Confession: I thought I would hate the KonMari folding method.
When I first read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I was onboard with most of Marie Kondo’s decluttering tips. But her meticulous method of folding clothes? Too fussy for me.
Maybe I was doubtful because Marie Kondo promises her readers that we will like folding clothes.
“Once you have mastered this technique, you will actually enjoy doing it every day and will find it a handy skill for the rest of your life. In fact, to go through life without knowing how to fold is a huge loss.”
Marie Kondo
I may have laughed out loud at this part of the book. While tidying up is great, I couldn’t picture a world where I enjoyed folding clothes.
It wasn’t until I watched her Netflix show last year and saw the KonMari folding method in action that I decided to give it a chance. A year later, I wanted to share how it went, whether I was able to keep up with it, and whether I recommend you give it a chance, too.
Note: This article contains affiliate links. See my disclosures for details.
How to Fold KonMari Style
First, if you don’t know how to do the KonMari folding method, let Marie Kondo show you in this video. Or check out the animated tutorial here.
You want to fold each clothing item so it can stand on its own with nothing stacked underneath. You should be able to see every item in a drawer.
It really helps to see how it’s done in a video. And Marie Kondo is basically the Bob Ross of organization, with a very calming spirit that is addicting to watch.
She could have a series of mundane videos—getting the mail, paying taxes, scheduling a dentist appointment—and somehow watching it all would be therapeutic. Tell me I’m wrong.
My Year of KonMari Folding
After I saw the folding method in action, I quickly emptied my dresser and folded every item in KonMari style.
Folding Tip: You can fold your t-shirt graphics inward for a more minimalist, solid color look. But when you have a joy-sparking collection of cat shirts, you should probably fold them with the graphics showing.
Kondo explains that sometimes you have to adjust the height or number of folds to find the sweet spot to make her folding method work for certain fabrics.
There is nothing more satisfying than finding that “sweet spot.”
Marie Kondo
Nothing more satisfying? Someone get this woman a chocolate cake! Or a margarita, or a cat!!
So Is the KonMari Folding Method Actually Enjoyable?
I don’t love folding quite as much as Marie Kondo does. But I do love how easy it is to see all of my clothes neatly arranged in a drawer. I love the feeling of starting my day organized, with my outfit ready to go in a tidy little group of compact rectangles.
And surprisingly, I don’t mind folding laundry anymore. It is relaxing to neatly fold clothes and place them back into their designated spots.
Is It Sustainable?
I’ve been folding my clothes KonMari style consistently for a year, and it has been easy to keep it up. It’s worth taking a little extra time to fold clothes carefully for the peace and efficiency that come from having a more organized wardrobe.
Halfway through the year, I accepted that I was a full KonMari convert, so I started folding all of Eric’s clothes in KonMari style, too. He probably won’t write a blog post gushing about the transformation, but he does like being able to easily find things in his dresser.
Is It Worth Doing?
For me, it’s 100% worth maintaining this style of folding. But I started out as a fairly neat, type A person. Would a more easygoing type B person enjoy KonMari folding?
I think you should give it a try for a few months to see if you like it. It’s not as exciting as chocolate cake, but bringing order to your wardrobe will probably provide more long-term satisfaction than cake.
Organization Bins & Dividers
For delicate or smaller items, like socks, you can divide up your drawers with little organization bins that help the items stand up.
I’ve found cute storage bins at Target, IKEA and Ross, or you can order them on Amazon. Here are some ideas.
KonMari Folding Method
I use the konmari method of folding for a lot of my clothes, though I still struggle to do shirts. I do think it’s a great method once you get used to it and it certainly helps the clothes take up less space. My major struggle is bulky items like hooded sweaters, those I just can’t fold that way for the life of me, so I fold them a different way.
Good point! I haven’t tried hoodies because I keep those in my closet, but I have noticed it is trickier with bulkier shirts. Overall I love KonMari though!
Ahhh I lost my comment!
Here’s a re-enactment of my original comment 😉-
This post was made for me since as you know I’m knee deep in the konmari method. I’m loving that my clothes are organized now and I’ve been putting them in their designated spots. That’s progress for me! I think I’ve been folding them right. I have to watch more episodes. I listened to the audio book but I’ll continue to watch the show for motivation. I hope I see this method to its completion. I know I will feel less overwhelmed in life if I get my apartment together. Books will be this weekend!😳
Great post!! It helps to read this kind of stuff to stay motivated.
And I love your cat shirts!😻
I almost started this article by saying it was dedicated to the two Laurens in my life – you, and my sister who has also been decluttering her wardrobe! 🙂 You’ve been doing an amazing job tidying up and taking no prisoners!!
I loved watching the Tidying Up show for motivation. I hope she does a second season.
Decluttering books is so tough. It took me years just to let go of some of my old college textbooks. But the hardest thing for me has been the sentimental clutter….I have bins and bins of it that I’ve slowly been downsizing. You’re an inspiration! Maybe you can come help me get rid of a few of my old high school newspapers, travel brochures and school play t-shirts… 😀
are your tees in an organizer? that is exactly what I want but I can’t find a grid… do you just put them straight in the drawer? I had mine rolled prior but I feel that has more potential to get messed up when I pull things out.
Hi Erin! My tees are just rolled up, not in an organizer. They are thick enough to stand on their own when rolled up, and I have thinner shirts/blouses hanging in the closet.
I’m happy that this method works for you. I dont fold my tshirts (they are all on hangers). I may be wierd but I enjoy folding clothes ..I find it soothing and lethargic and love seeing the hamper empty and clean clothes back in their proper places whether it is in a drawer or cupboard or closet. I have a certain way I fold Prentys socks and undies and how I fold towels and it has been the same way for over 50 years..lol. I know alot of people have adopted the Konmari method and swear by it. So whatever works for anybody is a good thing!
I definitely don’t mind folding clothes so much anymore! And Eric and I have a great system – I do the laundry, he does the dishes. I think I got the better end of the deal because folding laundry does seem a lot more rewarding and less dirty. 🙂 It’s nice when you find a good folding system that works for you!
Love this post! I have been curious how the folding method worked out for others. I tried it but have not been able to stick to it consistently (I think due to my lack of proper drawers). You’ve motivated me to swap my clothing around and try this out in our dresser. I’ve been scooping up little sorting boxes at dollar tree. Time to put those bad boys to work!
That’s awesome! I think with the right drawers and bins, KonMari will be right up your alley! The little sorting bins definitely help. 😊
Folding was the one part of the KonMari method that I didn’t do when I went through her book, but I think you’ve convinced me to try it! I think it will be easier to understand with the help of the videos. Thanks for the inspiration!
Seeing it on video totally convinced me! I love folding this way now. Marie Kondo has her kids help too. I bet your girls would enjoy it. 😊
Brian folded my shirts all fancy the other day. I was shocked. I’m gonna have to have him refold all of my clothes.
Haha cool, he’s a keeper! I love having everything all neatly folded KonMari style. It’s addicting. 🙂