So, are you looking forward to the fresh start a new year brings? I know I am. There’s something so cheerful about the idea of a reset – it feels like turning the page to a blank notebook or taking a long, calming breath. It’s my favorite time to pause, reflect, and consider the possibility of a new beginning.
But then let’s be honest: the start of a new year can also come with a lot of stress. The pressure to set resolutions, finish last year’s unfinished goals, and not “fall behind” can feel overwhelming. But, what if we approached this season differently? For one, instead of rushing to check boxes, we could take a more generous view – one anchored in reflection, kindness to ourselves, and making room for what brings joy and purpose.
A while back, I wrote a post called 12 Life Lessons from Decluttering Like Marie Kondo, where I shared how her method taught me so much more than just tidying up my home. It made me realize that resetting my space and my life can be a joyful process – a chance to focus on what makes me truly happy and let go of what no longer serves me.
As we step into the new year, I think it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. Not so much about making sweeping changes all at once, but about gently creating a life that feels lighter, more intentional, and filled with joy.
With that in mind, I’m sharing 10 of Marie Kondo’s best quotes – not just about tidying, but about embracing a life philosophy that encourages mindfulness and gratitude. My hope is that these quotes inspire you to reflect on what brings you joy and perhaps take the first steps on your own journey. Let’s greet this year with a spark of joy and a welcoming heart!
When you put your house in order, you put your affairs and your past in order, too.
This quote reminds us how the spaces we live in often reflect the state of our lives. When our surroundings are chaotic, it’s no surprise that our thoughts and priorities can feel just as scattered. But when we create order in our physical space, it has a way of rippling outward – bringing a sense of clarity and calm to our daily routines and decisions.
Tidying isn’t just about where things go; it’s a chance to align your environment with the life you want to live. Each drawer tidied and each shelf arranged becomes a small step toward a more focused, intentional way of being.Everytime you create order, you’re not just changing your surroundings – you’re nurturing a mindset that values balance and presence.
When you put your house in order, you’re doing more than just tidying up your surroundings – you’re creating harmony and balance in your life. Each thoughtful act of sorting helps you process your past, align with your present, and clear the path for the future you’re ready to create.
“The process of facing and selecting our possessions can be quite painful. It forces us to confront our imperfections and inadequacies and the foolish choices we made in the past.”
This quote reminds us that decluttering is more than a simple act of organization – it’s a deeply personal process reconnecting with the past. When we sort through what we own, we often confront the choices of our past, including the things we regret or wish we had done differently. It’s not always easy; facing those moments can feel uncomfortable, even painful, as it forces us to acknowledge imperfections, missed opportunities, or unfulfilled intentions.
But there’s power in this process too. By examining these items, we gain clarity about what we really want. It’s not about judging or being self-critical, it’s about relearning and choosing to move forward with greater intention.
Moving forward is a sign of growth – an opportunity to clear both our surroundings and our minds by consciously deciding what to keep.
“There are three approaches we can take toward our possessions: face them now, face them sometime, or avoid them until the day we die.”
This quote challenges us to take an honest look at what we surround ourselves with – and make a choice. As Marie Kondo points out, there are really only three approaches we can take toward our possessions: face them now, face them later, or avoid facing them entirely. The first path – facing them now – requires courage but also brings clarity and freedom. It’s about making deliberate decisions instead of letting things pile up, both physically and emotionally.
When we choose to delay or avoid, the weight of those unmade decisions lingers, whether it’s a cluttered drawer or unresolved feelings tied to the things we own. But when we address it head-on, we reclaim control over our spaces and our lives. Taking that plunge might feel daunting, but it’s also deeply liberating. So, what will you choose to face today?
“Now imagine yourself living in a space that contains only things that spark joy. Isn’t this the lifestyle you dream of?”
This quote really makes you think about the life you want to create, doesn’t it? When you keep only what sparks joy, it’s like clearing away all the clutter that comes in the way of life you are trying to build for yourself.
Reducing the daily friction of managing unnecessary stuff helps you focus with more clarity and energy on the things that truly matter. When you simplify, you make space not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too – opening up room for more meaningful experiences and opportunities in our lives.
“A dramatic reorganization of the home causes correspondingly dramatic changes in lifestyle and perspective. It is life transforming.”
Change doesn’t have to happen everywhere at once but it starts with one bold step. When you commit to transforming a single area of your life completely (and fully), whether it’s your home, your schedule, or your mindset, you’re doing more than just tidying.
You’re proving to yourself that you can take charge and create meaningful change. This process builds self-confidence, showing you that if you can successfully transform one space, you can replicate that success elsewhere.
“It is not our memories but the person we have become because of those past experiences that we should treasure. This is the lesson these keepsakes teach us when we sort them.”
This quote feels like an invitation to return to the present and embrace a growth mindset.
It’s a gentle reminder to align our lives – not just our physical spaces but also our habits, relationships, and thought patterns – with the person we are becoming. Clinging to things or relationships tied to who we once were can sometimes prevent us from fully stepping into who we’re meant to be. Growth isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about evolving from it and making space for the life unfolding in front of us.
Take a moment to reflect: Who are you today, and how can your surroundings and choices mirror that growth? Perhaps it’s time to let go of a habit that feels toxic, donate items from a phase you’ve moved past, or release a self-limiting belief that no longer serves you.
Here’s a simple exercise: Write down one quality or experience you want to invite into your life this year and one thing you’re ready to let go of. Letting go of what no longer fits creates room for what does – and allows you to be fully present in the life you’re building now. Ask yourself: What am I ready to release today, and how will that open space for something better?
“To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose. “
Letting go isn’t about loss – it’s about clarity & making thoughtful choices. Often, we hold onto things – whether objects, routines, or even relationships – because we feel guilty or afraid that letting go might mean we’re being ungrateful or wasteful. But the truth is, releasing what no longer serves you creates room for growth, clarity, and joy. It’s not about dismissing the past but about honoring it and moving forward without unnecessary burdens.
Take a moment to reflect: Is there something in your life you’ve been holding onto out of guilt or fear, even though it no longer feels right for where you are now? Perhaps it’s an outdated dream that no longer excites you, a responsibility you’ve outgrown, or a relationship dynamic that no longer feels balanced.
Choose one thing to release, and let it go with gratitude for the role it played in your life before. By doing so, you’re creating space for new opportunities and experiences that align with who you are today.
“But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.”
This quote encourages us to look below the surface. Sometimes, we focus on external noise – whether it’s a messy room or a busy schedule – because it’s easier than addressing the deeper imbalances in our lives. The real “disorder” might stem from unexamined priorities, unresolved emotions, or a lack of alignment between what we do and what we truly value. Clearing the surface mess is just the first easy step; the real work comes in understanding and addressing its root causes.
Take some time to reflect: Are there areas in your life where surface distractions are keeping you from tackling deeper issues? What emotions, patterns, or unspoken needs might be contributing to the sense of disorder? Ask yourself: What is one small step I can take today to address not just the symptom, but the source of the imbalance in my life? Sometimes, simply acknowledging the deeper source is the beginning of meaningful change.
This drastic change in self-perception, the belief that you can do anything if you set your mind to it, transforms behavior and lifestyles.”
This quote really highlights how tidying can be a catalyst for change in our lives. The moment you start tidying, you’re not just organizing your space – you’re resetting your life. It’s like a signal to yourself that you’re ready for a fresh start. As you begin to make decisions about what stays and what goes, you’re also reflecting on what really matters to you now, not what used to matter.
Tidying forces us to confront the things that no longer serve us and make space for the things that align with who we are becoming. It’s a reminder that every little change we make in our environment can spark bigger changes in how we approach life – giving us the clarity to reset and move forward with intention.
“It’s a very strange phenomenon, but when we reduce what we own and essentially ‘detox’ our house, it has a detox effect on our bodies as well.”
This quote invites us to see tidying as more than a physical act—it’s a way of creating balance and lightness in our lives. The process of letting go of what’s unnecessary or burdensome in our space mirrors a kind of internal cleansing. As we clear away clutter, we release stress, tension, and even the weight of unspoken emotions that can linger in our environment.
Think of it as a ripple effect: by simplifying your space, you naturally create room for clarity and calm in your inner world. Take a moment to notice how your body and mind feel in a clutter-free, open space – it’s not just lighter, but more peaceful. By tending to our surroundings, we’re caring for ourselves too.
As we move into the new year, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on what we want to invite into our lives – and what we might be ready to let go of. Remember, these ideas are not just about clearing clutter but an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters to us right now. Every time we decide to release something that no longer serves us, we’re making space for new opportunities, growth, and peace.
So, take your time this year. Let these little moments of reflection guide you as you sort through what’s really important. Whether it’s a habit, a belief, or even an item, letting go of what’s not needed creates room for what lights you up. Trust the process and be kind to yourself as you make space for a fresh start. You deserve a life that feels clear, joyful, and full of possibility.
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