konmari categories.

The five basic KonMari categories are Clothing, Books, Papers, Komono (miscellany), and Sentimental. These can be further broken out into the sub-categories below.

You may have fewer or more of these categories, so take a moment to review this against what you have in your own home.

As you joy check each item, pay attention to whether an item is sentimental to you. If you think that it may be, set it aside so that it can be reviewed as part of the final, sentimental category.

clothing.

  • tops (shirts/blouses, tees, sweaters)

  • bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts)

  • dresses

  • pajamas/lounge

  • jackets/coats

  • underwear, socks, and other “inner” items

  • fitness/swim

  • bags

  • shoes

  • accessories

More on Clothing >

books.

  • general books & magazines (books that you read for fun)

  • practical books (reference, business, self-help, travel)

More on Books >

papers.

  • active papers (paper that came into your home recently and needs to be addressed)

  • “sleeping” papers (paper that has been stored away for a long time and is less likely to have immediate to-dos associated with it)

More on Papers >

komono.

Komono, is an umbrella term for the miscellaneous categories that do not fall into the larger categories of Clothing, Books, Paper or Sentimental. Take some time to identify which sub-categories you have in your home before diving in.

When tackling komono, you can go in any order. It can be helpful to start with the sub-categories that are already grouped together, or are easy for you to make decisions on.

stationery/office.

  • Tools (pens, scissors, staplers, etc.)

  • Paper (notebooks, post-its, printer paper, etc.)

  • Letter Writing (postcards, stationery, cards, envelopes, stamps)

media.

  • CDs/DVDs/VHS/Records

  • Video Games 

electronics.

  • Computers & Accessories (printer, keyboard, monitor, etc.)

  • Cell Phones/Tablets & Accessories (headphones, battery packs, etc.)

  • Cameras

  • Game Consoles and Portable Games

  • Cables/Cords

  • Audio/Visual Equipment

  • USB/Memory Cards

linens.

  • Towels

  • Bedding (blankets, sheets)

personal care.

  • Toiletries/Hygiene

  • Skincare/Cosmetics

  • First Aid/Medical

paper consumables.

  • Paper Towels

  • Toilet Paper

  • Tissues

home maintenance.

  • Cleaning 

  • Tools/Hardware

  • Gardening

  • Light Bulbs & Batteries

hobby.

  • Craft/Sewing

  • Outdoor/Sports Gear

  • Photography

  • Collectibles

  • Musical Instruments

special occasions & rituals.

  • Seasonal/Holiday

  • Religious Items

kitchen.

  • Cookware

  • Cooking Tools

  • Cutlery

  • Appliances

  • Baking

  • Food & Lunch Storage

  • Dishware

  • Silverware

  • Glassware

  • Servingware

  • Bar

  • Spices/Oils

  • Pantry

  • Beverages

  • Dishware

  • Tableware

  • Kitchen Linens

emergency.

  • Emergency Kit

  • Food & Water Supply

  • Vital Documents

pet.

  • Toys

  • Bedding

  • Crates/Gear

  • Food

kids.

  • Clothing

  • Books

  • Toys

decor. 

  • Art

  • Wall hangings

  • Tchotchkes

  • Vases

  • Decorative Pillows 

sentimental.

  • personal photos

  • personal cards

  • personal achievements

  • personal memorabilia

  • sentimental items inherited from others (review by sub-category, or by person)