Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant, author, and TV show host, best known for her “KonMari” method of tidying. Her approach is rooted in the idea that individuals should only keep items that “spark joy” in their lives, encouraging people to declutter their homes and create spaces that are serene and full of meaning.

Marie Kondo’s method involves six basic rules:

1. Commit to Tidying Up: Kondo emphasizes the importance of fully committing to the process.
2. Imagine Your Ideal Lifestyle: Before you start, visualize the kind of life you want to live, which will guide your tidying efforts.
3. Finish Discarding First: Before organizing, get rid of items that no longer serve you.
4. Tidy by Category, Not by Location: Instead of tackling one room at a time, Kondo recommends sorting through items by category (e.g., clothes, books, papers).
5. Follow the Right Order: The order she suggests is clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items (komono), and finally, sentimental items.
6. Ask Yourself If It Sparks Joy: Hold each item and consider whether it brings you joy. If it doesn’t, thank the item for its service and let it go.

Marie Kondo gained widespread recognition through her books, particularly “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,”and her Netflix series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” which brought her method to a global audience.

Her approach has inspired millions to declutter their lives and has even influenced broader minimalist lifestyle trends.