What is the 90-90 Rule for Decluttering?
When it comes to decluttering your home, one of the biggest hurdles is figuring out what to keep and what to let go of. Enter the 90-90 rule—a simple, effective strategy to make those decisions without falling into the “but what if I need this later?” trap. If that cluttered closet, overflowing garage, or packed kitchen cabinet is giving you stress, this smart rule may just become your new favorite organizing tool.
Understanding the 90-90 Rule
At its core, the 90-90 rule is designed to cut through the emotional attachment we often have to “stuff” and simplify the decision-making process. The approach is straightforward: ask yourself two key questions about each item:
- Have I used this in the past 90 days?
- Will I use this in the next 90 days?
If the answer to both questions is “no,” then it’s time to part ways with the item. It’s that simple. This method works because it focuses on practicality and pushes us to reflect on how much value an item truly adds to our day-to-day lives. No more guessing, no more guilt—just clarity.
Why the 90-90 Rule Is Effective for Decluttering
What makes the 90-90 rule so powerful is its ability to streamline decision-making. Facing piles of possessions all at once can lead to decision fatigue—where you’re so overwhelmed by choices that you end up keeping most things out of sheer exhaustion. The 90-90 rule simplifies things: it’s a quick, consistent litmus test that helps eliminate the guesswork.
By focusing on functionality—what you’ve used recently and what you actually plan to use—it sharpens your ability to identify what deserves space in your home. Not only does this free up physical room, but it also reduces the mental load of living amidst clutter. Studies even show that a tidy, organized home can improve focus, lower stress levels, and promote a general sense of well-being. Less clutter, more calm—what’s not to love?
Applying the 90-90 Rule in Your Home
Decluttering an entire house is no small task, especially in family homes where storage is maximized and every inch seems stuffed. Here’s how you can practically apply the 90-90 rule in your own space:
Start Small: One Room or Zone at a Time
Tackling your entire home in one go is overwhelming. Begin with a single space like your bedroom closet, kitchen pantry, or that notorious junk drawer. Breaking down the process into smaller, manageable tasks allows you to see immediate progress, which keeps motivation high.
Categorize and Assess
As you sort through items, categorize them into:
- Items you’ve used in the past 90 days.
- Items you’ll need in the next 90 days.
- Items neither used recently nor needed soon.
Be brutally honest here! Overdue honesty, like holding up that bread maker you only used for sourdough experiments two years ago, works wonders.
Face Common Challenges in Shared Spaces
In many homes, shared spaces like garages or storage rooms become a catch-all for rarely used items like seasonal sports gear, holiday decorations, or DIY project leftovers. These areas often require creative solutions like sectioning off items by season or activity. Use clear bins or labels to keep it tidy and accessible.
By methodically evaluating and organizing your items, the clutter will begin to feel manageable. The 90-90 rule isn’t about feeling deprived—it’s about creating space for the things that truly matter.
Evaluating Past Usage
For those moments when you’re wavering on whether something has been “recently” used, here’s a tip: track your habits. Mark calendar dates when you last used an item. For example, if you’ve touched your waffle maker, seasonal coat, or gardening tools within the past three months, keep them. But if they’ve been gathering dust for longer, it’s time to reconsider their purpose. Use visual cues like stickers attached to items or digital reminders via phone apps. The key is to ask, “Am I keeping this because it’s useful—or because I feel guilty?”
Anticipating Future Needs
With an eye toward the future, the second half of the 90-90 rule asks: will you use that item in the next three months? Consider upcoming events, seasons, or routines in your life. That lightweight jacket you wear every spring? Keep it. The fancy punch bowl you’re saving for a party you haven’t planned yet? Let it go. For homes in regions with mild winters or hot summers, factor in seasonal trends—you’re more likely to need extra fans and fewer wool blankets, for instance. Be honest about how your life looks now, not in a “someday” scenario.
Benefits of Decluttering for Homeowners
Decluttering goes beyond just making your home look nice. For homeowners, the benefits are profoundly tangible. First, it transforms your living spaces into calming retreats—your home starts working for you, not against you. Who doesn’t love walking into a clutter-free room and knowing exactly where everything is?
For El Cerrito Hills homeowners, the decluttering effect can even enhance property value. A tidy, organized home is instantly more appealing to potential buyers, should you ever decide to sell. And let’s talk about lifestyle: fewer tripping hazards, less dust collection, and a clearer mind. With the natural panorama of El Cerrito Hills as your backdrop, a clean and organized home is the perfect complement to those scenic views outside your window.
Responsible Disposal and Donation Options
As you begin to shed those unnecessary items, what should you do with them? Decluttering doesn’t mean creating heaps of waste. Instead, consider eco-friendly and community-conscious ways to minimize your environmental impact.
Gently used items like clothing, furniture, and electronics can often be donated to local thrift stores or charities that repurpose them for people in need. When it comes to disposing of junk—like broken furniture, old appliances, or construction debris—some local services specialize in responsible recycling and disposal. Ensure that non-donatable items are sorted properly, following local waste guidelines to keep the area green and beautiful.
How Sons of Odin Hauling Can Assist You
Feeling overwhelmed? Sons of Odin Hauling is here to make decluttering easier. Our professional services include dumpster rentals, waste hauling, and bobcat/skid-steer services—perfect for any scope of cleanup. Whether you’re tackling a single room or the entire house, we’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on organizing. Plus, our team is well-versed in local regulations, ensuring the disposal process is smooth and hassle-free. Simplify your cleanup with Sons of Odin Hauling—because decluttering doesn’t have to mean dragging it all to the curb yourself.
Local Regulations and Guidelines
If you’re planning to use a dumpster during your decluttering project, it’s important to understand local waste disposal regulations. Certain permits might be required for dumpster placement, especially if it’s on shared or public property. Additionally, El Cerrito has specific rules regarding allowable waste types—hazardous materials, for example, can’t simply be tossed into a standard bin. Complying with local ordinances helps avoid fines and ensures your project runs smoothly.
Scheduling Your Decluttering Project
Timing can make or break a successful decluttering effort. Spring cleaning? Clearing space for holiday guests? Or just wanting to start fresh at the New Year? Choose a moment that aligns with your lifestyle and ensures you won’t feel rushed. Busy times often coincide with peak availability for services like dumpster rentals, so plan ahead and book early. Sons of Odin Hauling is always ready to assist, but scheduling in advance ensures a stress-free process from beginning to end.
Conclusion
The 90-90 rule is a practical, transformative method to simplify your life and reclaim your home. From reducing decision fatigue to enhancing your living spaces, decluttering is more than just tidying—it’s self-care for your environment. Whether you’re tackling a closet or diving into a whole-house project, remember that Sons of Odin Hauling is here to help you dispose of the clutter responsibly and efficiently. Take the first step today. Your future, more serene home is just a call away!
