5 Common Questions About Organizing – Answered by a KonMari Consultant

Decluttering and organizing your home can feel overwhelming. With busy schedules and sentimental attachments to our belongings, it’s no wonder so many people struggle with where to start or how to keep things tidy long term. As a KonMari Consultant and professional home organizer, I work closely with clients to transform not just their physical spaces, but their relationship with the things they own. The KonMari Method, created by Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo, is about more than just decluttering — it’s a mindful, joyful approach to living with intention.

Here are five of the most common questions I’m asked when it comes to organizing your home — and my answers, from a KonMari perspective.

1. Where should I start?

This is probably the most common question — and the most paralyzing. The KonMari Method suggests starting with clothing, then moving through categories in a specific order: books, papers, komono (miscellaneous), and finally, sentimental items. This sequence helps build your “tidying muscle,” starting with relatively easy decisions before working your way toward more emotional ones. Starting with a specific category (not a room) also helps avoid the “surface shuffle” — moving items from one space to another without actually deciding whether they belong in your life.

2. How do I decide what to keep?

The cornerstone of the KonMari Method is asking, “Does this item spark joy?” While that might sound abstract at first, it becomes surprisingly intuitive. Joy can look different for everyone — it might be a favorite sweater, a well-used spatula, or a handwritten note from a loved one. If you feel guilt, obligation, or anxiety when holding an item, those are clear signs it might be time to let it go. When we surround ourselves only with things we love and use, our homes become more peaceful, purposeful spaces.

3. What do I do with things I want to donate or discard?

Letting go can be emotional, and that’s normal. One unique aspect of the KonMari Method is the practice of thanking items before parting with them. This simple moment of gratitude acknowledges the role that item played in your life — even if it’s just teaching you what doesn’t suit you. Look for responsible ways to donate, recycle, or sell. Local shelters, buy-nothing groups, and donation centers are great places to start. Knowing your belongings are going to someone who needs them can make the process feel more meaningful.

4. How do I keep my home organized once I’ve tidied?

The goal of the KonMari Method is to tidy once — thoroughly and completely — so that you never have to do it again. That said, maintenance is key. Everything in your space should have a designated “home.” Once you’ve completed your tidying festival (as we call the full KonMari process), putting things away becomes second nature. Rather than tidying every day, you’re simply returning items to their place.

Also, be mindful about what you bring into your home after tidying. Ask yourself if new purchases truly spark joy or serve a clear purpose. If not, you may be reintroducing clutter without realizing it.

5. Can this method really work for families or busy households?

Yes! In fact, many of my clients are parents, couples, or people with very full lives. When your home is organized, it supports your routine rather than disrupting it. Children can learn early on how to respect their belongings and take part in tidying. Many families find they spend less time tidying and cleaning and more time enjoying their space together. The KonMari Method isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating a home that supports who you are today.

Bonus Question: Is it worth the cost?

This is a fair and important question — and one I addressed in my last article about the cost of clutter. While hiring a professional organizer or investing time in a full-home tidying project does come with a cost, the return is lasting. Clutter costs us more than just physical space. It costs us time searching for things, stress from visual overwhelm, money spent on duplicate items, and sometimes even our peace of mind. When your home is organized, you gain all of that back — and more. Clients often tell me the investment pays for itself in unexpected ways: fewer impulse purchases, more productive mornings, and a deeper connection to the things they truly value. Ultimately, it’s not just about organizing your space — it’s about investing in your quality of life.

Organizing your home is not about minimalism or aesthetics alone — it’s about making intentional choices. As a KonMari Consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful those choices can be. When your home reflects your values and supports your daily life, it becomes a place of calm and inspiration. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start organizing, consider this your gentle nudge. Begin with one category, follow your joy, and trust the process, (and call your friendly neighbourhood KonMari Consultant for help!) Your dream of a tidy, joy-filled home is closer than you think.