Living in a small apartment comes with its charm — cosy corners, clever layouts, and an invitation to live intentionally. However, without careful organisation, it can also lead to clutter and stress.

Fortunately, small apartment organisation can be elevated to an art form using the powerful, globally celebrated KonMari Method™. In this guide, you’ll discover how to use KonMari small spaces strategies to master apartment decluttering, create breathing space, and spark daily joy in even the tiniest homes.

Understanding the Core: KonMari for Small Spaces

Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method centres around one core principle: only keep items that spark joy. While initially designed for homes of all sizes, its wisdom is particularly transformative for apartments where every inch matters.

Research from the Princeton Neuroscience Institute shows that visual clutter competes for your attention, lowering performance and increasing stress. In small spaces, where belongings are always within sight, mindful organisation becomes even more critical.

Important: Small spaces don’t mean fewer dreams — just more purposeful curation.

Quick Guide: KonMari Small Spaces Summary

  • Visualise your ideal apartment life.
  • Declutter by category (Clothes > Books > Papers > Komono > Sentimental).
  • Joy-check every item.
  • Maximise vertical storage.
  • Store for visibility and easy access.
  • Fold clothes vertically.
  • Create purposeful zones.

(Bookmark or print this checklist for quick inspiration!)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Practise KonMari Apartment Decluttering

Step 1: Visualise Your Ideal Apartment Life

A cozy living room scene featuring two individuals relaxing on yellow sofas with a coffee table displaying snacks and drinks.

Before lifting a single item, pause to imagine:

  • How do you want your apartment to feel?
  • What activities do you want to encourage (e.g., cooking, relaxing, working)?
  • What colours, scents, or vibes bring you comfort?

Pro Tip: A vivid vision gives direction to every decluttering decision.

Step 2: Tidy by Category, Not by Location

Instead of moving room-by-room, KonMari teaches to organise by item type:

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

This method prevents “churn,” where items just migrate from one corner to another.

Step 3: Joy-Check Every Item

Hold each object and ask:

  • “Does this spark joy or serve a clear purpose in my life?”
  • “Would I choose to carry this into my future?”

Only keep items that light you up or genuinely support your daily life.

Secret Tip: In small apartments, multi-functional joy-sparking items are golden.

Step 4: Maximise Vertical Space

Think upwards, not outwards:

  • Wall-mounted shelves
  • Over-door racks
  • Hanging organisers

Important: Vertical storage increases floor space, making homes feel larger.

Step 5: Store Items by Visibility and Accessibility

  • Store frequently used items within easy reach.
  • Use clear bins or labelled boxes for clarity.
  • Arrange by category and frequency of use.

Marie Kondo’s “one glance” principle ensures you can see all items easily — a critical element for small apartment organisation.

Step 6: Fold Clothes Vertically

Master vertical folding for clothing drawers:

  • Clothes stand upright like file folders.
  • Visibility and access improve dramatically.
  • No more “digging” through messy piles.

Step 7: Create Zones Even in Small Spaces

Assign specific areas for:

  • Work
  • Rest
  • Dining
  • Hobbies

Clear zoning creates mental clarity even when square footage is limited.

Best Practices & Additional Insights for Small Apartment Organisation

Honour the Container Rule

Your apartment is a finite container. Let it define how much you keep, not the other way around.

Rotate Seasonal Items

  • Store winter coats, seasonal decor, or rarely used equipment under beds or in vertical closets.
  • Rotate items every season to refresh your environment.

Pro Tip: Vacuum-seal bags compress out-of-season clothes dramatically.

Mind Your “Invisible Clutter”

  • Digital clutter (emails, phone apps)
  • Hidden clutter (under-bed chaos, overstuffed drawers)

Clear these areas too for whole-home peace.

Decorate Sparingly but Meaningfully

Choose a few key decor pieces that spark strong joy, rather than many small, generic ones.

Secret Tip: Statement pieces (like one large artwork) often make small spaces feel grander.

Real-World Story: Adam’s Small Space Transformation

Adam, a graphic designer from Manchester, struggled with his 300-square-foot studio flat.

“I thought I needed more storage,” he explains. “But what I actually needed was less stuff.”

Using KonMari small spaces techniques:

  • He reduced his wardrobe by 60%, keeping only joyful, versatile pieces.
  • Installed floating shelves for his books and work tools.
  • Created a tiny ‘calm zone’ corner with a floor cushion and candle for evening meditation.

“Now my flat feels twice as big,” Adam shares. “And every inch feels like it belongs to me.”

FAQs About Organising Small Apartments with KonMari

A cozy room featuring white shelves filled with books, decorative flowers, and a stylish mantel display with woven baskets and vases.

How do I start apartment decluttering if I feel overwhelmed?

Begin with the easiest category (usually clothing) and build momentum. Celebrate small wins.

Is vertical storage always the best for small spaces?

Nearly always, yes. It maximises floor space and provides better visual clarity.

What if I have sentimental clutter I can’t decide about?

Save sentimental items for last. Strengthen your “joy-checking” muscle first with easier categories.

Can the KonMari method work for flat-shares?

Absolutely. Tidy and claim your personal space first. Lead by example, and gently encourage flatmates if needed.

Should I get rid of all duplicates?

If they spark genuine joy or serve distinct purposes (e.g., a favourite travel mug vs a daily use one), keep them. Otherwise, duplicates often dilute appreciation.

Important: Space is precious; let each item earn its place.

Conclusion: Small Space, Big Joy

A person wearing a brown sweater organizes folded clothes in a modern closet with white storage bins and a woven basket.

Living small isn’t a limitation; it’s an invitation to live deeply and intentionally.

Through small apartment organisation, KonMari small spaces methods, and focused apartment decluttering, you can create a sanctuary where every item supports your dreams, values, and daily rhythms.

Visualise, curate, and celebrate your unique space — because in a thoughtfully organised home, even the tiniest square metre can spark boundless joy.

Are you ready to transform your apartment with KonMari magic? Start today — and let your small space shine big.

Share your organising wins, questions, or before-and-after stories in the comments below — let’s inspire a world of joyful, intentional living!