Marie Kondo, the renowned organizing consultant and author, has revolutionized the way people think about tidying and organizing their living spaces. Her KonMari Method, which emphasizes the importance of only keeping items that spark joy, has inspired millions of people around the world to declutter and organize their homes. One of the most fascinating aspects of Marie Kondo’s approach is her unique philosophy on closet organization. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of what Marie Kondo hangs in her closet and explore the reasoning behind her choices.
Introduction to Marie Kondo’s Closet Organization Philosophy
Marie Kondo’s approach to closet organization is centered around creating a peaceful and functional space that sparks joy. She believes that a well-organized closet is not just a practical necessity, but also a reflection of one’s personal style and values. According to Marie Kondo, the key to achieving a perfectly organized closet is to focus on the items that bring joy and serve a purpose, rather than simply storing items out of habit or obligation. This philosophy is reflected in the way she approaches hanging items in her closet.
Understanding the Importance of Hanging Items
Hanging items are a crucial aspect of any closet organization system. They provide a way to store and display clothing and accessories in a way that is both visually appealing and functional. Marie Kondo emphasizes the importance of hanging items in a way that creates a sense of harmony and balance in the closet. She believes that the way we hang our clothes can affect the overall energy and ambiance of the space, and that it is essential to approach this task with intention and care.
The Art of Hanging Clothes
So, what does Marie Kondo hang in her closet? According to her, the answer is simple: everything that sparks joy and serves a purpose. This may include clothing items, accessories, and even storage solutions. However, the way she hangs these items is what sets her approach apart. Marie Kondo is a firm believer in the importance of treating each item with respect and care. This means folding and hanging clothes in a way that allows them to maintain their shape and prevent wrinkles. It also means using high-quality hangers that are designed to support the weight and shape of the clothing.
Some of the key items that Marie Kondo hangs in her closet include:
- Clothing items that spark joy, such as favorite dresses or tops
- Accessories, like scarves or belts, that add a pop of color and texture to outfits
- Storage solutions, like hanging organizers or shoe bags, that help to maximize space and keep the closet tidy
Marie Kondo’s Favorite Hanging Solutions
Marie Kondo is known for her love of innovative and functional storage solutions. When it comes to hanging items in the closet, she has a few favorite products that she swears by. These include high-quality hangers made from materials like wood or velvet, which provide a sturdy and supportive base for clothing items. She also recommends using hanging organizers, like shoe bags or accessory organizers, to maximize space and keep the closet tidy.
One of Marie Kondo’s favorite hanging solutions is the KonMari fold. This innovative folding technique allows users to fold clothes into small, compact rectangles that can be stood up in a drawer or hung in a closet. The KonMari fold is a game-changer for closet organization, as it allows users to store more items in a smaller space and keep them looking neat and tidy.
Benefits of Marie Kondo’s Hanging Approach
So, why does Marie Kondo’s approach to hanging items in the closet matter? The benefits of her approach are numerous, and include:
- Increased storage space: By using high-quality hangers and hanging organizers, users can maximize the space in their closet and store more items.
- Improved organization: Marie Kondo’s approach to hanging items helps to create a sense of harmony and balance in the closet, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
- Reduced clutter: By only hanging items that spark joy and serve a purpose, users can reduce clutter and keep their closet looking tidy and organized.
- Enhanced style: Marie Kondo’s approach to hanging items can also enhance your personal style, by allowing you to showcase your favorite clothing items and accessories in a way that is visually appealing.
Implementing Marie Kondo’s Hanging Approach in Your Own Closet
So, how can you implement Marie Kondo’s hanging approach in your own closet? The process is simpler than you might think. Start by purging your closet of any items that no longer spark joy or serve a purpose. Then, invest in high-quality hangers and hanging organizers that will help you to maximize space and keep your closet tidy. Finally, take the time to fold and hang your clothes with intention and care, using techniques like the KonMari fold to keep them looking neat and organized.
By following Marie Kondo’s approach to hanging items in the closet, you can create a peaceful and functional space that sparks joy and enhances your personal style. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the KonMari Method or just starting to explore the world of closet organization, Marie Kondo’s hanging approach is definitely worth trying. With its emphasis on intention, care, and functionality, it’s the perfect way to take your closet organization to the next level and create a space that truly sparks joy.
What is Marie Kondo’s approach to closet organization?
Marie Kondo’s approach to closet organization is centered around her KonMari Method, which emphasizes the importance of only keeping items that spark joy. This approach encourages individuals to carefully consider each item in their closet, handling it, and determining if it brings them joy. If an item does not spark joy, it is thanked for its service and let go. This mindset shift helps individuals cultivate a more intentional relationship with their belongings and creates a more organized and clutter-free closet space.
The KonMari Method also involves categorizing items into types, such as tops, bottoms, and dresses, and organizing them in a way that makes them easy to see and access. Marie Kondo recommends using high-quality hangers and storing items by type, rather than by occasion or season. This approach helps to create a sense of clarity and control in the closet, making it easier to find what you need and maintain a sense of organization over time. By applying the KonMari Method to closet organization, individuals can create a peaceful and functional space that supports their daily lives.
What types of clothing does Marie Kondo recommend hanging in the closet?
Marie Kondo recommends hanging clothing items that are best preserved or presented when hung, such as dresses, coats, and suits. She also suggests hanging items that are made of delicate or special-care fabrics, like silk or wool, to prevent damage or creasing. In general, Marie Kondo advises against folding items that can be hung, as this can lead to creasing and make the item appear less polished.
In terms of specific items, Marie Kondo often hangs items like kimono dresses, leather jackets, and tailored trousers. She also recommends hanging items that have a special sentimental value or are particularly meaningful to the owner. By hanging these items, individuals can create a sense of reverence and appreciation for their belongings, while also maintaining a sense of organization and tidiness in the closet. It’s worth noting that Marie Kondo’s approach to hanging clothing is highly individualized, and the specific items she recommends hanging may vary depending on the individual’s personal style and needs.
How does Marie Kondo organize her own closet?
Marie Kondo’s own closet is a reflection of her organizational philosophy, with a focus on simplicity, functionality, and joy. She organizes her closet by type, with separate sections for dresses, tops, and bottoms, and uses high-quality hangers to store each item. Marie Kondo also incorporates storage solutions like drawers and shelves to store folded items, like t-shirts and sweaters, and uses boxes or bins to store items like socks and undergarments.
In terms of the specific items she hangs, Marie Kondo’s closet features a curated selection of her favorite pieces, including dresses, jackets, and coats. She has mentioned in interviews that she only keeps items that spark joy, and that she regularly reviews her closet to ensure that each item still meets this criteria. By maintaining a highly edited and organized closet, Marie Kondo is able to quickly and easily find what she needs, and to cultivate a sense of peace and clarity in her daily life. Her approach to closet organization has inspired millions of people around the world to rethink their relationship with their belongings.
What is the benefit of using high-quality hangers in closet organization?
Using high-quality hangers is a key component of Marie Kondo’s approach to closet organization, as it helps to preserve the shape and quality of clothing items. High-quality hangers are designed to support the weight and structure of garments, preventing stretching or creasing that can occur when using lower-quality hangers. This is especially important for items like coats, dresses, and suits, which can be easily damaged or misshapen if not stored properly.
In addition to preserving the quality of clothing items, high-quality hangers can also contribute to a more organized and visually pleasing closet space. When clothing items are hung on sturdy, well-designed hangers, they appear more polished and streamlined, creating a sense of cohesion and calm in the closet. Marie Kondo recommends using hangers made from natural materials, like wood or bamboo, which can add a sense of warmth and texture to the closet. By investing in high-quality hangers, individuals can create a closet space that is both functional and beautiful.
How does Marie Kondo’s approach to closet organization promote sustainability?
Marie Kondo’s approach to closet organization promotes sustainability by encouraging individuals to adopt a more mindful and intentional approach to consumption. By only keeping items that spark joy, individuals are less likely to purchase new items impulsively or without careful consideration. This approach helps to reduce waste and support more sustainable consumption patterns, as individuals are more likely to invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that will be treasured for years to come.
In addition to reducing waste, Marie Kondo’s approach to closet organization also promotes sustainability by encouraging individuals to care for and maintain their existing belongings. By handling each item with care and attention, individuals can help to extend the lifespan of their clothing and reduce the need for frequent replacements. Marie Kondo’s approach also emphasizes the importance of letting go of items that no longer serve us, which can help to support recycling, repurposing, and donating initiatives. By adopting a more sustainable approach to closet organization, individuals can contribute to a more environmentally conscious and responsible fashion industry.
Can Marie Kondo’s approach to closet organization be applied to other areas of the home?
Yes, Marie Kondo’s approach to closet organization can be applied to other areas of the home, as the underlying principles of her method are highly adaptable and versatile. The KonMari Method emphasizes the importance of only keeping items that spark joy, and of organizing items in a way that makes them easy to see and access. These principles can be applied to any area of the home, from the kitchen to the living room, to create a more organized, peaceful, and functional space.
In terms of specific applications, Marie Kondo’s approach can be used to organize items like books, kitchen utensils, and linens, as well as to declutter and organize digital files and paperwork. By applying the KonMari Method to these areas, individuals can create a sense of clarity and control, and can cultivate a more intentional relationship with their belongings. Marie Kondo’s approach has been widely applied to a range of contexts, from home organization to workplace productivity, and has inspired millions of people around the world to rethink their relationship with their belongings and create a more organized, sustainable, and joyful living space.
How can I maintain my closet organization over time using Marie Kondo’s approach?
Maintaining closet organization over time using Marie Kondo’s approach requires a commitment to regular review and maintenance. Marie Kondo recommends scheduling regular “check-ins” with your closet, to ensure that each item still sparks joy and is being used or appreciated. This can involve taking everything out of the closet, handling each item, and deciding whether it still meets the criteria for being kept.
In addition to regular review, Marie Kondo also emphasizes the importance of creating habits and rituals that support closet organization, such as hanging up clothing items as soon as they are dry, or putting away items after they are used. By incorporating these habits into daily life, individuals can maintain a sense of organization and control in their closet, and can prevent clutter and disorganization from building up over time. By combining regular review with consistent habits, individuals can create a closet space that is both beautiful and functional, and that supports their daily lives with ease and efficiency.