What's Happening?
A professional organizer is advocating for the '90/90 rule' as an effective method for decluttering. This rule, popularized by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, involves asking
two key questions about an item: 'Have I used this item in the last 90 days?' and 'Will I use it in the next 90 days?' If the answer to both questions is no, the rule suggests it's time to let the item go. The organizer highlights that this method helps reduce emotional attachment to possessions, encourages realistic decision-making about what is truly needed, and accounts for seasonal items. The approach aims to free individuals from holding onto items out of habit, guilt, or hypothetical future scenarios, providing a clear and objective timeframe for evaluation.
Why It's Important?
The promotion of the 90/90 rule by a professional organizer has significant implications for individuals struggling with clutter and for the broader lifestyle and home organization industry in the U.S. In a society often characterized by consumerism and accumulation, effective decluttering methods can improve mental well-being, reduce stress, and create more functional living spaces. This rule offers a practical, actionable framework that can empower individuals to make tangible progress in organizing their homes. For the professional organizing sector, such clear-cut methodologies provide valuable tools for clients, enhancing the perceived value and effectiveness of their services. The rule's emphasis on practicality over sentimentality challenges common psychological barriers to decluttering, potentially leading to more sustainable organizational habits and a shift in consumer attitudes towards material possessions.
What's Next?
Individuals interested in decluttering can immediately apply the 90/90 rule by starting with a small area or category of items, such as kitchen utensils or dresser drawers. The professional organizer advises against letting decluttered items linger, suggesting prompt donation, selling, or disposal. For those who find the 90-day timeline too restrictive, adjusting it to 120 or 180 days is an option, as is creating a 'clutter purgatory' for undecided items with a temporary time limit. The organizer also stresses that decluttering is an ongoing process, recommending regular re-evaluation of spaces. This method is likely to continue gaining traction among those seeking practical solutions for home organization, potentially influencing how professional organizers structure their advice and services, and how individuals approach their relationship with material goods.
Beyond the Headlines
The 90/90 rule taps into a deeper cultural conversation in the U.S. about minimalism, consumption, and the psychological impact of material possessions. In an era of increasing awareness about sustainability and mindful living, methods like the 90/90 rule offer a tangible way to reduce one's environmental footprint and mental load. The rule's effectiveness lies not just in its simplicity, but in its ability to challenge the 'just in case' mentality that often leads to accumulation. By setting clear boundaries, it encourages a more intentional approach to ownership, prompting individuals to consider the true value and utility of their belongings. This shift can have long-term implications for consumer behavior, potentially leading to more conscious purchasing decisions and a greater appreciation for experiences over material goods, fostering a less cluttered and more purposeful lifestyle.
