What is the 90/90 Decluttering Method and How it Works

Conquering Clutter with the 90/90 Decluttering Method: Your Ultimate Guide to a Simpler Space

Feeling overwhelmed by overflowing drawers and closets? Do you not know how to get rid of a cluttered labyrinth? Looking for a rule to get you out of this situation easily and quickly? If you’re someone who always struggles with whether to keep an item or not, the 90/90 decluttering rule can be the best choice for you, giving you a reliable criterion to make decisions.

The 90/90 decluttering is a method that is used to declutter your home or space systematically, since it helps to arrange items in sequential order. This rule can transform your home by helping you let go of things you don’t use or need. How?

The idea is simple. If you have used it at least within the last 90 days, or if you will need it in the next 90 days?

All of these come up for every item that you have in your home. Were the answers to both questions negative? If so, then the item can most likely be disposed of in the trash bin or donated, or you can even turn it into money with Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace!

The concept is to force you to choose which item you use that is important to you and remove all the rest.

In other words, it involves a detailed description of one’s typical daily routine and requirements for creating an orderly and functional environment for housing or working.

What exactly is so good about this method? It is easy to do and effective, and people can learn how to declutter their lives more easily without having to stress about some silly and bogus rule. You can set a schedule for doing it every three months or twice a year. Although the number isn’t fixed to exactly 90 days, you can adjust it depending on your needs or the place you would like to declutter.

Applying the 90/90 Declutter Method to Your Home

Tackling Your Closet with the 90/90 Rule

The 90/90 declutter method perfectly works for cleaning your closet! I tried it on my closet and ended up with two big bags with clothes to donate. It was quick and made it easier to let go of things I didn’t need anymore. You look at each piece and ask yourself if you’ve used it in the last 90 days or you’ll use it in the next 90 days. This way, you can easily figure out what to keep and what to get rid of. It makes your wardrobe simpler and more practical.

Using the 90/90 Rule for Other Spaces

You can use the method in almost every place: your kitchen, your pantry, your bathroom, and your living room. It even works on your electronic devices; drag those unusable applications to the trash bin.

It is time to say goodbye to the juicer you used twice, which now resides in the back of the cabinet. Just ask, if you’ve used something in the last 90 days and if you’ll use it in the next 90 for every single item!

Adjusting the Timeframe for Different Areas

Although 90 days is the usual timeframe for the 90/90 rule, you can change this. For some places, like your fridge, a 30-day period might make more sense. Some other items, you only use them seasonally, like holiday decorations, you might go up to a year.

90/90 Decluttering Method is Breaking Emotional Attachments

With the 90/90 method, we learn to value our things for their use, not just emotional ties. This rule is something that personally can not stick to it really; like the first flower I got from my husband or my wedding dress, they are things that can’t be thrown away.

Remember, the 90/90 rule is a guide, not a rigid law. Use your judgment! If a sentimental item doesn’t see frequent use but sparks immense joy, consider keeping it. However, be honest with yourself—is it truly joy or just emotional clutter?

Extra Tips for Applying 90/90 Decluttering Method

Now that you grasp the core principle, let’s explore some additional tips to turn your decluttering journey into a smooth and successful one:

• Start Small: Don’t try to tackle your entire house in one step. Choose a manageable area; you can do it room by room or even break it into a drawer, a shelf, or a section of your closet. This will help to prevent overwhelm and keep you motivated.
• The Power of “Maybe”: Unsure about an item? Create a designated “maybe” pile. After decluttering a designated area, revisit this pile and see if anything still sparks joy.
• Generalize to Different Categories: The 90/90 rule can be applied to anything—clothes, books, electronics, even sentimental items (with a touch of sensitivity, of course).
• Decluttering doesn’t Mean Deprivation: The goal is to surround yourself with things you need and love and create functionality. Do not deprive yourself of your desires and needs! But remember quality over quantity.
• The Joy of Letting Go: A donation could bring joy to someone else, or selling an item could give you a little extra cash.

Keep it Fun and Enjoying

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a chore; adds fun and enjoyment to the process.

• Turn on the Music: Create a decluttering playlist filled with your favorite upbeat music.
• Get Help from Your Friend: Team up with a friend who also wants to remove their clutter. It’ll be more fun, and you can hold each other back on this journey.
• Reward Yourself: Set milestones and reward yourself for reaching them. Treat yourself to a coffee break after tackling a drawer, or celebrate a decluttered room with a movie night.
• Before and After: Take a photo of the area before you begin and after you’ve finished. The visual transformation can be incredibly motivating.

Remember, decluttering is a journey not a task!