Marie Kondo KonMari Garment Folding
Smooth and fold clothes using the KonMari method to create upright rectangles that fit neatly in drawers. This Marie Kondo garment folding routine turns laundry into a calm practice.
4 time blocks, 15 minutes in total.
Time blocks
- Flatten and Connect: 3 min
Lay the garment on a clean table and smooth fabric with open palms - Fold into Rectangle: 4 min
Fold the left and right sides in to create a long straight rectangle - Fold for Vertical Balance: 5 min
Fold in half lengthwise then in thirds until the piece stands upright - Arrange Vertically in Drawers: 3 min
Place garments side by side in drawers like books on a bookshelf
About this routine
In her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo details a distinct approach to organizing clothes. The Marie Kondo garment folding routine turns a daily chore into a tactile practice of care. Instead of stacking garments flat, each item is folded into a compact rectangle that stands upright on its own.
The process relies on open palm contact, known in Japanese tradition as te-ate, or hand application. Kondo teaches that rubbing open hands gently over fabric transfers appreciation to the garment while checking for loose threads or wear. By folding clothes so they stand vertically, you can see every piece at a glance inside your drawers without disturbing nearby items.
Why this routine works
- Makes every garment visible inside drawers without disturbing stacks
- Prevents fabric wrinkles through gentle hand smoothing
- Creates an organized and quiet visual layout in clothing drawers
FAQ
Why does Marie Kondo fold clothes vertically?
Vertical folding lets you see every garment at a glance without lifting or rummaging through stacks.
How long does the KonMari folding method take?
A focused 15 minute session is usually enough to smooth and fold a fresh load of laundry.
Sources
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo
- Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing, Marie Kondo
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Updated August 2026
Compiled from public sources and reviewed before publishing.