Ever wonder how folks in other parts of the world deal with clutter? Trust me, it’s not just us over here staring down mystery cords and three slow cookers. Different countries have some pretty fun and fascinating ways of keeping their homes in order—and I thought you might enjoy taking a little trip around the world with me, no passport required.
Let’s start with Japan, where decluttering is practically a sacred ritual. They do a big clean at the end of the year called Oosouji to sweep away the old and invite in good fortune. It’s thoughtful, peaceful, and honestly kind of beautiful. And let’s be real—less stuff means less dusting.
Then there’s Sweden, where they practice something called Döstädning, or “death cleaning.” Don’t let the name scare you off—it just means clearing things out so your loved ones don’t have to. Some Swedes even keep a “throw-away box” of silly things that no one else would care about, just to save their family the stress. Practical with a side of humor.
In Germany, they’re serious about sorting. Paper here, plastic there, and a place for everything. Many neighborhoods even have designated “giveaway corners.” Imagine that—getting rid of stuff without a yard sale or a Facebook group.
South Korea brings the speed and precision. With tiny apartments and a big love for organization shows, they’ve got consultants who swoop in and declutter your place with military-grade efficiency. Boom. Done.
Now in Brazil, decluttering is a whole vibe. Picture this: music blasting, hips swaying, broom in hand. Cleaning is basically cardio and a party rolled into one. You might start decluttering a junk drawer and end up samba dancing in the kitchen.
The French? They make it all look good. A curated home, a capsule wardrobe, and a strong sense of non when it comes to stuff that doesn’t fit their life. Très chic.
And what about the UK? Oh, they’ve got their own charming ways.
- A “good clear-out” is how they refer to decluttering, preferably done with a cuppa and a biscuit nearby.
- They have what’s called a “good room” that’s tidy and untouched—just in case the Queen pops by.
- Storage space is tight, so they get real creative with vertical storage, multi-purpose furniture, and the classic “airing cupboard” full of everything except what it’s meant for.
- And then there’s the boot sale. If you’ve never heard of it, this is where people pack up the trunks of their cars (which they call “boots”), head to a big field, and sell their old stuff out of the back. It’s like a garage sale and a tailgate had a baby. You can walk away with a cast iron teapot, a bag of crisps, and the best people-watching money can’t buy.
Of course, here in America, we do things our own way:
- We have garage sales and donation bins and “storage units just until I decide.”
- We keep T-shirts from high school, shoes we’ll wear “once I break them in,” and kitchen gadgets that only do one thing.
- We love a good transformation show, but some of us are still waiting for the after shot.
Wherever you live, whatever your style, decluttering is universal—but how we do it? That’s where the fun is.
If this inspired you to look at your own clutter with fresh eyes, I’d call that a win. And if not… well, maybe just clear out one drawer and reward yourself with a biscuit. Or a quesadilla from that maker you never use.
Live with intention,
Coach Linda
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