In a world of constant consumption and clutter, it can feel overwhelming to find clarity and focus in our daily lives. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists, have spent over a decade helping millions embrace a life of meaning and simplicity. One of their most effective tools for decluttering and intentional living is the 90/90 Rule, a simple but transformative method to help you evaluate what truly adds value to your life.

Who Are The Minimalists?

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus are best-selling authors, filmmakers, and podcast hosts who promote the idea that less is more. Their work encourages people to let go of excess possessions, obligations, and distractions to make room for what matters most: relationships, creativity, health, and personal growth.

Through their books (Everything That Remains, Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life), their podcast (The Minimalists Podcast), and their Netflix documentaries (Minimalism and The Minimalists: Less Is Now), they share practical tools and inspirational stories to help others live more intentionally.

One such tool is the 90/90 Rule, which offers a practical and approachable way to start decluttering.

What Is the 90/90 Rule?

The 90/90 Rule is a straightforward guideline for deciding whether an item should remain in your life. Here’s how it works:

1. Reflect on the Past: Ask yourself if you have used the item in the last 90 days.

2. Consider the Future: Will you use it in the next 90 days?

If your answer to both questions is no, it’s likely that the item no longer serves a purpose in your life and can be discarded or donated.

Why It Works

The beauty of the 90/90 Rule lies in its simplicity. It forces you to confront whether an item is genuinely useful or just taking up space. It encourages mindfulness, helping you focus on what truly adds value to your life instead of holding onto things “just in case.”

For example:

• The Sweater You Never Wear: If you haven’t worn it in three months and you don’t plan to wear it in the next three, it’s time to let it go.

• The Old Kitchen Gadget: If it’s been sitting in the back of a drawer unused and doesn’t have a purpose in the foreseeable future, you likely don’t need it.

How the 90/90 Rule Supports a Minimalist Lifestyle

The 90/90 Rule is more than just a method for decluttering—it’s a mindset shift. It challenges you to evaluate what you own through the lens of utility and intention, rather than sentimentality or guilt.

By embracing this rule, you:

• Reduce Clutter: Free up physical and mental space by removing what no longer serves you.

• Gain Clarity: Focus on items that genuinely add value to your daily life.

• Feel Empowered: Let go of the burden of excess and experience the freedom of having just enough.

How to Get Started

Here’s how you can start applying the 90/90 Rule today:

1. Pick a Small Area: Start with one drawer, a closet, or a shelf.

2. Evaluate Each Item: Use the 90/90 Rule to decide whether to keep or let go of each possession.

3. Let It Go: Donate or recycle items that no longer serve a purpose.

Remember, minimalism isn’t about deprivation—it’s about living with intention. The 90/90 Rule is just one tool to help you clear the clutter and create space for what matters most.

Final Thoughts

The Minimalists’ 90/90 Rule is a powerful reminder that we don’t need to hold onto things that no longer serve us. By letting go of the unnecessary, we gain the freedom to focus on what truly enriches our lives.

So, take a moment to look around. What have you used in the past 90 days? What will you use in the next 90? Anything that doesn’t fit into these categories might just be the extra baggage you’re ready to let go of.

Life is about more than things. Start small, and let the 90/90 Rule guide you toward a simpler, more meaningful life.

What’s one thing you could let go of today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!