Attempting the 90/90 Decluttering Method in My Closet Expanded Its Available Space Tremendously

Discovering my peak efficiency lies within structured frameworks has been a valuable lesson over time, particularly evident in my decluttering endeavors. Following the success of implementing the SIMPLE method to organize my refrigerator, I embarked on exploring another renowned decluttering technique known as the 90/90 rule.

This method, attributed to Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, entails posing two straightforward questions:

1. Have I utilized this item in the past ninety days?
2. If not, do I foresee using it in the next ninety days?

With curiosity piqued, I decided to apply the 90/90 rule to one of my cluttered closets to gauge its effectiveness.

Setting the Groundwork: While the rule’s nomenclature centers on a ninety-day timeframe, Millburn and Nicodemus emphasize adaptability based on the decluttering context. Whether it’s your fridge, guest room, or linen closet, adjusting the timeframe according to the decluttering space is key. Setting a defined timeframe before commencing the decluttering process is advisable for consistency.

Assessing Items: In my case, tackling a closet meant aligning with the ninety-day timeline. As November marked the beginning of the current season and May hints at a transition to warmer months, I evaluated each item’s relevance for both periods. This mid-season approach offered a pragmatic perspective, distinguishing between current necessities and future considerations.

Removing and Replacing: Irrespective of the decluttering method, initiating with a clean slate by emptying the space and organizing items is pivotal. Adhering to the 90/90 rule simplified decision-making, swiftly discerning between utilized and dormant possessions. This efficiency facilitated detachment from emotionally tethered items, streamlining the decluttering process.

End Result: Focusing on one closet housing athletic wear, intimates, and seasonal items yielded notable outcomes. The application of the 90/90 rule resulted in a substantial donation pile and a more organized closet space. Strategically replacing items while questioning their immediate utility enhanced spatial optimization and accessibility.

Concluding Thoughts: Embracing the simplicity of the 90/90 rule left me devoid of reservations, prompting a desire to extend its application to my children’s wardrobes. I found shorter self-imposed windows to be particularly effective, yet customization remains paramount based on individual decluttering objectives and honesty.

In essence, the 90/90 rule proved to be a pragmatic and efficient approach to decluttering, offering clarity amidst chaos and fostering a more functional living environment.

_{Repurposed article originally published in The Spruce}