Is your closet overflowing with clothes, shoes, and accessories? Cleaning out your wardrobe is a common task when organizing your bedroom, but it can feel overwhelming. Studies show that most adults struggle to organize messy spaces, with many needing extra storage just for clutter. Enter the 90/90 rule—a method that's effective for many in creating a clutter-free, organized wardrobe.
The 90 to 90 decluttering rule
The 90/90 rule, popularized by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, is a simple guideline for decluttering. Ask yourself two questions about each item: Have you used it in the last 90 days? Will you use it in the next 90? If the answer is no, it's okay to let go. This rule can be applied to various areas of your home, but starting with your wardrobe is a great idea.
Decluttering your wardrobe
1. Clothes
Use the rule of three to keep your closet organized:
Separate your clothes into three piles: keep, donate, and sell. This helps make the closet decluttering process clear and organized.
Assign each clothing item a score:
After sorting your clothes into piles, concentrate on the ones you want to keep. Then, rate each item on a scale of 1 to 10 based on how good it makes you feel and how practical or wearable it is. If you're serious about decluttering effectively, be truthful with your ratings. Any item that scores five or lower in either category should be set aside. You most likely don't need it.
Swap out your wardrobe for the season:
It's time to say goodbye to your cozy sweaters and make space for spring and summer clothes. Fold your winter clothes to prevent stretching, and store them in storage bins to save space and keep them safe from dust and pests.
Organize things sensibly:
After choosing what to keep, another essential part of decluttering closets is to organize them in a way that makes sense and is easy to remember. You can group similar items together, such as all sweaters in one place and all jackets in another. Another option is organizing by color. Think about how you usually pick outfits and arrange accordingly.
2. Storage Solutions
Upgrade to slimline hangers for a space-saving solution:
If you are wondering how to begin decluttering my closet, start your wardrobe detox with a hanger change. This simple swap can have a huge impact. Bulky wooden and plastic hangers take up unnecessary space and make closets look messy. By using slimline hangers, you can fit three hangers in the space of one wooden hanger. This not only creates a uniform and modern look but also transforms your space into a boutique-like experience!
Try Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST):
Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST) is a clever tool that keeps your closet tidy by spacing out your hangers evenly. It not only makes your closet look neat but also makes it easier to find and grab your clothes. With RST, you can move your clothes around without them getting messed up, making it simple to pick out what you need. Whether you're organizing or just browsing your wardrobe, RST adds both style and convenience to your closet.
Keep track of what you wear:
In addition to using the closet 90 decluttering rule, there's another trick to figure out what clothes you wear regularly. Turn your hangers around when you wear something. Of course, you won't wear summer dresses in winter or chunky knitted sweaters in summer. But we have already done a seasonal swap. So by doing this, you'll quickly see which clothes you use often and which you don't, depending on the season.
3. Accessories, underwear, and shoes
Accessories like belts and scarves can take up a surprising amount of space in your wardrobe. When decluttering closets, consider how often you use them. Instead of folding belts, try hanging them from hooks inside your wardrobe door to save drawer space.
Organize your underwear by what you use daily and what fits well, and consider organizing by color for easier access. Toss socks with holes and mismatched pairs, and review your shoes to see if they still fit and are in good condition. Keep the ones you wear often, separate and donate the rest if they're still in good shape.
4. Bedding and towels
If you store your bedding and towels in your wardrobe instead of a linen closet, it's a good idea to review and declutter them. It's easy to accumulate a lot of bedding and towels over time, but you only need a few of each. Aim for about three sets per bed for bedding: two for regular use and one extra for different seasons if needed. Make sure to keep bedding that's easy to wash, in good condition, and comfortable.
Similarly, it's recommended to have two sets of towels per person, including a face cloth, hand towel, and bath towel. Remember that rolled towels take up less space than folded ones, so keep that in mind when organizing.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the 90 to 90 rule offers a simple yet effective approach to decluttering your wardrobe and creating a more organized space. Focusing on keeping only the items you love and wear regularly can reduce clutter, save time getting dressed, and make your mornings more enjoyable. Remember to evaluate each item based on whether it brings you joy and serves a purpose in your daily life. Embracing the 90 rule has led to a more streamlined wardrobe for many and a greater sense of calm and satisfaction in their living spaces. So why not give it a try? Take action today and apply these tips to transform your wardrobe into a clutter-free and functional zone.
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Author: Stephen Patrick
Stephen is the Founder and CEO of the Roomedys® brand. Stephen’s inaugural, multi-patented invention, Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST), is poised to transform the world of closet organization. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, Stephen is an expert in functional organization. His mantra, “Everything has a place; everything stays in place,” is the key to achieving a realistic & maintainable routine that provides a feeling of balance and well-being.