Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ultra-mellow home organizing show is full of great tips.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Tidying Up With Marie Kondo
What's the Story?
TIDYING UP WITH MARIE KONDO is a new how-to reality series from Netflix featuring acclaimed author Marie Kondo sharing tips and techniques on keeping one's home neat and organized. Each household presents a new challenge: there's the widow struggling with conflicting emotions over emptying out her husband's closet, the young same-sex couple who fear that their unkempt home will cause their families to take their relationship less seriously, a family of four trying their best to squeeze into a too-small apartment, and more. The families all follow the same basic tenets of Kondo's "KonMari" de-cluttering method, which involves sorting belongings into one of five basic categories, and only keeping those items which "spark joy". At the end of each episode, Kondo revisits the families to see how successfully they have applied her techniques and to discuss how the changes they've made to their homes have changed their lives.
Is It Any Good?
This tranquil and inspiring series is proof positive that not every home organization show needs to have the grim, can't-look-away bleakness of an episode of Hoarders to be addictive viewing. Kondo has a soothing and nonjudgmental presence, and while her methods may seem simple enough, watching her students struggle to understand why they've formed certain attachments to outdated belongings or what's really behind their inability to get everyday chores accomplished makes for an oddly compelling experience. It's worth noting, too, that while Tidying Up with Marie Kondo never explicitly uses the "F" word (that word being Feminism, in this case), our host makes it utterly clear (in her gentle and pixie-like way) that she believes in an egalitarian approach to home-keeping, and that every member of the household plays a part. Even if you're not ready to go full "KonMari" on your own home, you're likely to pick up some helpful ideas and inspiration.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way Tidying Up differs from a show like Hoarders. Is it the overall tone of the show? The organizing approach that is used? Why does Kondo's method seem to work so well, even with people who seem initially hesitant to let go of things?
Did watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo inspire you to try any of her de-cluttering methods in your own home? What was your favorite tip shared in the series?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 1, 2019
- Cast : Marie Kondo
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate