15 min 07 sec

Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life

By Marie Kondo

Transform your daily existence by aligning your physical environment with your inner values. Discover how the Japanese concept of kurashi can turn tidying into a path toward a joyful, intentional life.

Table of Content

Have you ever walked through your front door after a long day and felt an immediate sense of heaviness rather than relief? We often think of our homes as mere containers for our belongings—places where we sleep, eat, and store the artifacts of our busy lives. But what if your home was something more? What if it was a living partner in your journey toward a meaningful existence? In this exploration of Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home, we move beyond the simple mechanics of folding laundry or clearing out closets. We delve into a profound Japanese philosophy that views the home not as a project to be managed, but as a space to be inhabited with intention and grace.

Most people are familiar with the KonMari method as a way to tidy up, but the concept of ‘kurashi’ takes this a step further. It translates roughly to ‘lifestyle,’ yet it carries a much deeper weight. It describes the very act of living—the way we spend our minutes, the rituals we perform, and the atmosphere we cultivate. Kondo suggests that if we can organize our physical surroundings to reflect our truest selves, our entire experience of time and happiness will shift.

Throughout this summary, we will walk through the steps of visualizing your ideal life, learning to listen to the subtle ‘voice’ of your home, and transforming every room into a pocket of inspiration. We’ll see how small changes in how we perceive our possessions can lead to a more spiritual, grounded way of being. Whether you are a minimalist at heart or someone surrounded by sentimental treasures, the throughline here is clear: by mindfully curating your space, you are actually curating your soul’s ideal environment. Let’s begin this journey of turning your four walls into a reflection of your most joyful self.

Discover how the Japanese concept of kurashi shifts the focus from what you own to how you live your life every single day.

Learn why imagining your dream home without limitations is the essential first step to transforming your current reality.

Explore the unique practice of communicating with your home and possessions to foster a deeper sense of connection and gratitude.

A room-by-room guide to optimizing the entryway, living room, and kitchen for maximum happiness and functionality.

Discover how to transform your bedroom and bathroom into restorative retreats that cater to your senses and soul.

Learn how to build sustainable morning routines and schedule moments of pure joy into your busy calendar.

Transform everyday chores into moving meditations and find deep fulfillment in the smallest household acts.

As we conclude this journey through Marie Kondo’s vision of a joyful home, it’s clear that the KonMari method was only the beginning. The concept of kurashi invites us into a lifelong practice of mindfulness and intentionality. It reminds us that our homes are not just physical structures, but the stage upon which our lives unfold. By taking the time to visualize our ideal existence, communicating with our space, and treating our possessions with respect, we bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be.

The throughline of this philosophy is that joy is not a random occurrence, but something we can actively cultivate through our environment and our habits. Every room we enter and every ritual we perform is an opportunity to reinforce our values and our sense of peace. Whether it’s through a dedicated morning routine, a ‘joy niche’ in the bedroom, or a mindful tea break, these small actions compound into a life of deep fulfillment.

Your home is waiting to support you. It wants to be the sanctuary where you can truly be yourself. The transformation doesn’t require a massive renovation or a windfall of wealth; it requires only a shift in perspective. Start today by saying hello to your home, listening to what it needs, and making one small choice that aligns with your ideal kurashi. In doing so, you’ll find that the life-changing magic of tidying up is truly just the first step toward the life-changing magic of living well.

About this book

What is this book about?

Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home expands the world-famous KonMari method beyond simple decluttering and into the realm of holistic lifestyle design. While her previous work focused on the act of discarding what doesn't spark joy, this guide focuses on the active creation of a life that reflects your deepest desires and spiritual well-being. The book promises a roadmap for turning your living space into a sanctuary that supports your ideal daily rhythms. By exploring the Japanese concept of kurashi—or 'lifestyle'—Kondo teaches readers how to communicate with their homes, establish nourishing rituals, and find beauty in the most mundane household tasks. It is a philosophy of presence, suggesting that how we treat our space is ultimately how we treat ourselves.

Book Information

About the Author

Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo is a Japanese organization consultant renowned for her practical yet sympathetic approach to home organization. She is the author of the multi-million-copy-selling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the star of the Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.

Ratings & Reviews

Ratings at a glance

4.5

Overall score based on 326 ratings.

What people think

Listeners find this book to be elegantly written and motivating, complete with stunning photography that lends it the feel of a coffee table centerpiece. Beyond the visuals, they value the practical guidance provided; one listener observes that it offers fresh tips and practices, while another describes it as a soft prompt for bettering one's living space. The material also earns praise for its applicability, as one listener notes the ease with which its concepts fit into a contemporary lifestyle. Additionally, listeners commend the book’s structure, with one specifically mentioning its superb layout, and they find every page a pleasure to read.

Top reviews

Saovapa

Wow, what a beautiful and meditative experience this book turned out to be! I’ve been a fan of the KonMari method for years, and this feels like the natural evolution of her philosophy. Seeing how she incorporates these principles into her own life as a mother was truly inspiring. I particularly loved the unapologetic inclusion of her spiritual practices, like treating inanimate objects with respect and gratitude. Wiping down the entranceway has become my new favorite morning ritual, and I actually feel more centered throughout the work day because of it. The book is glossy, high-quality, and packed with practical tips that are easy to incorporate into a busy modern life. It’s more than just a guide; it’s a vision for a more intentional way of living.

Show more
Mingkwan

Finally got around to reading this, and it felt like a warm hug for my overwhelmed soul. There is something so incredibly calming about Kondo's writing style and the soft, neutral palettes used in the photography. I know some critics say it’s unrealistic, but looking at these beautiful interiors helped me identify my own aesthetic preferences more clearly. I’ve started treating cleaning the floors as a form of meditation rather than a chore, and the difference in my mood is palpable. Even the small advice about choosing natural fiber pajamas has made my evenings feel more luxurious and restful. It’s a book that encourages you to find beauty in the small details of your home. I’ve already recommended it to several friends who are looking for a bit of peace.

Show more
Leah

This book is an absolute visual delight that provides a much-needed sense of serenity. I loved the Kurashi at Home approach because it feels so relevant to how we live today. The photography is breathtaking, and the layout makes every page a joy to read. I found several new tips I hadn't seen before, especially regarding the entranceway and how to set up a welcoming space for guests. It’s the kind of book you want to keep on your bedside table to flip through whenever you feel the world getting a bit too loud. Highly recommend for anyone who loves the KonMari philosophy and wants to see it applied to a full lifestyle. It truly makes home improvement feel like an act of self-care.

Show more
Marco

As someone who has always struggled with maintaining a peaceful environment, I found this latest installment from Marie Kondo to be incredibly grounding. The focus here shifts from just throwing things away to actively designing a life that brings you happiness. I loved the inclusion of recipes like the matcha latte and the spinach with sesame sauce, which added a personal warmth I haven't seen in her other books. Truth is, the photography is the real star here; it’s basically home decor inspiration at its finest. My favorite part was the section on natural fiber pajamas and small rituals for the entranceway. It’s not a hard-core manual for decluttering, but rather an invitation to slow down and show gratitude for the objects that support us daily.

Show more
Isabella

The chapter on the ideal morning routine was exactly what I needed to rethink my chaotic start to the day. While some people might find Kondo's anthropomorphism of objects a bit strange, I find it leads to a much more respectful and mindful home life. This book functions more like a lifestyle manual than a decluttering guide, and I think that’s an important distinction to make before buying. The worksheets are incredibly helpful for narrowing down what you actually want your life to look like instead of just following a generic Pinterest aesthetic. I did find the sections on fermentation a bit random, but they fit the theme of joy in her specific lifestyle. It’s a quick, light read that offers a lot of visual inspiration for anyone looking to refresh their space.

Show more
Big

After hearing mixed reviews, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the 'Kurashi' concept. It’s not just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about what you keep and how you interact with it. I really appreciated how Marie has matured her perspective now that she has children. Her tone is much more relaxed and forgiving than it was in her first book, which I found very relatable. The idea of thanking your shoes or talking to your house might seem odd to some, but it genuinely helps foster a sense of gratitude. Look, you might not use the recipes or follow every single ritual, but there are plenty of gems hidden in these pages. It’s a gentle, beautiful nudge toward a more organized and intentional existence.

Show more
Mo

Ever wonder if your home has a personality of its own? Marie Kondo certainly thinks so, and while some of her suggestions are a bit out there, I found the overall vibe of the book quite soothing. The layout is wonderful, featuring a magazine-style approach with Q&As and short chapters that make it easy to digest in small bites. I’m not sure I’ll ever get into the habit of talking to my bathtub while I dry it, but I did appreciate the sections on creating a morning routine that prioritizes calm. The templates and worksheets in the back are a nice touch for those of us who like to visualize our goals. It isn’t as revolutionary as her first book, but it serves as a gentle nudge to appreciate the space you inhabit.

Show more
Anthony

Not what I expected, but it’s definitely pretty to look at. This feels much more like a high-end magazine than a traditional book, which makes it perfect for flipping through while drinking coffee. Frankly, if you’re looking for new, groundbreaking organization tips, you won’t find them here. It’s mostly about vibes and general lifestyle advice like cooking and meditation. The photographs are stunning, though they do feature a lot of white and beige that feels a bit sterile for a home with kids or pets. It’s a nice addition to the shelf if you’re a completionist, but it doesn't have the same impact as her debut. I’ll keep it for the worksheets and the occasional visual inspiration, but it’s not a must-read.

Show more
Somchai

Picked this up hoping for a fresh perspective on the KonMari method, but it mostly felt like a rehash of her previous work with more pictures. To be fair, the aesthetic is lovely, and it would look nice on a coffee table, but there isn't much depth. The instructions are sparse and the focus on 'Kurashi' or lifestyle feels a bit vague and unattainable for someone living in a small, messy apartment. I was especially surprised to find recipes included, which felt like filler in a book that is already quite thin on actual text. It’s a quick read that you can finish in about forty-five minutes. If you’ve already read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, you can probably skip this one without missing much.

Show more
Methinee

This book didn’t just fail to spark joy; it actually made me feel a bit stressed about things I never knew were problems. Do my shoes really talk to their neighbors in the closet? I found the advice about wiping the soles of my shoes every single morning to be completely out of touch with my actual life as a working parent. While the photography is undeniably gorgeous, it feels like a lifestyle magazine for people who have endless hours to spend on fermentation and floor-polishing. I was looking for practical organizational strategies, but instead, I got strange personifications of household objects. If you enjoy looking at minimalist, beige interiors that look like nobody actually lives there, you might like this. For me, it was a waste of time and space.

Show more
Show all reviews

AUDIO SUMMARY AVAILABLE

Listen to Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home in 15 minutes

Get the key ideas from Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home by Marie Kondo — plus 5,000+ more titles. In English and Thai.

✓ 5,000+ titles
✓ Listen as much as you want
✓ English & Thai
✓ Cancel anytime

  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
  • book cover
Home

Search

Discover

Favorites

Profile