Clutter sneaks up on you. One day, your home feels cozy, and the next, you’re drowning in stuff you don’t even remember buying. If you’ve ever looked around and thought, “I need to get rid of this mess,” you’re not alone. Learning how to declutter your home isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating space for what truly matters. A clutter-free home means less stress, more focus, and a sense of calm. That’s where the 90/90 Rule comes in. If you haven’t used something in the last 90 days and won’t in the next 90, it’s time to let it go.
What Is the 90/90 Rule?
The 90/90 Rule is a simple yet effective decluttering method designed to help you make quick, confident decisions about what stays and what goes. The idea is straightforward: if you haven’t used an item in the last 90 days and don’t plan to use it in the next 90, it’s time to let it go. This rule eliminates the hesitation that often comes with decluttering—no more “what if I need it someday?” moments. It’s especially useful for tackling everyday clutter, unused gadgets, and that ever-growing pile of “just in case” items.
The 90/90 Decluttering Rule, also known as the 90/90 Minimalism Rule, is a simple yet effective method for deciding what stays and what goes in your home. Created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, widely known as The Minimalists, this rule challenges you to evaluate your belongings based on practicality rather than sentiment. The concept is straightforward: ask yourself if you’ve used an item in the last 90 days and if you’ll need it in the next 90 days. If the answer is no, it’s a strong sign that the item no longer serves a purpose in your life. This method not only helps streamline your space but also encourages a mindful, clutter-free lifestyle, making room for things that genuinely add value.
Ready to see it in action? Let’s break it down and learn how to declutter your home.
How to Declutter Your Home: The 90/90 Rule for a Clutter-Free Life
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or impossible. The 90/90 Rule is an easy and practical approach to decluttering your home without second-guessing every item. Instead of getting stuck in emotional attachments or “what if” scenarios, this method helps you make quick decisions based on actual use. By following a few smart home organization techniques, you can create a more spacious, stress-free, and functional living space. Below are 10 practical decluttering tips to help you apply the 90/90 Rule effectively and keep your home clutter-free.
10 Practical Tips to Declutter Your Home Using the 90/90 Rule
Applying the 90/90 Rule effectively requires strategy and consistency. These decluttering tips will help you clear unnecessary clutter, create a more organized home, and maintain a stress-free space.
1. Start Small to Avoid Overwhelm
Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be exhausting. Instead of tackling everything at once, start small—one drawer, one shelf, or one corner at a time. The 90/90 Rule helps make decisions easier. If you haven’t used something in the last 90 days and won’t in the next 90, let it go. Small wins build momentum, making home organization feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Start with small spaces to prevent burnout.
✔ Set a timer for 10-15 minutes.
✔ Use storage bins to sort items efficiently.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t try to declutter your entire home in a day.
✘ Don’t keep items out of guilt or obligation.
✘ Don’t shove items into hidden spaces instead of letting go.
2. Focus on One Category at a Time
Decluttering room by room often leads to shifting clutter instead of eliminating it. A more effective method is tackling one category—clothes, books, kitchenware—at a time. The 90/90 Rule helps determine what’s necessary and what’s just taking up space. This method prevents duplicate items from piling up and helps in long-term digital and home organization, making it easier to maintain a clutter-free space.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Sort by category (clothes, electronics, books, etc.).
✔ Completely finish one category before moving to another.
✔ Be honest about what you actually use.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t mix multiple categories—it causes confusion.
✘ Don’t hold onto items “just in case.”
✘ Don’t keep duplicates when one is enough.
3. Use the One-Year Box Method
If you’re unsure about certain items, place them in a box, seal it, and label it with today’s date. If you don’t need anything from it in a year, donate or discard it. This complements the 90/90 Rule by offering a buffer before making final decluttering decisions. A hidden box prevents unnecessary clutter in your visible spaces while still giving you time to let go mentally.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Seal the box and store it out of sight.
✔ Set a reminder to check it in a year.
✔ Donate or discard anything left untouched.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t open the box before the set time.
✘ Don’t store it somewhere visible—it defeats the purpose.
✘ Don’t hoard items that don’t serve a purpose.
4. Adopt a Minimalist Mindset
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about changing how you think about possessions. Instead of asking, “Should I keep this?” ask, “Does this add value to my life?” The 90/90 Rule helps shift from emotional attachment to practical necessity. When you focus on keeping only what serves you, your home naturally becomes more organized, stress-free, and visually calming, making decluttering a habit rather than a chore.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Focus on function over sentimentality.
✔ Keep only what genuinely adds value.
✔ Adopt a “less is more” mindset.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t hold onto items because of guilt.
✘ Don’t confuse sentimental value with usefulness.
✘ Don’t replace clutter with different clutter.
5. Follow the One-In, One-Out Rule
To prevent clutter from building up again, commit to the one-in, one-out rule—for every new item you bring in, remove an old one. This ensures that your home doesn’t get overcrowded again after your initial decluttering efforts. Whether it’s clothing, gadgets, or kitchenware, this method forces you to be mindful about purchases and keeps your space consistently organized without effort.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Get rid of one old item for every new purchase.
✔ Apply this rule to clothes, books, and décor.
✔ Be mindful of unnecessary impulse buys.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t buy things without assessing your needs.
✘ Don’t ignore clutter build-up after decluttering.
✘ Don’t keep items “just in case” if they’re unused.
6. Set a Decluttering Schedule
Decluttering once isn’t enough—you need to maintain it. Set a routine, whether weekly, monthly, or seasonally, to apply the 90/90 Rule consistently. A decluttering schedule prevents clutter from piling up again. Having designated time for cleaning up ensures a clutter-free home all year round, rather than only when things get out of control.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Create a weekly, monthly, or seasonal decluttering schedule.
✔ Stick to a routine to prevent future clutter.
✔ Declutter before major sales to avoid impulse purchases.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t wait until clutter is overwhelming.
✘ Don’t declutter only when you have time—make time.
✘ Don’t ignore small messes; they add up fast.
7. Digitize Paperwork and Photos
Piles of paper, old bills, and printed photos take up unnecessary space. Scan and store important documents digitally using cloud storage or external drives. Digitizing eliminates physical clutter while keeping everything accessible. The 90/90 Rule helps—if you haven’t used a document in 90 days and don’t need it in the next 90, it’s time to discard or digitize.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Scan documents and store them digitally.
✔ Keep backups of important files.
✔ Use cloud storage for easy access.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t hoard old bills, receipts, and manuals.
✘ Don’t forget to secure sensitive data.
✘ Don’t let digital clutter replace physical clutter.
8. Use Clear Storage Containers
Storage solutions matter. Instead of tossing things into random bins, use clear containers so you can easily see what’s inside. This prevents unnecessary purchases and makes organization effortless. The 90/90 Rule helps decide what deserves space—store only what you actually use. Transparent storage boxes work best in pantries, closets, and garages, keeping your home tidy while avoiding hidden messes.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Use clear containers for easy visibility.
✔ Label boxes to keep track of items.
✔ Store seasonal or rarely used items efficiently.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t use opaque bins that hide clutter.
✘ Don’t store unnecessary items—only essentials.
✘ Don’t forget to organize within containers.
9. Be Honest About Sentimental Items
Memories aren’t in objects—they’re in experiences. While some sentimental items are worth keeping, others take up unnecessary space. The 90/90 Rule helps—if an item hasn’t been used in 90 days and won’t be in the next 90, reconsider keeping it. Keep only what genuinely holds value, and let go of items that serve no real purpose but contribute to clutter.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Keep only meaningful sentimental items.
✔ Limit keepsakes to a designated space.
✔ Repurpose sentimental items into functional pieces.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t hold onto things out of guilt.
✘ Don’t keep everything because of nostalgia.
✘ Don’t let sentimental clutter overtake your space.
10. Make Decluttering a Habit
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle. The more you incorporate small decluttering habits into your daily routine, the less clutter will accumulate over time. Apply the 90/90 Rule regularly, stay mindful about what enters your home, and embrace minimalism as a long-term mindset. A clutter-free home isn’t just visually pleasing—it reduces stress and makes life simpler.
✅ Do’s:
✔ Make decluttering a part of your routine.
✔ Set small daily or weekly cleaning goals.
✔ Stay mindful of what enters your home.
❌ Don’ts:
✘ Don’t treat decluttering as a one-time task.
✘ Don’t let clutter build up again.
✘ Don’t ignore small messes—they add up fast.
Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a space that feels peaceful, functional, and truly yours. If you’re wondering how to declutter your home without feeling overwhelmed, the 90/90 rule is a game-changer. By asking yourself if you’ve used an item in the last 90 days or will need it in the next 90, you can quickly decide what stays and what goes—no guilt, no second-guessing.
Think about it—how much of your time is wasted searching for things buried under clutter? How often do you feel stressed by the mess around you? A clutter-free home isn’t about perfection; it’s about making your space work for you, not against you. And the best part? The 90/90 decluttering rule makes it easy. No complicated methods—just a straightforward way to declutter your home and simplify your life.
So, take that first step. Open that closet, that drawer, that overstuffed cabinet. Let go of what no longer serves you and make room for what truly matters. If you’ve been looking for the best way to declutter your home, now is the time to start. Your future self will thank you for it!
FAQs on the 90/90 Rule and Decluttering
1. How does the 90/90 rule work?
The 90/90 rule is a simple decluttering method where you evaluate an item by asking two questions: Have I used this in the last 90 days? Will I need it in the next 90 days? If the answer is no to both, it’s time to let it go. This rule helps you focus on keeping only practical, frequently used items and eliminates unnecessary clutter.
2. How to declutter clothes using the 90/90 rule?
To declutter clothes using the 90/90 rule, go through your wardrobe and ask: Have I worn this in the last 90 days? Will I wear it in the next 90 days? If not, donate, sell, or repurpose it. This method ensures your closet stays functional, filled only with pieces you truly wear and love.
3. What are the three rules of decluttering?
The three golden rules of decluttering are:
Everything has a home – Keep things organized by assigning each item a designated space.
One in, one out – Every time you buy something new, remove an old item.
Use it or lose it – If you haven’t used an item in a set timeframe (like 90 days), it’s clutter.
4. How can I use the 90/90 rule to declutter my home?
Apply the 90/90 rule to every category of belongings—clothes, kitchenware, electronics, books, and more. If an item hasn’t been used in the past 90 days and won’t be needed in the next 90 days, it’s time to let it go. This method streamlines your space and helps maintain a minimalist, clutter-free home.
5. What are the best rules for decluttering clothes?
Some of the best decluttering rules for clothes include:
One-Year Rule – If you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably won’t.
90/90 Rule – If you haven’t worn it in 90 days and won’t in the next 90, let it go.
KonMari Method – Keep only what sparks joy.
Capsule Wardrobe Rule – Stick to versatile, essential pieces that mix and match.
Hanger Trick – Turn hangers backward; if untouched after six months, donate.
6. What is the golden rule of decluttering?
The golden rule of decluttering is: Keep only what adds value to your life. If an item isn’t useful, necessary, or meaningful, it’s just taking up space. This principle encourages mindful ownership and helps prevent unnecessary accumulation.
7. How can I declutter my living room in 30 minutes?
Follow these quick steps for a 30-minute living room declutter:
Use storage baskets – Keep remotes, books, and small essentials organized.
Set a timer – Work fast and stay focused.
Clear surfaces – Remove unnecessary items from tables and shelves.
Put things back – Return misplaced items to their designated spots.
Declutter daily-use items – Remove outdated magazines, excess décor, or broken items.
8. What are some effective decluttering rules for beginners?
Beginners can start with these simple decluttering rules:
Room-by-Room Approach – Tackle one space at a time to avoid overwhelm.
10-Minute Rule – Declutter for just 10 minutes a day.
One-Year Rule – If you haven’t used it in a year, let it go.
Four-Box Method – Sort items into keep, donate, sell, and trash.
9. Is the 90/90 rule better than the one-year rule?
The 90/90 rule is more suited for those wanting a minimalist lifestyle, as it forces quicker decisions. The one-year rule allows for more seasonal flexibility but might lead to holding onto more than necessary. The best rule depends on your lifestyle and decluttering goals.
10. How do I stay clutter-free after decluttering?
To maintain a clutter-free home, follow these habits:
Be mindful of new purchases – Buy only what you truly need and love.
Adopt the one-in, one-out rule – For every new item, remove an old one.
Declutter regularly – Set monthly or seasonal decluttering sessions.
Have a designated space for everything – Avoid random piles and misplaced items.
