What are the best Marie Kondo quotes for tidying up? What are Marie Kondo’s tips about minimalism and decluttering?
Are your life and home a chaotic mess? Are you drowning in too many things?
Maybe you’re also feeling the urge to purge your possessions? To give, donate, let go and trash what’s left!
With the rise of Marie Kondo thanks to her Netflix series, it’s no surprise that the Marie Kondo effect and Japanese tidying philosophy has people decluttering and donating more than ever. With spring cleaning season right around the corner, it’s always a good time to reflect upon not just the status of your home, but your life and mindset more generally.
Although Marie Kondo is committed to sparking joy and inspiring us all to make tidying up more serious, there’s a deeper intention to her work than that. A tidy home leads to a tidy mind.
In this environment where everything is in place and we only have what we cherish and truly need, we’re able to see ourselves. To deeply and truly come face to face with who we are.
And that’s not all! The act of tidying up everything allows us to let go of the past, confront our present circumstances, and look forward to our bright futures.
The KonMari is about so much more than tidying up, it’s about changing our lifestyles and perceptions of ourselves. It’s mindfulness in practice, it’s a form of self-therapy.
To inspire you to tidy up and spark joy in your own life, here are 75 of the best Marie Kondo quotes for tidying up your life.
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Quotes on Changing Your Lifestyle
Do you need to change your life? Ready for a new experience of your daily life and some changing magic? Marie Kondo encourages us to tidy up, not just so we can live in a clean home, but so we can reset our lives. If you’re ready for a new beginning, for a fresh start, start by decluttering, organizing, and tidying up. This collection of Marie Kondō quotes, taken mostly from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, illustrate that it’s really about changing our lives and our lifestyle.
“The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.”
2. “From the moment you start tidying, you will be compelled to reset your life. As a result, your life will start to change. That’s why the task of putting your house in order should be done quickly. It allows you to confront the issues that are really important. Tidying is just a tool, not the final destination. The true goal should be to establish the lifestyle you want most once your house has been put in order.”
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3. “Now imagine yourself living in a space that contains only things that spark joy. Isn’t this the lifestyle you dream of?”
“Order is dependent on the extremely personal values of what a person wants to live with.”
5. “When you tidy, you gain a little confidence. You start to believe in the future. Things begin to go more smoothly. The people you meet change. Unexpected things happen in a positive way. Change begins to accelerate. And you begin to really enjoy your life.”
6. “Many people carry this type of negative self-image for years, but it is swept away the instant they experience their own perfectly clean space. This drastic change in self-perception, the belief that you can do anything if you set your mind to it, transforms behavior and lifestyles.”
Quotes About Your Mindset and Habits
How do you feel right now? Are you reading this thinking, “Yes, I can do this!” or are you worried you can’t. Do you think it’s crazy to throw away “perfectly good” things while tidying up? That’s your mindset fighting back it’s key to successfully changing your lifestyle habits. Marie Kondo expresses that it’s important to change our mindset about tidying up. It’s not just about throwing away things, it’s about changing our relationship with possessions for the better. The following Marie Kondo quotes encourage you to tidy up your mindset as well.
7. “Success is 90 percent dependent on our mind-set.”
“You could say that tidying orders the mind while cleaning purifies it.”
9. “People cannot change their habits without first changing their way of thinking.”
10. “Changing lifestyle habits acquired over many years is often extremely difficult.”
“You may think this is a waste of money, but reducing your stock and relieving yourself of the burden of excess is the quickest and most effective way to put your things in order.”
12. “But it is human nature to resist throwing something away even when we know that we should”
13. “It’s easy to get rid of things when there is an obvious reason for doing so. It’s much more difficult when there is no compelling reason.”
Letting Go of the Past Quotes
Are you hoarding the past? Afraid to throw things away? The memory of something is within us not within boxes of old stuff. InThe Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo teaches us we need to let go of the past so we can live in the present. That means confronting our pasts and working through it one item at a time. This collection of Marie Kondo quotes are all about letting go of the past, and our possessions that have overstayed their usefulness.
“The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.”
15. “No matter how wonderful things used to be, we cannot live in the past. The joy and excitement we feel here and now are more important.”
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16. “To put your things in order means to put your past in order, too.”
“But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.”
18. “The process of facing and selecting our possessions can be quite painful. It forces us to confront our imperfections and inadequacies and the foolish choices we made in the past.”
What to Keep and What to Throw Away Quotes
How do you know what to keep and what to throw away? Marie Kondo teaches us to pick each item up one by one and feel whether or not it sparks joy in our hearts. Joy is elation, it’s unbridled happiness. If you feel dread, remorse or any other unpleasant emotions it’s time to throw it away. These Marie Kondo quotes guide you as you’re sorting what to keep and what to throw away.
“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest.”
20. “The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one’s hand and ask: ‘Does this spark joy?’ If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it. This is not only the simplest but also the most accurate yardstick by which to judge.”
21. “We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.”
“When you are choosing what to keep, ask your heart; when you are choosing where to store something, ask your house.”
23. “The process of assessing how you feel about the things you own, identifying those that have fulfilled their purpose, expressing your gratitude, and bidding them farewell, is really about examining your inner self, a rite of passage to a new life.”
24. “All you need to do is take the time to sit down and examine each item you own, decide whether you want to keep or discard it, and then choose where to put what you keep.”
25. “The important thing in tidying is not deciding what to discard but rather what you want to keep in your life.”
Quotes About What to Get Rid Of
What items do you get rid of? What do you trash or donate? There are limits to the number of possessions we can enjoy, love and actually take care of. How many times have you forgotten you even owned something, or misplaced it because you have so much? The KonMari teaches us to get rid of anything we don’t actually cherish or have a use for. The following Marie Kondo quotes illustrate exactly what need to throw out, donate or give away.
“I recommend you dispose of anything that does not fall into one of three categories: currently in use, needed for a limited period of time, or must be kept indefinitely.”
27.”Human beings can only truly cherish a limited number of things at one time.”
28. “To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose. To get rid of what you no longer need is neither wasteful nor shameful. Can you truthfully say that you treasure something buried so deeply in a closet or drawer that you have forgotten its existence?”
29. “I have yet to see a house that lacked sufficient storage. The real problem is that we have far more than we need or want.”
“Don’t worry about throwing away too much. There will come a moment when you know what is just right.”
31. “We need to exercise self-control and resist storing our belongings until we have finished identifying what we really want and need to keep.”
What to Wear and Clothing Quotes
Want to clean out your closet? Thinking about starting a capsule wardrobe? Marie Kondo would definitely support both of those choices for tidying up what you wear. It’s not just about getting rid of pieces you don’t wear, about taking care of the ones you do. The following Marie Kondo quotes are all about clothing and what to wear. She encourages you to tidy up your appearance too!
32. “The same goes for pajamas. If you are a woman, try wearing something elegant as nightwear. The worst thing you can do is to wear a sloppy sweat suit. I occasionally meet people who dress like this all the time, whether waking or sleeping.”
“What you wear in the house does impact your self-image.”
34. “I will only purchase what fits me. If I want to lose weight, I do that first and then go shopping.”
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35. “If you are going to buy clothes, choose them with the intention of welcoming them into your home and caring for them.”
36. “The best sequence is this: clothes first, then books, papers, komono (miscellany), and lastly, mementos.”
Quotes about Books and Reading
Do you have a night-stand of half-read books? Are your shelves overflowing with unopened books? It’s time to let them go! If you haven’t read them as yet, you never will and that’s okay. Don’t hold onto books because you maybe will one day read them. This collection of Marie Kondō quotes are about what to do with your books that you’re not reading.
“People with large book collections are almost always diligent learners.”
38. “For books, timing is everything. The moment you first encounter a particular book is the right time to read it. To avoid missing that moment, I recommend that you keep your collection small.”
39. “Imagine what it would be like to have a bookshelf filled only with books that you really love. Isn’t that image spellbinding? For someone who loves books, what greater happiness could there be?”
“Books you have read have already been experienced and their content is inside you.”
41. “If you missed your chance to read a particular book, even if it was recommended to you or is one you have been intending to read for ages, this is your chance to let it go. You may have wanted to read it when you bought it, but if you haven’t read it by now, the book’s purpose was to teach you that you didn’t need it.”
42. “There’s no need to finish reading books that you only got halfway through. Their purpose was to be read halfway.”
Memories and Keeping Mementos Quotes
Do you have boxes of keepsakes and mementos? Is your basement or attic filled with them? We all know that photos are probably the hardest thing to let go of, but you can. Marie Kondo encourages you to let go of mementos because the sentiment was in receiving it or living it. The following Marie Kondo quotes teach us how to thankful for memories, without hoarding mementos.
“The true purpose of a present is to be received.”
44. “The purpose of a letter is fulfilled the moment it is received. By now, the person who wrote it has long forgotten what he or she wrote and even the letter’s very existence.”
45. “The meaning of a photo lies in the excitement and joy you feel when taking it.”
46. “By handling each sentimental item and deciding what to discard, you process your past.”
47. “Your parents’ home is not a haven for mementos.”
“Just because you dispose of something does not mean you give up past experiences or your identity.”
49. “We live in the present. No matter how wonderful things used to be, we cannot live in the past. The joy and excitement we feel here and now are more important.”
50. “After all, our possessions very accurately relate the history of the decisions we have made in life.”
Quotes about Tidying Up
Want to tidy up and not sure how long it will take? Ready to get started on cleaning out? Marie Kondo encourages us to hurry up and deal with the clutter. Tidying up shouldn’t be a drawn out process. It should be like ripping off the bandaid of our clutter, deep breathe and all in one go. This collection of Marie Kondō quotes teaches us the truth about tidying up and why it should be done quickly.
51. “Tidy a little a day and you’ll be tidying forever.”
52. “Marathon tidying produces a heap of garbage. At this stage, the one disaster that can wreak more havoc than an earthquake is the entrance of that recycling expert who goes by the alias of ‘mother.’”
“Tidying is just a tool, not the final destination. The true goal should be to establish the lifestyle you want most once your house has been put in order.”
54. “People who can’t stay tidy can be categorized into just three types: the ‘can’t-throw-it-away’ type, the ‘can’t-put-it-back’ type, and the ‘first-two-combined’ type.”
55. “To quietly work away at disposing of your own excess is actually the best way of dealing with a family that doesn’t tidy.”
56. “When you tidy your space completely, you transform the scenery. The change is so profound that you feel as if you are living in a totally different world.”
Tidying Up Clutter Quotes
Is your life filled with clutter? Are you bad at putting things away and in their rightful place? Marie Kondo emphasizes the importance of giving every item one place to call home, making tidying easier and more sustainable. The following Marie Kondo quotes are all about clutter and how to deal with it. Are you bad at that? The following Marie Kondo quotes are all about clutter and how to deal with it.
57. “If you use the right method and concentrate your efforts on eliminating clutter thoroughly and completely within a short span of time, you’ll see instant results that will empower you to keep your space in order ever after.”
“Clutter has only two possible causes: too much effort is required to put things away or it is unclear where things belong.”
59. “Being messy is not hereditary nor is it related to lack of time.”
60. “Clutter is caused by a failure to return things to where they belong. Therefore, storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out.”
61. “The point in deciding specific places to keep things is to designate a spot for every thing.”
Quotes about Cleaning
Do you regularly clean your house? Or is it super dusty and messy? In her books, Marie Kondo explains that the purpose of cleaning isn’t just to be clean, but to create a happy sanctuary for yourself. Yes, it’s great to have a clean house that’s easy to maintain, but it’s about more than that. This collection of the best Marie Kondo quotes to illustrate the true purpose of cleaning.
“The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.“
63. “When your room is clean and uncluttered, you have no choice but to examine your inner state.”
64. “Not having a space you can call your own is dangerous. Everyone needs a sanctuary.”
65. “It is essential to create a quiet space in which to evaluate the things in your life.”
“The urge to point out someone else’s failure to tidy is usually a sign that you are neglecting to take care of your own space.”
67. “So I can tell you from experience that you will never get your house in order if you only clean up half-heartedly.”
68. “Tidying is the act of confronting yourself; cleaning is the act of confronting nature.”
The Benefits of Tidying Up Quotes
Are you ready to start tidying up your life? To live life with a clean home and a clear mind? That’s not the only benefits, as Marie Kondo shares sparking joy is just the beginning. The following selection of Marie Kondo quotes illustrate the amazing benefits of tidying up.
“Putting your house in order is the magic that creates a vibrant and happy life.”
70. “Life truly begins after you have put your house in order.”
“I can think of no greater happiness in life than to be surrounded only by the things I love.“
72. “It’s a very strange phenomenon, but when we reduce what we own and essentially ‘detox’ our house, it has a detox effect on our bodies as well.”
73. “The whole point in both discarding and keeping things is to be happy.”
74. “There are three approaches we can take toward our possessions: face them now, face them sometime, or avoid them until the day we die.”
75. “In essence, tidying ought to be the act of restoring balance among people, their possessions, and the house they live in.”
Spring Clean Your Mind Too!
Tidying up your life isn’t just about having a clean and tidy home, it’s about having a tidy mind as well. Don’t just declutter your closet, and clean out your home, spring clean your mind too!
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Do you need to spark joy in your life? Need to reset your lifestyle? Click here for the best Marie Kondo quotes for tidying up your life and your home. #MarieKondo #Decluttering #Mindfulness #SpringCleaning
What’s your favorite Marie Kondo quote?
Last Updated on January 29, 2025
Stacie says
Marie Kondo is all over the internets! I still haven’t watched the show but I think I’m going to give it a go this weekend since it’s going to be freezing.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Stacie,
Right isn’t she! That’s why I HAD to dive right in and collect all the best Marie Kondo quotes. She’s beyond inspiring!
kita says
oooohhhh number 16 gathered me today. I didn’t get into her show it bored me but these quotes are everything
Nadalie Bardo says
You and me both! I’ve been on a major home cleanse and the past has got to go! To be honest, I don’t have time for her show, but these short quotes by Marie Kondo are like you said – EVERYTHING!
Lauren Floyd says
Quiet space is essential. Sometimes after my son goes to sleep, I try to force myself to just sit in the quiet and relax.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Lauren,
I absolutely LOVE that quote by here. I do find that it’s so noisy in messy and busy spaces. I can sleep, think and just be at peace in a “quiet” space.
jaye says
I agree with Kita, the show bored me but I had already been familiar with the book and love the concept and these are some good reminders.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Jaye,
Yeah, I agree – Marie Kondo’s show isn’t for everyone. It was a bit horrifying for me, but I’m NOT a fan of reality TV at all.
But her quotes on the other hand – super short and pack a big punch. Life changing!
Kasi Perkins says
These are some great and motivating quotes! I’ve heard so much about her show, I definitely need to watch it, like asap, lol! Pinned this post for some motivation!
Nadalie Bardo says
It’s like therapy for your house. I saw an episode and for me, I was just like, “this cannot be my future” and then I got rid of so much stuff. It really does motivate you to tidy things up KonMari style.
Kiwi says
I love Marie Kondo she is so wise and mature beyond her years. The quote about when you detox your home you detox your mind and body too is pretty powerful.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Kiwi,
That’s one of my favorite Marie Kondo quotes too! It really does cleanse the soul. I’m right in the middle of detoxing the entire house and it’s really cleansing all of my life.
laura says
I love it, Also in the middle of cleansing my home and my life, to be a better person and the clarity of my soul. Be able live the way I wanted to live. thanks for sharing.
It's All You Boo says
I’m so glad you love this post, Laura!
Amber Myers says
Marie Kondo is such a smart lady. Unfortunately I rarely follow her advice as I like my belongings too much.
It's All You Boo says
Hi Amber,
I totally understand that her style may not suit everyone. To each his own. Thanks for being here!
Gervin Khan says
I didn’t watch her show but these quotes give me any ideas to make my house more pleasant and clean. Thanks for sharing this with us!
It's All You Boo says
Hi Gervin,
Happy you like these Marie Kondo quotes! My pleasure to share all these ideas here!
Marta says
So many great quotes from Marie Kondo here. The one about unlearning habits taking time really resonated with me.
It's All You Boo says
Hi Marta, I’m glad you liked all these Marie Kondo quotes!
Jenjen Balatico says
Love the one on #7 Quote. We should change our way of thinking to see results.
It's All You Boo says
I agree, Jen. It’s all about setting the right mindset. Thanks for being here!
It's All You Boo says
I agree, Jen. It’s all about setting the right mindset. I’m happy you are here!
Monica Simpson says
I love Marie Kondo! She helped me simplify my home which ultimately helped simplify my mind as well. I didn’t realize how much clutter was taking a toll on my mental health.
It's All You Boo says
Hi Monica,
Good to know that you have simplified your life both physically and mentally! Keep it up!
Melissa Cushing says
My husband and I used to watch her show all of the time and truly enjoyed her organizing tips. We went through a ,lot of our items and asked ourselves….. “Does it spark joy?” And if it didn’t we donated it and declutteretd our home.
It's All You Boo says
Hi Melissa,
I know it’s not easy at first to let go of things with sentimental value. I’m glad you have decluttered your home!
rachel says
I absolutely LOVE Marie Kondo — and her methods!!!
It's All You Boo says
Same here, Rachel! I’m happy you are here!
Nishtha says
These are some amazing quotes! My favorite would be #9- people can not change change their habits without 1st changing their way of thinking
It's All You Boo says
We always start from setting the right mindset and all others fall into the right place. I’m happy you love these Marie Kondo quotes, Nishta!
Tisha says
I need to watch her. I’ve heard great things about her method. These quotes are great!
It's All You Boo says
You have to watch her, Tisha! Marie Kondo is awesome!