The KonMari Method vs. The Home Edit
MARCH 3, 2025
If you’ve ever stared at a messy closet and thought, Where do I even start? Lucky for us, two major organizing styles have taken over the internet—Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method and The Home Edit’s rainbow-coded madness. Both are trendy, but they couldn’t be more different.
So, should you declutter like a Zen master or color-code like an Instagram pro? Or maybe… both? Let’s break it down.
The KonMari Method: Keep Only What Sparks Joy
Vibe: Minimalist, peaceful, intentional
Marie Kondo’s philosophy is simple: if it doesn’t spark joy, let it go. Instead of organizing room by room, you sort your stuff by category (clothes, books, random junk, sentimental items). You touch each item, ask yourself if it brings you joy, and if not? You thank it for its service and say goodbye. (Yes, even that one hoodie you never wear but swear you might one day.)
Why People Love It:
- Declutter first, organize later – You won’t waste time arranging stuff you don’t even need.
- Mindful & emotional – It’s not just about tidying; it’s about surrounding yourself with what makes you happy.
- Less stuff, less stress – Your space will feel lighter, calmer, and totally stress-free.
Best for:
- People who want a fresh start and aren’t afraid to let go.
- Anyone who loves a minimalist, clean aesthetic.
- Those who like a little self-reflection with their tidying.
Downside? If you’re super sentimental or have a “just in case” mindset, it can be hard to let go of things. Also, the whole “touch every item” rule? Time-consuming.
The Home Edit: Organizing in Style
Vibe: Fun, stylish, color-coded
The Home Edit (created by Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin) is basically the opposite of KonMari. Instead of asking you to throw things out, it’s all about finding a stylish way to store what you have—think clear bins, labeled containers, and the famous rainbow color-coding system.
Your closet? A ROYGBIV dream. Your pantry? Aesthetic AF with matching containers. Your fridge? Magazine-worthy.
Why People Love It:
- Organizing over decluttering – No pressure to part with things, just store them in a way that makes sense.
- Everything in its place – Bins, labels, and dividers keep things from becoming a disaster again.
- Super aesthetic – Your home will look straight out of a Pinterest board.
Best for:
- People who love structure and color-coded perfection.
- Anyone who wants their space to be organized but still full of personality.
- Those who love a quick and easy way to make a space look polished.
Downside? You’ll need to invest in a lot of storage bins and baskets, and if you don’t keep up with it, your space can easily become chaotic again. Plus, rainbow-ordering everything isn’t always practical.
What If You Use Both?
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to pick just one!
You can declutter like Marie Kondo, then organize like The Home Edit—it’s honestly the best of both worlds.
- Step 1: Declutter with KonMari. Get rid of what you don’t need so you’re not just organizing clutter.
- Step 2: Organize with The Home Edit. Use bins, labels, and color-coding to make everything look gorgeous.
Think of it this way: KonMari helps you reset your space, and The Home Edit makes it look amazing.
So, Which One Works Best?
Love a calm, clutter-free space? Go with KonMari.
Want everything to be stylish and organized? Try The Home Edit.
Want the best of both? Start with KonMari to declutter, then use The Home Edit’s system to organize what’s left!
At the end of the day, there’s no “right” way to organize—it all comes down to what works for you. Maybe you love the idea of living with less, or maybe you just want a fridge that looks straight off TikTok. Either way, your space should work for you, not stress you out.
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