'Eliminate mental burden' with the 90+ minimalist rule – professional organizers reveal how to use it for effortless streamlining at home

In the modern world of overconsumption, it's all too easy to allow clutter to build up. Soon, rooms are stacked with piles of miscellaneous belongings, whilst closets and drawers are fit for bursting at the seams.

Here, professional organizers share their top decluttering tips for utilizing the 90+ minimalist rule, and reveal just how transformative it can for cutting clutter.

What is the 90+ minimalist rule, and who is it good for?

Among all the many hundreds of decluttering methods, the 90+ minimalist rule is a little more abstract. To shed some light on it, Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, explains, 'Simply put, you assign a score between 1 and 100 based on the value, joy, or utility an item brings you. If an item doesn't hit 90, then you may not need it.'

Therefore, as Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized highlights, this rule is best for people struggling to overcome decision fatigue, who need a clear, objective way to determine what should (and shouldn't) stay in their life.

'It's especially helpful for those who lean toward minimalism, but often find themselves second-guessing whether to keep or let go of items,' she says. 'If you can feel overwhelmed by spotting signs you're losing control of clutter, or tend to make impulse purchases, this rule can help simplify your decision-making process.'

Additionally, by setting a high standard, only keeping or buying items that score a 90 or above on your personal scale, you ensure that everything in your space truly serves a purpose, or brings you joy. This is something that Marie Kondo embodies with her KonMari method, and if you're not sure how to know if an item sparks joy, our guide breaks down the benchmarks to keep an eye out for.

'Rules are very helpful when organizing as they allow us to follow a dedicated strategy and philosophy to achieve our organizational goals,' adds Ben. 'Additionally, most people don't know where to start, and having a plan is always helpful. The 90 plus guideline forces someone to make specific choices about the items they buy or own.'

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What are the benefits of applying this rule to your own home?

Of course, the main benefit of this minimalist organizing habit is that it easily reduces clutter like a minimalist, and leaves you with more space and a calmer, more intentional living environment.

'It also helps eliminate the mental burden of constantly debating whether an item is worth keeping or not,' adds professional organizer Di. 'When applied to shopping, it can save money by stopping unnecessary purchases before they happen,' leaning into all the best parts of the underconsumption trend.

Additionally, using the 90+ minimalist rule also makes cleaning and organizing easier, swerving any home cleaning mistakes, as fewer items means less to maintain.

'This simplifies your daily life,' continues Di. 'By following this rule, you're left with only the best of the best, ensuring that everything in your home truly adds value.'

If you often feel overwhelmed when decluttering, this easy rating system for your belongings will help shave off some of the indecision and procrastination that can come with challenging tasks. You can use a stack of Post-It Notes, available from Amazon for speedy delivery, to identify your scored items that need to go.

What are the drawbacks?

While you might not agree wholeheartedly, professional organizer Ben's main qualm with this rule is that 'no one actually needs anything – people lived in caves.'

He explains, 'Scoring 90% would really meet you are leaning deeply into a minimalist lifestyle. If you really want to live as a true minimalist, then this approach may be helpful. However, there are better strategies to getting organized if you aren't looking to adopt a strict minimalist approach.'

For example, Ben suggests focusing on goals, keeping in mind the 'buy cheap pay twice' mindset, and purchasing well-made items instead. 'For items in our home, once we get past those items that are keepsakes, we can ask how expensive an item is or how hard to get again,' he adds.

Additionally, professional organizer Di points out that some people might find the 90+ rule a bit too strict, especially when it comes to practical household items. After all, there are plenty of things you should never throw out when decluttering.

'A toilet brush or a set of measuring cups, for example, might not “spark joy” or score a 90+, but they are still necessary,' she advises. 'Another potential drawback is that sentimental or seasonal items may not always feel like a 90+ year-round, but that doesn’t mean they should automatically be discarded.'

If you're finding this rule feels too rigid, allowing you to be too ruthless when decluttering, Di recommends adopting a more flexible approach by using a sliding scale.

'For example, you might keep essential household tools that score 70+, set a minimum of 80+ for clothing and décor, and reserve 90+ for everything else that truly enhances your life,' she suggests. 'This allows for more balance while still being intentional with what you own.'

How to make the 90+ minimalist rule even more effective

'To make this rule even more effective, trust your first instinct,' says professional organizer Di, which is the best piece of advice when it comes to overcoming a decluttering roadblock. 'If you hesitate or feel unsure about an item, chances are, it’s not a 90.'

Something else Di recommends is applying this mindset to new purchases first, rather than trying to declutter everything at once, to successfully circumvent the ways your home attracts clutter before it even has a chance to enter your home. 'You can also test it in one specific area, like your closet or kitchen, before expanding it to your entire home,' she adds.

Finally, Di recommends pairing the 90+ minimalist rule with her Organize Yourself Healthy method, which focuses on aligning your home organization with your overall wellbeing.

'Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff – it’s about creating a space that supports your lifestyle and mental clarity,' she says. 'Ask yourself, Does this item make my life easier? Does it contribute to a home that feels calm and functional? If an item doesn’t support your well-being or make your daily routines smoother, it might not be worth keeping,' she concludes, and we couldn't agree more.

Meet our experts

Ben Soreff

Ben is a busy dad to two kids, and has made a career helping clients transform, streamline, organize and declutter their spaces after working in film and TV production.

Di Ter Avest

Di realized the importance of organization after becoming a mother, and now helps her clients to make changes in their own homes, to free up time for doing more of what they love.

FAQs

What is the 20/20/20 rule for decluttering?

The 20/20/20, or 20/20 rule for decluttering, centers around the idea that if an item can be replaced for under $20 in under 20 minutes, it's safe to get rid of, even if you then have decluttering regret later. This serves to cut 'just in case' items, as, more often than not, you don't think about the items again as soon as they leave your home.

If you're in need of some more minimalist inspo, contributing editor Rebecca Shepherd recently tried the 90/90 decluttering rule, and said it made her 'embrace minimalism,' after successfully and simply clearing her cluttered closet.