Myths Around the KonMari Method™

We’ve heard and read so many misconceptions surrounding Marie Kondo and the KonMari Method™ that we felt that we should break them down and make some sense of them.

No More Than 30 Books

Marie said this regarding her own collection. She was happy with about 30 books but that was never a bar she set for anyone else. Her number one rule is that it must “spark joy” and that will mean different things for each person. We have a client with a library of books in her home because books are her joy.

There is no limit. Keep things with confidence moving forward. No one can tell you what makes you happy.

She Wants Us to Discard Our Stuff to Buy From Her

This is genuinely not the case. She has created a line of items that make her happy. She is selling them in her online store. Just like everything else, she teaches us that items should spark joy™ for us. When you go shopping after completing your tidying marathon, you are more selective about your purchases. They all need to fit your new criteria. If her items don’t do that for you then you don’t need to buy them.

She would likely be the first to tell you that.

She Is Creating a Throwaway Society

It may seem like that. Especially during the tidying marathon. She is undoing years of consumerism and helping us to learn what we love, how to faithfully show our belongings that love and teaching us a new level of respect that has been missing for many years.

We should always be cautious about what we do with our discards. On one of the Netflix episodes of ‘Tidying Up With Marie Kondo,’ you see Margie taking her husband’s clothing to a donation center. This can be done in every category of the tidying process. Some places give the items for free to people in need! She want’s us to love what we have so dearly that we pay tailors to patch them or cobblers to repair them for many years to come. She respects the planet but we need to start somewhere in terms discarding our surplus and changing our behaviour around shopping.

Her Approach Is About Minimalism

I have read many articles and blogs about cleaning and organizing. There is a massive misconception that her method is about minimalism and that could not be further from the truth. Marie wants you to surround yourself with what you love. It’s different for every person. For me, it’s vinyl records. She would not come into my home and tell me I have too many.

As stated above, there is no set number. Only you know what makes you happy. Discarding what does not make you happy makes room for what does.

Marie is Silently Judging Everyone

Though I am not inside her head, I have taken her course. We were taught to listen. To allow our clients to be heard. We were taught from the beginning that none of this is anyone’s fault. It just is. There has never been a class or a course in the past to help people figure it all out so none of us should feel guilty about the clutter in our homes. Let’s face it, commercials are created to incite a response in you. That’s what marketing is all about!!

Her course bares her heart and soul and the things I learned from it were much more about community and collaboration as opposed to competition and judgement. If you feel like you are being judged by her, that could be more telling for your individual situation than you realize. You don’t need to feel guilty about it! Allow yourself some time to go through this method in your home. Alleviate your guilt and shame because there’s no need to feel that way. You’re not alone.

She’ll Make Us Get Rid of Things We Love

Many believe that they will have to part with items they love. That is not the case with Professional Organizers and it is the absolute opposite with Marie Kondo and the KonMari Method™. It may get uncomfortable sometimes but only because you are looking within yourself. This is self-care. It’s not always pretty, but you will never be asked to discard things that you adore.

It Doesn’t Spark Joy But I Need It! I’m Not Getting Rid of It!

A lot of these myths come from a lack of knowledge. If anyone reads her books they will know that none of these myths are founded. She clearly states that utilitarian items should be kept and that we should create ways for these items spark joy for us by showing them gratitude! Thanking the plunger for it’s hard work. Thanking the toilet brush for saving you from reaching in there bare handed to do the same job in a mediocre, grossed out fashion. Thank your screwdriver and your hammer! You need them. Keep them and show them love.

This is the KonMari Method™. We love every aspect of it! We are coming from a place of love and non-judgement. We genuinely thrive when you smile and feel happy! Feel free to ask us any questions. Our lines of communication are always open!