Struggling to Let Go? Easy Decluttering Tips

 Hi, I’m Sato Shimo, a Feng Shui Interior Therapist in Tokyo. 






Many people tell me: “I want to declutter my apartment, but I just can’t let things go!” If you’re living in Japan’s cozy spaces and struggling to tidy up, you’re not alone. Here are practical tips for when:

  • You know you need to tidy but can’t get started.
  • You start decluttering but feel overwhelmed by letting things go.


Trust Your Gut: The “First Move” Trick

Ever heard of the “First Chess Move Theory”? In chess, players sometimes have to move within five seconds. Studies show that 86% of the time, that quick choice is as good as one made after 30 minutes of thinking.

This works for decluttering, too. Pick up an item—like an old T-shirt or a souvenir mug—and your gut might say, “I need this” or “I don’t need this.” That first feeling is usually right.

  • Hear a confident “Keep it!”? Keep it.
  • Hear a quiet “I don’t need this”? Toss it before your brain makes excuses.

Letting go can feel tough, especially with gifts or memories. But you’re in charge. The more you practice these quick decisions, the easier they get.



Beat Overthinking: The 5-Second Rule

American TV host Mel Robbins created the “5-Second Rule.” If you hesitate for more than five seconds, your brain starts finding reasons to avoid action. In decluttering, overthinking can stop you cold.

I see this with clients in Tokyo. They pick up an item—like an old phone charger—and their face says, “I won’t use this.” But if they think too long, they say, “Maybe I’ll need it someday…”

Those excuses often come from holding onto the past or worrying about the future. Sound familiar? Decide within five seconds: keep or toss.



Ask Smart Questions to Decide

Need a push? Japanese mentalist DaiGo, in his book The Psychology of Tidying Up, suggests picking three of these questions to guide your choices:

  • Would I buy this again if I threw it away?
  • Would I bring this on a long trip?
  • Would I sell it if someone wanted to buy it?
  • Would I buy it again if I could go back to the day I got it?
  • If I had unlimited money, would I want this?
  • How many times would I need to skip buying this to save for something I really want?
  • Will I need this in 3, 5, or 10 years?

These are perfect for logical thinkers. Choose three that work for you, and let them guide your decluttering.



Final Thoughts

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying—it’s about making decisions that free up your space and mind. Hesitating to let go can lead to clutter, not just in your apartment but in your life. Ask yourself: “Do I need this?”

Start small, trust your gut, and take it one item at a time. You’ve got this! If you’re feeling stuck, I’m here to help with personalized tidying tips. Reach out at @sato_shimo722 or via my contact form.

Thanks for reading! – Sato Shimo



👉Read the full Japanese article here


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