Misconceptions About the KonMari Method® – And What I Really Think
The KonMari Method® has been a hot topic in the media and private conversations for nearly 15 years. In 2011, Marie Kondō published her first book in Japan. Several more followed and were translated into many languages. In 2019, the first season of her Netflix series aired. Her method became a global phenomenon.
With popularity and success, however, come misunderstandings. Complex topics are often simplified and turned into buzzwords. Since this does a disservice to the method, I’m writing this little article to offer some clarity and help answer one important question: What is the KonMari Method®, and what is it not? This way, everyone can decide for themselves whether this approach is right for them.
Let’s dive into the facts and clear up some myths, so you can decide for yourself whether this path is right for you.
What Is the KonMari Method®?
Marie Kondō describes her method as:
“A simple but effective tidying system that uses a transformative criterion: choosing what sparks joy. With this method, you learn to listen to your inner voice and make space for the life you want to live.”
The goal of tidying is not perfection – it’s a happy, fulfilling life with more energy and focus.
10 Common Misconceptions About the KonMari Method®
1. “It’s About Minimalism.”
Marie Kondō doesn’t specify a number of items you should or shouldn’t own. It's not about having as little as possible – it's about having what truly matters to you. Rather, some people simply have too many things in their home and feel overwhelmed. Tidying up brings awareness and taking stock of your belongings is very helpful—you avoid buying duplicates and stop wasting time searching for things.
2. “You Have to Fold Every Piece of Clothing.”
The special folding technique of the KonMari Method® helps prevent wrinkling and keeps clothing in its original. However, some textiles are best hung up — like a light summer dress or a heavy winter coat. And that’s perfectly fine.
3. “This Is Only for Rich People, Hoarders, or Perfectionists.”
The beauty of this method is that it works for all kinds of people — for anyone who feels overwhelmed by their belongings, wants to reduce, gain an overview, live more sustainably and mindfully, or just wants to try something new and tidy up thoroughly and joyfully.
4. “You Can Only Keep Things That Spark Joy.”
The key criterion is joy — does this item spark joy for you? My tax documents spark joy because I’m getting a refund. My vacuum cleaner sparks joy because it helps keep my home clean. There are very few things that don’t spark joy and still need to be kept. If you find such an item in your home, reach out and we’ll look at it together – I'm happy to help you explore it.
5. “It’s Just About Tidying Your Stuff.”
In truth, the outer tidying process is deeply connected to an inner transformation. The two go hand in hand. In this way, the process encompasses your entire life and being. As you clear your space, you start to clarify your values, priorities, and dreams.
6. “You Have to Buy Fancy Storage Boxes.”
No, you don’t need to buy anything new. Once everything is sorted, every item will naturally find its place in your home. And the storage solutions are usually already there — shoeboxes, phone boxes, cleaned-out jam jars ... simple things that do the job beautifully. Everything you need is likely already available.
7. “It’s Just a Trend.”
Yes, it might be trendy – but it’s also more than a trend. A real method with long-lasting impact. Its growing popularity is because it brings positive effects to those who use it - it helps people live more intentionally and joyfully.
8. “It’s Too Hard to Do.”
That depends on your situation. Some people find it easy – they own very little, read one of Marie Kondō`s books, follow the method, and complete their tidying festival quickly. Others struggle to let go of things, or they own a lot, or they lack time or energy to tidy on their own. Everyone’s journey is different. And it’s absolutely okay to ask for help. Everything is easier with support.
9. “You Have to Do It All at Once.”
Marie Kondō recommends tidying “in one go.” But that doesn’t mean starting Monday at 8 a.m. and doing nothing else until you’re done (or collapsed from exhaustion). It means making tidying a priority for a defined period and sticking to it. Don’t give up, even when it feels like you’ll never finish—there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and you’ll reach a point where it feels right and good.
10. “The Tidiness Won’t Last.”
If you truly follow the core principles of the method, and don’t just pick a few categories or aspects, the mess won’t come back. That’s because you’ll start consuming more mindfully, every item will have its place in your home, and it will be easier to keep everything tidy.
What about Marie Kondō herself?
Some say she is either “obsessed with tidying” or “doesn’t tidy at all anymore.” In her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondō describes how tidying played a major role in a particular phase of her life. Then she turned her approach into a method and began helping others create their own joyful life. Now she is at a stage where her private life takes priority. I don’t believe she stopped tidying—time with her husband and children is just more important now. Her priorities have shifted – that doesn’t mean she has abandoned her values. It simply means that family comes first.
_____________________________
I hope you enjoyed reading this little article and that this post has cleared up some of the confusion and given you a better understanding of what the KonMari Method® really is. It’s not about perfection or pressure – it’s about clarity, joy, and creating a home that truly supports the life you want to live.
I would love to hear from you—with questions, feedback, inspirations, your own experience or whatever is on your mind regarding this topic. Just write to me at hello@gesaordnung.de.
Wishing you a sparkling day, Gesa