September 25, 2026, 1:27 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
When the leaves fall outside and the days get shorter, many people start to enjoy a cozy time at home: candles are lit, thick blankets are brought out, and the wardrobe gets an autumn update. Now is the perfect moment to part with things that are just taking up space. A simple method helps with this: the 90/90 rule.
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What is the 90/90 Rule?
The idea behind it is quite simple: you take an item in your hand and ask yourself two questions. Have I used or worn this item in the past 90 days? And will I likely use or wear it in the next 90 days?
The rule is particularly easy to apply to clothing. A summer dress that hasn’t been worn once in the past three months and doesn’t have a realistic occasion in the next three months can be put to the test. The same goes for jeans that have been unworn in the closet for months or the sweater you keep pushing aside.
It’s not about throwing away as much as possible. Rather, the rule is meant to help make more conscious decisions about what truly fits into your daily life. If the answer to both questions is “No,” it might be time to part with that piece of clothing.
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Fall is the Perfect Time
The change of seasons automatically brings movement into the household. Light clothing makes way for sweaters, jackets, and boots, while summer accessories move to the back of the closet.
This moment is perfect for a little reality check. When reorganizing, it’s easy to see which clothes were worn regularly over the summer–and which ones were consistently left untouched. Instead of just putting them back, it’s worth taking a quick look at the 90/90 questions.
The beauty of it: the decision doesn’t have to be made on a whim. Instead of “Maybe I’ll need this someday,” it’s about actual usage and foreseeable future.
Not Everything Has to Go Immediately
An item that doesn’t meet the 90/90 rule doesn’t have to automatically end up in the donation bin or at the flea market. After all, there are things that are rarely needed but still have a permanent place in life.
The elegant dress for special occasions, the warm ski jacket, or the high-quality coat are good examples. Personal mementos also don’t necessarily follow a 90-day rhythm. Here, the rule can serve more as a thought starter.
It gets trickier with the classic “maybe someday” candidates. They often take up surprisingly much space and are hardly missed. If you’ve been wondering for months when a piece of clothing might finally be used again, the 90/90 rule offers a good way to consider this decision more objectively.
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The Rule Works Beyond Clothing
The principle can easily be applied to other areas of the household. In the kitchen, for example, you can ask which kitchen appliances or utensils have actually been used in the past 90 days. The juicer that’s been sitting in the cupboard for months or the special baking pan used only once can be put to the test.
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The method can also be applied in the bathroom. Which care products have actually been used? Which have been sitting around forever? And will that change in the coming weeks?
Even in the home office, the 90/90 rule can help create more order. Old notebooks, unused accessories, or office supplies that haven’t been used in a long time can be systematically questioned.
More Space for the Things That Really Matter
Decluttering doesn’t necessarily mean minimalism. It’s more about aligning your possessions more closely with your actual needs. A tidy closet can, for example, make it easier to find favorite pieces and save time choosing outfits in the morning.
Especially in the fall, when the wardrobe is being changed anyway, a small inventory check is a good idea. The 90/90 rule provides a simple framework without rigid guidelines.
And perhaps during decluttering, you’ll find that not much is missing. On the contrary: among thick sweaters, coats, and scarves, you’ll suddenly discover all the things you had long forgotten. Sometimes, you don’t need a shopping spree, just a closer look in your own closet.