Survey: 58% of people change their attitude towards belongings due to new life; 'Clothes and fashion accessories' top the list of unused items after moving

Survey on Attitudes Toward Unneeded Items After Settling Into a New Life

April is a time for life transitions such as moving, starting school, beginning a new job, or transferring. As people acclimate to new environments and settle into a daily rhythm, many realize they brought items they ultimately never used.

NEXER, in collaboration with Tokyo Waste Collection Dodo, surveyed 500 men and women nationwide regarding their awareness of unneeded items after settling into a new life.

### Survey Overview Survey Method: Online questionnaire Survey Period: April 13 to April 26, 2026 Target Audience: Men and women nationwide Valid Responses: 500 samples

### Results #### 25.8% report experiencing an increase or decrease in unneeded items due to starting a new life When asked if starting a new life led to an increase or decrease in unnecessary items, 25.8% answered 'Yes,' while 74.2% answered 'No.'

#### 67.4% admit to bringing items when moving that were never used Among those who experienced changes in unneeded items, 67.4% acknowledged having brought items that remained unused in their new home.

#### Clothing and fashion accessories are the #1 unused item (51.7%) When asked what those unused items were, 'clothes and fashion accessories' ranked first at 51.7%, followed by 'tableware/kitchen supplies' at 31.0% and 'books/magazines' at 29.9%.

#### 55.0% realized they didn't need certain items once settled 55.0% of those who experienced changes in unneeded items realized 1-2 months after moving that they didn't actually need certain possessions. This suggests that people begin to distinguish necessary from unnecessary items only after their lifestyle stabilizes, rather than during the chaotic moving period.

#### 'Just in case' is the primary reason for bringing unused items (57.7%) When asked why they brought items they never used, the most frequent reason was 'I brought them just in case,' cited by 57.7% of respondents.