What is Danshari decluttering? Experts claim it will help you ‘adopt a minimalist mindset rather than reacting to disorganization’

If you have been chasing a more minimalist lifestyle, but find that clutter seeps its way back in at every turn, you might need the Danshari decluttering method – a Japanese approach to changing your lifestyle, not just how much you own.

Danshari decluttering boils down to three principles – Dan (refuse), Sha (dispose), and Ri (separate). It is easily one of the most intensive decluttering methods out there, but professional cleaners and organizers claim that it can lead to a happier life for those who commit to it wholeheartedly.

We spoke to them in more detail about how this method can help cut clutter for good, and they share their top decluttering tips for integrating this mindful minimalist method into your routine.

What is Danshari decluttering?

The three principles are somewhat self-explanatory. In order to reduce clutter, you refuse items that will make your life harder (stopping clutter before it starts), dispose of items that no longer serve you in a meaningful way, and separate yourself from materialism, reducing your reliance of shopping for dopamine and learning to live contently with what you own.

As we said, it is not a method for the fainthearted – it is a great approach for those wanting to be more ruthless when decluttering.

Nishant Prasad, cleaning expert and co-founder of Clean Fanatics says, ‘What stands out to me is the emotional clarity it brings. Unlike other methods that focus on storage ideas or quick fixes, Danshari prompts you to question why you’re holding onto things. Are they adding value, or are they tied to guilt or just-in-case scenarios? This shift in thinking creates lasting change because it helps you redefine your priorities.’

Deepak Shukla, organizing specialist at Pearl Leamon Cleaners agrees that it is one of the best ways to encourage minimalism at home, ‘Danshari is rooted in the philosophy of assessing the true value of items and parting with those that no longer serve a purpose. It focuses on preventing clutter by adopting a minimalist mindset rather than simply reacting to disorganization.’

How to use the Danshari Decluttering method

The Danshari method is not a practice that will declutter your entire home in less than a day, nor will it work if you are a staunch maximalist. But, for those who want to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, there are five steps you can take to create better habits and change up your cleaning routine for the better.

1. Start small

No matter what decluttering methods you use, you should always start small – especially for ruthless methods such as Danshari. This will prevent you from decluttering when you feel overwhelmed.

Nishant Prasad, cleaning expert says, ‘Pick one category or even one drawer to begin. As you go through each item, ask: Does this add to my life right now? If the answer is no, thank it and let it go. This practice of gratitude makes releasing easier.’

Familiarise yourself with the items you should never declutter first to make the starting off point easier, and consider using a decluttering journal, such as The Home Organization Sidekick, from Amazon, to help you keep track of your new lifestyle.

2. Create boundaries

Nishant also recommends combining Danshari with the boundary method to better understand the clutter in your home. ‘Assign specific purposes to spaces in your home,' Nishant says. 'For example, your dining table is for meals and connection, not for piling mail. When everything has a clear place, it’s easier to prevent clutter from sneaking in.’

3. Stop ‘sunk cost’ thinking

One of the biggest barriers to the Danshari decluttering method is overcoming the scarcity mindset and truly forgetting about ‘sunk costs’ (money you have already spent).

Nishant says, ‘One challenge I faced was letting go of items I’d spent a lot of money on but never used. Danshari taught me that the money is already gone; holding onto the item won’t bring it back. Instead, it clutters my space and mind. Danshari emphasizes living in the now. That dress you haven’t worn in years? It belongs to a past you or a hypothetical future you. If it’s not serving today’s version of you, it’s time to say goodbye.’

4. Assess each item as it comes

Danshari does not have to be rushed. Because you are making big, meaningful changes, it can help to declutter slowly, or declutter as you go, suggests Deepak Shukla.

He says, ‘To use the Danshari method effectively, start by assessing each item in your home and asking yourself whether it truly adds value to your life. The key is to let go of items that bring guilt, obligation, or nostalgia but no longer serve a functional or joyful purpose.’

5. Use the one-in-one-out rule at first

Arguably the hardest part of adopting the Danshari way of life is the ‘Ri’ part – separating yourself from materialism to be content with what you own. This also means subscribing to the underconsumption trend and limiting your purchases to stop clutter and find joy elsewhere in your life.

If diving off the deep end and going cold turkey on spending is not for you, consider starting smaller by applying the one-in, one-out method first, getting rid of something every time you bring something new in.

Nishant Prasad, cleaning expert, reminds us that the real key to Danshari is sustaining the practice. A common decluttering mistake is thinking it is a once-and-done deal.

He says, ‘The beauty of Danshari lies in its simplicity, but sustaining it requires commitment. I’ve found that regular “check-ins” with my space are essential. Every season, I revisit my belongings to ensure they still align with my life and values. Another helpful practice is mindful shopping. Before buying, I ask myself, “Do I truly need this, or am I filling an emotional void?”’