Popsugar Living The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up Proof That Marie Kondo's KonMari Method Works Why This Controversial Organising Method Is Exactly What You Need 19 June 2018 by Allie Merriam Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography Letting go of clutter is hard to do. Anyone who has encountered the teachings of Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo knows that minimalism is currently all the rage; her housekeeping manual, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has inspired legions of readers to throw away their unneeded belongings. We love all things related to organisation and have to admit to clearing out our drawers and closets in a fit of aspirational tidying ourselves. Not everyone, though, is on board with KonMari, the nickname Kondo gave her techniques. As with any good trend, there's a corresponding backlash. A writer for The New York Times extolled the virtues of living a life surrounded by things in an article called "Let's Celebrate the Art of Clutter." Whether you're pro- or anticlutter, you must admit there's a certain calmness to be found in a well-organised drawer. Read through to see 25 examples of Marie's method at work, and see if you aren't a little inspired to take a turn at organising your own home. 1 Reduce the Number of Clothes You Have Image Source: Instagram user edenlighthipe Kondo believes aspiring KonMari adherents should begin with their clothes, going through belongings and keeping only those things which "spark joy." 1 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user 21sunshineave One Instagram user posted a photo showing her newly tidied closet, with all the shirts facing the same direction with space between the hangers. 2 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user AfterGravity According to Kondo, a well-organised closet should be able to hold many belongings. 3 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user justagirl_abby There should be enough room in a closet for two people's belongings, and more. 4 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user gammonje A well-tidied closet will soon be able to store other belongings besides clothes. 5 / 25 2 Get Rid of Papers in the Office Image Source: Instagram user marijneline Kondo believes that people keep too many old papers they simply don't need. Keeping office space tidy will make life a lot easier! 6 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user naominevitt The method works especially well in small offices. 7 / 25 3 Store Belongings Vertically Image Source: Instagram user GoingZeroWaste Not a fan of piles, Kondo urges storing belongings vertically. One reader employed the advice with tea towels. 8 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user Beck_Morgan The vertical stacking method is good for drawers, too. That way, you can see everything! 9 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user janerichmond Kondo also likes when things are organised by colour. 10 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user susanneschipper2 The vertical stacking method should also be used in closets. 11 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user tresarandanos Vertical stacking in drawers makes organising a child's clothes simple. 12 / 25 4 Rethink How to Store Small Items Image Source: Instagram user StacyWalkerMyers Kondo is a big proponent of folding small items, including socks and stockings. 13 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user pinkandbling She also believes in rolling socks, which helps preserve the elastic. 14 / 25 5 Use Small Containers Image Source: Instagram user clarkie.chick Kondo is a big proponent of using boxes of all sizes and shapes for organising small items, like jewellery. 15 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user LuckyMaya She thinks it's best to keep small boxes on hand for future storage solutions. 16 / 25 6 Say Bye to Your Books Image Source: Instagram user stacywalkermyers Kondo believes people keep books for far longer than necessary. 17 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user dani.catastrophe Kondo urges her readers to get rid of most of their books, only keeping the ones that "spark joy." 18 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user madebyfeixi Reducing the number of books in one's home will free up a great deal of space. 19 / 25 7 Attack the Bathroom Too Image Source: Instagram user mikedickson Kondo urges paring down bathroom items and keeping what's left in small containers. 20 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user konmari_lifeproject She believes in wiping down products after use, and then keeping them out of sight until the next time. 21 / 25 8 The Kitchen Should Be Orderly Image Source: Instagram user noz__ie Kondo's methods extend to the kitchen, where even containers can be stored in containers. 22 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user wijeisenijs Kondo urges keeping counters clear and most items out of sight. 23 / 25 9 Make Your Entryway Tidy Image Source: Instagram user sarahfought Kondo personally uses a cabinet by her entryway to hold everyday belongings and shoes. 24 / 25 Image Source: Instagram user midwestwannabe Kondo believes cabinets, even when used as storage, should be orderly behind closed doors. 25 / 25 The Life-changing Magic Of Tidying UpHome OrganizationMarie Kondo