Organization
How to Fold Clothes Using the KonMari Method: A Step-by-Step Guide for Space-Saving Drawers and Closets
Does your drawer look like a jumbled mess no matter how often you straighten it? The KonMari folding method transforms your drawers and shelves into tidy, space-saving systems where every piece is visible. This step-by-step guide teaches you the technique for shirts, pants, and more, and recommends products to make the process easier.
Have you ever opened a drawer and had to dig through a pile of unfolded clothes to find a specific shirt? The KonMari method, popularized by organizing expert Marie Kondo, solves this by folding clothes into compact, upright rectangles that stand on their own. Not only does this technique save drawer space, but it also makes every item visible at a glance, so you can grab what you need without disturbing the rest.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the KonMari folding method step by step, cover how to organize different types of clothing, share maintenance tips, and recommend the best products—such as drawer dividers and folding boards—to help you succeed. Before you start folding, it's a good idea to clean your drawers and shelves with a gentle cleaner—the EPA Safer Choice list includes certified products safe for household use. The CDC also recommends washing your hands before handling clean clothes to prevent transferring dirt or oils.
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What You Need to Get Started
- A clean, flat surface (like a table or bed)
- Drawers or shelves that have been emptied and wiped down
- Optional but highly recommended: drawer dividers or small boxes to keep folded items in place
- Optional: a folding board for consistent sizing
- Non-slip drawer liner (optional, to prevent folds from shifting)
Step 1: Empty and Sort Your Drawer or Shelf
Take everything out of the drawer or shelf. Sort items into categories: t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, pants, shorts, underwear, socks, etc. This is also a good time to purge anything you no longer wear or that doesn't fit. According to the University of Georgia Extension, routine purging prevents clutter buildup and makes organizing easier.
Step 2: Master the KonMari Fold for T-Shirts
The basic KonMari fold works for most rectangular items. Here's the standard method for a t-shirt:
- Lay the shirt face down and smooth out wrinkles.
- Fold one side of the shirt inward about one-third of the way, bringing the sleeve along.
- Repeat on the other side, so the shirt becomes a long rectangle.
- Fold the bottom up toward the collar, leaving a gap at the top.
- Fold in half or thirds until the rectangle stands upright on its own.