Marie Kondo is getting candid about what sparks joy around her home these days — and it has nothing to do with being tidy.
In a new interview with The Washington Post, the mom of three admitted that life today is messier than when her book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," hit shelves in 2014.
“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 outlet through an interpreter.
Kondo and her husband, Takumi Kawahara, are parents to daughters Satsuki and Miko, and son, whom the couple welcomed in 2021.
The California-based visionary behind lifestyle brand KonMari admitted that being tidy is not always realistic.
“Up until now, I was a professional tidier, so I did my best to keep my home tidy at all times,” she said. “I have kind of given up on that in a good way for me. Now I realize what is important to me is enjoying spending time with my children at home.”
After Kondo’s Netflix series“Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”premiered in 2018, she inspired many to hold onto possessions that “spark joy” and get rid of others that don’t. A few months after the show’s premiere, there was anoticeable increase in thrift store donations around the country.Kondo even assisted TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hagertackle her daughter's closet in 2019.
While some scoffed at Kondo's omission — which deviates from the concepts that have built her lifestyle brand — others applauded her as proof that one can change their approach as needed.
"Instead of making fun of Marie Kondo for having a less-than-tidy home now with three kids, you could see her vulnerability as another affirmation that life be life-ing sometimes," author Morgan Jerkins tweeted. "And we don’t stay the same in thoughts or rhythm."
Kait Hanson
Kait Hanson is a graduate of Penn State University who began her career in collegiate sports communications.
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"Up until now, I was a professional tidier, so I did my best to keep my home tidy at all times," Kondo, 38, continued. "I have kind of given up on that in a good way for me. Now I realize what is important to me is enjoying spending time with my children at home."
What is Marie Kondos' famous phrase? ›
To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose.
Does Marie Kondo still organize? ›
Marie Kondo delivered a shock to fans during a recent webinar to promote her latest book, “Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life.” The decluttering queen is no longer tidying up as much after giving birth to her third son, or as Kondo put it, “My house is messy” (via The ...
What is a good cleaning quote? ›
Cleaning is not about perfection, it's about progress. Cleaning your house is a never-ending task, but the joy of a clean space is timeless. Cleaning is not a punishment; it's an act of self-respect. Cleaning is an investment in your physical and mental well-being.
What religion inspired Marie Kondo? ›
Kondo says that her method is partly inspired by the Shinto religion.
Why did Marie Kondou quit? ›
“Just after my older daughter was born, I felt unable to forgive myself for not being able to manage my life as I had before. But, with time, I eased up on myself; then, after I gave birth to my second daughter, I let go of my need for perfection altogether,” she wrote.
How much does a session with Marie Kondo cost? ›
Kondo speaks at the three-day event, which includes hours of tidying tips and client services. One platinum-ranking member charges $100 per hour, with an additional $50 travel fee. Areas with higher demand will command higher fees, but you can hire lower-ranking members to save money.
Who is the queen of decluttering? ›
Decluttering queen Marie Kondo has said that she's “kind of given up” tidying at home, due to the birth of her third child.
What is the rule of 5 decluttering? ›
The Decluttering Rule of 5 advises assessing items not used in five years to decide whether to keep, donate, or discard. Organize closets by usage, manage sentimental items thoughtfully, and maintain habits like 'one-in, one-out' to simplify and enhance daily living efficiently.
What is the 4 pass method of decluttering? ›
Start by choosing a room, closet, corner, or drawer and follow four simple steps: Clear out, categorize, cut out, and contain. First, you'll clear out the space you've chosen so you can start with a blank canvas. Then, group every item by category, cutting out (or donating) items you don't need to keep.
KonMari. The KonMari method by Marie Kondo is a decluttering and organizing technique that emphasizes prioritizing items that spark joy and decluttering the rest.
How to tell if clothes spark joy? ›
Marie explains: “The key point for distinguishing items which spark joy from those which don't is to feel the item in your hands; take each piece of clothing in your hand and see how your body responds. See if it sparks joy in you. “
What is the KonMari Method of decluttering? ›
There are 6 steps in the KonMari Method® that guide you to a tidy and clutter-free home:
- Commit to tidying up.
- Imagine your Ideal Lifestyle.
- Declutter by KonMari category.
- Declutter in the right category order.
- Ask yourself if it Sparks Joy.
- Finish discarding first.
What did Marie Kondo say? ›
“The key is to make the change so sudden that you experience a complete change of heart.” “Tidy in the right order. As we've seen, there are only two tasks involved--discarding and deciding where to keep things.
What does Komono mean Marie Kondo? ›
In Japan, these objects are called komono, or miscellaneous items, and it's common to struggle with keeping them organized. That's why Marie Kondo recommends designating a day to organize your komono in one go, give your objects final destinations and take back control.
What is Marie Kondo known for? ›
Enchanted with organizing since her childhood, Marie began her tidying consultant business as a 19-year-old university student in Tokyo. Today, Marie is a renowned tidying expert helping people around the world to transform their cluttered homes into spaces of serenity and inspiration.
What does decluttering my life like Marie Kondo mean? ›
The KonMari clean-up method stresses tidying everything in your home at once instead of in small steps. Kondo says decluttering your entire space in one fell swoop means you'll be less likely to revert to your old, cluttered ways.