What is “断捨離(Danshari)”?
As the year comes to an end, preparations for Christmas begin, and it’s time to start the big annual cleaning in Japan. It’s typically done between December 13th and 29th. This year’s theme for my big clean is “Danshari.”
Here is what Danshari is:
断： Dan (Refuse):
- Refusing unnecessary items.
捨：Sha (Dispose):
- Disposing of items you don’t need.
離：Ri (Separate):
- Separating yourself from attachment to possessions.
It’s practiced in three steps: refusing, disposing, and separating from possessions. Danshari not only helps organize your home, but also has a significant impact on your mind and life.
However, distinguishing between “necessary” and “unnecessary” items can be challenging. Even things we think we need often turn out to be unnecessary.
If you find it hard to throw things away, consider taking them to a recycling shop. If you have too many sentimental items, take photos and dispose of the actual items.
Not sure where to begin? Start small: a drawer, a living room table. Don’t try to do everything at once; begin with visible areas.
Danshari Checklist:
✔ Things to throw away: obvious trash (paper scraps, unusable items)
✔ Things to reduce: items that are redundant or have substitutes
✔ Items not used in over a year: non-favorites, gifts you don’t use, outdated items
Contents
Let’s start Danshari!
While listening to your favorite music, let’s get started!
Entrance
It’s said that good luck comes through the entrance. Let’s start by tidying up the entrance area and make the entrance a welcoming space for good fortune!
Items to Throw Away:
- Broken umbrellas
- Old shoes
- Shoes you haven’t worn in a long time
- Expired waterproof spray
- Old bicycle keys
- Worn-out shoes
- Shoes that no longer fit
- Abandoned cardboard boxes
Items to Reduce:
- Long umbrellas: One long umbrella and one folding umbrella per family member is sufficient.
- Raincoats: One per family member is enough.
- Shoes: Keep only the ones you truly want to wear.
Items Not Used in Over a Year:
- New shoes bought with the intention of wearing them someday.
- Parasols
- Shoe Cleaners: If you haven’t used it in a year, you’re probably not going to use it again.
Bathroom and Washroom
Keeping the bathroom and washroom tidy, where you spend time every day, can really improve your mood.
Items to Throw Away:
- Empty containers
- Miscellaneous lids
- Faded towels
- Cosmetic samples of unknown origin
- Rusty razors
- Old toothbrushes
- Broken accessories
- Single earrings missing their pair
Items to Reduce:
- Hairbrushes
- Excessive hair ties
- Makeup brushes
- Cosmetics
- Beauty products you rarely use
Items Not Used in Over a Year:
- Containers bought for organizing
- Pouches
- Cosmetics you haven’t finished
Kitchen
The kitchen tends to accumulate many items that need to be discarded. Let’s review expired foods and excess utensils that have piled up unnoticed.
Items to Throw Away:
- Expired food
- Empty snack boxes
- Pudding containers
- Chipped spoons
Items to Reduce:
- Kitchen tools
- Plates
- Cups
- Cutlery
- Water bottles
Items Not Used in Over a Year:
- Pots that are too large
- Plates that are too small
Closet
Keep only the clothes that spark joy and boldly discard those that don’t.
Items to Throw Away:
- Worn-out socks
- Shabby T-shirts
- Stained clothes
- Old underwear
- Expired documents
- Receipts
- Dry cleaning bags
- Old medicine boxes
Items to Reduce:
- Belts
- Ties
- Handkerchiefs
- Loungewear
- Similar bags
Items Not Used in Over a Year:
- Clothes you haven’t worn in a year
- Bags
- Out-of-fashion clothes
- Clothes received as gifts but never worn
Desk Area
Organizing your desk area can improve productivity.
Items to Throw Away:
- Expired documents
- Receipts
- Pens that have run out of ink
- Outdated guidebooks
- Old letters
- Textbooks from previous studies
- Brochures received from somewhere
Items to Reduce:
- Scissors
- Rulers
- Colored pens of the same color
Items Not Used in Over a Year:
- Books you haven’t read in a year
Benefits of Danshari
Reducing Wasteful Spending:
By understanding what you own, you can avoid buying duplicates or similar items, thereby reducing wasteful spending. Danshari helps develop the ability to discern between necessary and unnecessary items, leading to more mindful purchases.
Reducing Stress:
Letting go of items is said to help reduce stress. Disposing of unnecessary items in your living space can lighten your mood and create a sense of spaciousness both mentally and physically. Being in an organized space post-Danshari can bring a sense of calm and reduce irritability.
Easier Tidying:
Searching for items can be a minor stressor. With Danshari, it’s easier to know where everything is, making tidying up more efficient.
Improving Relationships:
It’s surprising, but Danshari can even improve relationships. Reducing attachment and dependency on items can help you organize human relationships healthily. Lowering expectations and demands on others can lead to greater independence and easier self-assertion.
Creating Free Time:
Less time spent searching for items and dealing with household tasks frees up more time for yourself.
Boosting Luck:
Organizing items can create mental space, positively influencing your mindset and awareness. Living in an organized environment can foster positive emotions, ultimately boosting your luck.
Danshari not only clears your mind but also improves your quality of life, creating valuable time for personal growth and fulfillment.
Mental Decluttering: “Danshari” for the Mind
When your room is organized, the next step is to declutter your mind!
Do you ever find yourself feeling negative because you’re overthinking things? Perhaps it’s time to declutter your mind too.
Here’s how:
Write Down Everything on Your Mind:
Jot down all your worries, tasks, current feelings—anything that’s occupying your thoughts. This act of writing things down is similar to the decluttering you did earlier with physical items. By disposing of unnecessary thoughts, you can empty your mind.
Clear Your Thoughts:
Just as you discarded physical clutter, letting go of these mental burdens can help organize your thoughts and bring a sense of calm. This process can have various benefits, including increased relaxation and mental clarity.
Decluttering what you own and what’s in your mind can lighten your spirit and bring a sense of fulfillment. Why not try doing a little decluttering every day during your spare time?