

'Happy #SpringCleaning,' Drew shared in a post (below). 'I started mine yesterday… is anyone with me? #MarieKondo.' Yes, when home organizing, it would seem that Drew Barrymore, like many of us, follows the advice of unrivaled tidying guru Marie Kondo, and honestly, who can blame her? 

The Japanese-born consultant is renowned for her KonMari organization method that Drew demonstrates below. Marie Kondo's technique involves only keeping essential items – and items that spark joy – before putting the approved things in their designated 'home' in your cupboard, cabinet, or room. To do this, Drew uses cloth storage drawers – for her twist on Marie's globally-famed cleaning tips. 

'I am a woman on edge,' Drew says while surrounded by an array of storage boxes on her black-and-white tile floor. 'I am going to Marie Kondo my life. I am going to do spring cleaning and hope that it gives me a sense of control because this is the only thing I can control – and everything feels out of control, and control is bumper rails and hopefully leads to boundaries and safety.' Inspired? Us too – and we're investing in similar storage below. 

'If I can get that out of cleaning the main closet, then how exciting is that? Happy spring cleaning. May it bring whatever you are looking for,' Drew adds. 

A closer look at Drew Barrymore's closet storage ideas shows the actress has categorized shoes, jackets, and swimwear into certain boxes – and has even color-coded her masks neatly into certain boxes. And in ensuring everything has a specific home, Drew celebrates Marie Kondo's teaching to the letter.

'Once you tidy your whole house, one of the best ways to hold yourself accountable is by making sure you give each item a permanent home,' Marie Kondo previously shared in an interview with H&G. The organizer says that, if you get in the habit of putting things back in their 'home,' then your space will stay tidier for longer. 

If you leave things in the wrong place, Marie warns that your home may begin to look cluttered – and may, in turn, harm your cleaning efforts. To follow Drew's lead, you can discover more about the KonMari method in the deals below. 

You would be forgiven for imagining Gisele Bündchen's closet is an overflowing treasure trove of designer goods, but the opposite is, in fact, true. 

The Brazilian-born supermodel, who became one of the highest-paid models in the world, has unprecedented access to merchandise from the globe's most luxurious labels – so mastering effective decluttering tips is essential. This is where famed organizer Marie Kondo comes in. 

In an interview with Vogue, Gisele Bündchen shared that she only holds on to her favorite pieces, or as Marie Kondo would describe, the items that 'spark joy'. The model's Balenciaga leather jacket and a pair of early Vince jeans are among the possessions that remain in her closet, but the majority of gifted designer goods go to her sisters instead. 

'People think they need more stuff, but no.' Gisele says. 'Start with the simple principle of waking up in the morning and asking, ‘What makes my life possible?’ It’s such a simple question. The air I breathe, the soil I step on, the food I eat, the water I drink, and the sun. If we understand that our survival depends on the Earth and really appreciate all those gifts, maybe we can show a bit more care. Fashion is a trillion-dollar industry. We have the means. We just have to want to do it.'

Gisele's home organizing ideas are a striking nod to Marie Kondo's philosophy that encourages you only to keep items if they 'spark joy' in your home.  

'To determine this when tidying, the key is to pick up each object one at a time and ask yourself quietly, 'Does this spark joy?' Hug the item if you need to, and hold it close to your heart. Pay attention to how your body responds,’ Marie Kondo shared in an interview with H&G. 

Marie Kondo's closet decluttering tips are evident in the way Gisele Bündchen tidies her home, but the model suggests that her passion for organization influences her mindset in ways beyond her four walls. 

In footage from Vogue's 73 Questions, Gisele confesses that 'organizing' is her 'biggest vice' before adding that she 'can’t stand messy places' – when asked about her biggest pet peeve. 

Most recently, Gisele Bündchen purchased a luxury Florida home and a $1.3 million Florida cottage as she begins to expand her property portfolio following her divorce from football quarterback Tom Brady. While little is known about their interiors, we can predict that they are beautifully organized, above all else. 

When it comes to decluttering, some parts are easier than others – and when it gets tougher, it's easy to neglect the process and fall back into bad habits. 

You would be forgiven for linking challenges with certain rooms – for example, the idea of decluttering your bedroom may at first feel harder than your bedroom. However, Marie Kondo explains that the problem is not the space – but rather a particular group of items that make decluttering hard. 

The globally admired consultant, New York Times bestseller, and Netflix star sat down with H&G to discuss the art of organization, including Marie kondo's top five tips and her tidying mistakes to avoid. 

In the interview, Ms. Kondo explained how Japanese organizing techniques can help you overcome problematic groups of items that make decluttering so challenging – so you can achieve an organized home faster. Here's what her transformative home-organizing ideas involve. 

The most challenging part of decluttering – according to Marie Kondo

'Since The KonMari Method tidies according to category, not location, no specific room is hard to declutter, but rather certain groups of items can be,' Marie says. 'Sentimental items make up the final category in the KonMari Method for a reason – tackling them requires an expertly-honed ability to determine what sparks joy.'

Sentimental items are often steeped in emotion, and so, the thought of 'decluttering' them will understandably come with its reservations. However, Marie explains that – if you follow the right process – you will find a way to let some pieces go. 

'Before you take stock of any of these items, look inwardly. Celebrate the progress you have already made and trust in how that same progress has developed your power to understand what’s truly joyful. Doing so will help you address your sentimental items with confidence,' she says. 

One of the most common decluttering mistakes you can make is being too brutal when throwing things out. Therefore, when it comes to sentimental items, Marie urges you to clear them with caution. 

'As you move through the category, don’t force yourself to let go of anything you’re not sure about. But, if deep inside you know an item has already served its purpose, let it go with a send-off ritual to make saying goodbye easier.'

Therefore, if you want to declutter with purpose, take stock of everything you have, and 'live with it' for a while before you decide to simply throw it away. Remember, decluttering isn't just about clearing your home of clutter, period. For many of us, decluttering can have a positive impact on mental health and emotional relationships, too. 

Marie's new book Kurashi at Home explores the KonMari Method in further detail, and her teaching expands beyond the home and into wider areas of your life (kurashi meaning 'way of life' in Japanese, after all). We're adding a copy to our baskets now. 

It can often feel like there is a fine line between having a home that is personal and not cluttered. Usually, the most sentimental items are those that are not design-led – and so incorporating them into your home can be tricky. 

However, we all have personal items – including Marie Kondo – the master of home-organizing ideas – and the most famous tidier of our time. So, how does Ms. Kondo differentiate between personal pieces and clutter? 

The Japanese-born consultant, Netflix star, and multi-best-selling author sat down with H&G to mark the release of her book Kurashi at Home – Kurashi translating to way of life in Japanese. Her conversation spanned from Marie kondo's top five tips to her tidying mistakes to avoid, but we couldn't help but also discuss the art of decluttering.

How can you tell if something classifies as 'clutter,' and how should you organize the personal items in your space? Here, Marie Kondo explains all. 

Marie Kondo's rule for classifying clutter

'In chapter three of Kurashi at Home, I ask readers to visualize their ideal home, and I offer examples of my own or clients’ homes to offer inspiration. Each room in your home should and will have its own personal flare; whatever this may look like is ultimately up to you. Tidying, according to the KonMari Method, means holding onto items that spark joy for you, so from person to person, the number of belongings will always vary,' Marie says. 

'Some may find they like a living room filled with family heirlooms and old books, while others may only cherish some art on the walls and a simple couch. Whichever type of person you may be, you’ll know your space feels cluttered when the items and decor on display are no longer sparking joy, and then it may be time to reorganize.'

How do you keep on top of 'clutter'?

In some cases, you may feel that each of your items 'spark joy', but you are still struggling to keep your space tidy. However, Marie Kondo has a solution. And whether you're organizing a small apartment or a large home, the guru's teaching remains the same.

'If you find that you love everything in your space, but it still feels cluttered, then try giving every item a home,' she says. 

'Put tech items neatly in a drawer, keep miscellaneous paperwork filed away, and if you have children, help them put their toys back in designated spaces each morning/night. Giving all your items home can remove that sense of clutter you may feel in certain areas of your home.'

For more advice, we're adding a copy of Kurashi at Home to our baskets right now.

When it comes to the art of organization, few figures rival the skill or prestige of Marie Kondo. The Japanese-born tidying guru is admired globally for her pioneering home-organizing ideas that dominate the likes of Netflix and the New York Times Best Seller list. 

The most recent addition to this portfolio, Kurashi at Home (kurashi meaning 'way of life' in Japanese), teaches readers to change their outlook on tidying through the KonMari Method, for which the organizer is so well known. The book is a handbook on visualizing an 'ideal life,' which is often the start of a clean, decluttered home, as Marie explains in the publication. 

It was only inevitable, therefore, that when H&G sat down with Marie Kondo, her organizational tips were at the top of our agenda. The consultant has already shared her top tidying mistakes to avoid, but what is the single biggest thing to avoid when it comes to decluttering mistakes? Here, Marie reveals all. 

The biggest decluttering mistake you can make – according to Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo explains that the biggest mistake you can make is to organize a particular area rather than by category. 

'The KonMari Method firmly encourages participants to tidy by category and not by location. This means you'll start with one type of item, such as clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and finally sentimental items,' she says. 

'It might seem logical to tackle one shelf, closet, or room at a time, but tidying this way will result in constant organizing of the same areas over and over, versus a more permanent solution. When you tidy each place separately, you're repeating the same work in many locations. Therefore, tidying by category is a vital component of the KonMari Method.'

Mastering Marie's decluttering tips is one of the first steps to curating a 'kurashi' in your home. However, as Ms. Kondo shares, clutter is not the only thing threatening the ideal version of your life. 

'Every person's definition of Kurashi is going to vary according to what they value in their life. I think this is why my method is so personal to everyone, it truly comes down to what your individual wants and needs are,' Marie begins. 

'Sometimes, it can be tricky for people to identify what they are looking for in their home and their life. It requires having a very honest conversation with yourself to identify your hopes and dreams. I encourage participants to look in deeply when asking themselves these questions.

This isn't a conversation that needs to be quick or easy. Some people even like to write their answers down or draw examples of their ideal surroundings – do whatever is the most conducive way for you to be as true to yourself during this process, so you can truly understand your version of Kurashi.'

Marie Kondo is the most famous organizer of our time, and her portfolio keeps on growing. The Japanese-born consultant already has two Netflix series', and several New York Times best-seller's to her name, but she isn't stopping there. Marie (who is also known as KonMari) is set to release another book, Kurashi at Home – the latest asset to her empire – that we expect you're about to see everywhere soon.

Few home-organizing ideas hold the same prestige as Ms.Kondo's famed KonMari method, so when she sat down with H&G, we were inevitably quick to take note of her teachings. And while Marie has already addressed some of our biggest questions (including Marie kondo's top five tips and tidying mistakes to avoid), we couldn't help but ask, what is her secret to organizing a home quickly?

Whether you're organizing small spaces or you're tackling your entire home, Marie's teaching is simple but rewarding. Here's how the master begins every tidy. 

How Marie Kondo starts every 'tidying journey' – and what it means for your home

Kurashi at Home primarily teaches us how to transform our spaces into places that are 'calm and tranquil', but how can we bring this teaching into our lives? Marie explains that the first step is found in an internal dialogue with yourself.

'There are many steps to tidying your home properly when using the KonMari Method. That said, the first two steps of the process include committing yourself to tidy up and imagining your ideal lifestyle,' says Marie. 

'I discuss this further in Kurashi at Home,' but having this initial dialogue with yourself and dedicating time to the first couple of steps will help you hone in and understand what you are looking to get out of the process. While all steps of the KonMari Method are important to follow, these two will help you kick off your tidying journey on the right foot.'

As the guru explains, an organized home begins your mindset. Though, there is a physical way to promote 'kurashi' – and make your space feel calmer instantly. 

'If you are looking for a quick and easy way to enhance your space and the calmness it offers without embarking on a full tidying journey, I recommend opening windows or doors to let fresh air in,' says Marie. Beyond these window treatment ideas, Marie also recommends striking a tuning fork 'to help awaken the spirit of your space or lighting a stick of palo santo.'

'By removing stale air from your home, you can make your space feel calmer and therefore feel more prepared to have a motivating day,' Marie Kondo adds.

Marie Kondo is the unrivaled master of organization – with two successful Netflix shows (Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and Sparking Joy) and a library of books to her name. The organizing guru is best associated with her KonMari method: the globally-admired teaching that encourages you to tidy mindfully – and only keep items that bring joy into your life. 

The KonMari method is amongst the most famous home organizing ideas of our time – and all for a good reason. So, if you're asking yourself, 'how do I keep my house from getting messy?' these Marie-Kondo-approved cleaning tips offer a solution. 

How do I keep my house from getting messy?

Here, Sue Spencer, a Platinum KonMari Consultant trained by Marie Kondo, shares the top five things you need to remember for a clean and organized space, always.

1. Find a home for every item 

'There’s no point in organizing or tidying up the stuff you don’t like or need – so the first step to keep your home tidy is to declutter the stuff you no longer use,' Sue says. 

However, her decluttering tips don't end there. After deciding what you should keep, the expert urges you to find a permanent home or place for each item – this way you can keep track of what you own – and never have trouble finding what you need. 

2. Declutter your closet

You may have already heard of Marie Kondo's closet organization rule (grouping items according to their category and length), but her teaching and closet organization ideas cover the process of decluttering, too. 

'If you find you have piles of clothes around the house or struggle to put the laundry away once it’s clean, it’s likely that your closet and drawers are too full,' Sue says. Therefore, having a thorough declutter of clothes can transform your linen basket and laundry closet cycle.

'You’ll find that those piles of clean clothes slot easily away into the drawers and closet,' the expert says. 

3. Create an organized storage system

'One of the key reasons things don’t get tidied away is because it’s too hard to put things away (as with the clothes example above) or you don’t know where they should go,' Sue says. So having accessible storage ideas ( close to where items are used) will make life more seamless. 

The expert recommends categorizing items so you can easily find them and know where to put them away again. 'Using containers with labels will help identify where things go until it becomes second nature,' she adds. 

4. Use ‘drop zones’ around your home

'I often create a ‘drop zone’ for my busy clients who tend to arrive home and deposit their bags and shopping in various places around their homes,' Sue says. 'Having one space (or a basket) where they can leave items when they enter the door means things don’t spread. They can deal with putting things away when they have time to do so.' 

Therefore, the concept of a drop zone ensures that messes are contained and kept off the floor while knowing exactly where things are – no matter how busy your schedule. 

5. Maintain order with an evening routine

Marie Kondo's organized home secrets are largely based on routine, and this tip is no exception. Sue explains that you can maintain order by perfecting small habits, such as an 'evening reset' that involves tidying busy spaces like your living room or kitchen. 'It means that you start the following day in the best way with the room being tidy,' she adds. 

Sue recommends using baskets for individual family members, and returning the basket to their room as part of the routine. 'This started as a way to get my kids' laundry back into the right bedrooms but has extended to putting anything that belongs to that person,' she says. 

Where to start cleaning a messy house?

Start cleaning a messy house by picking up anything dirty, from laundry to plates, and putting them in the washer or dishwasher. Next, move anything on the floors to the surfaces they should be on or storage they should be hidden within; if there are lots of items that don't belong in the room you are in, create piles in a hallway or on the stairs for items to be returned to the right rooms, placing them neatly on surfaces when you get them there, or putting them somewhere accessible for the person whose room it is to return them to the correct places.

Frustrated by the chaos of your pantry? Or kitchen cabinets? Or any space that's dedicated to storage, for that matter? You could do far worse than following this Marie Kondo-approved teaching. 

The KonMari philosophy, created by world-famous organizer Marie Kondo, covers all parts of the home – including the pantry – a space that is notorious for quickly becoming disorganized. Luckily, we have plenty of pantry organization ideas; amongst these is a zoning tip that will help keep the area tidy, and everything easily accessible, for good.

In order to practice this zoning tip, Master KonMari Consultant Sue Spencer says that we need to overcome a common pantry organization mistake: scattered storage. Here’s what this KonMari pantry idea involves. 

Pantry organization mistake to avoid – according to a KonMari Consultant 

It is easy to allow different storage containers to live in various areas of your pantry and kitchen. However, Sue warns that, according to Japanese organizing techniques, this is the key to disorganization. Instead, we should group similar items in one area – to find things easier – and keep track of how much space our items are taking up in our kitchen. 

'Busy kitchens often have scattered storage where similar items are stored in different spaces around the kitchen. I once found 15 travel cups in a client's kitchen, they had no idea they had that many taking up space in the cupboards until they were all emptied out at the same time,' Sue says. 

So what should you do instead? The Consultant recommends 'zoning your pantry' – so you will always know exactly what you own.

KonMari pantry zoning tip

This zoning secret is among the most effective of Marie Kondo's pantry tidying tips, but what does it involve? Sue explains that we should organize deep pantry shelves in terms of different meals and occasions, so you know exactly where to look at certain times of the day.

'Consider where you store things in the pantry and use different shelves for different ingredients and meal occasions – for example, a breakfast area, and main meal shelf. Also, store baking goods together,' she says. 

The expert also recommends using sticky notes as pantry organizers to plan where to store things. 'It’s much easier to move these rather than pack and unpack cupboards whilst you see what works best for you.'

Additionally, it is best to store items you don’t use regularly in harder-to-reach places – such as on higher shelves or in the back of corner cabinets. 

And this zoning tip works beyond the pantry too. If you're looking for problem-solving kitchen storage ideas, the rules remain the same. 

'This KonMari pantry zoning tip works brilliantly in kitchens, but also beyond, in bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and even the shed,' says H&G's Editor in Chief, Lucy Searle. 'Avoiding scattered storage is the expert-approved place to start when you are looking for home organizing ideas.'

Marie Kondo is the undisputed Queen of Clean, with her show Sparking Joy a hit on Netflix during lockdown when, let's face it, many of us couldn't get enough of organizing and cleaning. 

However, if despite Ms Kondo's advice in her show's last season, you're still struggling to keep your home tidy, you could be falling prey to these common tidying mistakes, according to an official KonMari consultant. 

Marie Kondo shot to fame as the author of the bestselling The Life-Changing Magic of Tidy up,  and a Netflix series Tidying Up. 

She talks about the 'ideal lifestyle' –  you can find out more about it on the KonMari website. There, Marie explains that her 'tidying process is not about decluttering your house or making it look neat on the spur of the moment for visitors.  It’s about tidying up in a way that will spark joy in your life and change it forever.'

She continues: 'Think about what kind of house you want to live in and how you want to live in it.  In other words, describe your ideal lifestyle. If you like drawing, sketch out what it looks like. If you prefer to write, describe it in a notebook. You can also cut out photos from magazines.

'When you imagine your ideal lifestyle, you are really clarifying why you want to tidy and envisioning your best life. The tidying process represents a turning point – so seriously consider the ideal lifestyle to which you aspire.'

So how do you go from imagining your ideal lifestyle to getting to grips with organizing clutter? If you are in need of a little KonMari guidance, but you aren't lucky enough to land a spot on a future show, scheduling in a session with a Platinum KonMari Consultant trained by Marie Kondo is the next best thing. 

And we've arranged a consultation for you below.

5 common tidying mistakes to avoid with the KonMari method

Sue Spencer is one of these consultants from A Life More Organized. She'll help you declutter and organize your space, based on Marie Kondo's principles. We spoke to her to reveal her top tips and the mistakes that are stopping you from getting your home in order once and for all.

'If you've ever organized a room in your home and found that the clutter creeps back a week later, you'll know how frustrating the cycle of decluttering can be,' Sue begins. 

'Marie Kondo's approach, The KonMari Method, aims to break this cycle by helping people tidy up 'once and for all,' allowing them to get on with enjoying the things that are most important in their lives. 

1. Searching for pieces to discard  

'Make positive choices about what you want to keep in your home rather than look for items to discard. When you keep the items that you love (the ones that 'Spark Joy') that fit with your Ideal Lifestyle, you'll start to curate a home full of things that you love,' says Sue. 

'For example, you'll have a closet full of clothes you love wearing, which means you won't have things that you don't like taking up valuable storage space.' 

2. Investing in new storage before decluttering

'Always declutter before you buy new storage to organize your stuff; you'll be surprised at how much space you have once you discard the things you don't need,' Sue explains. 

'Before grabbing the bin bags, think about what you're trying to achieve – how do you enjoy spending your time at home, and how would you like your space to look and feel.

'Having this view of your Ideal Lifestyle will help get you motivated to start tidying and will also guide your decisions about what to keep or let go of – there's no point in keeping items that don't fit with how you want to live your life.'

3. Not categorizing your clutter 

In the KonMari method decluttering by location is a big no-no. Instead, Sue recommends separating your clutter into categories, such as books and bed linen, instead of sections of a room. 

'When you gather all the items from a category together in one place, you'll see what you own,' she says. 'This helps if you store similar items in different places around your home as, potentially for the first time, you'll see the volume of items and any duplication.' 

This method will help you make a more informed choice about what to discard and stop you from storing things 'just in case it's needed in the future'. 

4. Not finding a dedicated home for belongings

If every item has a specific place, your home will feel more organized and appear more minimalist. 'I always recommend storing similar objects together (to avoid scattered storage), so then you'll know where to find things and where to put them away once you've finished with them,' Sue explains.

She recommends storing items in a basket or box to stop them from wandering. 'When you are looking for somewhere to store something, ask yourself where you'd look for it – it's often the simplest way to sort out your storage.'  

5. Not making the most of drawer space

So many of us are not using the existing space we have effectively, which can lead to messy overspill. Placing your items vertically can 'almost double your drawer storage space,' Sue reveals. 

'It helps you to see what you have, and it makes it a lot easier to grab what you need,' she adds.

Vertical storage works beyond your bedroom and is a great modern kitchen idea, as it can create more room in your refrigerator. 'Also think about making use of walls and the back of doors to store items to clear floor space and keep things easy to find,' Sue adds. 

Armed with Sue's tips it's time to stop the constant tidying once and for all. We're determined to enjoy a clutter-free home… Let the tidying commence. 

What are Marie Kondo's 5 steps?

Marie Kondo's 5 steps are:

• Discard by category.
• Break categories into subcategories to help with discarding.
• Only keep items that 'spark joy'.
• After decluttering, organize the specific space totally.
• Finish this task before moving on to the next.

Wondering how to roll towels to recreate the sophisticated look of boutique hotels, spa retreats, and the most stylish bathrooms from interior designers? Rolled towels can look super-chic on shelves, in cubbies, or in a basket, and the technique means a fresh, clean and fluffy towel is always easy to grab.

And rolling towels isn’t just a great storage strategy for those kept in bathrooms. Try stashing them this way as part of your laundry room ideas to make the space look smart.

We asked the experts the share the secrets of how to roll towels and, here, we provide the details so you can get the look.

How to roll towels – the professional way 

Be aware that washing towels the right way and according to the laundry symbols on the tag before storing them is vital and the laundering process should also include drying them thoroughly before rolling or folding towels. Following the recommended procedures for each step will help keep towels soft.

Rolling towels can elevate your bathroom ideas and it could also prove a space-efficient way to store them. These are the towel rolling methods the experts use. 

1. Narrow fold method 

If you’re wondering how to roll towels ready to store in a small bathroom or small laundry room, the narrow fold method is the one for you. It is, according to home organizer Dean Davies from Fantastic Services, perfect if you ‘have limited space or want to roll your towels to stuff them neatly in a basket or cube’. 

Starting at one of the narrow ends, fold the towel in half lengthwise so that both halves are aligned. Dean also suggests making a crease to ensure the fabric doesn’t move and all the corners are aligned. Then, to create a piece that is narrower than it is tall, fold the rectangle in thirds – starting from a narrow end. 

‘To roll the towel, start by folding it in half and then starting at the narrow end, work your way to the other end, creating a tight roll. The folded edge should now be in the center of the roll. Then store with the folded edges facing up in a basket,’ he instructs. 

Dean isn’t the only fan of this small bathroom storage idea. Richard Roberts, director at Sanctuary Bathrooms, also suggests that rolling your towels is an effective way to maximize space and may even make the room look bigger. 

‘One way to keep things neat is to properly store your towels. Rolling them will tidy your towel rack and give a luxurious touch to your bathroom,’ he says. 

2. Spa method 

Knowing how to roll your towels will give your space a spa-like appearance, according to Joanna Ross, general manager of design at Sheridan.  

The method for spa style? ‘Lay the towel out on a flat surface and fold one of the corners diagonally. The point should then line up with the edge of the fixed corner and generally lie somewhere near the center of the towel,’ Richard says. He then recommends folding your towel in half, then flipping it over with the folded edge out.

Then roll the towel, starting with the short side opposite the point. When you reach the end, tuck the point into the roll to hold the towel secure.

Rolling your towels this way can help make a small bathroom look bigger as well as creating a high-end atmosphere.

How does Marie Kondo roll towels?

Marie Kondo doesn't roll towels so much as fold them. To roll towels the KonMari way:

• Lay the towel flat then fold it in half, lengthways.
• Now fold the towel in half, widthways.
• Next, take one end of the longest part of the rectangle and fold it into the middle.
• Then  take the other end of the rectangle and fold it over the top.
• Marie Kondo stores her folded towels standing vertically, but we think they work just as well lying flat.

Sure, learning how to fold towels beautifully may not be a major priority if they are stored behind closed doors, but if your towels come tumbling out every time you open the linen closet or press, it’s likely due to poor folding techniques. And if you want to display towels for guest use or on open shelves, spa-hotel style, then it could be time to up your towel folding game. 

Properly folded, towels will stay neatly stacked and ready for use – and if you're looking for laundry room ideas that are functional and good-looking, learning the technique is an easy win-win. 

How to fold towels

Improving your folding skills is also helpful if you’re considering how to keep towels soft. They’ll stay in better condition without excessive creasing compared to towels shoved into cupboards haphazardly. 

Wash towels the right way paying attention to the laundry symbols on the tag before folding and fold them after use, too, but only once they are thoroughly dry. A heated towel rail will ensure towels dry quickly and help discourage mildew or stale odors between washes.  

How to fold towels fancy

When it comes to folding towels to keep them perfectly organized and stylishly arranged, we turned to renowned tidying expert Marie Kondo for advice. The KonMari Method™ for folding towels works for both storage and display purposes as it will keep your towels uniformly folded and tidy. 

‘Whether you plan to tuck your items into a linen closet or drawer or display them on an exposed shelf or in a glass paned cabinet, this folding technique ensures your towels are both neatly organized and visually pleasing,’ explains Marie. The technique can be applied to towels of all sizes (full size bath towels, hand towels and face towels).

Step 1: Fold the towel in half lengthwise to make a rectangle.

Step 2: Fold the halved towel in half width-wise (if it’s a small towel like a face cloth, you can skip this step).

Step 3: Fold the towel into thirds, take one end in the middle, then put the other end over it. 

Step 4: Do the standing test. If the towel is correctly folded, then it will be able stand by itself.

How to fold towels to save space

If you have plenty of space available in your linen closet, Marie recommends stacking full bath size, hand and face towels on top of each other in neat vertical stacks. However, if space is restricted and you are organizing a linen closet to make more room, rolling towels is recommended. 

‘If you need to get creative with space, hand and face towels can be rolled and stored upright and one in front of the other in drawers or baskets,’ she explains. ‘This tip can also make it more easily accessible for family and guests who need to quickly grab a hand or face towel.’ 

How to fold towels like a hotel

There are several ways to fold towels like a hotel for display on the towel racks and rails but it is wise to keep things simple, especially in busy households. One of the easiest and neatest methods is to lay the towel flat and then fold each long edge into the middle, so both of the long edges meet in the center. This will leave you with neat sides, with the washing label tucked inside. Then just lay it over the towel bar, and slide until you have equal length sides hanging down. Hang in size order, with bath sheets at the bottom, then bath towels, hand towels and finally face cloths, if required.

Organizing clothes so they’re neat, tidy and well-ordered is one of the best things you can do for your wellbeing. As well as contributing to an overall feeling of calm in your bedroom, it also enables you to pick the perfect outfit quickly, easily and enjoyably, so you’ll start the day in a positive frame of mind.  

Organizing a bedroom is well worth the effort. It may feel like a daunting task, but if the space you use to relax and unwind is cluttered, your mind will likely be, too – a theory advocated by professional organizers, including consultant Marie Kondo, founder of the KonMari method. 

By rethinking your closet organization ideas, reshuffling your clothes storage ideas and re-homing garments you no longer wear, you’re well on the way to creating an efficient organization system that’ll ensure busy mornings run like a dream. 

Organizing clothes

Alongside our own advice, we’ve gleaned top tips from professional organizers on decluttering and organizing clothes, whether you're looking for great clothes storage ideas, inspiration for walk-in closets or simple tricks to get your wardrobe in order.

1. Edit your clothing collection  

When organizing clothes, start with a good clear out. One of the best decluttering tips we can offer is to collect every item of clothing you own, from seasonal wear and outerwear to socks, swimsuits and pjs – including those from the laundry basket. It’s much easier to work out what you want to keep/have too much of when everything is in one place. 

Go through each item and inspect it thoroughly – does it fit? Is it in good condition? Have you worn it in the last year? If the answer is no to any of these, it’s probably time to say goodbye. ‘Be really honest with yourself, there’s nothing worse than wearing clothes that don’t make you feel good anymore,’ says Chicago-based home organizer Jessica Litman.

Donating or selling items is a sustainable choice, but can be emotional, so Jessica recommends thinking about where you’d like to donate or sell clothing prior to sorting: ‘this allows you to visualize others enjoying them, which makes it easier to part ways,’ she says. 

2. Dedicate a box to sentimental items 

Whether it’s an heirloom coat, a holiday jumper, much-loved skinny jeans or even a wedding dress, we’ve all got pieces of clothing that hold cherished memories, but no longer suit. It’s perfectly okay to have emotional attachments, but try to limit yourself to one storage box for pieces you can’t bear to part with. Your bedroom storage ideas should be reserved for ready-to-wear items only, so find somewhere else to store it, such as under the bed or in the attic. 

3. Organize clothes by type

Grouping your garments by category to create ‘zones’ is an effective way of organizing your clothes. 

‘Have an area for your shirts, another for your trousers, and a section for your dresses so everything is easy to find’, says Kyra Blades, home designer at Neptune. ‘By zoning your hanging items, you can also create extra space for baskets to sit, underneath your shirts for example, which aren’t going to hang as low as dresses and trousers.' 

4. Arrange cloth by color 

For an organizational approach that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is practical, professional organizer Brenda Scott of Tidy My Space recommends color-coordinating within your categories. 

'I like putting similar color items together and like items together, so black shirts hang together, gray shirts together and so on. Follow the Marie Kondo theory of hanging items dark or heavy on the left to light/lighter fabric on the right, to achieve a sense of lightness and uplifting as you browse along the row.' 

Becca Stern, co-founder and creative director of Mustard Made is an advocate of this method, and even takes it one step further: ‘I love to color coordinate my wardrobe, arranging clothing in a way that’s both pretty and practical is so satisfying. If you want to have a little fun, you can also color match your hangers to your clothes – we’ve created hangers in a range of gorgeous shades to help you do it in style.' 

If you’re using open storage, such as a clothes rail or shelving, consider organizing your clothes in order of color to create a visually appealing ombre effect. While this might not be the most practical method, it may well be worth it – this method is widely thought to make you feel happier. 

5. Give everyday essentials prime position  

Just as you would when organizing a hallway closet, positioning your most worn, everyday items in the most accessible spaces will not only make your life easier but will also keep your closet tidier in general – less rummaging through to find what you need. It’s a two-step process. First, think about your lifestyle and what you really wear day to day, not what you’d like to wear day to day… ‘There’s no point in cocktail dresses taking up your main space if you barely use them,’ says Vicky Silverthorn of You Need A Vicky. 

Next, ‘consider the "prime real estate" in your clothing storage areas, and make sure you’re utilizing them in the best way possible,’ advises Catherine, co-founder and interior designer at Clairrow. ‘Maybe it’s the front section in your closet or the top drawer of your dresser; if you’re a jeans and t-shirt sort of person, don’t position suits and heels there, it’s simple!’ 

To avoid cluttering up prime storage space, bear this in mind – if it’s not ‘ready to wear’, it shouldn’t be there, essential or not. 

‘Never hang anything in your closet that needs to be steamed or tailored, thinking you'll get to it another time. Keep it in a separate section of your closet and plan a weekly time to steam all of those items before hanging them with your "ready-to-wear" clothing,’ says personal stylist, Erica Ball of Erica Ball Style.

6. Decide what to hang

According to organization guru Marie Kondo, hanging your clothes according to length can actually have a positive effect on your mood: ‘Lines that slope upward are said to make people feel more at peace, and also make your clothes look more stimulating,’ she says. 

Coats, suits, blouses and dresses are best hung up, but remember never to hang anything made from wool or cashmere – they become misshapen around the shoulders if you do. 

7. Work out which clothes to fold

In general, folding clothes neatly is the most space-saving way to store them, however, if you’re stacking in piles, chances are they won’t stay neat for long (funny how what you need is often right at the bottom). Instead, experts recommend the more practical ‘KonMari’ organization method.  

‘T-shirts, jumpers and jeans can all be stored on shelves or within drawers using the file folding method, which is not only space-saving but also ensures you can see your items at a glance’, says professional organizer Emma George of Declutter with Emma. 

The file and fold method involves placing items vertically, a bit like how you would keep papers in a filing cabinet, making it much easier to find and access what you’re looking for.  Keep similar clothes together, so you have a box for T-shirts, one for jeans, etc. 

8. Divide your drawers – literally and figuratively 

Save yourself the hassle of rummaging through your designated ‘undergarment’ drawer by using drawer dividers and bedroom organizers to give everything a place – some even come with specific compartments designated for underwear, bras, socks, tights, etc. To maintain an orderly system, store everyday items such as socks, bras and undies at the fore, then put your lesser-used items (sports bras, swimwear, specialty pieces) towards the back. 

While folding can make for a neat finish, it can be more hassle than it’s worth when it comes to smaller items. However, if you’re organizing a small closet, folding your bras one cup into the other is a space-saver, and helps them to keep their shape. 

9. Swap out seasonal items 

If you can afford to split your closet down the middle (one side for winter clothes and the other for summer) that’s ideal, but if you’re organizing a small bedroom, consider finding storage elsewhere for out-of-season items that don’t need to be accessed regularly. 

‘Think outside of the closet – do you have under-utilized storage areas in other areas of the bedroom? I keep bulky winter sweatshirts in the cabinet of my television stand, for example. Drawers in a nightstand or under-the-bed storage are good options, too’, says Alexandra, co-founder and interior designer at Clairrow. 

When packing away clothes, place cashmere and wool items in breathable bags made from linen or cotton to protect them from moths, and place cedar balls inside to help repel them.

10. Plan for the week ahead 

Streamline your morning routine by pre-planning your outfits for the week ahead – Sunday evening is a great time to do this. Not only does this save you time, but it also avoids any last-minute panic over unwashed or creased clothing, missing buttons, dropped hems and so on. Separate each outfit with day-of-the-week dividers so you can quickly and easily access what you need. 

Another handy tip to save yourself last minute outfit changes is to keep a sewing box close to hand ready to make swift repairs. Black, gray and white threads are essential, as is adhesive iron-on tape for easy hem lifts. You could also include spot cleaners to dab off marks in an instant. 

How do you start decluttering clothes?  

Decluttering your clothes can be an emotional process, one that many of us put off. The best way to start is gently. Be kind to yourself – it’s okay to keep items you’re particularly attached to, even if you’re never going to wear them again. However, try and limit yourself to just one storage box, and keep it for sentimental items only – those jeans you ‘might’ fit back into one day? They don’t count!

When it comes to the rest of your clothing, dedicate time to considering each item individually. Be honest with yourself; does it still fit? Is it in good condition? Have you worn it in the last year? If the answer is no to any of these, it’s probably time to say goodbye. 

If you’re finding it tricky to decide what to keep, professional organizers recommend the ‘hanger technique’. At the beginning of each season, turn all the hangers in your wardrobe backward. Then turn each hanger forward as you wear and replace each item of clothing. Whichever hangers are still backward at the end of the season probably hold items you can live without, so consider donating them to free up closet space.  

How do I organize my clothes on shelves? 

Use shelves to store bulky items like sweaters and chunky knitwear that might get snagged or stretched if hung on hangers. Thicker items fold easily and won’t cease or lose their shape when stacked in a pile. If you’re using the KonMari folding method, consider lining shelves with baskets and separating out t-shirts, jeans and so on. 

High shelves are great for storing seasonal items, or for organizing shoes you only wear occasionally, while box shelves are a good way to store and show off your favorite handbags. If you’re organizing a small closet, limit yourself to one or two, and try the ingenious Marie Kondo technique of storing bags within bags.

Easily accessible shelves in a closet can double up as a ‘dressing table’. Use them to organize jewelry, store perfumes, makeup and anything else you use day-to-day. Alternatively, line them with bespoke inserts or boxes, jars and baskets for storing accessories, such as sunglasses, cufflinks, scarves, ties and so on. 

Organize a linen closet properly and you'll wonder why you never found the time to do so before. After all, there's nothing more frustrating than trying to find all the elements of that matching bedlinen set or that missing guest towel when you could be doing something so much more fulfilling.

If you're lucky, your linen closet might well be a roomy space in your laundry room, making bed and towel changeover day so much easier to organize, and part of your entire laundry room organization plan. However, even if it is simply a chest of drawers in a guest bedroom, there are many ways in which to organize linen like a pro – and we share the best below.

Organizing a linen closet

Linen closets are amongst the most crucial of storage ideas in a home, but they can also be amongst the most frustrating. Unlike when you are organizing a closet in your bedroom, the whole family's linen is all in one place, meaning you need clever tactics to make everything easy to find – and to ensure it emerges from the linen closet as fresh and neatly pressed as it went in. These tips for organizing a linen closet will tell you how.

1. Empty the linen closet

You only have to read our essential decluttering tips to know that the first step to organizing a linen closet – and any other space – is to empty it out first, so that you can really assess the space you have, how it might be improved – and what needs to go back in. 

2. Dust and clean the linen closet

Linen closets can quickly become dusty and, with dust, comes a must smell. So, vacuum up any dust then, using a cloth dipped into a solution of soapy, warm water, wipe out the entire closet, beneath shelves and all, to ensure it's dust-free. Allow it to dry fully – that will ensure the laundry goes back into a linen closet that won't make it damp. 

3. Hang a scented cushion to make a linen closet smell fresh

A posy of dried herbs, such as lavender, a scented cushion, even dryer sheets can make a linen closet smell fresh – and can banish those musty odors.

4. Discard old linen, make a list

While your linen closet is drying, start to sort through your linen, discarding any that is old, damaged, or discolored.

'Update/replace linen that is showing signs of wear and then donate to charity for repurposing,' says Robert Lancaster-Gaye, Co-Founder Tielle Love Luxury. 'Don’t hoard! A maximum of one spare set per bed will avoid too much clutter.'

You can use the functional elimination method to determine which items are being used right now, and which you have been holding onto 'just in case'.

This done, make a list of what you have on a piece of paper or chalkboard and fix it to the back of the linen closet door. 

5. Ensure the linen closet is ventilated

Just as you would when organizing a bathroom, it's vital to ensure your linen closet is ventilated to keep sheets and towels fresh. The best way to do this is with neat (decorative) holes in linen closet doors, sides or, failing that top or back. 

6. Plan the linen closet's layout – and label

Now you know what you have, you can begin to plan the linen closet's layout. However, we all know a well-planned system you put in place for organizing a linen closet won't necessarily be adhered to by other members of the household. Therefore, take inspiration from how Nate Berkus refreshes his linen closet and introduce a label system on each shelf to help maintain order.

This can be as simple as 'Joe's bed' or 'guest towels', and it might help them be more enthusiastic about getting involved in changing their own linen (we live in hope). 

7. Put often used items front and center

Just as you would when organizing kitchen cabinets, storing items you swap or reach for regularly front and center in the linen closet will make finding what you need more efficient. Everything else can be put somewhere less convenient, such as on top or bottom shelves or drawers.

8. Organize a linen closet by type or set

'Keep your linen in size sets to avoid loose items getting mixed up and appearing untidy,' advises Robert Lancaster-Gaye of Tielle Love Luxury.

Jonathan and Emily Attwood, Founders, scooms, agree: 'Make sure that it’s always easy to find a matching set of washed and ironed linen.'

9. Organize linen by color

If each household member has their own linen color – picked to match the color scheme of their bedroom or bathroom – it is much easier to keep linen closets organized. 

'One client had a king-sized bed, and a small double for their children and the bottom sheets kept getting mixed up. Let your child choose a color theme so that doesn’t happen any more. The teenager had white sheets and the younger child had pinks, that way, it was easy to pull out,' says Kathryn Lord, a home organizer from More To Organising.

10. Organize linen by family member or room

Another variation on organizing a linen closet is to do so by person – or room, whether or not colors match. So, as we suggested above with the label 'Joe's bed' would simply become 'Joe's', and guest towels simply 'guest room'. Simple, but efficient.

11. Organize a linen closet like a professional

There are a few staple tricks professional organizers use for linen closets. They are:

The pillowcase storage trick: 

'Store your bedlinen sets together by folding them neatly after ironing and storing the whole set inside one of the pillowcases,' advise Jonathan and Emily Attwood of scooms. 

'Putting the folded sheet and duvet cover inside the pillow case means one set is neatly ready for change-over day,' agrees organizer Kathryn Lord.

Folding fitted sheets the right way:

There is a technique to folding a fitted sheet so that it doesn't become a balled mess. Marie Kondo's fitted sheet folding video is our favorite.

Storing duvet covers inside out:

'Storing the duvet cover inside out makes it easier to pull over the duvet,' advises Kathryn Lord of More To Organising. 'By putting your hands inside at each corner, grasping the duvet, then shaking, you will be able to put it over the duvet more easily.'  

12. Maximize linen storage with clever buys

You can also put a closet organizer to use to help maximize storage potential in a linen closet. Whether you need something to help you distinguish and separate bedlinen sets or it's for ensuring this space looks neat and tidy at all times, that is.

Just as when organizing kitchen drawers, you may find that extra storage buys will help you really get your linen closet organization to the best place it can be. Whatever you choose, it should ideally be breathable for linen – such as woven baskets – or sealed in lidded boxes, if you are storing household cleaning products in your linen closet.

13. Use the linen closet door for extra storage

Sometimes, we just need a bit more space, so consider whether you could use any area of the back of the linen closet door for extra storage, whether hooks or hanging shelves. The sides of a linen closet can be used for hooks, too, ideal for hanging items that need a little more time to dry after washing. 

14. Make room for household cleaning supplies

It's possible your linen closet is home to linen-related products, such as fabric softener, detergent or dryer sheets. Make space for these on a central shelf, since you will need to access them regularly, but well out of reach of young children. Store them in a lidded box to guard against spills – and make them lockable if you have toddlers who will put anything in their mouths.

15. Make space for ironing supplies in the linen closet

If your linen closet is in a laundry room and you have space to house your ironing board, iron and spritzer bottle inside it, it will make life so much easier, and the room so much neater, especially if you need a quick-fix press for items that have become wrinkled in the linen closet. Though with these linen closet organizing tricks, that's unlikely now.

How does Marie Kondo organize a linen closet?

Marie Kondo organizes a linen closet by grouping similar items together in categories – for usage, size and color. She then rolls them and stacks them vertically into baskets. Her rolling and folding technique is also one she employs in linen closets, especially for towels. Both folding and rolling the way Marie Kondo does it minimizes creases in linen.

What should be in your linen closet?

Depending on its size and where in the house it is, this is what to keep in a linen closet, by priority:

• Bedlinen including comforters and shams;
• Bath towels;
• Beach towels;
• Extra blankets and throws;
• Pet towels;
• Laundry products, including iron/ironing board;
• Kitchen towels;
• Tablelinen;
• Household cleaning supplies;
• Bathroom products;
• Toiletries.

Globally-celebrated organizer Marie Kondo is renowned for her minimalist KonMari tidying method. 

With a selection of best-selling books and two Netflix series to her name, Ms. Kondo has reshaped storage ideas in every room of the home – but even the guru herself has a hard time keeping her children's toys organized. 

Yes, Marie Kondo, like all parents and caregivers worldwide, regards toys as the biggest challenge to a tidy scheme. However, she has toy storage ideas that will make the process simpler. 

In her discussion of living room storage ideas with H&G, Marie Kondo revealed the method she uses in her own home. 

Marie Kondo's secret to keeping toys tidy 

'With three young kids, it can be tough to keep the entire home tidy 24/7,' Marie begins. 'My children's toys seem to quickly become scattered throughout the whole house on a daily basis.' So what does the expert suggest? 

Designate a home for each toy 

The key to keeping your home tidy, Marie suggests, is to have a home for each toy – but this trick works with everything beyond toys too. 

'I like to have a designated location for each of these toys, and I make sure my children are aware of where their toys belong,' she says. 'This way, they can help put away their own toys after playtime too.'

Invest in a KonMari-approved organizer 

Designating a home for each toy is even easier with assistance from a specially designed organizer. Marie recommends picking up this Canvas Half-Wall Komono Organizer that she uses to revolutionize her bedroom storage ideas in her home.  

'This [organizer] is one that I love for my children's bedroom because it is a simple storage solution for small toys and komono (miscellaneous items),' Marie says. 'You can adjust the height as children grow for storing accessories, electronics, or art supplies.'

It's true; you don't need to tackle toys to make the most of Marie's favorite organizer. Instead, you can follow the organizer's lead and fill its pockets with anything from home office supplies to electrical items. Plus, Marie Kondo's home office tidying tips will give you even more inspiration for keeping this space tidy.  

From the kitchen to the bedroom, Marie Kondo’s tidying techniques have revolutionized cleaning habits worldwide. However, her latest tip has addressed one of the most notorious spaces to keep tidy: the closet. 

A Japanese-born tidying master, Marie Kondo gained global prestige after her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Since then, she has shared her storage ideas with the world through her Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.

Speaking exclusively to Homes & Gardens, Marie Kondo revealed that when it comes to keeping your closet organization ideas tidy she has a special order she relies on in her own home.  

Hang in length order

‘When it comes to your wardrobe or closet, there are many different techniques you can do to keep it well organized,’ the expert says.

In her own closet, Marie groups items according to their category and stores items according to their length.

‘Put your longest or dark items on the left and then work your way to the shorter or light-colored items on the right,’ she explains. ‘This will help keep your clothes organized throughout the different seasons.’

On Instagram, Marie expanded that her hanging rule not only looks good but makes you feel good too.

‘Arrange your clothes so that they rise to the right. Lines that slope upward is said to make people feel more at peace. I think they also make your clothes look more stimulating,’ she explains.

Marie Kondo also recommends hanging heavy items on the left side and light items on the right. This will provoke the same joy when you open your closet – and ensure your space feels organized.

Categorize items on open shelves

If you don't have a lot of hanging space, Marie adds that there are still ways you can sprinkle some tidy-ing magic over them. ‘Using boxes can help keep items categorized and tidy,' she says in a post.

Marie Kondo is a self-proclaimed box fanatic, keeping boxes of all shapes and sizes to store things in. She frequently demonstrates how boxes and baskets are a great way to keep bedroom and hallway storage ideas in order.

Start 2022 on the right note with a Marie-Kondo-approved closet.

Marie Kondo is the most famous organizer of our generation – but how does she keep her storage system tidy? 

The tidying guru has reshaped storage ideas with a collection of books and two Netflix shows under her belt. Her KonMari method is one of the most practiced tidying techniques globally – but the key to an effortless kitchen is refreshingly simple. And she’s tried and tested it in her own home. 

Marie Kondo's kitchen must-have

In an exclusive interview with H&G, Ms.Kondo revealed her one kitchen must-have is a 3-Tier Bamboo Expandable Shelf Organizer (above) – a freestanding shelf that will revolutionize your kitchen storage ideas. ‘I love this shelf organizer because it keeps things from getting buried in the back of your pantry or upper cabinets,’ Marie says. 

While this multifunctional tool will keep your kitchen in order, the tidying expert explains that it will also limit your grocery shop preparation time. ‘Knowing what you have helps speed grocery list preparation and prevents you from purchasing duplicate items,’ she adds. 

The expandable organizer is made from polished bamboo that is good-looking enough to use as a display-worthy home for goods such as teas, species, and jars of honey. Because you don’t need to sacrifice style for a seamless storage system. 

Plus, this bamboo focal point isn’t the only natural kitchen accessory to receive Marie Kondo’s seal of approval. On her Instagram, Marie similarly recommended investing in another organic storage solution: weaved baskets.

‘In Japanese, ‘ori’ means to weave. If you want to use storage baskets – in places such as the pantry or closet, for example – then it’s best to choose ones with strong materials whose beauty also brings you joy,’ she says.

Though, whichever natural storage solution you choose, the question of what you should store in them remains the same. ‘Take stock of the items that bring you joy,’ Marie instructs in the discussion of her famous ‘Sparking Joy’ mantra. 

‘Think about your favorite recipes or the foods and snacks that make you happy. This will help you decide which items to keep and which items to discard.’ 

Marie Kondo’s kitchen ideas will ensure your space runs smoothly whilst cutting shopping prep time. We’re adding one to our baskets as we speak.

Christmas is the season of rich hues and indulgent decorations – so how does the master of minimalism celebrate? 

Marie Kondo has gained global admiration for her regimented approach to organization. With two Netflix series and a collection of books to her name, she revolutionizes storage ideas across the calendar. But what does this mean when it comes to Christmas?

Sharing her Christmas decor ideas exclusively with H&G, Marie Kondo explained how you can stay organized over the holidays – and what to do when the festivities conclude. 

Marie Kondo’s top 3 Christmas decoration tips 

1. Pre-plan your festive scheme 

According to Marie, the first step to an organized Christmas begins before the decorating process begins.

‘Before you jump right into making the house festive for the holidays, first take some time to imagine how you want your holiday season to look and feel,’ she says. ‘Taking inventory of your decorations will also help keep your home in order before the festivities begin.’ 

2. Don’t hold onto sentimental decor  

Christmas is the time when you may come across a surge in sentimental decorations – whether this includes a festive heirloom or a handmade ornament. However, as Marie suggests, you do not always need to bring these pieces into the forefront of your home.

‘If you feel like the item has already served you but is difficult to part with due to its sentimental value, take a picture of it. That will lessen your guilt to let that item go,’ Marie explains. 

‘Be sure to thank the item for bringing you joy for many years during the holidays. To make room for seasonal decor throughout the house, you may also need to rearrange unneeded furniture or store everyday decor to make additional room for temporary holiday items.’

3. Declutter decor when the season concludes 

To set yourself up for an organized future, Marie suggests following a Japanese custom called ōsōji (or ‘big clean'), which is done at the end of each year Marie practices ōsōji at the end of the holidays in her own home – but what does this decorating idea involve? 

‘The end of the holiday season really makes for a great time to reassess what is in your home, including your holiday items,’ the organizer explains. ‘It’s best to declutter Christmas or holiday decor at the time you are putting them away so you can free up some space, instead of holding onto them for a whole year and going through them the next time around.’

Alongside this, Marie Kondo recommends labeling your holiday decorations by category so you can find them with ease in the following year. 

Thanks to Marie, our future Christmas living room decor ideas begin now. 

Marie Kondo has gained global admiration for her minimalist approach to organization. However, even Ms. Kondo has one space that she struggles to keep in order. The space in question? Her refrigerator.

The tidying guru has reorganized storage ideas worldwide with a host of best-selling books and two Netflix series to her name. Her KonMari method has become one of the most recognized tidying techniques of our time – but even Marie struggles to maintain order in the frequently used part of her kitchen. 

Discussing her kitchen storage ideas exclusively with H&G, Marie Kondo revealed that she struggles to keep her family's refrigerator tidy – but there are ways to stay on top of the space. 

Marie Kondo's fridge organization tips  

Your fridge is amongst the most-used appliances in your home – so it is unsurprising that even Marie Kondo finds it hard to organize hers. However, she has three simple steps to maximize success. 

1. Ensure everything has a home 

The idea of a permanent 'home' for every object is a staple of KonMari teaching, and the fridge is no exception. 'To keep the fridge tidy, you have to make a rule and ask your family to put the items back where each item belongs,' Marie explains. 

Similarly, on the subject of her teaching, Marie adds that finding a permanent home for your possessions is 'one of the best ways to hold yourself accountable' as it encourages you to 'get into the habit of putting [your] items back on a daily basis.'

2. Leave space for new items 

In an Instagram post, Marie continued to share her refrigerator tips – recommending that you leave additional space for leftovers or new food that you may acquire after cleaning.

'I also recommend storing by category to make it easier to sort items and tell at a glance where things are,' Marie explains. This method is also a pillar of the KonMari teaching – and amongst Marie Kondo's 5 top tips for organizing a small kitchen. 

3. Know how much food you already have  

Sharing her kitchen ideas in another post, Marie shared that 'the key to keeping a tidy refrigerator is to always be aware of how much food you have.' 

This means you can quickly see everything at a glance to prevent yourself from buying the same food at the store. It will also minimize food waste as you can observe best-before dates easily.  

Marie Kondo’s organization method have reshaped tidying habits worldwide, but what happens when it comes to clearing sentimental pieces? 

While Ms. Kondo admits that parting with emotional objects can be hard, it is possible to clear them without guilt. Sharing her beloved storage ideas exclusively with H&G, Marie reveals how to achieve any organized home whilst preserving the memories of a loved one. 

Marie Kondo’s tips for clearing sentimental items 

‘The big fear we all have is that if we throw away these objects, we will somehow be losing the precious memories and legacy that goes with them. That is not the case – truly precious memories will never vanish even if you discard things associated with them,’ Marie says. But how do you achieve this mindset? The answer, Marie suggests, is found when you ask yourself if something ‘sparks joy.’ 

‘When we have a clearout, most of us tend to focus on what we’re going to throw away, but what we should concentrate on instead is what we’re going to keep,’ she says. ‘The ultimate test to whether to keep it or not is to ask yourself, does this object spark joy in my heart?’.

Marie suggests that you should be able to ‘hold on to the sentimental item with confidence,’ and if not, it is time to let it go. However, unlike her other living room storage ideas, throwing away sentimental items requires an extra step. 

‘When letting go of an item associated with a lot of memories, it’s important to say a heartfelt thank you. Giving sincere thanks to an item will significantly reduce or even eliminate any guilt you may feel when you decide that you will no longer have it in your home,’ she explains. 

And, for the sentimental items that you decide to keep, Marie reinforces an important step from her living room and kitchen storage ideas. She highlights the importance of finding a permanent home for your object – to ensure your space remains organized long after cleaning. 

‘Try keeping them in a nice box or album and storing them in a place that sparks joy, like a bookshelf or coffee table,’ Marie suggests. She adds that her favorite sentimental organizers are the Sentimental Wedding Box, Canvas Half-Wall Komono Organizer, Momento Organizer, and Papers and Komono Organizer.

Plus, Marie offers her advice for disregarding pieces sustainably – suggesting that you look towards ethical resources including The Junkluggers, Terracycle, Freecycleand Earth911. ‘You can also refer to our Discarding Guide,’ Marie adds. 

We tend to associate Marie Kondo with ruthless decluttering – we'll simply never get over her 30-book rule. But the world-renowned organizer also has some great decor tips to make our homes feel happier.

The latest? The tidying guru recommends creating what she calls a 'power spot' in your home. The simple concept is certainly something to consider when brainstorming new living room ideas for the winter.

So, what is it and how do we make one?

'For me, creating a "power spot" and spending time in it is one of my favorite ways to relax,' says Marie. Speaking on the Netflix series Sparking Joy, she explains the idea, which is actually very easy to adopt, and it'll make your home feel more uplifting, too.

Essentially, it's about collating multiple beautiful decorative items that you adore, and displaying them in one area – coffee table styling is a great place to start. Be it vintage treasures, a luxury candle or a beautiful lamp, the home decor simply has to spark joy whenever you look at it. 

Marie says your power spot could be a side table, a comfortable chair or even an entire room. 'The only requirement is that it be filled with objects that spark joy,' she says. 

It's a very simple idea, but one that brings so much joy to our winter living room ideas during the darker, colder months. Taking the time and effort to create a power spot that feels just right is a lovely exercise. 

Once you have curated a display of items that make your heart sing, you're bound to apply the same approach to the rest of the home. How often do you really put all your attention on one bookshelf, one side table or reading nook? 

Spending time creating a power spot, and simply enjoying it, will dramatically increase the enjoyment you feel at home. The The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up author has a joy-sparking power spot as part of her bedroom ideas, which helps her to feel refreshed every morning. 

On her bedside table, she has crystals and flowers, as well as a small notebook and pen. We think living room shelving ideas offer the perfect power spot – we're filling ours with books (more than 30), beautiful trailing house plants and home decor picked up on our travels.

Marie Kondo has made a name for herself as an advocate for getting rid of anything in your life that doesn't spark joy. However, she has one exception to her golden rule.

A Japanese-born tidying consultant, Marie Kondo shot to fame as the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and star of the Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Since then she has helped homes across the world organize their homes with her KonMari method.

In her latest book Joy at Work, Marie Kondo tackled the issue of keeping your home office ideas neat and tidy. Speaking exclusively to Homes & Gardens, Marie Kondo explained that when helping clients to declutter and tidy their homes there is one thing she tells them to never get rid of. 

'Important documents such as contracts,' she confesses. 'I tell my clients not to discard them even if they don’t spark joy.' 

The KonMari method centres around the concept of joy and what sparks it. She encourages her clients to take a mindful approach to declutter, holding each item to determine if it sparks joy before throwing it away. 

Marie Kondo's definition of joy is relatively wide and expands to items that make your life easier. For example, a slow cooker might not make you want to sing from the rooftops, but it can spark joy if it makes feeding the family in the evening less stressful.

However, Marie Kondo admits that important documents such as bills and contracts are the exception to this rule. These items might not spark joy, or make your life easier, but it is still important to keep hold of them in paper or electronic form.

Unfortunately, when it comes to desk clutter these important documents can pose a serious threat. Marie Kondos tips for cutting paper clutter include filling away each and every piece of paper to prevent it from accumulating on your desk.

Marie Kondo explains that everything on your desk, including important documents, needs to have a home to keep the space orderly.

'The most important tidying tip for your home office is to decide a home for each item on your desk,' Marie explains. 'Doing this will help keep clutter from accumulating on your desk and you will get you in a habit to put the items back after use or at the end of your workday.'

'That way, you can start fresh every morning and have a productive day, stress-free.'

Organization guru Marie Kondo is renowned for sparking joy – the statement at the heart of her teaching – and the name of her eponymous Netflix series. However, while the KonMari method is built around sparking joy, mirroring this joy in your workspace involves a different technique. 

In her recently republished book, Joy at Work, Ms. Kondo shares reveals the home office ideas that hold the secret to a more joyful workspace – and her clutter cutting technique works for desks and workspaces of all sizes. 

In an exclusive excerpt of the latest edition below, the celebrated organizer reveals her tips – and what you need to know to keep your home office setup running seamlessly. 

Marie Kondo's 3 tips for cutting paperwork clutter

‘Even if you tidy up, papers are bound to pile up again quickly, making rebound inevitable. But there’s no need to worry. As long as you follow the three rules of storage I introduce below, you’ll never return to paper clutter.’

Rule 1: Categorize every paper down to the last sheet

‘Start by sorting your papers into clear categories, such as presentations, project proposals, reports, and invoices. Or you could sort them by dates, projects, or the names of individual clients, patients, or students. One of my clients, for example, designated files for Design Ideas, Management Ideas, English Study, and Documents to Keep and Remember. Use whatever system works best for you.

‘The most important point is never to store even a single sheet of paper “just because.” Now is the time to categorize your papers in a way that makes your work easier. Make sure every paper is sorted into a category.’

Rule 2: Store your papers upright

‘Do you know people who are always asking, “Where did that file go?” Often it’s because they are piling their files in stacks on their desk. There are two disadvantages to stacking documents. First, it’s difficult to determine how much you have, so you don’t notice how much you are accumulating over time and end up with a messy desk. Second, you forget about the files at the bottom of the pile and waste time looking for them.

‘For optimal efficiency, it’s crucial to store your papers in a hanging- file system. Put each category of papers in a separate folder and store them in a filing cabinet or upright in a filing box placed on a shelf. Storing them this way makes it easy for you to see how many papers you have. It also looks neat and tidy.’

Rule 3: Make a pending box

‘Make a pending box, in which to keep only those papers that you need to deal with on that day. Again, I recommend using an upright filing box so that you can clearly see how many papers need processing. If you prefer, you can use a tray-type filing box and store them flat, but be sure not to forget the existence of the papers on the bottom. When you’ve processed pending papers, discard those that don’t need to be kept.

‘Just as for tidying anything else, tidying up your papers makes them incredibly easy to manage because you know exactly how many of each type you have and where they are. Once you have sorted your papers and decided where each category belongs, look at your workspace and determine the maximum amount of space you have available for storing them. When you exceed this storage capacity, papers will begin to overflow. That’s a signal that you need to reexamine what’s there. Check for papers that no longer need to be saved, and let them go. By checking regularly like this, you can keep your papers tidy at all times.’

Whether you are looking for large or small home office ideas, Marie’s paper tips will ensure your space stays tidy for good.

Excerpted from JOY AT WORK © 2021 by KonMari Media Inc. and Scott Sonenshein. Used with permission of Macmillan Publishers. All rights reserved.

Tidying guru Marie Kondo may have just taken over our TVs with her latest Netflix series Sparking Joy – but her reign over 2021 does not end at the small screen. Instead, the globally-renowned organizer has today published a new edition of her book, Joy at Work, which simplifies an organized work life, so you'll never have to do it again.

In the latest edition of Joy at Work, Marie discusses some of her home office ideas – while sharing tips for virtual working and organizing your workspace at home – which is, of course, an apt addition to her publication. 

Whether you’re looking for small home office ideas to make your compact space permanently seamless, or you’re looking for a professional home office setup that will get the job done – Marie has the answer.

In the below excerpt from Joy at Work, she shares what you need to know. 

Rule 1: Designate a place to store each item and store by category 

‘The reason people rebound after they have gone to all the work of tidying up is that they don’t decide where each item belongs. Because they don’t know where to put things after they’ve used them, their space gets cluttered again. That is why you will want to decide where to store each item. It’s so much easier to keep things tidy if you get into the habit of immediately putting each item back where it belongs. 

'It’s important not to scatter storage for things in the same category. Storing everything in the same category in the same place lets you see at a glance how much you have. This has added benefits. Once you know what you have, you no longer accumulate excess or buy unnecessary items.

'In a general office setting, it’s common to store business cards and stationery supplies in the top drawer; electrical, personal-care, and food-related items in the second drawer; and documents and papers in the third drawer. This is the basic storage layout for a typical office desk, but it will vary depending on the type of desk you have or the type of tasks your work involves. Make adjustments as needed and create a space in which you feel comfortable working.’

Rule 2: Use boxes and store things upright 

‘The amount of storage space in a desk is very limited, so you’ll want to maximize its effectiveness. Boxes are great for this. You can use boxes of various sizes as drawer dividers. Store items in the same category in one that suits their size and shape, such as a small box for items like flash drives and a medium-sized box for personal-care items like supplements. 

'Small things in particular store better when they are arranged upright in a box rather than placed directly in a drawer with no dividers. The box keeps them from disintegrating into an anonymous heap and lets you see at a glance where things are when you open the drawer.

'Any type of box that fits in your drawer will do. You can buy boxes specifically for this purpose or use empty ones you have on hand in your home. I often use business card boxes and smartphone packages. They’re just the right dimensions to fit inside a desk drawer, making them very easy to use. 

'The trick is to store everything standing upright as much as possible. This not only looks neater but maximizes the available space. All items that are the right height should be stored upright. I even store erasers and packs of sticky notes in the upright position.'

Rule 3: As a rule, don’t store anything on top of your desk 

‘Your desktop is a work surface, not a storage cupboard, so the rule of thumb is to store nothing on it. Pick a spot in your drawers and on your shelves for each item or category. As much as possible, the only things on your desk should be whatever you need right now for the project you are working on. Keep this image of a clear desktop in your mind when you start storing. People who do so usually finish with only a laptop and an ornament or potted plant on their desk.

'Designate a storage space even for things you use daily, such as a pen or memo pad. My clients are often surprised to find that it’s not inconvenient at all to store these things out of sight when not in use. Once they experience how a neat and tidy desk enables them to focus on their work, they quickly become addicted to that state.’

Has Marie Kondo reshaped your future modern home office ideas? 

Excerpted from JOY AT WORK © 2021 by KonMari Media Inc. and Scott Sonenshein. Used with permission of Macmillan Publishers. All rights reserved.

With a collection of best-selling books and two Netflix series' under her belt, nobody knows how to tidy quite like Marie Kondo. 

The organization guru has reshaped kitchen storage ideas worldwide through her KonMari Method (what Marie calls her style of tidying) – but how do you maintain cleanliness when the job is complete? 

While Marie has already taught the world how to achieve a tidy space, she recently sat down with H&G to reveal how to preserve organization. And it's a secret she practices in her own home. 

Marie Kondo's secret for maintaining an organized home

Here Marie shares her interior design tips – and how to hold yourself accountable – to prevent falling back into former habits. 

1. Give each item a permanent home

'Once you tidy your whole house, one of the best ways to hold yourself accountable is by making sure you give each item a permanent home and getting in the habit of putting the item back on a daily basis,' says Marie. 

According to Marie Kondo, failing to have a permanent home for your possessions is the most significant (and most common) problem when it comes to keeping your home tidy. This is primarily because it increases clutter – which in turn harms your cleaning efforts. 

'The biggest reason why people fall back to clutter is because the items that are used aren't put back in their proper place,' she adds. But how can you stop this from happening? Marie expands on her secret that will revolutionize your tidying habits. 

2. Keep surfaces clear 

'If you can do a quick sweep at the end of the day – put the item back to its 'home' – your home will always stay nice and tidy,' Marie suggests. 'Cleaning will be so much easier if you have fewer items on the counter or the floor.'

Marie's small kitchen storage ideas are particularly beneficial in compact spaces that benefit from clear countertops – which are achieved when everything is kept in their home. 

'It helps make the space feel larger and with more room to breathe.' Marie adds. 'When you have fewer items on the counter, it's much easier and faster to clean your kitchen too.'

If Marie Kondo's after-care secret is as successful as her KonMari Method, then we envision a beautifully clutter-free season ahead.  

Marie Kondo is synonymous with organization. With a portfolio of books and two Netflix series under her belt, Ms. Kondo has convinced a global audience to experiment with her KonMari method and bring order into their home. However, even the tidying guru admits there is one item she regrets letting go when decluttering. 

In the discussion of her kitchen storage ideas with H&G, Marie shared the revelation – before sharing what she has learned from her experience – and how we can master her teaching in our lives. 

‘I regret letting go of small kitchen scissors that my younger sister gave to me for my children’s food. I thought I would never use them, so I gave them away to another mother,’ Marie says. ‘Now that my children are getting older, I sometimes think those scissors would come in handy and be much easier to use than a knife.’

But what did Marie learn from her regret? ‘The lesson here is that if you’re not sure how an item is supposed to function, it’s important to research it first before letting it go,’ she explains. 

Alongside the research, Marie reminds us of her most famous lesson – centered around ‘sparking joy’ and the idea that you should only keep items that make you happy. 

‘Your feelings are the standard for decision-making – specifically, knowing what sparks joy,’ Marie says. This method is the basis of her living room, kitchen, and small bedroom storage ideas – but how do we know if something actually sparks joy?

‘To determine this when tidying, the key is to pick up each object one at a time and ask yourself quietly, “Does this spark joy?” Hug the item if you need to, and hold it close to your heart. Pay attention to how your body responds,’ Marie instructs. 

‘Joy is personal, so everyone will experience it differently. For me, it feels as if every cell in my body lifts up little by little. If the item doesn’t spark joy, it makes my body feel heavy. Some people feel tingling; some feel warmth,’ she adds. 

If you remain uncertain, Marie also suggests choosing your top three favorite items that spark joy and hold one of them in your hands. ‘Just remember that feeling and use that as your reference to "joy check" other items,’ she explains. 

Whether you’re looking for small living room storage ideas – or you want to declutter your entire home – the KonMari method will leave your space feeling notably more serene. But as Marie reminds us, research is key.  

With four best-selling books and two Netflix series under her belt, Marie Kondo is the world’s most famous organizer. 

Her KonMari method is the most trusted tidying technique today – and has revolutionized kitchen, bedroom, and living room storage ideas alike. But what are the secrets of Marie Kondo's success? 

In an exclusive interview with H&G, Marie revealed what she believes makes her stand out from other professional organizers – and how she refined her celebrated tidying method. Plus, she reveals what she learnt during the pandemic.

‘Most tidying methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which dooms you to pick away your piles of ‘stuff’ forever. The KonMari Method encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items,’ Marie says.

While the KonMari Method differs in its tidying approach, Marie also highlighted her most famous teaching – surrounding the idea of ‘sparking joy’ – which further emphasizes her place as a pioneer in the organization world. 

Whether you’re looking for kitchen storage ideas or you simply want to declutter, the pillar of Marie’s teaching will teach you what to throw away. 

‘Only keep those things that speak to the heart and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service, then let them go. My approach is not just using a technique to organize, but asking yourself how you want to live your life and why you want to tidy,’ she explains. 

And if the KonMari Method was not already successful enough, Marie explained how her extra time at home refined her organization ideas. 

‘The beauty of the KonMari Method is that, at its core, the approach remains the same no matter the time and space. I constantly envision the life I want to live and find gratitude in the things that spark joy in my life,’ Marie says.

She continues: ‘One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned during the pandemic is taking more time to express gratitude for my space. I’m not necessarily referring to a particular room in the home, but the space where I live in general. For example, my husband and I have taken more walks around the neighborhood to discuss our business. It’s become a nice routine for us to connect and grow together.’

‘I also enjoy gardening, so finding more time outdoors has brought so much joy,’ Marie adds. 

Dare we get excited about KonMari garden ideas in the near future? We can only hope so. 

If you're anything like us, you've probably spent the last few days bingeing Marie Kondo's new Netflix series Sparking Joy – and have consequently caught a craving for organization. 

However, while you may not be a stranger to the pillars of the KonMari Method, there remains some less conventional rooms that could benefit from Ms. Kondo's expertise. 

Therefore, when H&G caught up with Marie, we were inevitably keen to pick up her lesser-known tidying secrets. This includes her pantry organization ideas that will keep your kitchen running smoothly – without sacrificing style. 

Marie Kondo's small pantry tips 

How can you maximize storage in a minute space, and how will it benefit your wider kitchen? Here, the master of pantry ideas shares her advice. 

1. Take stock of the items that bring you joy 

The idea of only keeping items that 'spark joy' is perhaps the most famous of Marie Kondo's teachings, but how can you bring this into the pantry? According to Marie, the same teaching applies when it comes to food, as well as utensils and other kitchen accessories. 

'Think about your favorite recipes or the foods and snacks that make you happy. This will help you decide which items to keep and which items to discard,' she says. 

2. Store items upright

Knowing which item to keep is one thing – but knowing how to store them is another. 'You should be able to see where everything is in a single glance when opening a drawer or looking at your pantry shelf,' Marie shares whilst discussing her kitchen storage ideas.

'By storing things in an upright position (as packaging allows), it creates more space and makes it easier to find items,' she adds. 

3. Group items by category 

Another celebrated element of the KonMari method involves the ability to organize similar items together, especially when decluttering. 

This teaching remains the same in a small kitchen pantry. Marie recommends breaking things into food groups, 'for example, dry carbohydrates like pasta, rice, grains should be stored together.'

'Canned foods should have their own place in the pantry. You can also use small boxes or bins as dividers on the shelf for easier organization,' Marie adds. 

4. Use clear storage containers 

'Feeling organized can also help bring joy to a space,' Marie shares. But what is her secret solution to a sense of order? 'Transferring dried foods like pasta, grains, and cereals into clear, matching storage containers will help make the space feel more organized,' she says.

You won't need to look at different labels on containers, which can make a space feel messy. Plus, you'll be able to see the contents much more easily.

5. Only keep what you need 

'It can be tempting to stock up on items so you can save yourself a trip to the grocery store. However, having a surplus of items can add unnecessary clutter to your pantry,' Marie warns. However, Marie's pantry idea teaches you to rethink what you bring into your kitchen.

'Be mindful of the things you buy and what you store in your kitchen. Think about how much you consume in between grocery runs. If they won't serve an immediate use, refrain from buying,' Marie adds. 

We're following Marie's kitchen ideas from this moment forward – just as soon as we've finished the new series, of course. 

Rise and shine, Marie Kondo enthusiasts. Today, the master of organization launches her series Sparking Joy on Netflix – and we’re inevitably very excited. 

Though, while we’re poised to steal living room storage ideas from Marie’s new series, we can’t hide that we’re still reminiscing over our recent chat with Ms. Kondo herself. 

In an exclusive interview with Homes & Gardens, Marie offered a glimpse into the individual behind her global organization empire – including her favorite room to clean – and how to stay focused in spaces that provoke less enthusiasm. Here, Marie reveals all. 

‘I love to organize any room in the house, but right now, I especially enjoy organizing my children’s play area together with my kids,’ Marie says.

‘We just welcomed our third child into our family, so it’s been very busy, but I always enjoy playing and tidying time with my girls, who are now really good at folding.’ 

Marie’s playroom ideas will bring a sense of serenity to the most fun-filled area of your home – but even the tidying extraordinaire has days and where her motivation runs low. Most recently, the birth of her baby boy brings challenges when cleaning other areas of her home. 

‘Everything is new and challenging right now. I try to see the lightness of the situation and focus on the things that bring me joy, like watching him grow every day and seeing him learn about the world and his surroundings,’ she reveals.

While Marie confesses that taking care of a newborn comes with its challenges, she remains motivated by maintaining a positive mindset when tidying. She remains motivated by being thankful for the time she has to tidy – and the moments she shares with her children. 

'Taking care of a newborn can be challenging, especially when trying to find the time to tidy. But I’ve learned to be kind to myself and enjoy the moments I do have when I’m able to tidy, especially when I can do it together with my kids,' Marie says.

From Marie’s sought-after small kitchen ideas to her secret to staying motivated, we welcome any advice from this celebrated guru. But for now, Sparking Joy is the only solution to our post-interview blues. Happy viewing everybody.

With the launch of Marie Kondo's new Netflix show Sparking Joy on the horizon, the undisputed queen of organization is inevitably on our minds. However, we confess, the upcoming series isn't the only thing that's making us feel excited about tidying up. 

Instead, we're in a KonMari frenzy after Marie sat down with Homes & Gardens to share her sought-after secrets for organizing a kitchen – they will revolutionize your tidying habits and spark joy throughout your home. 

Firstly, she revealed her kitchen ideas – and her practical solutions for getting the space right.

Marie Kondo's small kitchen secrets  

These exclusive KonMari tips will leave your kitchen running smoothly, whatever the size. Here, Marie shares her advice. 

1. Create a space that is easy to clean

'A kitchen that is easy to clean makes it more enjoyable to cook in. One simple way is to add liners to kitchen shelving – not only does it make it look cleaner, it also makes cleaning easier,' Marie says. When it comes to organizing kitchen drawers, she also suggests 'placing dividers in drawers' as this makes the tidying process easier. 

'Drawers will look more organized, and items will have a designated place to store after they've been used,' Marie adds. 

2. Perform a joy check 

Knowing if an item sparks joy is a pillar of KonMari teaching and the name of Marie's new show. But how can you bring this method into the heart of your home and make organizing kitchen cabinets easier, too? Marie explains what you need to know.

'Take a fresh look at the items you have in your kitchen. Do they spark joy? Dishes are an example of something that is used every day, so if they don't spark joy for you, be thankful for the purpose these dishes had in your life and let them go,' Marie begins.

'If you have special occasion plates you only use once or twice a year, taking up valuable space, try incorporating that into your daily life. If it's special and sparks joy, why only use it once a year? Treat your daily meal like a special occasion for a joy-sparking meal.'

3. Keep counters as clean and clear as possible 

When it comes to organizing kitchen countertops, Marie suggests small kitchen ideas that leave them clean is one of the most important things to remember. 'It helps make the space feel larger and with more room to breathe,' she says.

'One easy way is to clear the area on counters or around the sink and stovetop, and place bottles and spices in the cupboard. When you have less items on the counter, it's much easier and faster to clean your kitchen too.'

4. Discard unused kitchen appliances

We're all a little guilty of letting unused appliances consume our drawers; however, Marie suggests it's time we let them go – whatever the size of your kitchen. 'If you have small appliances like a mixer or a bread maker that hasn't been used in over a year, it likely doesn't spark joy in your life anymore,' she says. 

Marie urges you to 'envision the kind of lifestyle you want in your kitchen' and 'take inventory of the appliances you'll need to create that vision.' 

Therefore, if you're holding onto something that doesn't have a purpose, Marie suggests that 'it's time to let it go with gratitude.'

5. Stock your fridge at 70 per cent capacity 

Organizing a refrigerator doesn’t mean filling if completely, according to Marie. 'But why 70 per cent?', we hear you ask. 'By reserving a little extra space in your fridge, it will help you see all the contents in your fridge as well as allow for extra room to store leftovers,' Marie explains. It's the kitchen storage idea we'll showcase long into the future. 

Has Marie just revolutionized your small kitchen? Of course, we expected nothing less. We're forever in your debt, Ms. Kondo. 

The wait is almost over. This week, Marie Kondo's new show, Sparking Joy, launches on Netflix, and of course, we're very excited. Naturally, this launch week seems like a fitting occasion to celebrate Marie Kondo, or more specifically, her decluttering method – focused around sparking joy. But what does sparking joy actually mean?

According to Marie Kondo's Japanese organizing technique, you determine how your feel about an item if you select a piece individually and quietly ask yourself if it sparks joy. The feeling of joy is personal, so there is no generic answer that works for everybody. However, she explains the feelings as 'a little thrill, as if the cells in your body are slowly rising.' 

This is the book storage idea your home has been waiting for, but what does it involve? Despite being the pillar of the KonMari method, the idea of sparking joy remains the thing that most people struggle with (us, and Emily from Gilmore Girls included).

So, to improve our kitchen storage ideas for good, we sat down with Platinum KonMari Consultant, and founder of A Life More Organised, Sue Spencer, who gave us the answers we need.  

How to know if an item sparks joy – according to a KonMari consultant 

'The Japanese translation of 'Spark Joy' is 'Tokimeki,' which literally means 'heart flutter'. When joy checking, you're looking for items that do just that,' Sue begins. 

'I encourage clients to pick everything up and see how it makes you feel. Focus on the role it plays in your ideal lifestyle. You'll have items that you immediately know you love – maybe because they make you feel fantastic, or [they are] clothes like joggers that you love as they're really comfortable. Even functional items like saucepans [count] if they make cooking easier for you.'

Though, with so many items in your home, where should you begin? Sue recommends starting with clothes, as they tend to be the easiest category. She suggests breaking items into sub-categories, then gathering everything from one sub-category and putting it together in one place.

'You can see the volume & duplication of what you own – maybe for the first time – if your clothes are piled on top of each other in a drawer or squashed in a wardrobe,' Sue says.

'Work within this subcategory [by picking] up your favorite item and thinking about why you love it. Try to connect with what it is that works for you. Why do you love it? Hang it up close so you can see it, then pick two or three more items that are your favorites and repeat the process of why.'

'These items are now your benchmark joy sparking items to compare everything else against,' she adds.

Sue recommends repeating the method across categories in your home, from toiletries, hobby items to books and kitchen utensils. 'It really helps to see things together rather than opening a cupboard & looking for something to discard,' she says. 'When you see everything, you're more able to see what sparks joy and what doesn't.'

While knowing whether some items spark joy can feel easy, others may remain less obvious. However, Sue has a Marie Kondo-approved method for this too. 

'If you're unsure about something, try not to get stuck, pop it to one side in an unsure pile & go back to Joy checking,' Sue says. 

'Revisit your unsure pile when you've finished everything else - most people find the process of focusing on the things they love makes it easier to leak decisions about the things they're not sure about by the end,' she adds.  It's the living room storage idea your home will thank you for embracing. 

We'll be spending the foreseeable experimenting with this KonMari advice and the one-emotion decluttering method – just as soon as we've finished watch Sparking Joy.  

The most controversial trend of the season – if not the year – has revealed itself in the shape of a minimalist's nightmare. Aptly-named, the maximalist 'Cluttercore' craze celebrates the quirkiness of mismatched belongings and permits us all to fill our interiors with assorted goods that celebrate our memories, interests, and personalities – and we're not afraid to admit that it's our new guilty pleasure.

See: Interior design trends – top looks for the year ahead

However, approaching Cluttercore elegantly takes some doing.

Why is Cluttercore trending?

While 'clutter' is certainly no new phenomenon, Cluttercore has emerged from a broader umbrella trend – cottagecore – the rustic country aesthetic that has captivated social media users over the past year. 

Similarly, the pandemic has reshaped our relationship with our homes, as we look to curate spaces that not only look good but make us feel cocooned and happy. There is no better way to do that than by filling it with the things that spark joy and remind us of life beyond our four walls. 

5 ways to get behind Cluttercore – without sacrificing style  

While it is easy to see the appeal behind Cluttercore, embracing this trend in our homes is easier said than done. However, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of this fun-filled trend without sacrificing the sophistication of our homes. In fact, the trend will only accentuate its style and bring your interiors right up to date. Here, interior experts reveal how.

1. Combine contrasting period styles 

It is perhaps impossible to look at interiors designed by Dallas-based interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer without falling for the kaleidoscopic allure of Cluttercore. 

In her home, Michelle incorporates worldly materials in multi-layered rooms that combine periods and geographic regions, embroideries and weavings, unconventional furniture, and unique global art into a cocktail of exuberant interiors. 

Self-labeled as 'old-world elegance with a touch of the exotic,' Michelle's mismatched style boasts the glamor of the 1940s with 19th-century English charm. It is a maximalist lover's utopia, and we're utterly inspired.

'My goal is to create eye-filling, eccentric, beautiful assemblages – a merging of the precious and the playful. It is important that the house smells delightful. That it is full of fresh flowers. And pets. And music. And people, most of all,' Michelle shares.

2. Corral your clutter together  

See: Cottage decorating ideas – charming ways to get a characterful look

If you're feeling particularly hesitant to bring Cluttercore into your home, interiors expert and author Ros Byam Shaw suggests enclosing your 'clutter' in pockets around your space.

'Random clutter is a bit visually confusing, so always best to corral your clutter – in cabinets, on shelves, grouped on a table, or a mantelpiece. Hang lots of small pictures in a group, line up jugs on top of a kitchen cupboard, collect shells in a bowl,' Ros explains. The author references her new book Perfect English Style, which further explores 'ways of displaying excess stuff.' 

'Clutter should be a joy, not a burden – things you love, things that have meaning – whether architectural prints or pink luster china,' she adds. 

3. Allow your home to evolve with contrasting accessories 

Instead of sticking to one strict style throughout our interior accessories, British interior designer Matthew Williamson suggests filling our home with an array of 'beautiful things,' including bold antiques and vintage pieces.

'I'm a firm believer that interior design is a life-long process. It's about the journey and the thrill of finding something you love and that never has to stop because you feel your home is done once the pictures are hung, and you've chosen your furniture,' Matthew shares. 

He continues: 'Never stop searching, always give in to your curiosity, and if you love something, bring it home. This is invariably a slower method of finding what you need, but once you have it, you'll love it forever.' 

4. Bring your 'clutter' out of their hiding places – yes, really 

'More is always more,' states Martin Waller, founder of global design house Andrew Martin. The designer continues in his refreshingly open support for the craze. He recommends bringing our favorite possessions into the forefront of our spaces, sharing: 'While many designers want to say something new, I want to say something old – to capture a flavor of an antique land and somehow bottle it. 

'Empty out your cupboards and make a display of pieces on your shelves, cabinets, desks, or console tables. Acrylic boxes or plinths can be used to make a special feature of your favorite pieces,' Martin adds. 

5. Remember to leave a breathing space 

We weren't joking when we said Cluttercore is our new guilty pleasure, so it's only fitting that we share some styling insight from Andrea Childs, Editor of H&G's sister magazine, Country Homes & Interiors. 

'At its heart, Cluttercore is an exuberant celebration of our homes and our love of interiors – layers of color, pattern, and texture; surfaces and walls filled with artworks and accessories; keepsakes and trinkets given the same consideration as expensive purchases,' she shares. 

See: Cottage ideas for a living room – cottage lounge inspiration

To ensure we keep our homes on the right side of stylish, Andrea reminds us to leave some space to ensure we don't overpower our interiors.

'To keep your home looking Cluttercore cool, rather than a yard sale tabletop, opt for a coherent color palette, curate collections into displays, and leave a few calm areas. One clear surface or a blank wall within your maximalist decor is all it takes to create breathing space,' Andrea shares.

What more approval could we need? Just remember to pre-warn your minimalist friend before your next house party to avoid a big surprise. 

Marie Kondo fans, rejoice. The mistress of tidying up, Marie Kondo, has revealed she will return to Netflix for a brand new series this summer. 

The Tokyo-born, globally-admired organizer will share her expertise on her show – Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo that will come soon to the streaming service. 

Following the success of her original series, Tidying Up, Marie will, once again, revolutionize our interiors from the small screen and surprise us with some added pockets of joy throughout the series. 

See: Marie Kondo's top 5 tidying tips – plus how to organize the KonMari way

Throughout the episodes, Marie will teach us the fundamentals of her organization method and its impact on our relationships, businesses, and the wider community. The guru will also document the emotional, transformative power of tidying through real-world stories and share a rare glimpse into her own home and daily family routine. 

In his discussion of the new series, Brandon Riegg, Vice President of Unscripted Originals & Acquisitions at Netflix, discusses the undeniable joy that Marie's advice sparks in our home. 

'Like so many of our members, the 2019 premiere of Tidying Up inspired me to "spark joy" and declutter my home,' Brandon shares.

'Since then, we've continued to see how home organization and design shows can motivate our members to improve their surroundings and their lives.' he adds. 

The five things you should discard, according to Marie Kondo

We've decided to celebrate this announcement in the most appropriate way possible – with a declutter of our homes. We've rounded up the five things Marie Kondo recommends discarding to allow room for more joy in your life. 

1. Old electronic cords  

We know that all-too-familiar feeling of uncertainty, causing us to cling onto old cords when we invest in a new device. Instead of creating a list of unlikely scenarios involving ten-year-old flip phones, Marie urges us to part with unused wires. 

She also urges us to throw away boxes, suggesting we should buy a new box if we ever need to transport or resell our devices. 

See: Marie Kondo's top 5 home office tidying tips – conquer paperwork forever

2. Extra bed linen

That spare linen in your airing cupboard? It's time to let it go. 

According to Marie, one of the easiest ways to increase our storage space is by parting with our infrequently used comforters, sheets, and pillows. These bulky items are notorious for taking up a vast amount of room; and if you don't regularly accommodate guests, they aren't worth the space.  

3. Paper 

We're all a little guilty when it comes to clinging onto mountains of old paper, just in case. Follow Marie's advice and remove old receipts, cards, bank statements, and everything in between, and you will soon reap the benefits. 

There are only three exceptions to Marie's rule: papers that must be kept indefinitely, papers you are currently using, and papers that are needed for a limited period of time.

4. Free cosmetic samples 

Anyone else holding onto that eye-cream sample from five years ago? Clearing your cosmetic bag, drawer, or dressing table from these untouched samples is one of the quickest ways to declutter, but the benefits in your bedroom or dressing room are simply indisputable. 

5. Untouched books 

Bookworms, look away now – Marie's advice is not what you might want to hear. 

The decluttering expert provokes us to clear out any unread books, suggesting it is unlikely we will find the time to read them if we have not already. While it will be hard to say goodbye to some titles, the short-term pain will only equate to long-term gain when we can enjoy a decluttered home. Marie knows best, after all. 

Shop Marie Kondo's books for more tips – yes, we recognize the irony...

As we hear more about Ms Kondo's new series, we WILL update you.

There's no better time to declutter and sort out your space than a new year, and so the queen of organization, Marie Kondo, is here to help you do just that.

The decluttering guru has been creating and sharing ingenious Japanese organizing techniques to make life simpler and run more smoothly ever since her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, was released in the US in 2014. Since then, the minimalist has changed the way we fold, launched a show on Netlfix - the aptly titled Tidying up with Marie Kondo, and inspired us all to cut down on anything that doesn't 'spark joy'.

Even if going full-blown KonMari (what Kondo calls her style of tidying) seems a bit out of reach at the moment, these ideas will help clear your home and your mind, one step at a time.

Here are five of Kondo's top tips to try now.

What is the KonMari Method?

The KonMari Method is a methodical approach to tidying: by category, rather than by the room or location within a room. Marie Kondo encourages us to start with clothes, then books, papers and miscellaneous items, finishing with sentimental possessions. She suggests keeping only the things that 'spark joy'. Those that don't, she suggests you find a new home for. 

1. Work through categories - not rooms

Contrary to how most people would think, Kondo advises to work through your home in order of category rather than tackling a whole room.

While it may seem to make more sense to sort by room and think of separate kitchen storage ideas for example, Kondo points out that it's hard to really achieve much this way.

'When we disperse storage of a particular item throughout the house and tidy one place at a time, we can never grasp the overall volume and therefore can never finish,' Kondo says. 'To escape this negative spiral, tidy by category, not by place.'

For example, if you chose to sort through your towels - which may be in laundry rooms, the kitchen, bathrooms... - you'll have a better understanding of what you actually have and therefore sort through and organize more efficiently.

As for which category to take on when, Kondo believes that clothes should be first as you're less likely to have emotional attachments compared to later categories such as books and letters.  

• Shop Marie Kondo's books for more tips

2. Learn to fold vertically

This couldn't be a list of Marie Kondo tips without the infamous vertical fold being mentioned.

According to Kondo, when you arrange your clothing, towels and cloths vertically, you save space and it actually becomes much easier to find what you're looking for. It's not the quickest of methods, but it's tried and tested in the world of KonMari.

'The act of folding is far more than making clothes compact for storage,' says Kondo. 'It is an act of caring, an expression of love and appreciation for the way these clothes support your lifestyle.'

Once you're carefully folded your clothes, Kondo advises to use boxes or drawer dividers to keep things in their place, and you'll need fewer than you think, as Kondo points out, 'by neatly folding your clothes, you can solve almost every problem related to storage.' 

3. Organize and declutter solo

Perhaps not something you would have thought about before, but Kondo believes that you should be decluttering by yourself.

The reason for this is that loved ones, especially family members, can be anxious about how much is getting thrown away, or try to guilt you into keeping something that you have moved on from.

A very simple tip, but actually very effective. The one exception? Photos. Gather as many family members around when sorting out photos and you'll not only get things decluttered and organized, but you'll have a wonderful time doing so.

• See: Marie Kondo's top 5 home office tidying tips – conquer paperwork forever

4. Let go of the past

One habit it's important to loose when decluttering is feeling guilty.

'To throw away what you no longer need is neither wasteful nor shameful,' says Kondo. 'Let them go, with gratitude. Not only you, but your things as well, will feel clear and refreshed when you are done tidying.'

You shouldn't feel bad about tidying up your space and moving on from belongings. After all, 'to truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose,' says Kondo. 'The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.'

Just imagine how much lovelier it would it be to live in a home filled only with objects which 'spark joy', rather than pieces which no longer reflect who you are.

5. Make the most of storage solutions 

We all love a storage solution, but don't get over excited about these until you've thoroughly decluttered. 

'Putting things away creates the illusion that the clutter problem has been solved,' says Kondo. 'But sooner or later, all the storage units are full, the room once again overflows with things, and some new and ‘easy’ storage” method becomes necessary, creating a negative spiral. … We need to exercise self-control and resist storing our belongings until we have finished identifying what we really want and need to keep.'

For what storage methods to use, the guru has partnered with the Container store for a brand new line of her own products to help you organize your home. The Container Store x KonMari collection features more than 100 products to help tidy kitchens, offices, closets and bedrooms. 

What is 'KonMari checklist'?

KonMari checklist is, quite simply, her decluttering list, which she approaches in military-like fashion, suggesting that you sort through, discard unused or unloved items and then keep items that 'spark joy', categorizing them neatly, and using her KonMari folding and filing trick to ensure they are easy to access and keep neat for the future. 

The KonMari checklist starts with clothing, books and papers, then suggests you move on to general items, kids' rooms, home office clutter and cleaning. Next, she suggest tackling the kitchen, decor – think picture frames and objets – the garage and bathroom. Finally, sentimental items which, as we all know, are the hardest to part with.

How do you organize like Marie Kondo?

Marie Kondo has six basic KonMari tidying rules so that you can organize like her. They are:

1. Commit yourself to tidying up

This means setting aside time and space to tackle a tidying job and then committing to complete it.

2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle

Marie really focusses past the decluttering job itself and asks you to consider how positive you will feel once its done. It does make it easier to start!

3. Finish discarding first

She suggests that the sorting through and discarding part of the decluttering should be done all at once. Then you can move on to sorting. Marie Kondo does suggest you thank each item you discard for serving its purpose, but we're happy to skip that bit...

4. Tidy by category, not location

Simple: tidy all your Tupperware first, then move on to cutlery, then to china (and so on).

5. Follow the right order

Sticking to the plan is the key to success but Marie Kondo also suggests orderliness in the actual tidying away of items – and is insistent that the best approach is to make things we use regularly or like to see on display are very much to hand, while items we don't need often are stored in a less convenient place, purely because we don't need them as often.

6. Ask yourself it it sparks joy

Having trouble parting with something? It's a good way to work out whether you really want to keep it. And if a room – or corner of a – really doesn't spark joy, that's a good starting point for your rethink.

Is Tidying Up with Marie Kondo still on Netflix?

Tidying up with Marie Kondo is still available to view on Netflix – and her new show is due to air soon.

Whether you're reorganizing your wardrobe or feng shui-ing your living room layout, after nearly a year in quarantine, a limited number of projects lift our spirits more than organizing our homes. 

Managing our spaces – how they look and feel – renders a sense of relief, something many of us so desperately need. And if you're searching for an illustration on how, take Drew Barrymore's lead. 

• See: Drew Barrymore's living room – and mimic her vintage style with buys from her own interiors collection

In an Instagram video released on March 2, the Flower Home founder displayed a very familiar snapshot – a disorganized floor – which affected viewers in a very relatable manner. 

The Drew Barrymore Show host relied on rectangular-shaped boxes to perfectly pack all of her everyday essentials – and it earned our stamp-of-approval as well. 

See: Cleaning tips – our essential guide to keeping your home spotless

Storage boxes are an invaluable investment and endlessly multi-functional, particularly when you discover one that grants a streamlined silhouette, with (or without) a top lid, and available in a muted hue. 

See: Small living room storage ideas – clever ways to clear clutter in a compact space

A staple such as that is nothing short of an essential – a way to tuck away odds and ends, without disrupting your current aesthetic (and no one will guess your secret). 

Consequently, if you find yourself contemplating giving Drew Barrymore's go-to trick a try this spring season, we've carefully curated a collection of suggestions suitable for the task, below. 

1. Try a whitewashed storage solution

• See: Small bedroom storage ideas – for a practical, smart and versatile scheme

2. Opt for a classic clasped choice

3. Try an out-of-the-box selection such as this beautiful bin 

4. Stay on-trend with this ombré option

5. Get a natural look with a cotton creation