Frequently Asked Questions About Tidying for Productivity
Embarking on a tidying journey, especially with the goal of improving productivity, often brings up practical questions. Here are answers to some of the most common challenges people face when applying the principles of Marie Kondo to their work and home life.
How do I deal with the mountain of paper I’ve accumulated over the years?
Paper is one of the most challenging categories because it feels important and is time-consuming to sort. The KonMari method is uncompromising here: you must gather every single piece of paper into one spot before sorting. The core rule is to discard everything by default, except for three categories: 1) currently in use, 2) needed for a limited period of time (like active contracts or tax documents), and 3) must be kept indefinitely (like birth certificates or legal deeds). For everything else, be ruthless. Old utility bills, expired warranties, and manuals for products you can look up online should all be recycled. For the papers you must keep, invest in a simple filing system. A small file box with clearly labeled folders is often sufficient. The key is to stop the inflow by digitizing where possible and dealing with new paper immediately using the one-touch rule.
My family or roommates are not on board. How can I maintain a tidy space?
This is a very common and sensitive issue. The most important rule, according to Marie Kondo, is to never discard someone else’s belongings without their permission. Your focus should be exclusively on your own items and your own spaces. Start with your personal belongings—your clothes, your books, and your side of the bedroom. Create a personal sanctuary of order. For your workspace, define its physical boundaries. Often, when others see the positive impact it has on your mood and efficiency, they become curious. Lead by quiet example. For shared items, suggest creating simple, intuitive homes: a basket for remotes, a hook for keys, a designated charging drawer. Make the system so easy to use that it becomes the path of least resistance for everyone.
I struggle with sentimental items. How can I declutter them without feeling guilty?
Sentimental items are tidied last for a reason: by the time you get to them, you have honed your decision-making skills on less emotional categories. When you approach these items, the question is not “Does this spark joy?” but “Does this memory spark joy?” You are not discarding the person or the memory; you are only letting go of the physical object. You don’t need to keep every drawing your child ever made to cherish their childhood. Select a few of the very best and display them or store them in a beautiful “treasure box.” For items from loved ones who have passed, ask yourself if keeping the object truly honors their memory, or if it has become a burden. Keep only the few items that make you feel genuinely happy and connected, and let go of the rest with gratitude for the role they played in your life.
My apartment is tiny. Do these principles still work if I don’t have much storage?
Absolutely. In fact, the KonMari method is even more powerful for small spaces because it forces you to be intentional about every single item you own. The first step—a thorough decluttering—is the most important. You simply cannot organize a small space that is overflowing with things you don’t need. Once you have pared down to your essentials, the focus shifts to clever storage. Use vertical space with tall shelves. Use the space under your bed. Choose multi-functional furniture. And most importantly, assign a specific home for everything. In a small space, a single out-of-place item can make the whole room feel cluttered. A consistent daily reset is non-negotiable to maintain a sense of calm and order.
