How to Apply Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method to Your Kitchen

Marie Kondo’s unique tidying method, documented in her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, was recently put to the test in a Netflix series. Now, many are wondering how to apply this minimalist method of cleaning and organizing to their own kitchen spaces.

The KonMari Philosophy

The KonMari tidying concept is a one-size-fits-all cleaning method that systematically tackles clutter. The first step in this method is to discard unwanted items or items that don’t “spark joy.” For example, old whisks or kitchen appliances that never really get used should be donated or discarded before the second step of organizing. KonMari also places heavy emphasis on being mindful and practical while still respecting the home and “thanking” items before discarding them.

Implementing KonMari in the Kitchen

To begin, consider making organizing an event and setting aside a day to complete it. After the first “deep clean” declutter, it will be easier to maintain a clean kitchen. Begin by letting go of unused items, like broken or worn-out appliances or highly specified kitchen tools that the household rarely actually uses. From there, organize the space. Kondo highly suggests using compartment organizers and ensuring that everything can be seen at all times. That is, the moment one drawer is opened, it should be easy to know the entirety of its contents. In addition to making decluttering easier, this also prevents homeowners from accidentally purchasing products they already have. Maintaining a regular decluttering schedule will keep a kitchen looking like it was newly remodeled.

Clean the Whole Home

Finally, according to Kondo’s method, it’s impossible to successfully organize the kitchen without organizing the home in its entirety. This is because clutter tends to leak from one room to the next. Instead, Kondo suggests tackling categories instead of rooms: clothing, books, papers, Komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, mementos or items that have sentimental value. Although it may be more practical to focus on rooms sometimes, looking at a home as a big picture can help prevent clutter from re-accumulating over time.

There’s no better time to implement the KonMari method than after a kitchen remodel when you have a fresh start. For more information about our remodeling services, call Kirkplan Kitchens at (941) 341-0401 today or contact us online for a free quote.