Ah, the age-old struggle of staring into the closet abyss, wondering what on earth to wear. I’ve been there, my friend – surrounded by a sea of clothes, accessories, and miscellaneous items, all fighting for attention. It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed and frustrated. But fear not, I’ve discovered a game-changing method that can transform your cluttered chaos into an organized oasis.
The 90/90 Rule: Your Ticket to Closet Clarity
If you’re like me, you’ve probably accumulated way more stuff than you actually use on a regular basis. That’s where the 90/90 rule comes in. Created by the brilliant minds of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, the dynamic duo behind The Minimalists, this simple yet effective decluttering technique is the key to liberating your closet (and your life) from the tyranny of excess.
The premise is straightforward: Ask yourself two questions about each item in your closet:
- Have you used this in the past 90 days?
- Will you use it in the next 90 days?
If the answer to both questions is no, then it’s time to let that item go. No exceptions, no excuses. This ruthless approach may sound harsh, but trust me, it’s the wake-up call your closet needs.
Putting the 90/90 Rule into Practice
I remember the day I decided to tackle my closet. I stood in front of the mirrored doors, staring at the dizzying array of clothes, shoes, and accessories, and felt a familiar sense of dread. But this time, I was determined to take control.
As I learned from Apartment Therapy, the first step was to go through each item, one by one, and ask myself the 90/90 questions. Shirts I hadn’t worn in ages? Bye-bye. Pants that no longer fit? Adios. That fancy dress I bought for a wedding two years ago? Sorry, but you’re out of here.
It was a merciless process, but I found that the black-and-white nature of the 90/90 rule helped me overcome any sentimental attachments or delusional thoughts about “someday” wearing certain items. If I couldn’t honestly answer “yes” to both questions, it was time for that item to find a new home.
The Aftermath: A Closet Transformation
After an hour or so of ruthless decluttering, my husband and I had two massive trash bags full of clothes to donate. The process was liberating, and the results were even better. Our once-cluttered closet was now a beacon of organization and clarity.
As I discovered in another helpful video, the benefits of decluttering your closet go far beyond just having a tidy space. By letting go of the unnecessary, I found that I could now easily locate the items I actually wear and enjoy. No more wasted time standing in front of the closet, pondering my options. Instead, I could quickly grab what I needed and start my day with a sense of confidence and purpose.
But the benefits didn’t stop there. With fewer clothes cluttering the shelves and hangers, our closet felt lighter and more inviting. I even rediscovered some forgotten gems, like a stack of skirts I had shoved to the back and completely forgotten about. It was like finding hidden treasure, and I couldn’t wait to wear them again.
Expanding the 90/90 Rule: Decluttering Beyond the Closet
Inspired by my closet success, I decided to apply the 90/90 rule to other areas of my life. As I learned from the video, the beauty of this method is that it can be used to declutter not just your closet, but your entire home.
During a waiting room visit, I took the opportunity to declutter my phone. Apps and games I hadn’t used in ages? Gone. It was so liberating to have a streamlined device, without the clutter of unused digital tools.
Of course, decluttering with a partner can have its challenges. When my husband tried to toss a shirt I actually liked, I quickly snatched it back and added it to my side of the closet. The point, after all, is to let go of the unnecessary, not to acquire more.
The Power of Decluttering: A Transformative Journey
As I reflect on my experience with the 90/90 rule, I can’t help but feel a sense of lightness and freedom. By ruthlessly evaluating every item in my closet (and beyond), I’ve been able to create a harmonious living space that aligns with my values and priorities.
The journey of decluttering isn’t just about physical possessions; it’s about reclaiming your time, energy, and mental space. When you’re not constantly surrounded by unnecessary clutter, you can focus on the things that truly matter – the relationships, experiences, and passions that enrich your life.
So, if you’re ready to embark on your own closet transformation, I encourage you to give the 90/90 rule a try. It may be a challenging process, but the rewards are immeasurable. Who knows, you might even rediscover some hidden gems in your wardrobe, just like I did.
Remember, the home you love starts here. By decluttering and organizing your closets, you’re taking a powerful step towards creating the space and mindset you need to thrive. Let’s embrace the freedom that comes with letting go of the unnecessary and welcome the joy of a harmonious, clutter-free living environment.
If you need a little extra help with the decluttering process, our professional cleaning services team at Adam Cleaning UK is always here to lend a hand. Together, let’s embark on this transformative journey and reclaim the space** you deserve.
