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KonMari Method: The 5 Steps (Clothes to Sentimental)

What are the 5 steps of the KonMari Method?

The KonMari Method organizes tidying into five category-based steps, done in a specific order: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous), and sentimental items. Instead of cleaning room by room, you gather everything in a category, choose what to keep, and then give every kept item a clear home.

1) Clothes

Collect every clothing item from every spot (closets, drawers, laundry, backpacks) and put it in one pile so you can see the true volume. Keep only what you actually want to keep, then store it so it’s easy to see and put away.

2) Books

Bring all books together, including bedside stacks, school books, and hidden shelves. Decide which ones earn a place in your home, then group them neatly so reading (and re-shelving) stays simple.

3) Papers

Gather all papers—mail, school forms, manuals, artwork, and loose notes—then sort by what must be kept versus what can be recycled or shredded. Create a small, consistent system so new papers don’t become instant clutter.

4) Komono (Miscellaneous)

Komono covers everything else: toys, toiletries, craft supplies, electronics, kitchen gadgets, and more. Tackle one sub-category at a time, keep what truly deserves space, and assign a “home” so items don’t migrate to counters and floors.

5) Sentimental Items

Save sentimental items for last because they’re the hardest to evaluate. Work through memory-heavy pieces carefully, keep the best representatives, and store them in a way that protects them without letting them take over daily living space.

For a kid-friendly approach (including an easy printable checklist), visit this KonMari guide for kids’ rooms.

For KonMari Method: The 5 Steps (Clothes to Sentimental), the best answer depends on fit, material, care instructions, and how the product will be used day to day.

FAQ

How do you KonMari a kids’ room without overwhelm?

Break komono into small kid-sized categories (like dolls, blocks, art supplies) and do one at a time. Use simple “keep” containers and label homes so putting things back becomes automatic.