If you’re anything like me, your clothes closet is a chaotic mess of items you barely wear, forgotten treasures, and a dizzying array of options that somehow make it harder to decide what to wear each morning. I’ve been there, my friend, and I’m here to tell you that there is a way out of the clutter-fueled clothing conundrum.
The 90/90 Rule: Your Closet’s Decluttering Savior
The 90/90 rule, created by the brilliant minds at The Minimalists, is a simple yet powerful decluttering strategy that can transform your closet from a frenzied fashion graveyard to an organized, streamlined sanctuary.
Here’s how it works: You go through every item in your closet and ask yourself two questions:
- Have I used this in the past 90 days?
- Will I use it in the next 90 days?
If the answer to both questions is ‘no,’ then it’s time to bid farewell to that item and add it to the donation pile. Yep, it’s that straightforward. No emotional attachments, no guilt trips, just pure, unadulterated decluttering logic.
I’ll admit, when I first heard about this approach, I was skeptical. After all, I’m the kind of person who hangs onto clothes for sentimental reasons, convinced that I’ll wear that ’90s-inspired crop top again someday. But when I finally mustered the courage to apply the 90/90 rule, something magical happened.
Saying Goodbye to the Clutter
My husband and I set aside a weekend to tackle our closet, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. We tried on everything, scrutinized every belt, and meticulously evaluated each and every sock, shirt, and pair of pants. It was like an episode of “Hoarders,” but with way more fashion and far less judgment.
As we worked through the process, I found myself surprised by the sheer number of items I was hanging onto for no good reason. That dress I had tailored for a wedding I never ended up attending? Gone. Those pants that no longer fit, but I was convinced I’d someday squeeze back into? Adios, amigo. Even those “comfortable” old t-shirts that had seen better days? Sayonara, threadbare friends.
Embracing the Newfound Freedom
But you know what happened next? Something incredible. Our closet suddenly felt like a breath of fresh air. Gone were the piles of forgotten clothing, the tangled mess of hangers, and the constant struggle to find what I wanted to wear. In their place, we had an organized, streamlined space that made getting dressed in the morning an absolute breeze.
As I stood there, surveying our newly decluttered domain, I felt a sense of lightness and clarity I hadn’t experienced in years. No more staring aimlessly at my options, no more frustration at the never-ending sea of fabric. Just a curated collection of items I genuinely love and wear on a regular basis.
The Ripple Effect of Closet Decluttering
But the benefits of this 90/90 closet cleanse didn’t stop there. As I mentioned, I was so inspired by the experience that I decided to apply the same principle to my digital life as well. You know how it is – we accumulate apps, games, and various bits of digital clutter just as easily as we do physical stuff.
So, while waiting in the doctor’s office the other day, I took a few minutes to go through my phone and ruthlessly apply the 90/90 rule to my apps. Goodbye to the games I haven’t touched in ages, adios to the productivity apps that never quite stuck, and sayonara to the random utilities I downloaded on a whim. It was incredibly freeing, and I can honestly say that I feel lighter, more focused, and more in control of my digital life as a result.
A Minimalist’s Approach to Closet Organization
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what if my partner wants to get rid of something I love?” Ah, yes, the eternal conundrum of closet-cleaning with a significant other. Let me offer a bit of advice on that front: don’t try to rescue their discards. The whole point of this exercise is to let go, not to accumulate more.
Remember, the 90/90 rule doesn’t care about your feelings or the stories you’ve woven around your clothes. It’s a ruthlessly logical approach that says, “If you haven’t used it and you won’t use it, it’s time to let it go.” And trust me, once you embrace that mindset, it becomes a lot easier to part with the items that no longer serve you.
Of course, there are a few exceptions to the rule, like seasonal clothing or that special-occasion dress you’ve been saving for the perfect event. But for the most part, if it’s been languishing in your closet for months (or years) on end, it’s time to say goodbye and give it a new life with someone who will truly appreciate it.
A Decluttered Closet, A Decluttered Mind
As I write this, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. With my closet now streamlined and organized, I can’t wait to tackle the rest of my home using the same principles. After all, the home you love starts with a decluttered, minimalist approach, and I’m determined to create a living space that truly reflects my values and brings me joy.
So, if you’re ready to embark on your own closet-decluttering journey, I say go for it! Embrace the 90/90 rule, let go of the items that no longer serve you, and revel in the newfound freedom and clarity it brings. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
And who knows, you might just uncover a few hidden gems in the process – like those skirts I had forgotten about that I’m now excited to wear again. It’s a win-win situation, really.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some more decluttering to do. After all, the cleaning services won’t wait, and I’m on a mission to create a space that sparks joy from top to bottom. Wish me luck!
