PSA: Marie, is indeed pronounced Ma-Ri-Eh as opposed to Muh-Ree. Marie (westernized name) and Marie the Japanese name are false conjugates and are unrelated. The Japanese name Marie is represented by three characters in hiragana or katakana and each sound is to be pronounced separately. Marie may be too polite to correct people or has just accepted that Muh-ree is the accepted westernized version of her name. As someone who has had their name misspelled and mispronounced for my entire lifetime and having worked for years in international students services, I try to be respectful of others’ proper names to the best of my abilities. Marie always introduces herself with three syllables but corrects no one.
I feel so bad for all the horrible responses people have given to Marie Kondo's announcement. She was always kind and realistic to the clients on her show, and she's showing that same kindness to herself. And that's healthy and good.
I think that there are seasons to life. Naturally, systems and rhythms may need to change with the seasons. Ms. Kondo has the skills to make this season work for her. No one should hate on her for recognizing different priorities.
She doesn't truly understand the problems of some people because she's naturally obsessively neat. However, I wouldn't be unkind to her. She probably made enough money to retire, whatever she said about it.
Without a doubt her home is still tidy and clean compared to an average home. I am actually glad to hear that Kondo can be a little more laid back now. As someone who can't go to bed without a clean kitchen, it can be hard to not do it when you just know how much you will benefit from a 5-15 minute task the next day, even if you are dead tired. At the beginning of the year I changed my bathroom cleaning rhythm during a particular stressful time, and it took me 2-3 weeks to accept the change. I am convinced she is still tidying regularly. Perhaps she can show herself grace and let the dishes stay in the sink for a day or not get upset about a few dust bunnies now. But unlike the people who try to justify their chaos with her quote, Kondo has no little voice in her head that tells her she is a failure and asks her why she is even trying to get organized in the first place, because what is the point, she will fail anyway. All she is thinking is how relaxed she will be in the morning if the living room is tidied and the dining table is empty, and how much easier it will make her day, and that's all it needs to squeeze out a little more energy at the end of your day for ten minutes and do the job. Her habit of decluttering regularly is benefitting her big time as well now. Lowering your inventory only to what you actually need reduces the amount of stuff to manage and makes tidying so much easier and faster. Decluttering often is the easiest way to reduce the chaos when you have kids at home.
Giving up on organizing as a career doesn't mean that's she's giving up on organizing her own home. She's just re-prioritizing, and her children bring her joy. That clutter means her kids are having fun, and she's having fun with them.
And I came for the organizing tips, and stayed for your personality and Clover. Because puppy. You still help give me the tricks to tidy up my space every so often, and at least organize things into piles that make sense. So thank you.
she will be present to show them what to do, and she will use moments of joy (and disorganization that has gone bad) as learning lessons for her children. Go M.K.
Let's be real, anyone attacking Marie Kondo about the changes she's made in her life were never for her in the first place. They're probably folks who can't get their homes together, envied her, saw her approach as unrealistic, and now feel validated for being stuck in their own lives. I still say she's helped so many people and continues to, I'd be more surprised if she didn't adapt after 3 kids (I say that as a mother of 6).
Her methods do not work for everyone and it's shaming those of us who are not able bodied or have other disabilities. You must be able bodied enough and have the energy to throw your clothes on our bed to go through. Able bodied and have the physical and mental energy to gather every section from around the house. When I was her age, at that stage of life, and not disable yet, it would have made sense. She also has a different culture and different housing styles than Americans do. There's nothing wrong with that and nothing wrong with saying her methods don't work for everyone. It's nothing against her as a person as she seems like a very lovely soul. But it's like saying everyone can wear a one size fits all shirt. What methods work for those 'lazy failures' that everyone seems to call us? Dana K White of a Slobe Comes Clean. Flylady and K.C. Davies is another one. No one wants to live in a messy house. Not everyone learns the same way or is even taught how to declutter and organize. You never know what a person is dealing with. I know you are defending Marie but what I'm sure the women in the groups are expressing is the years of judgement and being judged as failures because they are trying to fit a square in a round hole and keep trying but never feel like they are getting anywhere. Good for Marie for doing what's right for her. She has helped many people like my MIL who does get her style of organizing. Dana K White gets my ADHD brain and limited energy body. Nothing wrong with either.
@@paularies3282 Nothing works for everybody in the entire world. Not even Jesus. Of course people who are not able to use the method must not feel judged in any way. When I was depressed, the method didn't work for me. When I got better, it sure did. You see, her method has and has not worked for me, depending of the moment I was in life. That's not an excuse to attack or criticize her. Nobody should feel judged by anything and if they felt that way it certainly was not Marie's fault. She did not judge... the people around us do it. Not her. Excuse me for my bad english. I am not a native in english.
I took her statement at face value... she is focusing on her family and stepping back from "work". People are so judgmental. I hope she is finding joy and doesn't see all those hateful comments. Loved this video and your message. Hugs.
So she changed her priorities, it doesn't mean she suddenly became a mess. I imagine there are a lot of jealous people got some joy from her adjusting her mindset simply because they feel like it lets them off the hook, which they weren't really on. There will always be people who celebrate what they perceive as someone else's failure, which is sad.
Exactly! Just because she's naturally chosen to spend more time with her children does not mean she's going to be a slob now. That's just not in her. It just means she'll probably tidy up now after her kids are in bed or on Saturday when there's extra time, like many of us do.
Yes this! It’s horrible projection onto others. But they miss the point entirely. In fact, bc of her principles, I’d wager that her home is much tidier on average than most 3 young kid homes. But less tidy than what she was used to. That’s way different than what the hoard of bitter people are thinking. The truth is we must all find balance in our lives, and each is on their own journey. I love the Minimal Mom’s approach with a “memory box” for sentimental items we don’t want to display. It gives me permission to let go of the things that don’t matter as much. And it keeps sentimental items safe. Hell my dog almost destroyed a wedding wine glass bc I DO display it. There’s always risk with anything ha
I had not heard about her announcement, but now that I know I'm glad you're defending her. People fail to realize that as our lives change, our priorities often change. That does not mean what we did in the past was wrong or a waste of time. She helped many people who I'm sure still appreciate her.
I believe her kindness influenced her success as much as her craft. Good for her for knowing what is best for her and her family. And good for you for telling it like it is!
She didn't quit, she evolved. I read Marie's book and it really helped my hoarding mess. If it wasn't for the pandemic I would still be organized. Marie helped me actually have a bed to sleep on.
I don’t tweet so hadn’t heard about this. Her life has changed drastically and it makes perfect sense that her priorities have as well. Keeping a tidy home was low on my own priority list when I was raising my daughter, because I worked outside of my home and was a single mom from the time she was five. Quality time with her was my top priority. So I say GOOD for Marie!
Fellow single parent. I too decided my child was more important than a picture perfect house. I found a cleaning lady filled the gaps left by the demands of single parenting and full-time work. And family and friends. I don't think we could have survived without the kindness and support of family.
There is waaaay too much judgement out there on social media. It's toxic. I feel sorry for those who have to live their lives "out there" . Kay, protect you heart.
Thanks for your thoughts, Kay! I feel like all of the backlash is reminiscent of the same backlash that came with her Netflix show. People took things out of context left & right. Marie Kondo seems to be nothing but kind, gentle & respectful of her clients. While some of her methods seem a little weird to a western audiences, let's not forget, that her book was originally written in Japanese, for a Japanese audience, so obviously there's some cultural stuff that just doesn't correspond & may not translate well. So I think there's a little bit of xenophobia, racism & also misogyny in the negative comments. I mean, if something doesn't work for you, don't do it! I think the outrage says more about the person being outraged than it says about her. I think Marie's new focus on her family is actually the same philosophy that she's had all along - keep the things that make you feel happy, fulfilled & allow you to live the life you want. I doubt she's letting her house become a pigsty, it's just that her priorities have changed - after all, an organized house with routines makes it easier for everyone in the family to enjoy being home.
I love that she was willing to publicly say this. So many people would not have done so. I think this is a wonderful gift she's given, it's ok to do what works for you at the stage if life you're in.
I was a non professional organizer as well. I would go to the home and together we would work on one area. If they wanted to keep everything, that was fine. If they needed things to leave their house that was fine too. I was there to help them see how the space worked best for them. Marie did and is doing the same thing. Peace and grace; that is what is offered. We all need that.
I owe Marie Kondo soooo much, she really helped me get into the mindframe. Honestly, the shift in priorities FITS WITH WHAT SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN TEACHING. Her kids SPARK JOY.
Goodness, I had no idea people were responding this way! I seriously thought nothing of her comment. Kids make it hard to be tidy, doesn't mean she gave up on being organized. Priorities shift all throughout life and that's totally ok ❤️
I’m confident that her home; on her worse day, is still more tidy than all these people dragging her! If she’s to give up the “vigor” to tidying, her children/family are the perfect reason to do so!
It's sad that so many people came for her over this. In her book & her show, she was always so gentle and understanding about how different people's lives & priorities can be. I feel like the general public didn't actually read her book or watch the show; they just absorbed who they thought she was through pop culture, felt like she was judging them, and so they gleefully (but incorrectly) judged her back.
If I could give a thousand or more likes to this video, I would. I read that article in the Washington Post because I'm a subscriber and as a mother I totally got the transformation of her attitude about what she should be focusing the limited time she had on (her children!). I raised two kids and as wonderful as they are, it fucked up the way I was coping before them and drove me to seek therapy that I'd been needing for a while. She had three kids (!) and I don't question in any way that her priorities had to change. Anyone giving her a hard time is not a parent, are not engaging with their existing children, or a hater with no socially redeeming value. Anyway, I've been watching for a while and really liked hearing your perspective. Now I'll have to watch your original video on her. 😊
My only child is now in her 30s, but how well I remember the different times I realized that my strategies of organizing/parenting were falling apart because she had transitioned to a new stage of development without me realizing that it would also impact other things! You know, the every day organization of life. There's some things you don't figure out until your child gets there, and multiply that for multiple children. They're not all gonna be the same! Now I watch (and encourage) friends going through the same process of trying to create order and systems while parenting children who have very different needs and very different quirks😂. I'm SO thankful to the older moms who were in my life when I was a young mom, and glad you sought help when needed! Seriously, folks like us will be encouraging young moms in the years to come. THAT's probably why humanity made it this far 😅!
I love your content and your encouragement for each person to seek the right balance and simplicity for them, not in a standard form. You keep your kitchen stuff!
Honestly, changing priorities makes sense at different stages of life. Just because tidying isn’t her focus right now doesn’t mean she’s just let it all go. I will always be grateful for her…since reading her book, I have never again had to search for my keys, purse, jacket or shoes. And that has made a huge difference for me. And I keep watching channels like yours to keep finding the tips and ideas that work for my situation. I don’t understand why everyone has to be 0 or 100….cause there’s a lot of numbers in between!
It's sad really like she is not allowed to develop as a person with changing circumstances and therefore, new goals. Also It seems obvious that she was being judged the whole time because we seem very excited to "catch" her doing something different as if it means she's admitting she didn't know what she was doing before. She did know and now she knows more. She has helped millions and millions of people while making a living for herself and she's done it with a lot of grace, humility, and kindness. So we can leave her alone. She also seems to represent Japan well. Her teachings have never been surprising to me because she comes from a culture that is proud, family and home oriented, embraces order and simplicity because the cities are so crowded. If Japanese people were all filthy the country would crumble because there's literally no room for mess there. As for Kondo's methods I never really embraced them all for myself but I think that's okay. She's entitled to promote her ideas as a system and I'm entitled to pick them apart and use what works for me. Her results speak for themselves.
I just heard about this through Instagram when I woke up this morning. All I can say is: people gotta give her a break!! She's got three (3!!!!) children. Of course she has to dedicate time to them and readjust her daily routine/thinking. It doesn't mean she won't return when the kids have grown. She didn't even have to say anything... It was very honest and vulnerable of her. Bless! Seriously 🤭 people get so "offended" by the weirdest things. Love ya, Kaye xxx
Agree with everything you said in this video, Kay. People really hold others to impossible standards. It's very unlikely any human will hold the same priorities and values for their entire life, and especially so after a huge change like having multiple children! Also, people quit jobs all the time, and you don't see me yelling at them like "Well, you were never an actual coffee lover or else you never would have quit being a barista!" What a strange way to react.
Love Marie Kondo & her gracious advice. I felt like her suggestions were sound, she advocated easy solutions & a mindset to adopt IF you wanted to declutter & let objects go. She didn’t insist you had to do things as she did. She just shared the HOW of her approach. Each season of life is different & she has pivoted her approach for that. Makes sense to me.
Ever since her show came out, she's been my muse, lol. My mom and I love organizing and I when I first saw her, I was like, she gets it. (She finally taught me and my ancestors how to fold a fitted sheet!) She totally let her clients do what they needed and cheered them on. The before/afters were not super dramatic like on other shows. The contrast to the Minimalist guys was perfect - they're judging, they haven't said a new thing in 10 years, but they're still gurus? Nah. The Home Edit girls do nothing for me. Marie's advice is the most practical and real.
I read her book in 2015 and it was the first time I followed an approach to decluttering. The change in my mindset was even bigger than the change in my home. I will always be grateful for her approach and think that being a person who adapts to the realities of life makes me love her more, not less.
Marie Kondo's book changed my life. Her process helped me figure out how to embark upon the - at first - intimidating process of decluttering. In the end, I got rid of around ¾ of my possessions (including 60kg of paperwork!) which in turn helped me step into the next phase of my life. She's now moved on to the next phase of her life, which she's entitled to do. I wish her well.
Leave it to the Twitter mob to take a quote out of context and then come for you hard. As a mom of 3 myself, I think she’s 💯 making healthy adjustments to her life. I bet she hasn’t completely abandoned being tidy, it’s just not her main focus/priority in this season of her life. Good for her!
I’ve had massive arguments with people over the years about Marie Kondo’s methods - mostly based on them watching the Netflix series and not bothering to read the book, which explains her methods much more effectively than the tv show did. I don’t have a problem with her re-adjusting her life in light of having had 3 children. All people’s lives change when they have kids and that’s ok. We all re-evaluate our priorities once these screaming, helpless things arrive. My living room is, as far as I’m concerned, decluttered. Most people would disagree if they looked at the two walls lined with bookcases that are filled with books (and that’s just Science Fiction and Fantasy, plus our DVDs and CDs). But each of those books still spark joy. I’ll continue to do me and you do you. I’ll never be a minimalist, but my life can be what _I_ define as “Clutter Free”.
I loved watching Marie Kondo. Didn’t read the book; this Lady should not be condemned for being a sensible Mum. Watching you Kay, Alejandra Costello, and Marie Kondo have given me so many great ideas…we all change and grow. ⭐️
Why did I subscribe to your channel, Kay? Because of your gentle, encouraging way of reminding us to be ourselves and leave others alone. Oh, and I enjoy your content, and enjoy seeing Clover James appearances. Continue being you, please.
As a fellow soprano who organizes for a living (I'm an archivist) I gotta say - preach! Every word of this was necessary. I was absolutely shocked when I heard that "minimalist" influencer call cluttercore mental illness, an irresponsible and cruel statement on several levels. Can we all just be compassionate and stay in our own lane? You don't know what other people are grappling with in their lives. And people - stop confusing being organized with being minimalist - they are completely unrelated. You can have an antiseptic-looking space with closets bursting with who knows what, or a space filled with decor pieces and life tools that all have a home and a meaning to you. Thank you for the lovely video!
Love this. Perfection is not attainable, but striving for better is the goal. I really hate how people can criticize others. Marie gave us methods to try. If it works for them great. I personally feel like my life flows better when items in my home have a designated spot
As a mom of six (five with special needs), I completely get wanting and needing to put your kids first-above tidying up. When I first read her book, I loved the things it offered, but also realized she likely did not have any kids. I did my research, and sure enough she didn’t have any kids when she wrote her amazing book. (If you’ve ever had toddlers and preschoolers running about and school age children coming home and needing help with homework, you know how impossible and improbably a massive declutter all at once is). Still the concepts she teaches about keeping the things you love and acknowledging the joy you once had from older items you’re ready to part with are sound. While my high chair didn’t spark joy, it helped me feed my babies. When my youngest outgrew the need for a high chair, I joyfully passed it on to someone in need. I can recognize that some of my belongings once brought me joy, but no longer serve me in this space and time in my life, and I can share my abundance with someone else. Thank you for defending her and pointing out that organization is a spectrum. When my kids were younger, organization meant primarily organizing our time, meals kids clothes, and having a place for the blocks, cars, doll stuff and other toys by general category. It meant a chore chart that often meant the house did not look perfect because it was more important to teach them responsibility and how to contribute to the home. Now that they are older it means going through paperwork and memories and only keeping what they want to remember from their youth. It means having homes for our belongings, and if they don’t fit we edit and declutter. It is a growth process for all of us, and it will change as you and your circumstances change. Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I like that you are becoming more confident in expressing your opinions on this channel. I also like the new editing tidbits (transitions, etc., I don't know what it's called 😆). Anyway, I'm here for the long haul 'cause I think you're great 👍
Well said! I’m always amazed at how cruel and critical people can be on social media. They have no filter when it comes to what they say. I always am curious if they are so judgmental IRL. I love watching your organizing tips. A key thing I learned from you is don’t by random storage containers..even if they are cute 😂. And determine size and quantity…the details of what you need first. Brilliant! That was a game changer for me. I can’t lie, I do love Clover. He is just too stinkin’ cute.
I absolutely love this video! I had not heard that she was taking it easy for a while, but I’m glad she is making her children her priority! As a mom of 3, now all grown, there was a huge difference between having a baby at 21, then having a third baby at 31! I took time off from everything when that last one came! Including my job! Good for her! I love your content, your honesty, your heart ♥️. I am a born organized person, always have been. But I still need help and learn from others. My sisters always teased me unmercifully because I use the alphabet for organizing. For EVERYTHING! I can’t stand for things to be out of order! Keep up the good work! Blessings to you and your family.
Wow! Seriously?! Marie Kondo is great. I love her. And your videos…..chef’s kiss. I really enjoy watching them and going through your moving journeys with you. I’m not convinced this house is your forever home, but I could be wrong. 😊
I’m retired and it’s just me and my husband. I watch a lot of organizing and downsizing videos. I implement what feels right for me. It is fun to go through my stuff and purge. My kitchen got organized. I ditched my ancient bedroom dresser and gained space and now use cute cubes for storing my clothes in my closet. I have streamlined my cleaning products and tools. I think I have made many positive changes and yet you will often find a dishpan of dirty dishes that couldn’t go in the dishwasher sitting on the floor tucked under my island. I’m ok with that. They get done eventually. ❤
So good to recognize that organization (and even minimalism) is a spectrum, and let people decide where they want to be on that spectrum. And let people keep what they want to keep (you keep your kitchen gadgets!) I love what Dana K White/ A Slob Comes Clean says… “you can keep anything, you just can’t keep everything. Let the container be the bad guy… the container decides how much you can keep.”
Kay, thank you for sharing the link to the article. Was not aware of the hub bub. Thank you for being so kind and supportive, not just with this, but always. Love when you say “you do you.” I will never understand the need of some people to be so negative on social media. Often wonder if they would make the same comments in person. My take on Marie Kondo was that she suggested we only keep items that we love or that serve our life. To me tidy is not perfect, just organized to my liking.
I love the Marie Kondo books. She has every right to relax in her own home. Just because she backs off the tidying a little, doesn’t mean she’s throwing in the towel. Her home is likely still more organized than most. I try to take the manageable ideas from your organizing videos and others, but I try not to dwell on the things I don’t manage to get done. I work full time, and I’m a wife and mother of a young adult with special needs. I have learned to appreciate the small wins.
I was a hot mess. I didn’t use her method, I used a little bit of wisdom from a few different sources, but I do recommend her method of folding ! I also think she’s very restful to watch and she helps to inspire people to do something!❤❤.
I love Marie Kondo. I did my clothing six years ago using her message, and everything has stayed neat and tidy since then. We did books--ditto. Papers--ditto. Komono--I'm still working on that. 😊
Many folks need someone to help them turn their homes into functional and pleasing, welcoming spaces, FOR THEM. To heck with the opinions of others, I say. Your home should be your refuge. I now live in my studio, since my apartment is tiny. I have had to make peace with that, as a busy calligraphy, art and music studio is terribly dynamic!!!! But through your organizing videos, I am getting such inspiration to just do things better, store like with like, reuse and repurpose as much as I can. My intention and aim is to get things organized, and ordered; functional yet aesthetically pleasing to ME. I am almost there, thanks to folk like you, Kay! I hope I never lose my teachable spirit, that I always will welcome and enjoy and learn from dear people like you. How is sweet little Clover doing?
As you said , what people feel the need to put out there is more often a reflection of where they are in their lives, their level of fear, depression, desperation then it is about the person they are belittling. I often SMH and send up a prayer for them! I wish Marie well as she enjoys this season of her life.
I hadn’t heard about it but it totally makes sense. She’s in a different season of life now. People are ignorant. And that won’t change. Your videos have gotten sooo good by the way. Been meaning to tell you that.
I also feel she is getting a bad rap. Hope she has a happy life. I’ve not followed you for long but so enjoy the videos. So down to earth and non threatening. You’ve helped so very much. Thank you
To everything there is a season. She brought awareness and peace of mind to millions regarding organization. When priorities change you have to monitor and adjust that's life. Wish her well. Tfs
Great video Kay. I heard about this randomly from a Trader Joe’s employee just last night in response to a joke I made. Glad I got the summary from you. It is too bad how much society lacks nuance. Happy for Marie, appreciate her transparency and modeling adaptation. I first heard about her in 2014 working as a retail stylist when a customer came in inspired by Marie’s book to update her wardrobe. I bought the book, watched the series and have implemented her philosophy the best I can. No regrets. Hope she’s not negatively impacted by the naysayers.
I'm also a professional organizer. I expected the backlash because people like to latch on to the negative. They don't like being compared to an idea or process they themselves can't obtain in their own homes. I'm hoping it doesn't affect the industry negatively or those that want to get organized. I think she has a very positive way of approaching getting organized . I appreciate what she's done for the industry and I hope to see more from her.
There were parts of Kondo's book that did feel stronger than suggestions, so I'll admit I felt a little relief when she made that comment about letting strict tidiness go. I feel bad about the backlash but I appreciate her willingness to share this, as someone who wants to but struggles to tidy up or organise. :)
I love Marie kondo. Her strategies for organization have been extremely useful for helping us to keep our home organized. Our entire family has benefited.
Thank you so much for this! I appreciate your nuanced take on organization, neatness, and Marie Kondo. I think a lot of people felt/feel threatened by her because they are defensive about their 'stuff'' and it easier to think that's she's telling them to get rid of things that they are genuinely attached to than to look around and realize how many things they have that they don't care about and aren't serving them but for some reason they find difficult to get rid of.
I've gotten rid of so much stuff. Organizing my home. Kitchen is the hardest. So many things I use! I'm far from a minilist. It's an ongoing process. Hadn't heard about Marie Kondo. But having had 4 kids, I completely understand!
In the extra of her show her husband said she actually preferred to be at home with her (at the time 2) children, not out doing show appearances, ect. so this makes perfect sense. She is telling the world I am focusing on what I've always wanted, my family and children, instead of other people's homes and lives. Way to go Kondo!
Thank you Kay for this dialogue regarding organizing. You are so thoughtful and kind with your words. Marie Kondo certainly helped a lot of people globally. Blessings to she and her family as she shifts her focus to her children.
I find it refreshing to have found a organizer channel that isn't minimalistic, I'll never be that girl with a perfect home and a few items. I'm sure some people would even call me a kitchen gadgets & things horder, but I love to cook and bake and I don't see a point in removing pans etc that I love to use. I might use them rarely but in periods I use it a lot. I love my airfryer, my multicooker, my breadmaking machine, my kitchen blender etc so you got full support from me! I am still amazed over all your spices but more in the way I want to know what food you make. I got one of those foldable trendy baskets /crates where I store all my spices cause I don't have enough cabinet - drawer space, and I am around 15 spices now? I did a Marie Kondo cleanse in 2017 and it was really great for me - us, my partner joined in and did his wardrobe and helped me carry everything out of my things too. I think I disposed off more than 50 pounds of papers, it felt amazing to go from a kallax full of papers to just using one of those little square holes. I've declutted glas decorations and given them away and it felt amazing. I now only put up th ings that makes me smile, I'm sure some ppl will never understand how a cute Hello Kitty popfigurine or a baby yoda can make me more happy than fancy designer items. But they spark joy and it's all that matters to me. I'm rambling but just wanted you to know that your channel helps, so does the Kondo methods even if she stops promoting it. Good on her for promoting her family for now, I'm sure she still does the kondo in her entire home.
What a great video!! I enjoyed hearing your perspective on this and 100% agree with you about nuance and how it seems to be gone now in so many areas. I admit my cousin and I had a bit of a chuckle when Marie Kondo said she was not going to be tidying her house so much now but we both like her and would never think or say mean and toxic things about her. It made us laugh because we both tried to Konmari our homes back in 2016 but could never get it done or keep up with the organization, but the fact is that it just didn't work for us and has nothing to do with her. We both had extremely neat mothers (who were sisters) but apparently that gene skipped a generation with us 😄 I could never understand why people said she was promoting a minimalist lifestyle when she specifically says in her first book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, that if something sparks joy for you, you should go ahead and keep it and make room for it. She never said to throw out all your books or any specific category at all.
I love my kitchen gadgets too!! I know that all you really need is a good chef knife and cutting board, but....kitchen gadget obsession means you like to play and make good food!
I really appreciate your take on this. So many of the smaller influencers really want to rub her nose in it. Other women who have benefitted from her paving the way. It's very sad to see.
Thank you for pointing out, that there are nuances. I get many suggestions like you on my home channel as well, and my internal reaction is the same. Stay out of my kitchen and hobbies. I love having books, craft tools and I operate my business from home. So yes, there are going to be things in my home that some people see as redundant. Marie Kondo helped me declutter so much during a hard time and it really helped me sort things externally and internally. It breaks my heart to see how unrespectful people are to her. She is such a kind person and doesn't deserve it. Also, why do so many people think that minimalism is the goal for everyone on the internet?
Slowly I have been doing getting organized and before I found your channel I used mostly Kondo's method. She never said to toss everything. I enjoy your vlogs. I am one who uses all the tools, spices, etc in my kitchen, I can 't cook with out some of them. It is ok if the house falls apart at times, we have methods now to get it back together. There is a place for each item. Kondo's and your methods are suggestions. The take away is we now have ideas to use in our own space (home). Thank you..... Sad there are trolls out there.
I never got minimalism as something Marie Kondo preached. I could be wrong because I have not watched her shows or read her books. But her spark joy idea is great. It was watching your videos however that changed the way I look at home organization. One concept in particular- organization is never one and done. It is ongoing. So that means that when things get out of order it’s not the end of the world. Hopefully she is teaching her kids how Marie Kondo. Tidying is good for them.
I totally understand her mindset! My house is minimalist EXCEPT for my kids things. Yes my living room is a basic color hellscape that I’m not super into but they love it. The toys and equipment won’t be around forever, I’m letting them enjoy it.
What a sincere and balanced commentary! Growth is what recharges us - I think your positive take on the issues of Marie, decluttering and joy is refreshing and much needed. Love, from South Africa
Kay, your kindness is beautiful (as always). 🥰 I am off all other social media, so this is new to me. There are different seasons in life and I am happy for Marie Kondo prioritizing time with children. Thank you for creating this positive, wholesome video.
Exactly! " leave my kitchen alone, I am tearing it up in the kitchen" Best words I have heard in today's " live poor" attitude. People need to mind their own business about how someone chooses to keep and use their possessions. You go! Perfect! Applause! I will watch more of you because of that great comment. Glad I found your channel. I am tired of being told I can't organize unless I act homeless or from a 3rd world country.. I love the American dream, not the transient dream. Thank you
Yet another great video from you, I really like your take on things. I hope Marie Kondo just enjoys her life with her family and ignores whatever is being said if it isn´t supporting. In the organising videos people often talk about being in a certain season of life and now she is in a different place than few years ago. She is such a lovely woman and I think most people wishes nothing but happiness for her.
What Marie Kondo actually said was that she quit tidying **every day**. She didn't say that she quit altogether, but with the reading comprehension problems that are the norm today, everyone took it that way and started freaking out. 🤦♀️
You are a wonderful breath of fresh air and voice of reason in what has become an unreasonable world. We are all different in the way we live our private lives in our own homes…as it should be. Marie Kondo is has demonstrated exceptional integrity as she is adapting her priorities to her ever changing life. Being the mother of 3 young children is her priority and I, for one, am happy for her and her family! I’m pretty sure she will maintain a perfectly reasonable, comfortable and JOY filled home as she builds a wonderful life with her husband and children. Well done Marie Kondo!
The fact that people can turn toxic for whatever reason on the internet really shows that the ought to spend more time doing inner cleansing... Thanks for bringing kindness and reason to the conversation!
I originally heard the book thing through other people's reactions. Being a librarian and book lover, I follow people who are the same, so when people took it out of context and went nuts, I freaked at first too, but then I watched her show and understood it more like you said, she just says only have a few books if books don't bring you joy. I feel terrible about all the mean reactions she's gotten over the years and now, it's totally understandable that playing with her kids brings her more joy and that's what she's been about the whole time! Focusing on what brings you joy! I'm happy for her. I am so appreciative of all your videos, tips, insight, and friendship (plus Clover!) and am so glad that Marie Kondo content brought me to you!
This was a fabulous video! Thank you 😘MK has a very unique style. I enjoyed her show because I loved to see how she interacted with the space and the people. She encouraged people to think of their things differently. From her quote, it sounds to me like she is giving up on her "level of tidy" that she maintained for herself. She is not turning around and becoming a "maximalist!" I am sure her home is still amazingly clutter free but there are some toys on the floor. I love what you said about it being a spectrum. I agree with you 💯 (I just did t know it until this video). PS You are famous in my world ❤️❤️ love to Clover 🍀
There are seasons of life. I had a different life when I was newly married and a working professional. It changed when I became a mom of 3 children and pets. It changed constantly through the ages and stages of my family. Now we are empty nester but have been taking care of senior parents, winding down our working lives and are grandparents. Life will hang more as we become older and need care. CHANGE is the word that describes human life. And you do you is also important to healthy living. If things are not making you happy than you need a change. I like things neat and orderly but have had times where do to health or life events it has not been as possible. I have reached out to friends and helped them when they have needed help and they have helped me. Sometimes you need grace and sometimes you give it. Yeah to Marie Kondo for changing with the seasons of life to give to those she raising. That is what being a parent is all about. I laughed when you said to leave your kitchen gadgets alone. Mine is don't touch my sewing room. I declutter once in awhile to give myself order and peace but it is my room. Also we have sent all our kids stuff to them. They are adults and can decide what they want to keep.
During the pandemic, I kondo'd my clothes, my linen closet, and my kitchen linens. I was able to consolidate all my folded clothing into a 5 drawer Elfa system, whereas before, my clothes were stored in 3 separate places. I was able to turn the mess of a linen closet into a tidy system, and I was able to store my kitchen linens in half the space and everything is tidy and easy to find. She transformed how I store my clothes and linens, freeing up space, and making it easier to find things.
I am currently following her method so that I can in fact do exactly what she is doing now, being able to enjoy time with her family because her home only contains those things that spark joy. Her announcement for me anyway seems like a natural progression of her process. Get to the life you want within your home and then enjoy it!
Love this response! Everyone needs grace to shift priorities as their lives evolve. You are absolutely correct to clarify the misunderstandings. And your kitchen items are awesome - they clearly spark joy for you! 😊
PSA: Marie, is indeed pronounced Ma-Ri-Eh as opposed to Muh-Ree. Marie (westernized name) and Marie the Japanese name are false conjugates and are unrelated. The Japanese name Marie is represented by three characters in hiragana or katakana and each sound is to be pronounced separately. Marie may be too polite to correct people or has just accepted that Muh-ree is the accepted westernized version of her name. As someone who has had their name misspelled and mispronounced for my entire lifetime and having worked for years in international students services, I try to be respectful of others’ proper names to the best of my abilities. Marie always introduces herself with three syllables but corrects no one.
the way she pronounces it is correct in europe as well. its just english speakers that mangle it.
I feel so bad for all the horrible responses people have given to Marie Kondo's announcement. She was always kind and realistic to the clients on her show, and she's showing that same kindness to herself. And that's healthy and good.
Agreed. It's shameful that folks are hating / dragging her.
Well said!!
I think that there are seasons to life. Naturally, systems and rhythms may need to change with the seasons. Ms. Kondo has the skills to make this season work for her. No one should hate on her for recognizing different priorities.
She made a fortune off of telling others that she was right and they were wrong. Come on. She deserves the clap back.
She doesn't truly understand the problems of some people because she's naturally obsessively neat. However, I wouldn't be unkind to her. She probably made enough money to retire, whatever she said about it.
It sounds like Marie Kondo’s children are sparking joy for her at this point in her life. And that is wonderful!
Haha. That's what I thought too.
Konmari-ing sentimental items afterward once her children grow up might be tough 😂
Yes!!😊
This is the best comment for this situation, to be honest!
I have no doubt that even after the announcement, three children or no, her home is still cleaner than the homes of 98% of us.
Without a doubt her home is still tidy and clean compared to an average home.
I am actually glad to hear that Kondo can be a little more laid back now. As someone who can't go to bed without a clean kitchen, it can be hard to not do it when you just know how much you will benefit from a 5-15 minute task the next day, even if you are dead tired. At the beginning of the year I changed my bathroom cleaning rhythm during a particular stressful time, and it took me 2-3 weeks to accept the change.
I am convinced she is still tidying regularly. Perhaps she can show herself grace and let the dishes stay in the sink for a day or not get upset about a few dust bunnies now. But unlike the people who try to justify their chaos with her quote, Kondo has no little voice in her head that tells her she is a failure and asks her why she is even trying to get organized in the first place, because what is the point, she will fail anyway. All she is thinking is how relaxed she will be in the morning if the living room is tidied and the dining table is empty, and how much easier it will make her day, and that's all it needs to squeeze out a little more energy at the end of your day for ten minutes and do the job.
Her habit of decluttering regularly is benefitting her big time as well now. Lowering your inventory only to what you actually need reduces the amount of stuff to manage and makes tidying so much easier and faster. Decluttering often is the easiest way to reduce the chaos when you have kids at home.
That's the first thing I said! Marie isn't stepping on old pizza boxes.
Then where is the accent mark?
Giving up on organizing as a career doesn't mean that's she's giving up on organizing her own home. She's just re-prioritizing, and her children bring her joy. That clutter means her kids are having fun, and she's having fun with them.
And I came for the organizing tips, and stayed for your personality and Clover. Because puppy. You still help give me the tricks to tidy up my space every so often, and at least organize things into piles that make sense.
So thank you.
she will be present to show them what to do, and she will use moments of joy (and disorganization that has gone bad) as learning lessons for her children. Go M.K.
Let's be real, anyone attacking Marie Kondo about the changes she's made in her life were never for her in the first place. They're probably folks who can't get their homes together, envied her, saw her approach as unrealistic, and now feel validated for being stuck in their own lives. I still say she's helped so many people and continues to, I'd be more surprised if she didn't adapt after 3 kids (I say that as a mother of 6).
Absolutely. People in my group are so rude!!!
Well said!! Couldn’t agree more
Oh my god! 6! You are a warrior!
Her methods do not work for everyone and it's shaming those of us who are not able bodied or have other disabilities. You must be able bodied enough and have the energy to throw your clothes on our bed to go through. Able bodied and have the physical and mental energy to gather every section from around the house.
When I was her age, at that stage of life, and not disable yet, it would have made sense. She also has a different culture and different housing styles than Americans do. There's nothing wrong with that and nothing wrong with saying her methods don't work for everyone. It's nothing against her as a person as she seems like a very lovely soul. But it's like saying everyone can wear a one size fits all shirt.
What methods work for those 'lazy failures' that everyone seems to call us? Dana K White of a Slobe Comes Clean. Flylady and K.C. Davies is another one.
No one wants to live in a messy house. Not everyone learns the same way or is even taught how to declutter and organize. You never know what a person is dealing with. I know you are defending Marie but what I'm sure the women in the groups are expressing is the years of judgement and being judged as failures because they are trying to fit a square in a round hole and keep trying but never feel like they are getting anywhere.
Good for Marie for doing what's right for her. She has helped many people like my MIL who does get her style of organizing. Dana K White gets my ADHD brain and limited energy body. Nothing wrong with either.
@@paularies3282 Nothing works for everybody in the entire world. Not even Jesus. Of course people who are not able to use the method must not feel judged in any way. When I was depressed, the method didn't work for me. When I got better, it sure did. You see, her method has and has not worked for me, depending of the moment I was in life. That's not an excuse to attack or criticize her. Nobody should feel judged by anything and if they felt that way it certainly was not Marie's fault. She did not judge... the people around us do it. Not her. Excuse me for my bad english. I am not a native in english.
Right now, what sparks joy for her is family time. It makes perfect sense.
Well said, Carolyn!
Yes
I took her statement at face value... she is focusing on her family and stepping back from "work". People are so judgmental. I hope she is finding joy and doesn't see all those hateful comments. Loved this video and your message. Hugs.
So she changed her priorities, it doesn't mean she suddenly became a mess. I imagine there are a lot of jealous people got some joy from her adjusting her mindset simply because they feel like it lets them off the hook, which they weren't really on. There will always be people who celebrate what they perceive as someone else's failure, which is sad.
Exactly, you said it perfectly. And I'm sure Marie Kondo's "less tidy" is still far better organized than my "less tidy" house.
Exactly! Just because she's naturally chosen to spend more time with her children does not mean she's going to be a slob now. That's just not in her. It just means she'll probably tidy up now after her kids are in bed or on Saturday when there's extra time, like many of us do.
Very sad.
Yes this! It’s horrible projection onto others. But they miss the point entirely. In fact, bc of her principles, I’d wager that her home is much tidier on average than most 3 young kid homes. But less tidy than what she was used to. That’s way different than what the hoard of bitter people are thinking.
The truth is we must all find balance in our lives, and each is on their own journey. I love the Minimal Mom’s approach with a “memory box” for sentimental items we don’t want to display. It gives me permission to let go of the things that don’t matter as much. And it keeps sentimental items safe. Hell my dog almost destroyed a wedding wine glass bc I DO display it. There’s always risk with anything ha
well said
I had not heard about her announcement, but now that I know I'm glad you're defending her. People fail to realize that as our lives change, our priorities often change. That does not mean what we did in the past was wrong or a waste of time. She helped many people who I'm sure still appreciate her.
Exactly!❤ Well said!🤗
I noticed her and Martha Stewart and the Strawberry Wine Recipe book sisters from Alabama by way of Ohio when their books hit the shelves! Yahoo.
I believe her kindness influenced her success as much as her craft. Good for her for knowing what is best for her and her family. And good for you for telling it like it is!
She didn't quit, she evolved. I read Marie's book and it really helped my hoarding mess. If it wasn't for the pandemic I would still be organized. Marie helped me actually have a bed to sleep on.
Her book is the most relaxing book I have ever read. Im glad she's living her best life.❤
I don’t tweet so hadn’t heard about this. Her life has changed drastically and it makes perfect sense that her priorities have as well. Keeping a tidy home was low on my own priority list when I was raising my daughter, because I worked outside of my home and was a single mom from the time she was five. Quality time with her was my top priority. So I say GOOD for Marie!
Fellow single parent. I too decided my child was more important than a picture perfect house. I found a cleaning lady filled the gaps left by the demands of single parenting and full-time work. And family and friends. I don't think we could have survived without the kindness and support of family.
There is waaaay too much judgement out there on social media. It's toxic. I feel sorry for those who have to live their lives "out there" . Kay, protect you heart.
Thanks for your thoughts, Kay! I feel like all of the backlash is reminiscent of the same backlash that came with her Netflix show. People took things out of context left & right. Marie Kondo seems to be nothing but kind, gentle & respectful of her clients.
While some of her methods seem a little weird to a western audiences, let's not forget, that her book was originally written in Japanese, for a Japanese audience, so obviously there's some cultural stuff that just doesn't correspond & may not translate well. So I think there's a little bit of xenophobia, racism & also misogyny in the negative comments. I mean, if something doesn't work for you, don't do it! I think the outrage says more about the person being outraged than it says about her.
I think Marie's new focus on her family is actually the same philosophy that she's had all along - keep the things that make you feel happy, fulfilled & allow you to live the life you want. I doubt she's letting her house become a pigsty, it's just that her priorities have changed - after all, an organized house with routines makes it easier for everyone in the family to enjoy being home.
I love that she was willing to publicly say this. So many people would not have done so. I think this is a wonderful gift she's given, it's ok to do what works for you at the stage if life you're in.
I was a non professional organizer as well. I would go to the home and together we would work on one area. If they wanted to keep everything, that was fine. If they needed things to leave their house that was fine too. I was there to help them see how the space worked best for them. Marie did and is doing the same thing. Peace and grace; that is what is offered. We all need that.
Such a blessing!
I owe Marie Kondo soooo much, she really helped me get into the mindframe. Honestly, the shift in priorities FITS WITH WHAT SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN TEACHING. Her kids SPARK JOY.
I’m so glad you mentioned nuance. It is LOST in the massive dark sea that is called the internet.
Goodness, I had no idea people were responding this way! I seriously thought nothing of her comment. Kids make it hard to be tidy, doesn't mean she gave up on being organized. Priorities shift all throughout life and that's totally ok ❤️
I’m confident that her home; on her worse day, is still more tidy than all these people dragging her! If she’s to give up the “vigor” to tidying, her children/family are the perfect reason to do so!
It's sad that so many people came for her over this. In her book & her show, she was always so gentle and understanding about how different people's lives & priorities can be. I feel like the general public didn't actually read her book or watch the show; they just absorbed who they thought she was through pop culture, felt like she was judging them, and so they gleefully (but incorrectly) judged her back.
If I could give a thousand or more likes to this video, I would. I read that article in the Washington Post because I'm a subscriber and as a mother I totally got the transformation of her attitude about what she should be focusing the limited time she had on (her children!). I raised two kids and as wonderful as they are, it fucked up the way I was coping before them and drove me to seek therapy that I'd been needing for a while. She had three kids (!) and I don't question in any way that her priorities had to change. Anyone giving her a hard time is not a parent, are not engaging with their existing children, or a hater with no socially redeeming value. Anyway, I've been watching for a while and really liked hearing your perspective. Now I'll have to watch your original video on her. 😊
My only child is now in her 30s, but how well I remember the different times I realized that my strategies of organizing/parenting were falling apart because she had transitioned to a new stage of development without me realizing that it would also impact other things! You know, the every day organization of life. There's some things you don't figure out until your child gets there, and multiply that for multiple children. They're not all gonna be the same!
Now I watch (and encourage) friends going through the same process of trying to create order and systems while parenting children who have very different needs and very different quirks😂. I'm SO thankful to the older moms who were in my life when I was a young mom, and glad you sought help when needed! Seriously, folks like us will be encouraging young moms in the years to come. THAT's probably why humanity made it this far 😅!
@@bitrudder3792❤❤❤
I love your content and your encouragement for each person to seek the right balance and simplicity for them, not in a standard form. You keep your kitchen stuff!
Honestly, changing priorities makes sense at different stages of life. Just because tidying isn’t her focus right now doesn’t mean she’s just let it all go. I will always be grateful for her…since reading her book, I have never again had to search for my keys, purse, jacket or shoes. And that has made a huge difference for me. And I keep watching channels like yours to keep finding the tips and ideas that work for my situation. I don’t understand why everyone has to be 0 or 100….cause there’s a lot of numbers in between!
It's sad really like she is not allowed to develop as a person with changing circumstances and therefore, new goals. Also It seems obvious that she was being judged the whole time because we seem very excited to "catch" her doing something different as if it means she's admitting she didn't know what she was doing before. She did know and now she knows more. She has helped millions and millions of people while making a living for herself and she's done it with a lot of grace, humility, and kindness. So we can leave her alone. She also seems to represent Japan well. Her teachings have never been surprising to me because she comes from a culture that is proud, family and home oriented, embraces order and simplicity because the cities are so crowded. If Japanese people were all filthy the country would crumble because there's literally no room for mess there.
As for Kondo's methods I never really embraced them all for myself but I think that's okay. She's entitled to promote her ideas as a system and I'm entitled to pick them apart and use what works for me. Her results speak for themselves.
I just heard about this through Instagram when I woke up this morning. All I can say is: people gotta give her a break!! She's got three (3!!!!) children. Of course she has to dedicate time to them and readjust her daily routine/thinking. It doesn't mean she won't return when the kids have grown. She didn't even have to say anything... It was very honest and vulnerable of her. Bless!
Seriously 🤭 people get so "offended" by the weirdest things. Love ya, Kaye xxx
Agree with everything you said in this video, Kay. People really hold others to impossible standards. It's very unlikely any human will hold the same priorities and values for their entire life, and especially so after a huge change like having multiple children! Also, people quit jobs all the time, and you don't see me yelling at them like "Well, you were never an actual coffee lover or else you never would have quit being a barista!" What a strange way to react.
Love Marie Kondo & her gracious advice. I felt like her suggestions were sound, she advocated easy solutions & a mindset to adopt IF you wanted to declutter & let objects go. She didn’t insist you had to do things as she did. She just shared the HOW of her approach.
Each season of life is different & she has pivoted her approach for that. Makes sense to me.
“The lost art of nuance” … So true!
Ever since her show came out, she's been my muse, lol. My mom and I love organizing and I when I first saw her, I was like, she gets it. (She finally taught me and my ancestors how to fold a fitted sheet!) She totally let her clients do what they needed and cheered them on. The before/afters were not super dramatic like on other shows. The contrast to the Minimalist guys was perfect - they're judging, they haven't said a new thing in 10 years, but they're still gurus? Nah. The Home Edit girls do nothing for me. Marie's advice is the most practical and real.
I read her book in 2015 and it was the first time I followed an approach to decluttering. The change in my mindset was even bigger than the change in my home. I will always be grateful for her approach and think that being a person who adapts to the realities of life makes me love her more, not less.
Marie Kondo's book changed my life. Her process helped me figure out how to embark upon the - at first - intimidating process of decluttering. In the end, I got rid of around ¾ of my possessions (including 60kg of paperwork!) which in turn helped me step into the next phase of my life. She's now moved on to the next phase of her life, which she's entitled to do. I wish her well.
Leave it to the Twitter mob to take a quote out of context and then come for you hard. As a mom of 3 myself, I think she’s 💯 making healthy adjustments to her life. I bet she hasn’t completely abandoned being tidy, it’s just not her main focus/priority in this season of her life. Good for her!
I’ve had massive arguments with people over the years about Marie Kondo’s methods - mostly based on them watching the Netflix series and not bothering to read the book, which explains her methods much more effectively than the tv show did.
I don’t have a problem with her re-adjusting her life in light of having had 3 children. All people’s lives change when they have kids and that’s ok. We all re-evaluate our priorities once these screaming, helpless things arrive.
My living room is, as far as I’m concerned, decluttered. Most people would disagree if they looked at the two walls lined with bookcases that are filled with books (and that’s just Science Fiction and Fantasy, plus our DVDs and CDs). But each of those books still spark joy. I’ll continue to do me and you do you. I’ll never be a minimalist, but my life can be what _I_ define as “Clutter Free”.
I loved watching Marie Kondo. Didn’t read the book; this Lady should not be condemned for being a sensible Mum. Watching you Kay, Alejandra Costello, and Marie Kondo have given me so many great ideas…we all change and grow. ⭐️
Why did I subscribe to your channel, Kay? Because of your gentle, encouraging way of reminding us to be ourselves and leave others alone. Oh, and I enjoy your content, and enjoy seeing Clover James appearances. Continue being you, please.
Yes! Everyone, stay out of her kitchen. It makes her happy!!! ❤
As a fellow soprano who organizes for a living (I'm an archivist) I gotta say - preach! Every word of this was necessary. I was absolutely shocked when I heard that "minimalist" influencer call cluttercore mental illness, an irresponsible and cruel statement on several levels. Can we all just be compassionate and stay in our own lane? You don't know what other people are grappling with in their lives. And people - stop confusing being organized with being minimalist - they are completely unrelated. You can have an antiseptic-looking space with closets bursting with who knows what, or a space filled with decor pieces and life tools that all have a home and a meaning to you. Thank you for the lovely video!
Love this. Perfection is not attainable, but striving for better is the goal. I really hate how people can criticize others. Marie gave us methods to try. If it works for them great. I personally feel like my life flows better when items in my home have a designated spot
As a mom of six (five with special needs), I completely get wanting and needing to put your kids first-above tidying up. When I first read her book, I loved the things it offered, but also realized she likely did not have any kids. I did my research, and sure enough she didn’t have any kids when she wrote her amazing book. (If you’ve ever had toddlers and preschoolers running about and school age children coming home and needing help with homework, you know how impossible and improbably a massive declutter all at once is).
Still the concepts she teaches about keeping the things you love and acknowledging the joy you once had from older items you’re ready to part with are sound. While my high chair didn’t spark joy, it helped me feed my babies. When my youngest outgrew the need for a high chair, I joyfully passed it on to someone in need. I can recognize that some of my belongings once brought me joy, but no longer serve me in this space and time in my life, and I can share my abundance with someone else.
Thank you for defending her and pointing out that organization is a spectrum. When my kids were younger, organization meant primarily organizing our time, meals kids clothes, and having a place for the blocks, cars, doll stuff and other toys by general category. It meant a chore chart that often meant the house did not look perfect because it was more important to teach them responsibility and how to contribute to the home. Now that they are older it means going through paperwork and memories and only keeping what they want to remember from their youth. It means having homes for our belongings, and if they don’t fit we edit and declutter. It is a growth process for all of us, and it will change as you and your circumstances change.
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I like that you are becoming more confident in expressing your opinions on this channel. I also like the new editing tidbits (transitions, etc., I don't know what it's called 😆). Anyway, I'm here for the long haul 'cause I think you're great 👍
Well said! I’m always amazed at how cruel and critical people can be on social media. They have no filter when it comes to what they say. I always am curious if they are so judgmental IRL. I love watching your organizing tips. A key thing I learned from you is don’t by random storage containers..even if they are cute 😂. And determine size and quantity…the details of what you need first. Brilliant! That was a game changer for me. I can’t lie, I do love Clover. He is just too stinkin’ cute.
So wise! I go on very grateful to Marie Kondo and few others whose methods helped me to live 80% better than before. 👍👏👏👏⚘
I absolutely love this video! I had not heard that she was taking it easy for a while, but I’m glad she is making her children her priority! As a mom of 3, now all grown, there was a huge difference between having a baby at 21, then having a third baby at 31! I took time off from everything when that last one came! Including my job! Good for her!
I love your content, your honesty, your heart ♥️. I am a born organized person, always have been. But I still need help and learn from others. My sisters always teased me unmercifully because I use the alphabet for organizing. For EVERYTHING! I can’t stand for things to be out of order!
Keep up the good work! Blessings to you and your family.
Wow! Seriously?! Marie Kondo is great. I love her. And your videos…..chef’s kiss. I really enjoy watching them and going through your moving journeys with you. I’m not convinced this house is your forever home, but I could be wrong. 😊
Agreed. I love Marie Kondo & I love Kay! Hugs, love & chef's kisses to both😘
Marie Kondo’s method is amazing and transformed my home!
So basically she is just moving along the tidy spectrum because family is more important than perfection…
I’m retired and it’s just me and my husband. I watch a lot of organizing and downsizing videos. I implement what feels right for me. It is fun to go through my stuff and purge. My kitchen got organized. I ditched my ancient bedroom dresser and gained space and now use cute cubes for storing my clothes in my closet. I have streamlined my cleaning products and tools. I think I have made many positive changes and yet you will often find a dishpan of dirty dishes that couldn’t go in the dishwasher sitting on the floor tucked under my island. I’m ok with that. They get done eventually. ❤
Sounds wonderful! Enjoy your new life phase 💜
So good to recognize that organization (and even minimalism) is a spectrum, and let people decide where they want to be on that spectrum. And let people keep what they want to keep (you keep your kitchen gadgets!) I love what Dana K White/ A Slob Comes Clean says… “you can keep anything, you just can’t keep everything. Let the container be the bad guy… the container decides how much you can keep.”
Kay, thank you for sharing the link to the article. Was not aware of the hub bub. Thank you for being so kind and supportive, not just with this, but always. Love when you say “you do you.” I will never understand the need of some people to be so negative on social media. Often wonder if they would make the same comments in person. My take on Marie Kondo was that she suggested we only keep items that we love or that serve our life. To me tidy is not perfect, just organized to my liking.
I love the Marie Kondo books. She has every right to relax in her own home. Just because she backs off the tidying a little, doesn’t mean she’s throwing in the towel. Her home is likely still more organized than most.
I try to take the manageable ideas from your organizing videos and others, but I try not to dwell on the things I don’t manage to get done. I work full time, and I’m a wife and mother of a young adult with special needs. I have learned to appreciate the small wins.
I was a hot mess. I didn’t use her method, I used a little bit of wisdom from a few different sources, but I do recommend her method of folding ! I also think she’s very restful to watch and she helps to inspire people to do something!❤❤.
I love Marie Kondo. I did my clothing six years ago using her message, and everything has stayed neat and tidy since then. We did books--ditto. Papers--ditto. Komono--I'm still working on that. 😊
Many folks need someone to help them turn their homes into functional and pleasing, welcoming spaces, FOR THEM. To heck with the opinions of others, I say. Your home should be your refuge. I now live in my studio, since my apartment is tiny. I have had to make peace with that, as a busy calligraphy, art and music studio is terribly dynamic!!!! But through your organizing videos, I am getting such inspiration to just do things better, store like with like, reuse and repurpose as much as I can. My intention and aim is to get things organized, and ordered; functional yet aesthetically pleasing to ME. I am almost there, thanks to folk like you, Kay! I hope I never lose my teachable spirit, that I always will welcome and enjoy and learn from dear people like you. How is sweet little Clover doing?
As you said , what people feel the need to put out there is more often a reflection of where they are in their lives, their level of fear, depression, desperation then it is about the person they are belittling. I often SMH and send up a prayer for them! I wish Marie well as she enjoys this season of her life.
I hadn’t heard about it but it totally makes sense. She’s in a different season of life now. People are ignorant. And that won’t change.
Your videos have gotten sooo good by the way. Been meaning to tell you that.
Amen sister ‼️. You summed it up quite nicely
I also feel she is getting a bad rap. Hope she has a happy life. I’ve not followed you for long but so enjoy the videos. So down to earth and non threatening. You’ve helped so very much. Thank you
To everything there is a season. She brought awareness and peace of mind to millions regarding organization. When priorities change you have to monitor and adjust that's life. Wish her well. Tfs
Great video Kay. I heard about this randomly from a Trader Joe’s employee just last night in response to a joke I made. Glad I got the summary from you. It is too bad how much society lacks nuance. Happy for Marie, appreciate her transparency and modeling adaptation. I first heard about her in 2014 working as a retail stylist when a customer came in inspired by Marie’s book to update her wardrobe. I bought the book, watched the series and have implemented her philosophy the best I can. No regrets. Hope she’s not negatively impacted by the naysayers.
I'm also a professional organizer. I expected the backlash because people like to latch on to the negative. They don't like being compared to an idea or process they themselves can't obtain in their own homes. I'm hoping it doesn't affect the industry negatively or those that want to get organized. I think she has a very positive way of approaching getting organized . I appreciate what she's done for the industry and I hope to see more from her.
There were parts of Kondo's book that did feel stronger than suggestions, so I'll admit I felt a little relief when she made that comment about letting strict tidiness go. I feel bad about the backlash but I appreciate her willingness to share this, as someone who wants to but struggles to tidy up or organise. :)
I love Marie kondo. Her strategies for organization have been extremely useful for helping us to keep our home organized. Our entire family has benefited.
Thank you so much for this! I appreciate your nuanced take on organization, neatness, and Marie Kondo. I think a lot of people felt/feel threatened by her because they are defensive about their 'stuff'' and it easier to think that's she's telling them to get rid of things that they are genuinely attached to than to look around and realize how many things they have that they don't care about and aren't serving them but for some reason they find difficult to get rid of.
As a fellow cook, I love your kitchen! And glad you discovered the Dash egg cooker-I’ve been using mine for years😉
I would like to build a small shrine to that egg cooker to be honest 😂
I want that egg cooker so bad. 🥺Soon… soon…
I've gotten rid of so much stuff. Organizing my home. Kitchen is the hardest. So many things I use! I'm far from a minilist. It's an ongoing process. Hadn't heard about Marie Kondo. But having had 4 kids, I completely understand!
You have given a great positive outlook on organizing. It is so individual and personal needs. Organizing is not about perfection, it about peace.
You are such a kind person. I really appreciate your content on this channel.
“Get outa my kitchen”!!! 😂 I hear ya sis!
In the extra of her show her husband said she actually preferred to be at home with her (at the time 2) children, not out doing show appearances, ect. so this makes perfect sense. She is telling the world I am focusing on what I've always wanted, my family and children, instead of other people's homes and lives. Way to go Kondo!
Thank you Kay for this dialogue regarding organizing. You are so thoughtful and kind with your words.
Marie Kondo certainly helped a lot of people globally. Blessings to she and her family as she shifts her focus to her children.
I find it refreshing to have found a organizer channel that isn't minimalistic, I'll never be that girl with a perfect home and a few items. I'm sure some people would even call me a kitchen gadgets & things horder, but I love to cook and bake and I don't see a point in removing pans etc that I love to use. I might use them rarely but in periods I use it a lot.
I love my airfryer, my multicooker, my breadmaking machine, my kitchen blender etc so you got full support from me! I am still amazed over all your spices but more in the way I want to know what food you make. I got one of those foldable trendy baskets /crates where I store all my spices cause I don't have enough cabinet - drawer space, and I am around 15 spices now?
I did a Marie Kondo cleanse in 2017 and it was really great for me - us, my partner joined in and did his wardrobe and helped me carry everything out of my things too. I think I disposed off more than 50 pounds of papers, it felt amazing to go from a kallax full of papers to just using one of those little square holes. I've declutted glas decorations and given them away and it felt amazing. I now only put up th ings that makes me smile, I'm sure some ppl will never understand how a cute Hello Kitty popfigurine or a baby yoda can make me more happy than fancy designer items. But they spark joy and it's all that matters to me.
I'm rambling but just wanted you to know that your channel helps, so does the Kondo methods even if she stops promoting it. Good on her for promoting her family for now, I'm sure she still does the kondo in her entire home.
What a great video!! I enjoyed hearing your perspective on this and 100% agree with you about nuance and how it seems to be gone now in so many areas. I admit my cousin and I had a bit of a chuckle when Marie Kondo said she was not going to be tidying her house so much now but we both like her and would never think or say mean and toxic things about her. It made us laugh because we both tried to Konmari our homes back in 2016 but could never get it done or keep up with the organization, but the fact is that it just didn't work for us and has nothing to do with her. We both had extremely neat mothers (who were sisters) but apparently that gene skipped a generation with us 😄 I could never understand why people said she was promoting a minimalist lifestyle when she specifically says in her first book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, that if something sparks joy for you, you should go ahead and keep it and make room for it. She never said to throw out all your books or any specific category at all.
I love my kitchen gadgets too!! I know that all you really need is a good chef knife and cutting board, but....kitchen gadget obsession means you like to play and make good food!
I really appreciate your take on this. So many of the smaller influencers really want to rub her nose in it. Other women who have benefitted from her paving the way. It's very sad to see.
Thank you for pointing out, that there are nuances. I get many suggestions like you on my home channel as well, and my internal reaction is the same. Stay out of my kitchen and hobbies. I love having books, craft tools and I operate my business from home. So yes, there are going to be things in my home that some people see as redundant. Marie Kondo helped me declutter so much during a hard time and it really helped me sort things externally and internally. It breaks my heart to see how unrespectful people are to her. She is such a kind person and doesn't deserve it.
Also, why do so many people think that minimalism is the goal for everyone on the internet?
Slowly I have been doing getting organized and before I found your channel I used mostly Kondo's method. She never said to toss everything. I enjoy your vlogs. I am one who uses all the tools, spices, etc in my kitchen, I can 't cook with out some of them. It is ok if the house falls apart at times, we have methods now to get it back together. There is a place for each item. Kondo's and your methods are suggestions. The take away is we now have ideas to use in our own space (home). Thank you..... Sad there are trolls out there.
Couldn’t agree more, Kay. Excellent video!
I never got minimalism as something Marie Kondo preached. I could be wrong because I have not watched her shows or read her books. But her spark joy idea is great.
It was watching your videos however that changed the way I look at home organization. One concept in particular- organization is never one and done. It is ongoing. So that means that when things get out of order it’s not the end of the world.
Hopefully she is teaching her kids how Marie Kondo. Tidying is good for them.
I totally understand her mindset! My house is minimalist EXCEPT for my kids things. Yes my living room is a basic color hellscape that I’m not super into but they love it. The toys and equipment won’t be around forever, I’m letting them enjoy it.
What a sincere and balanced commentary! Growth is what recharges us - I think your positive take on the issues of Marie, decluttering and joy is refreshing and much needed. Love, from South Africa
Kay, your kindness is beautiful (as always). 🥰 I am off all other social media, so this is new to me. There are different seasons in life and I am happy for Marie Kondo prioritizing time with children. Thank you for creating this positive, wholesome video.
Exactly! " leave my kitchen alone, I am tearing it up in the kitchen" Best words I have heard in today's " live poor" attitude. People need to mind their own business about how someone chooses to keep and use their possessions. You go! Perfect! Applause! I will watch more of you because of that great comment. Glad I found your channel. I am tired of being told I can't organize unless I act homeless or from a 3rd world country.. I love the American dream, not the transient dream. Thank you
Yet another great video from you, I really like your take on things. I hope Marie Kondo just enjoys her life with her family and ignores whatever is being said if it isn´t supporting. In the organising videos people often talk about being in a certain season of life and now she is in a different place than few years ago. She is such a lovely woman and I think most people wishes nothing but happiness for her.
What Marie Kondo actually said was that she quit tidying **every day**. She didn't say that she quit altogether, but with the reading comprehension problems that are the norm today, everyone took it that way and started freaking out. 🤦♀️
You are a wonderful breath of fresh air and voice of reason in what has become an unreasonable world. We are all different in the way we live our private lives in our own homes…as it should be. Marie Kondo is has demonstrated exceptional integrity as she is adapting her priorities to her ever changing life. Being the mother of 3 young children is her priority and I, for one, am happy for her and her family! I’m pretty sure she will maintain a perfectly reasonable, comfortable and JOY filled home as she builds a wonderful life with her husband and children. Well done Marie Kondo!
The fact that people can turn toxic for whatever reason on the internet really shows that the ought to spend more time doing inner cleansing... Thanks for bringing kindness and reason to the conversation!
I’m with you re: my kitchen gadgets and my cookbooks! My gadgets and cookbooks make me happy - and I use them. We all need to do what’s good for us.
I originally heard the book thing through other people's reactions. Being a librarian and book lover, I follow people who are the same, so when people took it out of context and went nuts, I freaked at first too, but then I watched her show and understood it more like you said, she just says only have a few books if books don't bring you joy. I feel terrible about all the mean reactions she's gotten over the years and now, it's totally understandable that playing with her kids brings her more joy and that's what she's been about the whole time! Focusing on what brings you joy! I'm happy for her. I am so appreciative of all your videos, tips, insight, and friendship (plus Clover!) and am so glad that Marie Kondo content brought me to you!
I love your view on it! You give a perfectly reasonable explanation for her statement!
This was a fabulous video! Thank you 😘MK has a very unique style. I enjoyed her show because I loved to see how she interacted with the space and the people. She encouraged people to think of their things differently. From her quote, it sounds to me like she is giving up on her "level of tidy" that she maintained for herself. She is not turning around and becoming a "maximalist!" I am sure her home is still amazingly clutter free but there are some toys on the floor. I love what you said about it being a spectrum. I agree with you 💯 (I just did t know it until this video). PS You are famous in my world ❤️❤️ love to Clover 🍀
Oh, and long before MK there was Hellen Buttigig and her show NEAT (Canadian) I watched that show over and over and learned so much from her.
YES! To ALL the things-you are on-point. Our spaces are unique to each person. We all need to “do you” and get out of other’s “do you”.
There are seasons of life. I had a different life when I was newly married and a working professional. It changed when I became a mom of 3 children and pets. It changed constantly through the ages and stages of my family. Now we are empty nester but have been taking care of senior parents, winding down our working lives and are grandparents. Life will hang more as we become older and need care. CHANGE is the word that describes human life. And you do you is also important to healthy living. If things are not making you happy than you need a change. I like things neat and orderly but have had times where do to health or life events it has not been as possible. I have reached out to friends and helped them when they have needed help and they have helped me. Sometimes you need grace and sometimes you give it. Yeah to Marie Kondo for changing with the seasons of life to give to those she raising. That is what being a parent is all about. I laughed when you said to leave your kitchen gadgets alone. Mine is don't touch my sewing room. I declutter once in awhile to give myself order and peace but it is my room. Also we have sent all our kids stuff to them. They are adults and can decide what they want to keep.
I'm happy for Marie Kondo and glad I have unlimited access to her works!!!
During the pandemic, I kondo'd my clothes, my linen closet, and my kitchen linens. I was able to consolidate all my folded clothing into a 5 drawer Elfa system, whereas before, my clothes were stored in 3 separate places. I was able to turn the mess of a linen closet into a tidy system, and I was able to store my kitchen linens in half the space and everything is tidy and easy to find. She transformed how I store my clothes and linens, freeing up space, and making it easier to find things.
I am currently following her method so that I can in fact do exactly what she is doing now, being able to enjoy time with her family because her home only contains those things that spark joy. Her announcement for me anyway seems like a natural progression of her process. Get to the life you want within your home and then enjoy it!
Love this response! Everyone needs grace to shift priorities as their lives evolve. You are absolutely correct to clarify the misunderstandings. And your kitchen items are awesome - they clearly spark joy for you! 😊
Love This!!! you are so eloquent and Gentle with the telling.. Thank you