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Oct 15, 2023

Marie Kondo shares 24 life

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Marie Kondo's signature phrase is deceptively simple: "Discard anything that doesn't spark joy."

The Japanese host of the aptly titled new series "Sparking Joy," premiering Tuesday on Netflix, has inspired millions around the globe to refocus their lives, starting with organizing their homes — but now she's digging deeper.

"True joy comes from within," Kondo, 36, told The Post. "To cultivate a joy-sparking relationship with yourself, you must first take the time and energy to really get to know yourself and imagine your ideal lifestyle."

She recommends asking yourself three tough questions: Who are you, what do you want and how do you want to live?

"Be as detailed as possible on your morning routine, how you want to spend time relaxing at home or time with your loved ones," she said. "This critical step will help you understand what truly brings you joy."

So, let's address the elephant in the room. How exactly does Kondo achieve this level of self-reflection? She said it all started with the self-founded system made internationally famous by her first Netflix series, 2019's "Tidying Up."

"The KonMari Method is a method of tidying that uses a unique selection criterion — choosing what sparks joy," recapped Kondo, who launched her consulting business when she was a 19-year-old university student in Tokyo, leading to her bestselling book, ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," in 2014. "It encourages tidying by category – not by location — beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono [miscellaneous items] and, finally, sentimental items."

Kondo famously — some might say infamously — only keeps items that light a fire in her heart, while eliminating those that no longer ignite the spark. "When you discard, thank them for their service, then let them go," she told The Post. "This method is not only effective in ensuring you will never again relapse to clutter, but also in resetting your life so you can surround yourself with the people and things that you love the most."

Kondo said her new Netflix series "builds on the foundations of the KonMari Method and applies them outside the home to relationships, businesses and communities … viewers can witness the positive impact and the ripple effect that tidying can have on people's lives both inside and outside of their homes."

However, don't get the wrong idea: Just because Kondo promotes decluttering and a minimalist lifestyle doesn't mean she's not a giver. She finds joy in gift-giving.

"Gifts are a means of conveying your feelings for someone," she said "Keep the person in your heart when choosing what item to give them and think about their lifestyle." She also recommends considering their daily routine, the size of their home and their hobbies to help you narrow it down.

"If you can imagine the recipient holding the item and sparking joy and it reminds you of the other person in a positive way, you’ve found your perfect gift," she added.

To help you find the ideal, joy-inducing gift, Kondo shared with us her top 19 items that bring grace, light and happiness into one's home. Read on to hear why her most recommended selections make the most versatile and unique gifts to shop for any occasion.

"Furoshiki are a staple in Japanese households," Kondo said. "These vibrant and sturdy squares of fabric are reusable and can be used for wrapping, carrying and storing everyday items."

"The right tools make for a joyful job," Kondo said. "These Garden Scissors are made in Japan from premium carbon steel and are a major upgrade from the office scissors you may have been using to trim your flower stems."

"We partnered with Japanese dining and tableware brand, Takenaka, to create a sustainable bento box that is perfect for work lunches, school snacks or a joyful picnic in the park," Kondo said. "Not only is this double-layer bento BPA and lead-free, microwaveable and dishwasher safe but it also lets you keep your meals tidy and organized."

"This generously-sized bowl features a traditional Shino glaze in milky white and gray and comes with a wooden box," Kondo shares. "I love sipping matcha for a sustainable boost of energy throughout the day while still feeling balanced."

"I love these traditional Japanese rice bowls — they’re also the perfect size for ice cream!," Kondo said. "Made in Japan, these curvaceous bowls are designed beautifully for easy scooping."

"These unscented hand-dipped candles are made in the U.S. and burn without dripping or smoking," Kondo shares. "When hosting, I love adding these to my table to create a joyful atmosphere for my guests."

"These elegant stoneware dinner plates will make every meal feel a little more special," Kondo said. "Handmade in Hasami, Japan, each plate is designed to stack easily with its kin so cabinet storage will look neat and tidy."

This 24-Piece Elephant Jigsaw Puzzle is one of Kondo's favorites for less than $20. The richly colored elephant and landscape design is a lovely step-up from traditional puzzles, while teaching your children to flex their problem-solving skills.

My first-ever children's book, ‘Kiki & Jax,’ is the perfect gift to inspire your kids to tidy, Kondo shares. "My goal when writing this book was to simplify the KonMari Method™ by incorporating the fundamentals into an endearing story with charming illustrations so kids will love it."

As another one of Kondo's favorites, this Grasshopper Kendama Wooden Toy is "addictively fun," with trying to catch the ball in one of the cups as the goal of the game.

"This colorful and educational game can improve your child's dexterity, hand-eye coordination and strengthen the muscles needed for writing," Kondo said. "As they move the oversize beans from bowl to table and back again, your kids will enjoy practicing simple arithmetic and building up their counting skills."

"What better way to inspire your kids to tidy and encourage creativity than by playing with toys?" Kondo said. "This house-shaped wooden block set starts out as a tidy home and opens up to reveal a world of endless stacking, sorting and designing possibilities."

Plus, the pre-drawn grid on the inside of the house "makes it clear where to put each shape back – returning every piece to its rightful place is as much fun as taking them out," she adds.

"Almost every space in my home has Hikidashi boxes – they serve as a resting place for my cherished items," Kondo said. "Try using these simple and elegant boxes in your dressers to divide space or in shelves to create mini drawers."

"The KonMari Method™ Fundamentals of Tidying Course is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving," Kondo shares. "I guide you through my tidying method in a 10-lesson series – with folding demonstrations and checklists to help you along the way."

Going along with Kondo's online course, this nine-compartment-encased storage box is the perfect solution to tidying up miscellaneous items, following the KonMari Method™.

"I always suggest separating papers into three sub-categories: ones you must keep, ones that are in use, and ones that spark joy," Kondo said. "This paper vault was not only designed with your very important papers in mind – from birth certificates and deeds to love letters and pre-K art projects, but also makes an elegant addition to any shelf."

"Made in the Japanese city of Tokoname, this stone diffuser was created using the traditional pottery techniques the town is known for," Kondo shares. "To use, I apply a few drops of my favorite essential oil and the diffuser slowly fills the room with a beautiful calming aroma."

"Adopting the Japanese custom of removing your shoes before coming inside is an easy way to keep your tidied space clean and germ-free," Kondo said. "Made from Sasawashi fabric – an anti-pill blend of breathable washi paper and antibacterial, odor-absorbing kumazasa plant fibers – these slippers are ultra-comfortable and can be worn all year round."

"Striking this KonMari tuning fork against the clear quartz crystal creates pure tones that are believed to help restore a sense of balance," Kondo said. "I use this combo every day to reset, begin my workday and end my workday with a simple ritual."

"I love this vintage-inspired sweatshirt because it's the perfect reminder to choose joy," Kondo shares. "This comfy essential is made from sustainable fabric and goes perfectly with our matching joggers for the ultimate work-from-home look."

"Dinner at home is a cherished part of my daily ritual," Kondo said. "This elegant brass stand — featuring an adaptable shelf to hold a cookbook or a tablet — enhances my cooking experience by making it easy to see recipes at a glance."

"Sake, a time-honored Japanese rice ‘wine,’ acts as a delicious reminder of mindfulness and patience through its unique brewing process," Kondo said. "This kit includes everything you need to brew a gallon of sake and invites you to embrace a new hobby that engages all sense."

Plus, you must "be prepared for the many beautiful conversations that take place when a few glasses are shared between friends and family," she adds.

"Soft and oil-rich, hinoki is easy on knives, naturally antimicrobial and mold-resistant – sushi chefs, in particular, swear by it," Kondo said. "This stunning slab was cut from a single, solid piece of hinoki and contains no glues, additives or other icky substances."

"Made from carbon steel, this wok is perfect for high-heat cooking and has been tempered and blasted to create a naturally nonstick surface," Kondo shares. "You can cook with ease knowing that your wok will never chip or peel."

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