Survey of 300 parents: 31% keep children's rooms as is after children leave home
NEXER Co., Ltd. and Dodo Waste Collection surveyed 300 parents across Japan on the disposal of items children outgrow. 60% struggle to dispose of sentimental items, leading to long-term storage in homes.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 14:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 08:08 (17h 36m after Collected)
## Background and Objectives of the Survey
As children grow, households accumulate items such as toys, school supplies, and clothing that are no longer used. These items are filled with memories, making them difficult to discard. This, along with how to utilize rooms left behind after children move out, remains a significant challenge for many parents. This survey aimed to understand the actual situation of how families deal with these items.
## Highlights of Survey Results
60.3% of respondents reported having items that their children no longer use due to their growth. Regarding how these items are currently handled, 45.3% stated they keep them at home, followed by 32.0% who have discarded them. Including those who say they have not yet organized them, more than half of the households are struggling with decluttering.
60.0% of respondents admitted to feeling difficulty in parting with child-related items. The overwhelming reason given was 'emotional attachment,' with items like school bags, handmade school projects, and daily tableware mentioned frequently. Realistic hurdles, such as names written on items making them hard to donate or sell, were also cited.
When asked about their experience with buyback or recycling services for children's items, only 17.7% responded that they had used such services, while 82.3% had not. Those who used them cited reasons like wanting to make some money or reduce the guilt of discarding items. Non-users pointed to reasons such as younger children still using the items or the perception that resale value is too low.
Regarding the use of children's rooms after they leave home, about 31% of parents keep them as they are. However, some families have transformed these rooms into storage spaces or hobby rooms.
## Conclusion
Organizing children's items is not just a matter of physical space but also involves significant psychological barriers for parents. The results highlight the importance of promoting recycling culture and providing services that can support the emotional process of letting go.
As children grow, households accumulate items such as toys, school supplies, and clothing that are no longer used. These items are filled with memories, making them difficult to discard. This, along with how to utilize rooms left behind after children move out, remains a significant challenge for many parents. This survey aimed to understand the actual situation of how families deal with these items.
## Highlights of Survey Results
60.3% of respondents reported having items that their children no longer use due to their growth. Regarding how these items are currently handled, 45.3% stated they keep them at home, followed by 32.0% who have discarded them. Including those who say they have not yet organized them, more than half of the households are struggling with decluttering.
60.0% of respondents admitted to feeling difficulty in parting with child-related items. The overwhelming reason given was 'emotional attachment,' with items like school bags, handmade school projects, and daily tableware mentioned frequently. Realistic hurdles, such as names written on items making them hard to donate or sell, were also cited.
When asked about their experience with buyback or recycling services for children's items, only 17.7% responded that they had used such services, while 82.3% had not. Those who used them cited reasons like wanting to make some money or reduce the guilt of discarding items. Non-users pointed to reasons such as younger children still using the items or the perception that resale value is too low.
Regarding the use of children's rooms after they leave home, about 31% of parents keep them as they are. However, some families have transformed these rooms into storage spaces or hobby rooms.
## Conclusion
Organizing children's items is not just a matter of physical space but also involves significant psychological barriers for parents. The results highlight the importance of promoting recycling culture and providing services that can support the emotional process of letting go.
FAQ
Is it difficult to get rid of children's items?
60% of respondents felt it was difficult, primarily due to emotional attachment.
Why don't people use buyback services?
Common reasons include items still being used by younger siblings or the perception of low resale value.
What happens to children's rooms?
While 31% keep them as they are, many transform them into hobby rooms or storage spaces.