Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

The marie kondo order of decluttering is a fixed sequence of five categories: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items last. Following this order means you handle the easiest decisions first, build your sorting skills, and save the emotionally heavy items for when you are practiced at deciding what to keep. By the end, you will have a clear plan for working through your whole home without starting over halfway.

Why the Order Matters

Kondo’s method works because each category trains a decision-making skill you need for the next one. Clothes are relatively simple to judge: you either wear something or you don’t, and you can hold each item and notice how it feels. Books and papers require more reflection. Komono, which covers kitchen tools, cables, toiletries, and small household goods, is a large and varied group. Sentimental items come last because they carry the strongest attachments, and they are the hardest to release without practice.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Books on Decluttering and Organizings for Every Home (2026).

Skipping ahead tends to backfire. People who start with photos or keepsakes often stall within the first hour, then give up. Working in sequence keeps momentum up and makes the final category feel manageable.

The Five Categories in Order

  1. Clothes. Gather every piece of clothing you own from every room into one place. Hold each item, decide whether it sparks joy, and discard what does not.
  2. Books. Collect all books, including those on shelves, nightstands, and in boxes. Keep titles you genuinely want to reread or reference.
  3. Papers. Gather mail, receipts, manuals, and printed documents. Keep only what you must retain for legal, financial, or active practical reasons. Discard or digitize the rest.
  4. Komono. Work through everything else in a set order: kitchen items, bathroom supplies, electronics and cables, household goods, and so on. Gather each subcategory fully before sorting.
  5. Sentimental items. Finish with keepsakes, souvenirs, letters, gifts, and mementos. By this stage, your sorting instincts are sharp.

Sub-steps for Each Category

  • Pull out every item in the category, even if it is spread across the house.
  • Make one large pile on the floor or a bed so you can see the full quantity.
  • Pick up each item, one at a time, and ask whether it sparks joy.
  • Thank items you release before placing them in a discard or donate bag.
  • Store kept items in a designated place with a clear home.

Decluttering Sequence Checklist

Step Category Done?
1 Clothes (all rooms) ☐
2 Books ☐
3 Papers ☐
4 Komono (by subcategory) ☐
5 Sentimental items ☐

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Starting with sentimental items because they feel urgent. They will drain your energy before you are ready.
  • Sorting one room at a time instead of one category at a time, which leads to duplicate piles and missed items.
  • Treating papers as one task. Sort paper by type, and keep a single folder for documents you truly need.
  • Rushing through komono. Break it into subcategories so you can finish each with a clear sense of progress.
  • Stopping before storage is set up. Give every kept item a home, or the clutter will return.
  • Clear plastic storage bins help you see what you have kept and make it easy to maintain categories. View on Amazon
  • Sturdy donation bags keep discards separate and prevent items from being pulled back out. View on Amazon
  • Small drawer dividers keep komono sorted by subcategory once you have finished. View on Amazon

For more guidance on sorting each category, see Marie Kondo Decluttering List: What to Keep, What to Toss, and in What Order and Marie Kondo Decluttering Tips: A Step-by-Step Guide to Keep Only What Sparks Joy. If you feel stuck partway through, Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 6 Causes and How to Get Past Them covers common roadblocks.

FAQ

Do I have to follow the order exactly?

Kondo recommends the sequence because each category builds decision-making skills for the next. Most people find that following it closely prevents early burnout, though you can adjust if a category is clearly small.

How long does each category take?

Time varies widely depending on how much you own. Clothes and books often take a single focused session, while komono and sentimental items may take several sessions spread over days or weeks.

What if I am stuck on a sentimental item?

Set it aside and return to it later. It is fine to keep items that truly matter to you, and you can revisit the decision once your sorting habits are stronger.

Conclusion

Working through clothes, books, papers, komono, and then sentimental items gives you a clear path through the whole house. Each step makes the next one easier. Take it one category at a time, and give every item you keep a defined home.

Ready to choose one?

Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home organization guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.