The 90/90 Rule Is the Easiest Way to Let Go of Clutter

As a professional organizer whose brain isn’t naturally wired for math, I’ve had to overlook the names of some of the trendiest organizing methods. I frequently use the core 4 method, the 1-3-5 rule, and the 90/90 rule. While their titles might seem intimidating, these tried-and-true techniques can be effective for anyone.

To help you get organized once and for all, I'm sharing how to use the 90/90 rule—and why the title shouldn’t scare you. If you find yourself overwhelmed with the task of decluttering, holding onto sentimental or "just in case" items, and don’t know where to start, this rule could be just the right method for you.

The 90/90 rule was made popular by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who go by The Minimalists. They use the term 90/90 Minimalism Rule, which is a powerful way to help anyone declutter by determining whether they truly need an item. The premise is straightforward and asks two simple questions:

• Have I used this item in the last 90 days?
• Will I use it in the next 90 days?

If the answer to both questions is no, it’s time to let it go. See? I told you the math part wasn’t scary!

The 90/90 rule works because it encourages realistic thinking about what you actually use and need rather than holding onto items out of habit, guilt, or hypothetical scenarios (for example, the all-too-common “just in case” mentality). The beauty of the method is that it helps free you from emotional attachments to things while allowing for practical exceptions.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered when helping others to declutter is that it can be hard to justify letting go of things. From "What if I need this one day?" to "I might fit into this again one day," there are many reasons you might hold onto items unnecessarily. The 90/90 rule establishes a clear, objective timeframe. If you haven't used something in the last three months and can't realistically see yourself using it in the next three, it's likely just taking up space.

Another reason this method is effective is that it naturally accounts for seasonal items. For example, if you’re evaluating a winter coat during the summer, the approach allows for practical considerations since you will need it in the coming months. The goal is not to eliminate necessities, but to remove the excess that clutters both your space and your mind.

How to Implement the 90/90 Rule

Ready to give the 90/90 rule a try? Follow this step-by-step guide to make it happen.

1. Pick a Starting Point

Instead of tackling the entire house at once, begin with a small space or category. For example, focus on just your kitchen utensils or dresser drawers. Starting this way gives you a quick win and encourages you to keep going. 

2. Ask the Right Questions

Handle each item individually and ask yourself, “Have I used this in the past 90 days?” and “Will I use it in the next 90 days?” If you answer no to both questions, it goes in the declutter pile. If you find yourself hesitating, remember that "just in case" usually means "never." 

3. Declutter Immediately

After sorting through your items, don’t let the declutter pile linger. Decide what to do with each item promptly to avoid any temptation to keep holding onto it. You can do one of three things:

• Donate: If they're in good condition, donate items to a local charity, a family in need, or someone you know (who is willing and able to take things off your hands ASAP).
• Sell: If you've got valuables you know others would purchase, consider selling them to a consignment store or through an online marketplace (so long as you have the room to store unsold items).
• Recycle: Anything you can't donate or sell, recycle or safely dispose of.
  

Tips for Organizing Success

You might find that the 90/90 rule makes decluttering immediately easier for you, more so than any other technique you’ve tried in the past. If so, that’s fantastic. Most people will experience a bit of a learning curve, but with practice, they eventually find it’s the best way to let go of clutter. Here are some tricks to fast-track success using the 90/90 rule:

• Keep it Up: I like to remind anyone who will listen that decluttering isn't just a one-time event; it's an ongoing process. Set reminders to repeat the 90/90 rule in the spaces or categories you’ve already done at least once or twice per year (or whenever you notice clutter piles accumulating). As you get more comfortable with the technique, you might notice that decluttering takes less and less time, energy, and effort.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust the Timeline: For one reason or another, 90 days may feel too constricting to you. While you don’t want to be too lenient with your timeline (since that may defeat the purpose of the method altogether), experiment with 120 or 180 days if that helps you make your decision.
• Consider Creating a “Clutter Purgatory”: When you start decluttering, it’s natural to be afraid that you’ll get rid of an item too hastily (hence, why we often hold onto things “just in case” we need them again). If you find yourself feeling hesitant and have the space, create a small section in a storage area for the “maybes.” Make it temporary and set another time limit, so, say, in another 90 days you haven’t touched the item, now it’s time to let it go. At least, however, it hasn’t been clogging up your main living space.