Konmari Folding Secrets: Decluttering Techniques for 2024

Are you looking for the best way to fold your clothes? Or trying to tidy and organize your closets and drawers? Then, the KonMari folding method is for you.

Minimalists everywhere love Marie Kondo for making minimalist living more mainstream. She’s made it more acceptable – she may have even hooked you on minimalism in the first place! 

Marie Kondo first introduced her folding method in her best-selling book. Every minimalist should own a copy of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. 

And then, Marie Kondo hit our screens on Netflix to show people how to clear out their homes. She recommends only keeping sentimental items that spark joy and getting rid of the rest. (Check out my article if you need decluttering tips!) 

But you need to incorporate her famous folding method into your lifestyle! With a few simple folds, you can transform your closets and make your clothes neater than ever. 

So, let’s take a closer look at why you need to start folding clothes like Marie Kondo! Then, I’ll share step-by-step guides on KonMari shirt folding and the art of organizing.

Why You Should Use the Konmari Folding Method for Your Clothes

You might wonder what makes the KonMari folding method so effective.

Or how is it different from regular folding? And why do you need to learn a whole new system for folding clothes?

But trust me, you can take a lot of wisdom from Marie Kondo folding clothes. 

With a KonMari shirt folding, you’ll notice a big difference. For each item of clothing, you’ll end up with a tiny little rectangle. It should stand up on its own and take up much less space in the closet.

Then, you can stand them in a row within the drawer so you can see every item with a glance. That makes finding anything so much easier than having them stacked on top of each other. 

You’ll get dressed quicker in the morning if you don’t have to hunt around for a specific shirt. Plus, it’s easier to put together stylish outfits when you can see what will work well together.

And if you fold your clothes correctly, you can cut down on creases and wrinkles. Wave goodbye to ironing every day to get ready for work! 

You can even save money, as you won’t forget what you already own and buy duplicates. (At this point, I recommend decluttering any clothes you don’t love!)

Marie Kondo recommends folding as many of your clothes as possible. That’s because it takes up a lot less space than hanging them. When you follow these instructions, you’ll see how many shirts or sweaters you can fit in one drawer.

That’s especially helpful for minimalists who want to cut down on their furniture, too. You won’t need as many bulky closets or chests of drawers. 

So, you can create more white space in your minimalist bedroom, and it won’t feel cluttered.

Finally, you’ll feel more gratitude for the clothes you own. You’ll enjoy getting dressed, and the laundry won’t feel like so much of a chore anymore.

How to Follow the KonMari Folding Method 

Now you’re familiar with all the benefits of the KonMari method. So, it’s time to jump in and learn how to fold clothes like Marie Kondo! 

The instructions can sound a little confusing on their own. So, we’ll add images and videos to ensure you understand each step. 

And once you’ve got it, it’s super simple. Do it a few times, and it will come to you naturally. This method is sure to keep your closets spick and span. So, let’s get into it! 

How to Fold Shirts like Marie Kondo

Here’s how to fold shirts following the KonMari method! I’ll cover T-shirts and long-sleeved T-shirts, so you know exactly how to do it! 

One little note on folding any shirt: Always start with the item face down. 

That way, you’ll be able to see the design when it’s folded away. It will make it easier to find in your drawer, so you won’t get mixed up between different shirts. 

Folding T-Shirts in the KonMari Way

Follow these instructions to fold your T-shirts like Marie Kondo:

1. First, start by laying the T-shirt sideways on the bed or surface.
2. Then, divide the T-shirt lengthwise into three equal sections with imaginary lines. You’ll fold the T-shirt along these lines for an accurate and neat result. 
3. Start with the side closest to you. Take it and fold it across the center, so it meets the second imaginary line. 
4. Next, take the side farthest from you and fold it into the center, over the fold you just made.
5. Then, take the shirt at the neckline and fold it almost to the bottom – but leave a space of 3-4 inches here. Don’t miss this gap – it’s essential for a clean fold! 
6. Take the new top edge again, and fold it in thirds or halves. You should end up with a neat little rectangle.
7. Now you can stack it folded side down in your drawer!

Folding Long-Sleeved T-Shirts in the KonMari Way

Folding a long-sleeved T-shirt is very similar to a short-sleeved T-shirt. Here’s how to do it:

1. When folding a long-sleeved T-shirt, start just like a regular T-shirt.
2. Take the left side and fold it across towards the middle. 
3. Then, lay the sleeve out across the center and over the other sleeve
4. Now, fold the left sleeve back on itself until it meets the outer left edge. Then, fold it back on itself again so it fits neatly within the rectangle.
5. Finally, fold the left sleeve down. It should lay along the left-hand edge of the rectangle you’ve created by folding the T-shirt.
6. Repeat on the other side, so you have a neat rectangle with both sleeves folded in.
7. Smooth out the shirt and apply some pressure to keep it neat – almost like you’re pressing it down to hold the shape. While you do this, you can focus on how grateful you are for your clothes.
8. Next, fold it down from the neckline towards the bottom. Leave a little gap at the bottom, like with the short-sleeved T-shirt.
9. Make your final folds in half or thirds, and then you can stack it away in your drawer.

How to Fold a Tank Top Following the Konmari Method

Folding a tank top is also very easy. Here’s all you need to know:

1. In your mind, imagine two lines lengthwise along the tank top, dividing it into thirds from top to bottom.
2. Fold in one side until it meets the other line.
3. Then, fold the other side on top of the first fold so you have a thin, neat rectangle. Smooth it down to make it wrinkle-free.
4. Take the top end with the straps and fold it almost in half, leaving a little extra space at the bottom.
5. Finally, fold it again into half or thirds. (You can decide what works best depending on its size).

How to Marie Kondo Fold Pants and Shorts

Of course, you also want to know how to fold your pants and jeans. It’s very simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Lay your pants out flat on the surface.
2. Fold one leg on top of the other.
3. Tuck the crotch in so you have a clean rectangle shape to work with.
4. Take the bottom and fold it up towards the top waistband, leaving a gap of 2-3 inches at the top.
5. Just like with the shirts, fold this final section into halves or thirds. Whatever fits best!
6. Stack it fold-side down in your drawer or closet.

With shorts, you can follow steps 1-4. You may need to add one final fold depending on their size. You can judge this depending on whether they stand up neatly or not. 

How to Put Your Folded Items Away in the Closet

Now you have all your beautifully folded clothes, and it’s time to put them away.

When you come to put them in the closet or drawer, place them with the folded edges down. They should stand up nicely on their own if you’ve followed the instructions carefully. 

If not, you may need to add in a final fold to get a smaller rectangle that won’t collapse. 

Make sure that you put like items together in your closet. For example, you should group your pants together, all your T-shirts together, etc. 

You can even group them by color if you like! Another tip is to use storage baskets for smaller items or where you want to divide larger spaces up. 

Final Thoughts

If you can master the Marie Kondo folding system, you’re sure never to return to your old habits. Instead, you’ll find it much easier to find your clothes and get dressed daily.

It can even help you feel more grateful for the clothes you have, so it’s even good for your mental health. Plus, your clothes will always look neat and tidy.

Have you tried the KonMari shirt folding method, and did it work for you? Let me know in the comments! 

Then, follow me on Pinterest for more minimalist living and interior design tips!