A modern Japanese moevement that is not just about helping people declutter their rooms, but it also helps them understand themselves better and more deeply.
There are many ways to approach decluttering, but one Japanese philosophy, danshari, stands out with its unique approach to creating a balanced and organised home. Coined by author Hideko Yamashita in her 2009 book, Danshari: Shin Katazukejutsu, danshari goes beyond simple tidying. The concept of danshari is not only about clearing spaces but also about building a better relationship with your belongings.
What is Danshari?
Danshari (断捨離) is a Japanese neologism referring to a form of systematic decluttering and optimisation of the things in a home. The term was introduced to differentiate between minimalists who aim to minimise their belongings and those who seek to optimise their possessions.
The term is composed of three Japanese characters: dan (断), sha (捨), and ri (離). Each of these characters represents a fundamental aspect of the practice:
Dan (断) – To refuse.
It’s about stopping the accumulation of things you don’t need. It involves resisting the urge to keep or bring unnecessary items into our homes, whether we come across them or they are offered to us. It encourages us to be mindful of our consumption and to say no to things that don’t add value to our lives.
Example: You’re going through your closet and find several items of clothing you haven’t worn in years. The dan (断) step involves deciding not to keep these items. Instead of holding onto them because you might wear them someday, you make a conscious choice to let them go.
Sha (捨) – To dispose.
It encourages us to dispose and let go of unnecessary or unused things. It’s a process of freeing ourselves from the burden of excess and things that no longer serve a purpose.
Example: After deciding which clothes you no longer need in the previous step, the sha (捨) step involves physically removing them from your space. This means placing these items in a donation bag, recycling bin, or trash. It’s about taking action to clear out the things you’ve determined are no longer useful or meaningful.
Ri (離) – To separate.
This is where we release ourselves from attachment to unnecessary possessions and desires.
Example: As you sort through your items, you come across an old baby clothes that you keep even though it hasn’t been worn in years. This clothes might hold sentimental value or remind you of past experiences, making it difficult to part with. The ri (離) step helps you realise that the baby clothes’ value is no longer aligned with your current needs or lifestyle. This process of separation helps you focus on what truly matters to you now, rather than being weighed down by the past.
In essence, the practice of danshari involves refusing unnecessary possessions, disposing what’s no longer needed, and separating yourself from emotional attachments to items.
The concept of Danshari was inspired by Hideko Yamashita’s reflections on her mother’s habit of collecting things and constantly buying storage furniture to fit more items. Yamashita wondered why the solution wasn’t to reduce the number of items instead. She noticed that most decluttering books focused on storage solutions rather than on what and how to discard unneeded items. She also observed that people often feared getting rid of their possessions. Using her background in yoga, Yamashita developed methods to help overcome this fear, similar to techniques used in behavioural therapy.
How to Embrace Danshari
1. Assess Your Space
Start by taking a good look at your home. Identify areas that feel cluttered or overwhelming. Make a list of these spaces to tackle one by one.
2. Sort and Prioritise
Go through your belongings and categorize them. Determine which items are essential, which bring you joy, and which are simply taking up space. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need.
3. Declutter Mindfully
As you begin to let go of items, do so with intention. Thank each item for its service and release it without guilt. Consider donating or recycling to minimize waste.
4. Organise Efficiently
Arrange the remaining items in a way that maximizes their utility and accessibility. Use storage solutions that suit your lifestyle and maintain a clean, clutter-free environment.
5. Maintain the Balance
Danshari is an ongoing practice. Regularly review your possessions and make adjustments as needed. Stay mindful of new items entering your home and ensure they align with your values and needs.
The Benefits of Danshari
Practicing danshari is said to broaden one’s perspective, encourage self-improvement, and create a simpler, more comfortable life. Beyond just home organisation, the concept of danshari can also be applied to work and relationships. Not only does it make your room neater, but practicing danshari also offers these amazing benefits:
Better Use of Time
Decluttering reduces the number of items you have and keeps your space organised, so you spend less time searching for things. With fewer clothes, shoes, and bags, you’ll also spend less time deciding what to wear. The time you save can be used for other activities.
Save Money
Danshari encourages you to get rid of unnecessary items and focus on what you truly need. This helps you avoid buying things you don’t need, leading to better savings.
Improved Energy and Mood
An organised space helps improve the flow of energy. A tidy room can boost your self-esteem and self-image, positively affecting your relationships and work life.
Danshari vs. Minimalism
At first glance, danshari might seem like just another form of minimalism. But unlike minimalism, which emphasises on living with bare essentials, danshari carries a much deeper sense. It involves examining the current connection you have between you and your possessions, rather than focusing on past or future associations.
While minimalism focuses on having fewer items, danshari focuses on optimising what we already have. It’s not about reducing our belongings to the absolute minimum, but rather about curating our possessions thoughtfully. The idea is to strike a balance between functionality and joy, making sure that every item in our home has a meaningful place.
If you find yourself holding onto items because it’s difficult to discard them—whether due to their price or the burden they represent—you’re focusing on the items themselves rather than on your needs. According to Hideko Yamashita, the true essence of danshari is not just about decluttering your space but also about gaining a deeper understanding of yourself. The key question to ask is whether the relationship between you and an item still exists. If an object holds neither physical nor emotional value to you, it’s time to let it go.
Our world is overwhelmed by excess possessions, but danshari offers a refreshing path away from materialism by helping us focus on what truly matters. It’s not about obsessively counting and discarding what we have; instead, the danshari movement encourages us to have a balanced lifestyle and mindful consumption.
