Learn the KonMari Method On a Budget

The KonMari method of decluttering and organizing is popular again thanks to the new Marie Kondo Netflix show, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” Clutter has recently been linked to depression and I can tell you that I’ve noticed when my house is clean, everything else falls into place.

Marie Kondo’s original book, “The Magic of Tidying UP,” sold more than 1.5 MILLION copies since its debut in DATE. And more than FIVE MILLION copies have been sold worldwide. Looks like the world is tidying up – or trying to!

If you wish to be more organized, but find yourself on a limited budget, you might be wondering how feasible it is to get the supplies and knowledge you need to get organized once and for all. But the truth is, you can still learn the KonMari Method, and implement it even without spending any money.

What is the KonMari Method?

The KonMari method has a philosophy of “choose joy.” It was inspired from the Marie Kondo’s decluttering book where she teaches people to live with less, get organized, and get rid of objects that don’t bring joy.

And interesting twist is that the KonMari method, “encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items. Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.” (Source: MarieKondo.com)

Yes, thank the object for its service to you or your family. This allows you to move on. You thank the object for what it meant to you or how it served you, but you let it go. This can be the hardest part of Konmari.

It seems strange to thank an object, but after contemplating it, I can see how it could be liberating. After all, we’re keeping objects because we feel an attachment to them. We’re personalizing inanimate objects in the first place and placing too much stock in their meaning.

We found this especially helpful during spring cleaning or the start of a new year, but you can start is at any time.

What Does Konmari Mean?

Konmari means the way of organizing your belonging by location, with gratitude. The method is is play on words from its creator, Marie Kondo.

Ways to Use the Konmari Method Without Spending Money

When you start talking about getting organized, sometimes it seems you’ll need to buy a lot of things in order to really do it all. We’ve pulled together some ways to learn how to use the KonMari Method without spending any money! You’ll see how budget-friendly getting organized can really be!

Here are five easy ways to learn about the Marie Kondo organization method without spending money.

1. Watch the Tidying Up Series with a friend.


Since you need to access Netflix to watch Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up series, why not ask a friend with Netflix if you can watch it together? This way, the two of you can talk about the various ideas and brainstorm new ones, and you don’t have to worry about paying the monthly Netflix fee. 

Another option is to find a free two-week trial offer for Netflix. You can occasionally find coupon codes that give new users a free two weeks before they’re charged. You can always take advantage of one of these offers and cancel when the two week trial is up. This way, your card will never be charged.

2. Head to the library.


Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” can be found at your local library where you can check it out at no cost. If your library doesn’t have it, ask them to order it. Libraries can typically order requested books at no cost.

While you are there, you can also check out other books on organization, DIY magazines, and other materials to help you get organized. 

Another perk about checking these materials out from the library? Not only are they free but you can return them when you are done! This means no additional items to store! – A Konmari win!

3. Head to your recycling bin.


Once you start getting organized, you’ll start thinking twice before you throw away containers. There are some easy wins when using small containers to help you get organized.

Small shipping boxes are perfect for organizing sock and underwear drawers. You can also use shoe boxes, empty prescription bottles, and small mason jars with lids for storage as well.

Learn to repurpose these containers to avoid buying costly storage bins, boxes, and organizers.

4. Use free online resources. 


Head to Marie Kondo’s website, as well as her informational social media pages where she is always sharing tips and tricks for free. These sites are excellent resources and there is no cost to access them!

Marie Kondo’s website contains tons of information and practical advice. You can get the “six basic rules of tidying:”

1. Commit yourself to tidying up
2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle
3. Finish discarding first
4. Tidy by category, not by location
5. Follow the right order.
6. Ask yourself if it sparks joy.

The KonMari website also has a blog and an email list you can subscribe to (for free) to get more information on her method of organizing and tidying up.

5. Head to Facebook.


Facebook is full of Marie Kondo groups and fan pages where users are always giving excellent information. Facebook is free to use, so this is an excellent option for anyone on a budget.

You can even start your own group for people to share how to do Marie Kondo organizing on a budget.

Here are the largest of the Marie Kondo Facebook groups we found:

• Marie Kondo’s Facebook page
• The Konmari Method Facebook group
• Konmari and Dave Ramsey Facebook group 

Konmari Folding

Marie Kondo talks a lot about organizing, cleaning up, getting rid of unnecessary items, but she also has special ways of doing everyday things. Here’s her way of folding clothes, called, the art of Konmari folding. She says if you fold this way you can save time and space in your drawers. Plus, the way you put your clothes in your drawers makes it easier to see what’s there. No more hunting for your favorite shirt that’s at the bottom of your drawer. Marie’s method let’s you see everything at a glance!

As you can see, there are many ways to learn Marie Kondo’s Method without spending a dime. Consider these ways to learn the KonMari Method, and see if they can’t help you get tidy for less.

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