Does this app spark joy? How to ‘Marie Kondo’ your phone in 4 steps

November 1, 2023

By Kim Komando

I love a good fall cleanout. And trust me, I need it. We’re unpacking into a new home, and I keep finding boxes of junk I haven’t seen for two years. 

It’s not just physical junk. I might be the Digital Goddess, but my phone camera roll gets cluttered and my inbox can be a mess, too. It’s time for a cleanup, and if there’s one cleaning master we can turn to, it’s Marie Kondo.

You’ve probably already heard about the minimalist KonMari Method, especially step six — ask if something sparks joy! A lot of those lessons are perfect for your smartphone, too. So clear some time in your schedule, get that spiced latte you’ve been thinking about, and let’s get your phone feeling brand new.

Slim, speedy and spacious

That’s what we’re going for with our devices. Obviously, most of the Marie Kondo magic applies to cleaning out your physical home. But, using the same principles can yield the same sense of peace and purpose. Run through these steps to see what I mean.

1. Get in touch with your feelings

No, really. Try it. Jot down some emotions you feel about your phone. If you feel like it’s a 20-pound weight in your pocket, acknowledge that. If it’s brought you closer to friends than you’ve been in years, put it in words.

2. Say goodbye to apps with no purpose

“Sparking joy” is a fun phrase but not always the best way to filter important apps. I prefer a slightly different approach: Go through Every. Single. App. on your phone, and say (out loud) one sentence that describes why you have it. 

Like: “This app connects me to my family that I don’t get to see for years at a time.” “This app manages all my passwords, so I don’t have to remember them.” You get the idea.

If you have to spend too much time thinking about that sentence, delete the app. If you start saying a similar sentence for two different apps, delete one of them.

3. Sort remaining apps by purpose

Group your remaining apps by category. Here’s an option: Set your home screen to personal and family apps. Swipe to the next screen and place all your work apps. Go to the next screen and add entertainment apps. 

4. Take the smile test

Open your photo app and get your deleting finger ready. Swipe through every photo and clip. If they make you smile, keep them. If they don’t, delete them. End of step!

OK, OK — I’ll allow exceptions for really meaningful photos or those you need for special purposes (like an ID), but only a couple. It’s common to clear 70% or 80% of your photo/video space with this tactic. If you need to get another latte or switch to some chai, I understand.

Keep the zen going

If you feel an almost literal weight lifted from your shoulders after this phone cleanup, join the club! And I bet you’ve found some new ways to think about phone use and time management, too.

🧘 If you want to keep this sauna-level feeling of phone clarity, I’ve got a great guide on apps to boost productivity no matter what phone you use and to-do list apps to organize the rest of your life.