Rule 6: Ask Yourself If It Sparks Joy – KonMari | The Official Website of Marie Kondo (2024)

FAQs

How do you know if your 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. “

Bringing new things into the home involves the same process as tidying and requires asking the same question: “Does this new item spark joy?” Welcome only the items that generate a “yes.” You should confidently keep the things that you love, and, if you're unsure whether or not you still need an item, ask whether it ...

In the KonMari Method™, your feelings are the standard for decision making – specifically, knowing what 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?” Pay attention to how your body responds.

Organization expert Marie Kondo says it's OK not to tidy all the time. Queen of clean Marie Kondo admits that tidying up is no longer top of her to-do list.

“Keep only things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest.”

How do I know if my partner's spark is gone? Every relationship is different, but some of the things you can look for to tell if the spark is gone for your partner are if they no longer enjoy being intimate, they no longer communicate with you, if they stop supporting you in your decisions, or if they are unfaithful.

Start by cleaning up your room and your desk, or wherever you can focus your mind. Light some incense, play low calming music, and take a moment to lay or sit with yourself. No phone, no TV, nothing to “keep your mind busy.” Be in silence within yourself.

Rule #6 from Marie Kondo: Find Out If It Sparks Joy

Kondo asks clients, through an interpreter, to touch an object and ask, “Does this item spark joy?” If it does, keep it, she says. If not, thank it, and let it go.

What religion inspired Marie Kondo? ›

Kondo says that her method is partly inspired by the Shinto religion. Cleaning and organizing things properly can be a spiritual practice in Shintoism, which is concerned with the energy or divine spirit of things (kami) and the right way to live (kannagara):

The KonMari Method teaches organization by category: clothing, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items, like home decor, makeup, and kitchen utensils), and sentimental items. It's also necessary to organize in this order. Your purge should also follow this order to help you move along in the process.

The idea is pretty simple: Just focus on clearing up the following 5 categories of things—and nothing else: Trash, laundry, dishes, things that have a place, and things that don't have a place.

The KonMari Method teaches organization by category: clothing, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items, like home decor, makeup, and kitchen utensils), and sentimental items. It's also necessary to organize in this order. Your purge should also follow this order to help you move along in the process.

The 'tidy toss' method (throwing shoes in one basket, swimwear in another and not worrying about folding) is a brilliant time-saver that simplifies closet organizing so that it's easy to stick to. I have organized my own closet in the same way for years because it's so straightforward.