#Japan #Minato #Able Holdings #Year-End Cleaning #Hitogura Institute

Overview of 2025 Year-End Cleaning Survey

In 2025, the Hitogura Institute, part of Able Holdings based in Minato, Tokyo, conducted a survey about the year-end cleaning habits of individuals living alone. The survey was carried out from November 19 to November 20 and collected responses from 1,206 participants aged 20 to 59 residing in Japan. With approximately 90% of all households planning to engage in year-end cleaning, it was found that single residents (38.3%) showed the highest commitment to thoroughly cleaning their living space compared to those in family households.

Unique Cleaning Habits of Single Households

Interestingly, the survey results suggest that individuals living alone tend to have more freedom in deciding when and how to clean, allowing them to focus on completing the task effectively. The data indicate that the majority of singles begin their cleaning process in early December, aiming to finish before the hustle and bustle of the end-of-year festivities. In contrast, families tend to initiate their cleaning efforts later, often during the winter holidays, coinciding with school breaks.

Additionally, about 10% of singles finish their cleaning on New Year's Eve, reflecting their busy schedules leading up to the holiday or their availability to dedicate time to cleaning since they may not be traveling home.

Cleaning Focus: What Gets Cleaned?

The survey indicated that while most households focus on essential areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, singles are less likely to tackle more challenging cleaning tasks involving closets or windows. Family households, on the other hand, tend to invest time in cleaning those harder-to-reach areas, suggesting a division of labor among family members that encourages thorough home maintenance.

Furthermore, while singles prioritize a quick and practical approach, they may not attend to less visible areas that require more effort to clean. This trend signifies a clear difference in cleaning priorities based on household arrangements, with singles favoring efficiency and families emphasizing comprehensive care.

Duration of Cleaning Efforts

Most respondents reported spending between one to three hours on cleaning, with a significant 64.8% of singles managing to finish within six hours and the majority (80.7%) completing the entire task in a single day. In contrast, multi-person households tend to spread the cleaning process over two or more days, highlighting the varying perceptions of cleaning timelines between single residents and families.

Decluttering Practices

When it comes to dealing with unwanted items during this cleaning phase, the predominant method across all households is disposal, particularly pronounced in family units where 80% opt to throw items away. Singles, however, are more inclined to utilize alternatives such as sending items back to their parents’ homes or utilizing storage services. This indicates a reliance on family networks for storage and an inclination to hold onto items longer than their family counterparts, who tend to be more decisive about purging unnecessary belongings.

Additionally, behaviors like donating or selling items before outright disposal were also observed in all household types, showing an increasing awareness of repurposing and recycling.

Conclusion: Start Planning Your Year-End Cleaning

The findings illuminate the distinctive attitudes and practices of individuals living alone regarding year-end cleaning. They emphasize the importance of preparation, particularly around December 13, known as "Shogatsu Kizubume," marking the time to begin tidying for the New Year. It's a long-standing tradition to avoid cleaning on New Year's Eve. Thus, planning ahead for cleaning can help ensure a smooth transition into the New Year. For more detailed insights from the survey, you can explore their findings on the Hitogura Institute's official website.