Marie Kondo's Transition in Organizing Philosophy: The Joy Found in Disorderliness
In a surprising turn of events, Marie Kondo, the renowned Japanese organising expert, has admitted that since becoming a mother to three children, she has given up on maintaining a perfectly tidy home. Kondo, who popularised the KonMari method through webinars, books, and a Netflix series, has revealed that her priorities have shifted towards enjoying time with her kids rather than constant neatness[1].
Kondo, who was once a "professional tidier", has acknowledged the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of maintaining a pristine home. She sees this as the right choice for her current life stage and embraces letting go of rigid tidying rules in favour of joy and family[1].
Psychotherapist Anna Marcolin echoes Kondo's sentiments, emphasising the importance of being present with children and giving to them, even if it means letting go of the need for a perfect home. Marcolin suggests that people should not be hard on themselves when they cannot maintain a tidy home while caring for children[2]. Instead, she advises that it's more important to stay balanced than perfect, and some clutter in the home is acceptable.
Marcolin's comments highlight the challenges of applying Kondo's tidying method with children, as the KonMari method involves throwing away clutter and keeping items that "spark joy." However, as Kondo herself has admitted, her home is messier now, but she spends her time in a way that is right for her at this time in her life[1].
The KonMari method has become widely popular, with a million memes online, and Kondo's newfound acceptance of a messy home was reported by CNN and The Washington Post, among others[1][2]. Marcolin appreciates that the standards for a tidy home have lowered, making it more achievable for most people.
As Kondo continues to inspire millions around the world with her organising philosophy, her public admission about her messy home serves as a reminder that life's priorities can change and it's essential to embrace joy and family, even if it means letting go of the need for a perfect home.
[1] The Washington Post [2] CNN [3] USA TODAY
Kondo's priorities have shifted from a pristine home to quality time with her family, reflecting changes in her lifestyle and home-and-garden duties. Psychotherapist Anna Marcolin agrees, stating that prioritizing family dynamicsover a perfectly tidy home is crucial, engaging in relationships and experiencing joy rather than adhering rigidly to the KonMari method.
