Decluttering Made Simple: How the 90/90 Rule Helps You Let Go with Confidence

Hey, hey it’s JJ! If you’ve ever stood in front of a closet, drawer, or pile of “I might need this someday” and felt completely stuck, you’re not alone. Decluttering isn’t hard because we don’t know how to do it. It’s hard because we don’t trust our decisions.

That’s where the 90/90 rule for decluttering comes in. It’s one of my favorite tools because it removes the emotion, quiets the overthinking, and brings clarity fast.

Let’s break it down.

What Is the 90/90 Rule for Decluttering?

The 90/90 decluttering rule asks two simple questions about an item:

• Have I used this in the last 90 days?

• Will I realistically use this in the next 90 days?

If the answer is no to both, it’s a strong sign the item no longer needs space in your home or your mind.

This rule works because it focuses on how you actually live today, not a future version of your life that may never arrive.

Why the 90/90 Rule Works So Well

One of the biggest reasons clutter stays is “someday thinking.”

• I might need this

• What if I regret it

• This was expensive

• I’ll use it when life slows down

  
  

The 90/90 rule decluttering method gently brings you back to the present. It shifts the focus from guilt to clarity and from perfection to progress.

Decluttering becomes easier when decisions are grounded in reality.

Best Areas to Use the 90/90 Rule in Your Home

If you’re wondering how to declutter your home, start here.

Closets

Clothing and shoes that haven’t been worn in months often fail the 90/90 test quickly. If it hasn’t served you recently and has no clear plan ahead, it may be time to let it go.

Kitchen Gadgets

Unused appliances and tools quietly collect dust and take up valuable space. If it hasn’t earned its spot, it may not belong there anymore.

Home Office and Paper Clutter

Old notebooks, planners, and stacks of paper are perfect candidates for this decluttering rule.

Bathroom and Beauty Products

Expired or forgotten items clutter your space and your routines more than you realize.

How the 90/90 Rule Works with Seasonal Items

The 90/90 rule doesn’t need to be rigid.

For seasonal items, ask:

• Did I use this last season?

• Do I have a specific plan to use it this upcoming season?

  
  

If not, it may still be time to reassess what you’re keeping and why.

The Mindset Shift That Makes Decluttering Easier

Letting go of something doesn’t mean it was a mistake to buy or keep it.

It simply means it no longer fits your life right now.

Decluttering is not about getting rid of everything. It’s about creating a home that supports ease, calm, and function.

A Simple Way to Start Decluttering Today

You don’t need to declutter your entire house at once.

Try this:

• Choose one drawer or shelf

• Apply the 90/90 rule

• Stop when your energy fades

  
  

Small, intentional steps build confidence and momentum.

When to Ask for Help Decluttering Your Home

If decluttering feels emotional, overwhelming, or never-ending, that’s completely normal.

As a professional organizer, I support clients through decision-making with compassion and zero judgment.

Together, we create organized, functional, and enjoyable spaces that reflect real life.

If you’re ready to feel lighter in your home and clearer in your mind, I’d love to help.

👉 Book a complimentary consultation and let’s get started.

Happy organizing,

JJ 💜