Short Answer:

The “90/90 rule” in decluttering is a simple guideline to help decide whether to keep an item. It states that if you haven’t used an item in the last 90 days and don’t plan to use it in the next 90 days, it should be removed from your home.

This rule helps identify unnecessary items, reduce clutter, and create more organized and functional spaces. It encourages mindful decisions, prevents accumulation of unused belongings, and keeps your home clean and easy to maintain.

Detailed Explanation:

90/90 Rule in Decluttering

The 90/90 rule is a practical and effective method for evaluating items during decluttering. It provides a clear and objective way to determine whether an item is truly needed or just taking up space. This rule is especially helpful for people who struggle with emotional attachment or indecision about belongings.

How It Works

1. Evaluate Usage: Look at each item in your home and ask whether you have used it in the past 90 days. If you haven’t, consider whether it will be needed in the near future.
2. Predict Future Use: Ask yourself if you will use the item in the next 90 days. Be realistic about whether it will serve a purpose or just sit unused.
3. Decision: If the item hasn’t been used in the last 90 days and won’t be used in the next 90 days, it is a candidate for removal. This could mean donating, recycling, or discarding it depending on its condition.

Benefits of the 90/90 Rule

• Reduces Clutter: Quickly identifies items that are unnecessary, freeing up space.
• Encourages Mindful Ownership: Promotes thoughtful evaluation of belongings and discourages hoarding.
• Simplifies Decision-Making: Provides a simple rule that removes guesswork about what to keep.
• Increases Functionality: Removing unused items creates more room and makes your home easier to organize.
• Saves Time and Effort: Less clutter means less cleaning, organizing, and searching for items.

Applying the 90/90 Rule

• Start Small: Begin with a single category like clothes, books, or kitchen items to practice the rule.
• Use Bins or Boxes: Sort items into keep, donate, recycle, or trash based on the 90/90 evaluation.
• Be Honest: Avoid rationalizing why an item might be needed; stick to the 90-day guideline.
• Combine with Other Methods: You can pair this rule with the 4 box method or the KonMari approach for a more comprehensive decluttering process.
• Maintain Regularly: Periodically review your belongings using the 90/90 rule to prevent clutter from building up again.

Examples

• A pair of shoes not worn in the last 6 months and unlikely to be worn in the next 3 months can be donated.
• Old kitchen gadgets rarely used in the past 3 months and not needed in the near future can be recycled or given away.
• Books you haven’t read in the past 3 months and have no plans to read soon can be donated.

By applying the 90/90 rule, you make objective decisions, reduce emotional attachment, and keep your home organized and functional.

Conclusion:

The 90/90 rule in decluttering states that items not used in the past 90 days and unlikely to be used in the next 90 days should be removed. This rule simplifies decision-making, reduces clutter, and helps maintain a tidy, functional, and organized home. Regular use of this method encourages mindful ownership and prevents unnecessary accumulation of items.