90-90 Decluttering Examples: A Practical Guide

The 90-90 decluttering rule is a minimalist strategy designed to help you decide what items to keep or discard. It involves asking yourself if you’ve used an item in the last 90 days or if you plan to use it in the next 90 days. If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go. This method is particularly effective in maintaining a clutter-free home and promoting a minimalist lifestyle.

What is the 90-90 Rule in Decluttering?

The 90-90 rule is a simple yet powerful technique for decluttering. It encourages you to evaluate your belongings based on their recent and anticipated use. This approach helps in making quick decisions about what to keep and what to discard, thus reducing the emotional burden of decluttering.

How to Apply the 90-90 Rule?

1. Choose a Category: Start with a specific category, such as clothes, books, or kitchen gadgets.
2. Evaluate Each Item: Ask yourself if you have used the item in the past 90 days or plan to use it in the next 90 days.
3. Decide: If the answer is no to both, consider donating, selling, or recycling the item.

Benefits of the 90-90 Rule

• Simplicity: The rule is easy to remember and apply.
• Efficiency: It speeds up the decluttering process.
• Mindfulness: Encourages thoughtful consumption and ownership.

90-90 Decluttering Examples

Clothing

• Seasonal Wear: If you haven’t worn a winter coat in the last three months and don’t plan to wear it in the next three, consider donating it.
• Formal Attire: Evaluate if you genuinely need multiple formal outfits if they haven’t been used or won’t be used soon.

Kitchen Items

• Gadgets: If you haven’t used a specific kitchen gadget, like a bread maker, in the past 90 days and don’t foresee using it, it might be time to let it go.
• Dishes and Utensils: Keep only the essentials you use regularly and donate extras.

Books and Media

• Books: If a book has been sitting unread for months and you don’t plan to read it soon, donate it to a local library or charity.
• DVDs/CDs: Consider streaming services as alternatives if physical media hasn’t been used recently.

Sentimental Items

• Photos and Memorabilia: Digitize photos or keep only the most meaningful items to reduce physical clutter.
• Gifts: If a gift hasn’t been used or displayed, it might be time to pass it on.

Practical Examples of 90-90 Decluttering

Example 1: Wardrobe Purge

Scenario: You have a closet overflowing with clothes, many of which haven’t been worn in ages.

Action:

• Go through each item and ask the 90-90 question.
• Donate clothes that don’t fit the criteria.
• Keep a capsule wardrobe of essentials.

Example 2: Kitchen Clean-Up

Scenario: Your kitchen cabinets are full of gadgets and utensils.

Action:

• Sort through gadgets and utensils.
• Keep only those used in the last or next 90 days.
• Donate or sell duplicates and rarely used items.

Example 3: Digital Declutter

Scenario: Your digital space is cluttered with files and apps.

Action:

• Review apps and files.
• Delete those not accessed or needed in the next 90 days.
• Organize remaining files into folders for easy access.

People Also Ask

What is the purpose of the 90-90 rule?

The purpose of the 90-90 rule is to simplify the decision-making process in decluttering by focusing on recent and anticipated use, thus helping reduce clutter and promoting a minimalist lifestyle.

How often should you apply the 90-90 rule?

It’s beneficial to apply the 90-90 rule every few months or during major life changes, such as moving or seasonal transitions, to maintain a clutter-free environment.

Can the 90-90 rule be applied to digital clutter?

Yes, the 90-90 rule is effective for digital decluttering. Regularly review and delete unused apps, files, and emails to keep your digital space organized.

How do you handle sentimental items with the 90-90 rule?

For sentimental items, consider their emotional value. If they haven’t been used or displayed recently, digitize them or keep only a few meaningful pieces to reduce physical clutter.

Is the 90-90 rule suitable for everyone?

While the 90-90 rule is versatile, it may not suit everyone’s lifestyle. Adapt the rule to fit personal needs and preferences for the best results.

Conclusion

The 90-90 decluttering rule is a practical tool for anyone looking to simplify their life and reduce clutter. By focusing on the recent and anticipated use of items, you can make informed decisions on what to keep and what to discard. Whether applied to clothing, kitchen items, or digital files, this method promotes a more organized and mindful way of living. Consider integrating the 90-90 rule into your regular decluttering routine for a more streamlined and stress-free home.