Marie Kondo Has 'Kind of Given Up' on Organizing

Some years ago, everyone jumped on the bandwagon of KonMari, a lifestyle philosophy by Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo. In several books and two Netflix shows, she talks about decluttering, tidying up, and identifying the things that “spark joy” in one’s life. In fact, she inspired many others to follow her tidy and organized way of life. We know you’ve tried the KonMari method at least once. But after a short time, most of you have probably let go of your decluttering dreams, especially since life gets busy. You’re not the only one; Marie Kondo has “kind of given up” on tidying up.

It’s okay to give up on tidying

Tidying up no longer ~sparks joy~ even for the decluttering queen herself. Marie Kondo recently admitted that keeping her home tidy and perfect at all times is not realistic. “Up until now, I was a professional tidier, so I did my best to keep my home tidy at all times,” she said at a virtual event, according to The Washington Post. “I have kind of given up on that in a good way for me.”

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For the organizing consultant, she had to give up on a tidy home after becoming a mother of three. Many parents can probably relate. After she had her third child in 2021, Marie Kondo had to channel all her energy and focus on taking care of her growing family. So her own home isn’t as tidy as it used to be.

But don’t worry. Marie Kondo has not given up on the things that spark joy. They just became different.

So what sparks joy for her now?

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For Marie Kondo, what sparks joy for her now is “enjoying spending time with my children at home.”

After entering a different stage in life, her priorities also changed. Her family is now at the top, putting tidying in the backseat. “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 added.

In her latest book “Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life”, she also advises everyone to keep on looking for what makes them happy. More specifically, she wants people to identify what routine and activities spark joy.

For Marie Kondo, the routine that sparks joy includes drinking tea three times a day for a sense of calm; sleeping in 100% silk or cotton for a good night’s rest; and scrapbooking for something to look at whenever she wants to relax.

We all know life can get messy, and it seems Marie Kondo has found joy in all that messiness.