Try it with MononoMori
Catalog your core belongings in MononoMori, and write down a special memory snippet for each of them.
In my third year of living alone, I moved into a new apartment.
As I was packing, looking at all the possessions I had accumulated over the years, a sudden wave of fatigue washed over me. Impulsive purchases of clothes, kitchen appliances used only once, free gifts piled up in corners… they did not just occupy physical space, they quietly drained my mental energy.
I decided to embark on a radical decluttering. I spent a weekend holding every single item in my hands, asking myself: “Has this brought me joy or value in the past three months? Will I truly use it in the next six?”
In the end, I was left with my “30 core items.”
Why 30?
30 is not a strict rule; it is simply a number that allows for a high-quality, comfortable life without generating mental burden. It covers everything I need from the moment I wake up to when I go to sleep.
Among these 30 items:
- A handmade wooden comb used for five years: Its edges have been smoothed by natural oils to a warm luster. Every morning as I comb my hair, it releases a faint scent of sandalwood.
- A minimalist white porcelain teacup: No decorative pattern, just a raw clay texture that matches the natural warmth of my hand.
- A heavy-knit dark grey linen shirt: Versatile, durable, fitting my body better the longer I wear and wash it.
- A portable e-reader: Packed with all the books I want to read, giving me a private library wherever I go.
Order of Items and Peace of Mind
After organizing these belongings, I noticed something wonderful: when we reduce the number of items around us, our relationship with the remaining ones grows deeper.
I know the history, the texture, and the exact spot of every single item in my room. Searching for things is no longer frustrating because everything has its unique, irreplaceable place. This sense of order translates directly into inner peace.
Build Your Own Item Forest
Decluttering is not about throwing things away blindly; it is about freeing up space for what truly matters.
If you feel overwhelmed by the clutter in your life, try making a “30 core items list.” By clearing away distractions, you reclaim not only your space but also control over your life.
