The 90/90 rule: an easy way to declutter your home and garden
Brother Decluttering Series: the 90/90 rule.
There’s nothing like a good refresh to help us breathe new life into our homes and gardens, and it all starts with understanding how to declutter your home effectively.
Clearing out the clutter that builds up over time helps create a space that feels organised, flows well, and supports day-to-day living.
Throughout our 4 part Decluttering Series, we’re diving into some of the most popular decluttering methods to see what really works – with help from lifestyle influencer and professional organiser Hazel Burton, aka @thehomereset.ie.
In this post, we're testing out the popular 90/90 rule – a method that's as simple as it is effective. Here’s how to make it work for your home clear out.
What is the 90/90 decluttering rule?
The concept is refreshingly straightforward – though not for the timid. The 90/90 rule, coined by minimalists Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, challenges you to look at an item and ask:
"Have I used this in the last 90 days?"
"Will I use it in the next 90 days?"
If the answer to both is no, it’s time to let it go.
This method is designed to help you declutter with confidence and avoid the “just in case” trap that leads to overstuffed sheds and chaotic cabinets.
Putting the 90/90 rule to the test
Hazel recently put this rule into action during her annual clear out, tackling everything from BBQ gear to gardening tools and outdoor toys.
To keep things organised, Hazel used the Brother P-touch CUBE label printer (PT-P300BT) – a compact Bluetooth-enabled label printer that makes it easy to create custom, durable labels right from your smartphone.
Whether she was storing endless tools or her son’s cycling accessories, label-making helped keep everything neatly sorted and easy to find, keeping your summer fun flowing smoothly.
The durable labels also mean your chosen storage solutions can stay outside or in a shed without worry – no smudging or peeling when exposed to water, hot and cold temperatures or chemicals.
Plus, because the P-touch CUBE is Bluetooth-compatible and portable, Hazel could enjoy printing labels at home anywhere, making it easy to keep the decluttering momentum flowing without being stuck indoors.
The verdict
The 90/90 decluttering method is both simple and effective. It not only helps you decide what to keep, but also encourages smarter storage. Once you’ve assessed how often you use an item, you can organise your home storage based on accessibility – keeping frequently used items at the front and storing less-used ones further back.
The tighter the time frame you give yourself, the more decisive you’ll be.
Professional organiser Hazel gave the method a 7 out of 10, highlighting that while it works well for everyday items, it may be less suited to seasonal or one-off pieces.
While I’m happy with how my outdoor space is organised, I don’t find the 90/90 rule flexible enough to apply across the whole home.
For items like holiday decorations or birthday supplies, Hazel recommends decluttering after the event. If you didn’t use it this year, chances are you won’t next year either. A simple, yet practical method for keeping occasional-use clutter under control.
While I’m happy with how my outdoor space is organised, I don’t find the 90/90 rule flexible enough to apply across the whole home.
Ready to try it?
The 90/90 rule is a powerful way to jump-start your summer organisation efforts. Paired with simple tools like the Brother P-touch CUBE label printer, it’s never been easier to take control of your home and garden clutter.
Click here for other methods in our Decluttering Series, where we’ll explore more declutter tips with Hazel Burton to help you make the most of your space.
