Clearing space can clear the mind.
Inspired by the thoughtful and intentional spirit of Japanese minimalism, this declutter checklist is more than just about tidying up. It’s about gently creating a calm, spacious home — one that reflects what truly matters to you.
Use this list as a soft guide. No pressure. Just take it one area at a time, like sipping tea slowly on a quiet morning.
🏠 1. Entryway — Invite Calm In
- Shoes you haven’t worn in a year
- Old keys or keychains with no use
- Dried-up umbrellas or broken items
- Excess coats or bags hanging out
🧺 Tip: A simple shoe rack and a small dish for keys instantly make the space feel lighter.
🛏 2. Bedroom — A Soft Reset
- Clothes that no longer fit your style or size
- Accessories you haven’t touched in months
- Extra linens or mismatched pillowcases
- Books piled up but never read
🌿 Tip: Try folding clothes the Marie Kondo way — it adds a sense of care and presence.
🧴 3. Bathroom — Little Luxuries Only
- Half-used or expired products
- Old makeup or dried brushes
- Towels that feel scratchy or worn
- Duplicates you forgot you had
🍃 Tip: Keep just one or two of each item. Let your bathroom breathe.
🍳 4. Kitchen — Simple and Nourishing
- Chipped mugs or dishes
- Appliances you haven’t used in 6+ months
- Spices or canned goods past their date
- Takeout menus and paper clutter
🥣 Tip: Leave a clear countertop — it sets the tone for peaceful meals.
🧸 5. Living Room — Gentle Gathering Space
- Decorative items you no longer connect with
- Cables, remotes, or tech gear you don’t need
- Old magazines, manuals, or paper piles
- Throw pillows or blankets that don’t feel like you
🪴 Tip: Choose one calming scent (like cedar or hinoki) to welcome you in.
📦 6. Storage & Closets — Keep Only What Supports You
- Boxes you haven’t opened since last move
- Gifts you’ve kept out of guilt
- Hobbies or crafts you’ve outgrown
- Duplicates of tools or random parts
📁 Tip: Label what you keep. Clarity = peace.
📱 7. Digital — Your Invisible Clutter
- Apps you never open
- Photos that no longer bring joy
- Unread emails or subscriptions
- Files with no clear purpose
🧘♀️ Tip: Set a calming phone background and clear your home screen.
✨ Final Thought
Decluttering the Japanese way isn’t about having less.
It’s about making more space for what lifts you up.
Even five minutes today is a beautiful beginning.
Choose one drawer, one shelf, one breath.
You’re not just tidying — you’re returning home to yourself.
Would you like a printable version of this checklist?
