The Art of KonMari Folding: Organising Your Clothing
In recent years, Marie Kondo’s KonMari method has gained widespread popularity, inspiring millions to declutter and organise their homes. One of the key aspects of the KonMari method is her unique approach to folding clothes. Unlike traditional folding techniques, KonMari folding promotes simplicity, efficiency, and visual appeal, allowing you to not only save space but also bring a sense of order and joy to your wardrobe. This article explores the art of KonMari folding and how it can help you transform your clothing organisation.
1. The Philosophy Behind KonMari Folding
The KonMari method is built around the principle of keeping only those items that “spark joy.” Marie Kondo believes that by surrounding yourself with possessions that bring you happiness, you can create a more peaceful and organised environment. This philosophy extends to how you treat your belongings, and folding clothes with care is an integral part of the process.
KonMari folding is not just about tidying up; it’s about treating your clothing with respect. According to Kondo, each piece of clothing should be folded in a way that allows it to “stand up” on its own. This method of folding enables you to see all your clothes at once, eliminating the need to rummage through piles and helping to preserve the fabric’s quality over time.
2. The Key Steps to KonMari Folding
The KonMari folding method is easy to learn, and with a little practice, you can apply it to your entire wardrobe. Here are the key steps to master the art of KonMari folding:
Step 1: Lay the Item Flat
Start by laying your clothing item flat on a surface, such as a clean table or countertop. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases, so the fabric is even. This step helps create a neat, uniform starting point for the fold.
Step 2: Fold in the Sides
Next, fold both sides of the item towards the centre, so that the item forms a long, rectangular shape. For shirts and blouses, fold each sleeve back towards the centre of the garment, creating a tidy and even outline. For trousers, fold each leg towards the centre, keeping the sides aligned. The goal is to create a compact shape that allows the item to stand up when folded.
Step 3: Fold in Half
Take the bottom of the item and fold it up towards the top, leaving a small portion of fabric at the top for a neat edge. Depending on the item, you may fold it once or twice to achieve the desired size. For example, t-shirts and jumpers may need only one fold, while jeans or trousers may require an additional fold.
Step 4: Stand It Up
This is where the magic of KonMari folding comes into play. The key to Marie Kondo’s method is ensuring that each folded item can stand upright on its own. Stand your folded item on its edge, making sure it stays vertical without toppling over. This technique maximises space in your drawers and allows you to see all your clothing at once.
Step 5: Repeat and Refine
Once you have mastered the basic folding technique, you can refine it by adjusting the size of each fold. The aim is to make sure that the item fits neatly and stands on its own in the space available. With practice, you’ll be able to fold all your clothing items with precision and ease.
3. The Benefits of KonMari Folding
The KonMari folding method isn’t just about aesthetics—it brings several practical benefits that can improve your overall clothing organisation.
Maximises Space
By folding clothes in a compact and uniform manner, you can make the most of every inch of available storage space. This is particularly helpful for smaller wardrobes or drawers, as it enables you to fit more items in without them becoming disorganised or crowded. The ability to stack clothing vertically rather than horizontally also means you won’t need to sift through piles of clothes to find what you’re looking for.
Easier to Maintain
Once you’ve folded your clothes using the KonMari method, maintaining order is much easier. Since the items are neatly arranged and stand up on their own, you won’t have to worry about them getting crushed or wrinkled. You can easily retrieve and replace clothing items without disrupting the organisation.
Visual Appeal
KonMari folding makes your wardrobe look visually appealing. By arranging your clothes in a way that allows you to see each item clearly, you’re able to appreciate your clothing more. This visual tidiness can create a sense of calm and satisfaction when you open your drawers or wardrobe.
Helps You Appreciate Your Clothing
One of the key tenets of the KonMari method is the idea of gratitude for your possessions. Folding your clothes with care and appreciation helps foster a deeper connection with the items in your wardrobe. This mindfulness encourages you to keep only those items that truly bring you joy and discard those that no longer serve you, creating a more intentional and fulfilling wardrobe.
4. Applying KonMari Folding to Different Types of Clothing
KonMari folding works for a wide variety of clothing items. Here’s how you can apply the technique to different types of clothing:
- T-shirts and Tops:
Lay the shirt flat, fold the sides inwards, and then fold it in half from the bottom up. Stand it up on its edge for easy storage. - Jeans and Trousers:
Fold the legs of the trousers inwards towards the centre, and then fold the garment in half. Stand it up vertically to make the most of your drawer space. - Sweaters and Jumpers:
Fold the sleeves towards the centre, then fold the body of the jumper up. For larger items, you may need an additional fold to ensure it stands upright. - Dresses and Skirts:
For dresses, fold the sides towards the centre, then fold the bottom part up towards the top. For skirts, fold in half and then roll it up to create a compact shape that can stand on its own. - Socks and Accessories:
Socks can be folded into small rectangles, while scarves or accessories can be neatly folded or rolled into compact shapes.
5. Maintaining the KonMari Method
Once you’ve mastered the KonMari folding method, it’s important to maintain it by consistently applying the same principles. Regularly tidy your drawers, reassess your clothing items, and refold items as needed. As part of the KonMari philosophy, it’s also encouraged to revisit your wardrobe and ensure that everything in it sparks joy, allowing you to create a functional and emotionally fulfilling clothing collection.
The art of KonMari folding offers a simple yet effective way to organise your clothing and create a more intentional, joyful wardrobe. By folding your clothes with care and mindfulness, you not only maximise your storage space but also cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the items you own. With practice, KonMari folding can transform your clothing organisation routine, helping you create a clutter-free, visually appealing space that brings peace and clarity to your life.
