Decluttering Using the 90/90 Rule

This week I tried a decluttering method that gave me a fresh perspective on items I often overlook in my home! If you can’t shake the feeling that there’s still too much stuff around, give this a try!

This technique was created by The Minimalists, to combat the “clutter blindness” that many of us face in our own homes. When we’re surrounded by items we see every day, we often magnify their importance, value, or future potential. To get started, simply ask yourself the following two questions:

Have I used this in the past 90 days?
Will I use it in the next 90 days?

A few of the things I decluttered during this session include an old pair of gardening shoes, a packaging case for one of our car seat accessories, a couple of mason jars, old coupons and gift cards, a sweater, a dress, a rain jacket, and craft supplies. I focused on areas of my home that I normally pass over quickly or entirely when decluttering—these are the spaces where I tell myself that everything is important and serves a purpose, but upon closer inspection, I found many things I could say goodbye to!

This technique was incredibly helpful to open my eyes to items around my house that I had previously overlooked. However, I think this technique is difficult for evaluating seasonal items, home decor, and sentimental objects.

I would recommend adding this technique to your decluttering repertoire for short 5-30 minute sessions to shake up your decluttering process or routines! I hope you’ll be as surprised as I was at the things you find you can get rid of that you normally just pass over—and how great your home feels afterward!