Marie Kondo’s KonMari method has gained global popularity for its unique approach to decluttering, emphasizing the importance of keeping only items that “spark joy” (newsweek.com). While this philosophy has transformed many lives, it may not align with everyone’s lifestyle, personality, or cultural background. In this article, we explore 15 reasons why Kondo’s method might not be suitable for everyone.
Many individuals form strong emotional connections to their belongings, making it challenging to part with items—even if they don’t “spark joy.” Family heirlooms, photographs, and souvenirs often carry memories that outweigh their practical utility. This deep attachment can be attributed to psychological factors such as the endowment effect, where people assign higher value to items they own, and loss aversion, which makes the pain of losing an item more significant than the pleasure of acquiring it (en.wikipedia.org).
Not every culture approaches possessions the same way. In some traditions, collecting and storing items reflects respect for past generations or preparedness. Kondo’s minimalist approach may clash with cultures where keeping items is the norm; see NPR’s take on culture and clutter here.
Families with children or multi-generational members often require more items—such as extra clothes, toys, or kitchenware—to accommodate everyone. In these busy households, the KonMari method’s minimalist approach may feel unrealistic, as practicality often takes precedence over perfectly curated spaces. Marie Kondo herself has acknowledged the challenges of maintaining tidiness in larger families, noting that after the birth of her daughter, storage space became a significant challenge (thelist.com).
Individuals with ADHD or other neurodiverse traits often thrive with organizational systems tailored to their needs—not necessarily Kondo’s method. Structured routines or visual cues may work better than asking if an item sparks joy. The CHADD organization explores these differences.
Replacing items isn’t always feasible for those on tight budgets. Kondo’s advice to discard and only keep what brings joy may not be practical if it means buying replacements. Many practice frugality out of necessity. Forbes explores this dilemma here.
Everyday essentials—think can openers or raincoats—may never ‘spark joy’ but remain necessary. Discarding utilitarian items can turn out to be regrettable, especially when you need them unexpectedly (thebluebirddesignco.com).
Decluttering an entire home in one go, as Kondo suggests, requires significant time and energy. For those juggling work, kids, or health issues, the process feels daunting. Some prefer gradual change or periodic tidying. Read why people struggle with the time element at INSIDER.
Rapidly discarding ‘non-joyful’ items can increase landfill waste, raising environmental concerns. Critics argue that sustainable decluttering means repurposing or donating wherever possible. The BBC discusses Kondo’s impact on donation centers and waste.
Living with others means sharing decisions about communal possessions. Partners or roommates may not want to part with things, leading to conflicts. Harmonizing different organizing styles can be tricky; Psychology Today explores relationship dynamics if you want to take a deeper dive.
Collecting books, art, or memorabilia brings joy precisely because of abundance, not minimalism. Discarding parts of a beloved collection can reduce happiness. Sometimes a little bit of clutter can bring a lot of happiness. This is something that Kondo doesn’t consider in her approach. Collectors share their perspectives at Smithsonian Magazine.
Marie Kondo’s aesthetic is rooted in minimalism and tidy spaces. Some individuals prefer a ‘lived-in’ look, enjoying cozy clutter or eclectic decor rather than bare surfaces. This preference is evident in the rise of ‘warm minimalism,’ which blends minimalist principles with warmth and personal touches to create inviting environments (homesandgardens.com).
Major changes to living spaces can heighten anxiety, especially if imposed too quickly. For some, a familiar environment—even if cluttered—feels safe. Sudden decluttering might create stress. The house may feel too bare and stark if that’s what you’re not used to. Read about decluttering and anxiety at Verywell Mind.
Even after a significant declutter, maintaining Kondo’s method requires ongoing effort and discipline. Life’s demands can lead to the return of old habits, making it challenging to keep spaces consistently tidy. For instance, Luke Geoffrey, a copywriter from Manchester, found it difficult to maintain the tidiness achieved through Kondo’s method due to ongoing home renovations and other life commitments (theguardian.com).
Marie Kondo’s KonMari method primarily focuses on physical items, offering limited advice for managing digital clutter—such as emails, files, or photos—a growing concern in today’s digital age. Addressing digital organization requires a tailored approach (konmari.com).
Possessions often reflect identity, aspirations, accomplishments, or personal style. Kondo’s method may challenge this sense of self for those who see their things as an extension of who they are. Ultimately, it’s our possessions that define us when we leave this world behind (newstatesman.com).