Decluttering Before Moving: Top Responses Include 'Felt Lighter' and 'Felt Refreshed'! What Were the Criteria for 'Letting Go/Not Letting Go' and What Items Did People Regret Not Selling?

## Decluttering Preparation Before Graduation/Moving Season

Spring is a season of new beginnings and farewells.

Many people are preparing for a move during this time, which marks milestones such as graduation, starting a new job, or relocating for work.

While anticipation for a new life grows, many face the challenge of 'how to organize their current belongings.' Deciding what to keep and what to let go within a limited time reflects individual lifestyles and values.

Therefore, in collaboration with Tokyo Junk Removal Dodo, we conducted a survey on 'Decluttering Preparation Before Graduation/Moving Season' targeting 200 men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they 'have experience organizing a large amount of unwanted items during life events like graduation, starting a new job, relocation, or moving.'

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**Survey Overview: 'Decluttering Preparation Before Graduation/Moving Season'
Survey Method: Internet survey
Survey Period: March 12 - March 23, 2026
Target Respondents: Men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they 'have experience organizing a large amount of unwanted items during life events like graduation, starting a new job, relocation, or moving.'
Valid Responses: 200 samples
Questions:
Question 1: How did you decide whether to 'let go' or 'not let go' after deciding to move?
Question 2: What were your criteria when you were unsure about letting go? (Multiple selections allowed)
Question 3: Are there any items you regret not selling before moving?
Question 4: Please explain why you did not sell them at that time.
Question 5: What emotional changes occurred as a result of reducing your belongings for your new life? (Multiple selections allowed)
Question 6: Please describe in detail the emotional changes that occurred as a result of reducing your belongings for your new life.
*Percentages are rounded to the second decimal place; therefore, the total may not be 100%.

## 47.5% Responded 'Judged Based on Whether I Use It'

First, we asked how people decided whether to 'let go' or 'not let go' after deciding to move.


The most common response was 'judged based on whether I use it,' accounting for 47.5%.
This was followed by 'judged based on whether it's necessary to bring to the new residence' at 26.5%, and 'decided by gut feeling' at 11.0%.

Nearly half of the respondents prioritized whether they actually used an item.
Many also seemed to have made their choices while specifically imagining life in their new home.

## 73.0% Responded 'No Plans to Use It in the Future' as a Criterion

Next, we asked for the specific criteria used when unsure about letting go.


The most common criterion was 'no plans to use it in the future,' with 73.0%.
This was followed by 'haven't used it for over a year' at 41.0%, and 'no space to put it in the new residence' at 30.5%.

It's clear that over 70% of people use the lack of future use as a deciding factor for letting go.

Furthermore, items not used even after a full cycle of seasons seem to be considered as unlikely to be used in the future, with 'one year' serving as a guideline for letting go.

## 23.0% Have Experienced Regret: 'I Wish I Had Sold It Before Moving'

Next, we asked if people had any regrets about not selling items before moving.


The results were 'yes' at 23.0% and 'no' at 77.0%.
Moving periods are often busy, and many people may not have the time to deal with disposing of unwanted items.

So, why did those who regretted it not sell their items?
Here are some of the reasons they provided for not selling at the time:

**Reasons for Not Selling at the Time**
- It was a memento. (20s, Male)
- I thought, 'I might use it again if I keep it,' so I didn't sell my camera body or lenses. (30s, Female)
- I felt it was a waste to throw it away. (40s, Male)
- I thought I could use it for DIY. In the end, I haven't used it. (50s, Male)
- I couldn't get my family's consent. (50s, Female)
- I didn't think it could be sold. (50s, Male)

Cases where the thought of 'I might use it someday' or attachment to memories delayed the decision to let go were prominent. The response 'I couldn't get my family's consent' also reveals the existence of items that cannot be decided upon by oneself.

Additionally, the answer 'I didn't think it could be sold' indicates that many people did not even consider selling as an option.

## 62.5% Felt 'Lighter' After Reducing Belongings

Finally, we asked about the emotional changes experienced as a result of reducing belongings for a new life.


The most common response was 'felt lighter,' at 62.5%.
This was followed by 'felt refreshed,' at 58.0%, indicating that a significant proportion of people experienced positive emotions by letting go of items.

So, what specific changes occurred?
Here are some detailed descriptions of the emotional changes experienced:

**Please describe in detail the emotional changes that occurred as a result of reducing your belongings for your new life.**
- It brought about a mental reset, and I feel I can face the future with fresh feelings. (10s, Male)
- I felt more positive, ready to start my new life. (20s, Female)
- With fewer belongings, I felt a sense of spaciousness in my mind. (30s, Female)
- Having belongings meant I had to constantly worry about tidying up, etc., but reducing them lessened that burden, making me feel more at ease. (40s, Male)
- I felt I could reset and update myself by organizing what I truly need for my future and what I don't. (40s, Female)
- I felt my awareness of saving money increase, thinking I should avoid buying unnecessary items from now on. (40s, Female)

Responses like 'felt a sense of spaciousness in my mind' and 'felt more at ease' are notable, indicating a recovery of mental space beyond just physical space.

The answers 'felt I could reset and update myself' and 'felt my awareness of saving money increase' suggest that the experience of reducing belongings serves as a catalyst for re-evaluating one's lifestyle itself.

## Summary

This survey found that nearly half of respondents prioritize 'whether they use it' as the main criterion for decluttering before moving, making decisions from a practical perspective based on future use and available space.

On the other hand, 23.0% expressed regret, stating 'I wish I had sold it,' revealing that busyness and indecision often hinder action. While many who reduced their belongings gained a sense of 'lightness' and 'refreshed feeling,' about 20% also felt a sense of loneliness.

Organizing at life milestones seems to lead not only to a reset of one's living space but also of one's mind.

To welcome a new life with a positive outlook, why not consider organizing unwanted items and utilizing resale services sooner rather than later?

**Regarding Use in Articles, etc.:**
- Please cite the source as a 'Survey by NEXER Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Junk Removal Dodo.'
- Please include a link to Tokyo Junk Removal Dodo (https://www.dodo-okataduke.com/).

**About Tokyo Junk Removal Dodo:**
Address: 2-2-15-2F Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Tokyo Office)
Phone: 0120-401-364
Business Activities: Junk removal, house keeping, industrial waste disposal, antique dealing.

**About NEXER Co., Ltd.:**
Headquarters: Rise Arena Bldg. 11F, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
Representative Director: Yuya Miyata
URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp
Business Activities: Internet research, SEO, web branding, review content, real shop support, website creation.