The 90/90 Decluttering Rule Helps You Decide What to Keep or Toss in Minutes

Deciding what stays and what goes when decluttering can feel surprisingly complicated. Sentimental items tug at emotions, and others you can't part with "just in case." Before long, you’re surrounded by items you meant to get rid of but now are just adding back to drawers. The viral 90/90 rule aims to actually get items in those donation bins by replacing all the "Do I need this?" back-and-forth with two simple, clear-cut questions. 

Here's how to use this trending decluttering method to finally clear out what you no longer need.

The 90/90 Decluttering Rule, Explained

One of the hardest parts of decluttering is overcoming the idea that you might need something someday. The 90/90 rule is, more or less, a reality check that invites you to evaluate what you actually use rather than what you hope to use eventually.

Originated by The New York Times–bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, and T.K. Coleman of The Minimalists, the now-viral approach centers on two questions. When deciding whether to keep or declutter an item, ask yourself:

1. Have I used this in the past 90 days?
2. Will I realistically use it in the next 90 days?

The answers will ultimately decide the item’s fate. If the answer to both is no, it may simply be taking up space.

This approach helps reduce the confusion and emotion that often accompany decluttering. Instead of feeling like you’re making a high-stakes decision about each item, you’re simply acknowledging how (and how often) you actually use it.

When the Rule Doesn't Apply

Like most guidelines, the 90/90 rule isn’t meant to be rigid. Certain items naturally fall outside a three-month timeline, such as holiday decorations and seasonal clothing. In fact, the method’s original concept encourages users to choose a duration that makes sense for their lifestyle and the decluttering task at hand.  

For example, winter coats won’t likely see daylight in July, but they’ll get plenty of use once temperatures drop. Similarly, luggage might only be used a few times a year but remains essential. The goal isn’t to discard anything that hasn’t been used recently, but to question whether it genuinely serves a purpose in your life.

How to Start Using the 90/90 Rule

You can apply the 90/90 decluttering rule to almost any part of your home, but it’s particularly helpful in areas where clutter tends to accumulate.

Considering getting started in the following areas. Ask the two questions honestly. If something hasn't been used recently and you can’t see yourself reaching for it soon, consider placing it in a donation box.

• Closets and Wardrobes: Applying the 90/90 concept to your closet will quickly reveal what you reach for most and which pieces haven't been worn all season. If you can’t picture yourself wearing something in the next few months (and haven’t in the ones before), it may no longer deserve a place in your closet.
• Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers: Clearing out rarely used items makes everyday cooking easier. Take careful stock of single-purpose tools, small appliances, specialty gadgets, and novelty mugs. If they haven’t made an appearance in the past few months (and you can’t imagine using them in the near future), they may be better suited for donation.
• Bathroom Drawers: Half-used products, duplicate toiletries, and expired beauty products can overtake bathroom storage. The 90/90 rule can help curate your collection to items you actually use in your routine. 
• Storage Areas: While usage for some seasonal items falls outside a 90-day window, many stored belongings may not have been touched in years. Applying the rule here can reveal just how much space is being taken up by things you no longer need or forgot you owned.

Remember that you don’t need to make dramatic changes overnight. You’re focusing on real habits and choosing the items that will genuinely support your daily life. The 90/90 rule offers a simple framework that should make it easier to identify what truly belongs in your home and to clear out what you no longer need.