How to Spark Joy: Understanding the KonMari Mindset

Why Your Clutter Is More Than Just Stuff

Have you ever opened a cupboard only to feel overwhelmed, frustrated or just… defeated? Maybe it’s that drawer full of tangled cables, or the wardrobe bursting with clothes you haven’t worn since uni. You’re not alone — clutter isn’t just a physical mess; it often mirrors our inner state. That’s where the KonMari Method comes in.

Developed by Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo, this approach isn’t just about tossing out things you don’t use. It’s about emotional decluttering and reshaping your relationship with your belongings. The core principle? Keep only what sparks joy.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the Spark Joy method, exploring how it taps into mindful living, emotional clarity, and even personal growth. Whether you’re knee-deep in household chaos or just curious about home organisation tips, this guide will walk you through the mindset shift that could genuinely change your life, starting at home.

What Does “Spark Joy” Actually Mean?

More Than Just a Catchphrase

“Spark joy” might sound like something plucked from a Pinterest board, but it’s actually a deeply intentional concept. According to Marie Kondo, an item that sparks joy brings a sense of happiness, peace, or contentment when you hold or consider it. It’s not about logic, practicality, or how much something costs — it’s about emotional connection.

A Gut Feeling You Can Trust

Think of joy as a visceral response. When you hold your favourite cosy jumper or glance at a photo that captures a cherished memory, there’s often a warm flutter of happiness. That’s the feeling you’re looking for.

And yes — it takes practice. At first, you might feel unsure. But with each item you pick up, you start to tune in to what truly matters to you. That’s where emotional decluttering begins.

The Psychology Behind the KonMari Mindset

The Emotional Weight of Clutter

Psychologists have found that clutter can increase stress, reduce productivity, and even disrupt sleep. According to a study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as “cluttered” had higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Why? Because a mess creates mental noise. You’re constantly reminded of unfinished tasks or unmade decisions. A cluttered home can quickly become a cluttered mind.

Why the KonMari Method Works

Unlike most organisational systems, the KonMari approach focuses on emotion-first decision making. It invites you to reflect on what items bring value to your life, not just utility. This shift naturally promotes mindful living — being present, intentional, and self-aware.

It also provides closure. Holding something and consciously deciding, “Thank you for your service, but I’m letting you go,” helps untangle the guilt or nostalgia tied to physical objects.

Begin Practising the Spark Joy Method

Visualise Your Ideal Life

Before you even touch a drawer, Kondo advises you to visualise your ideal lifestyle. What does a joyful home look like to you? Maybe it’s open space for yoga, or a clear kitchen bench to inspire home cooking.

This mental image becomes your North Star — every item you assess will either align with it or distract from it.

Declutter by Category, Not Location

Forget room-by-room. The KonMari Method uses five main categories, in this specific order:

1. Clothing
2. Books
3. Papers
4. Komono (miscellaneous)
5. Sentimental items

This sequence is intentional — it helps you build decision-making skills gradually. You start with the easier stuff (clothes), and work your way up to the emotionally charged (old love letters, anyone?).

The Joy Check

Hold each item individually and ask: Does this spark joy?

You’re looking for a spark, not lukewarm “meh” feelings or practical justifications. If it doesn’t make you feel something positive, thank it, and let it go. Yes, even if it was a gift. Yes, even if you might need it “someday”.

This isn’t about scarcity or wastefulness — it’s about alignment.

Real-Life Story: Finding Joy in the Everyday

Emma, a 34-year-old freelance designer from Manchester, shared how her KonMari journey shifted more than just her wardrobe.

“I was drowning in stuff after moving flats for the third time in two years. I thought I was just ‘bad at organising’, but it turns out I was holding onto things out of guilt, like shoes that hurt to wear but cost a fortune. Once I let them go, I felt lighter, physically and emotionally. My mornings are now calmer, and I feel more in control of my day.”

Emma’s experience is a powerful reminder: decluttering isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding freedom and peace in your space.

Common Decluttering Pitfalls — And How to Avoid Them

Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Rushing the Process

Decluttering is emotional labour. Give yourself time, space, and patience. Tidy by category, and commit fully to each one before moving on.

Mistake #2: Focusing Only on Getting Rid of Stuff

The KonMari Method isn’t about minimising — it’s about curating joy. Keep what you love, not just what you think you “should” keep.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Sentimentality

It’s tempting to skip over sentimental items because they’re the hardest. But this step helps you grow. Handling emotional objects teaches you how to honour your past without being weighed down by it.

The Ripple Effect: How Decluttering Impacts Mindful Living

Tidying your home doesn’t just give you a neater wardrobe. It creates mental space. You become more deliberate with what you bring into your life — from purchases to people.

Here’s how the Spark Joy method encourages mindful living:

• Improved focus: Less visual noise = clearer thinking.
• More gratitude: You begin to truly appreciate what you own.
• Healthier habits: Many find they eat better, sleep more, and even spend more time doing things they enjoy.

As Kondo says, “The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don’t.”

Your KonMari Decluttering Checklist

Here’s a quick guide to help you get started today:

Clothing

• Take everything out at once.
• Hold each item and ask if it sparks joy.
• Fold clothes vertically — they’re easier to see and access.

Books

• Don’t open them (yet!) — just hold and feel.
• Keep only what you love, or plan to read now, not someday.

Papers

• Discard everything except essentials: contracts, insurance, legal docs.
• Digitise the rest if needed.

Komono (Miscellaneous)

• Group by function: kitchenware, electronics, beauty products, etc.
• Be ruthless with duplicates and “just-in-case” items.

Sentimental

• Leave until last.
• Reflect, don’t rush. It’s okay to feel emotional.
• Keep only what makes your heart light up.

Conclusion: Declutter Your Home, Declutter Your Life

The KonMari Method isn’t about creating a show-home aesthetic. It’s about building a space that reflects you — your values, your joy, your journey.

By embracing emotional decluttering and committing to what sparks joy, you begin to remove the physical and emotional blocks that hold you back. Your home becomes more than a place to sleep — it becomes a sanctuary.

So if you’re standing at the edge of clutter and calm, here’s your gentle nudge: start with one drawer, one item, one moment of joy. Your future self will thank you.

Ready to start your KonMari journey? Drop a comment below and share what item you struggled most to part with, or the one that sparked the most joy. And don’t forget to subscribe for more home organisation tips and mindful living inspiration!