Decluttering 101: Our Favorite Tricks and Tips

Hello declutter enthusiasts! Today, we’re embarking on a journey with Truth & Tidy Co., where we’ll unravel the secrets of decluttering using the powerful 90/90 rule, the transformative 20/20 rule, and the efficient 4-bin technique. Get ready to declutter your space and make room for a life filled with simplicity, warmth, and purpose.

The 90/90 Rule: Decluttering with Intention

Let’s kick things off with the revolutionary 90/90 rule. The concept is simple – if you haven’t used or needed an item in the last 90 days and can’t foresee using it in the next 90 days, it’s time to bid it farewell. This rule is a game-changer in minimizing the unnecessary and reclaiming your space for things that truly matter.

How to Apply the 90/90 Rule:

1. Assessment Time:

Take a stroll through your living spaces and ask yourself the 90/90 question for each item. Touch everything. Be honest – if it hasn’t served a purpose in the last three months and won’t in the next three, it’s ripe for decluttering.

2. Decision-Making Magic:

As you go through your belongings, make swift decisions. Trust your instincts. If hesitation arises, consider the impact of that item on your daily life. The goal is to streamline and simplify.

3. Create a “Maybe” Pile:

For items that trigger uncertainty, create a “maybe” pile. Revisit this pile after the initial sweep and apply the 90/90 rule once more. This ensures that only the truly necessary items make the cut but gives you the grace to make the final decision after emotions have been dealt with.

The 20/20/20 Rule: Vision for a Clutter-Free Future

Now, let’s shed light on the transformative 20/20/20 rule. This rule is all about focusing on the present and the future, ensuring you have a clear vision for a clutter-free and organized living space. Simply put, if it costs less than $20 to replace and if it can be replaced in 20 minutes or less then it's time to declutter. The third "20" in this rule represents the time it might take to declutter a space. If the space can be decluttered in 20 minutes or less, tackle it right away.

How to Apply the 20/20/20 Rule:

1. Identify Quick Wins:

Pinpoint areas in your home that could benefit from a quick decluttering session – think countertops, entryways, or that pesky junk drawer. These quick wins create momentum for larger decluttering projects. Set a timer for 20 minutes to help avoid distractions that might arise as you declutter the space. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve in a focused, time-limited burst.

2. Hindsight is 20/20:

Hold the item in question in your hand. Does it cost less than $20? If yes, now ask yourself if it can be replaced in 20 minutes or less (think quick grocery store run). If the answer is also yes, and you're still unsure, apply the 90/90 rule. Have you used this in the past 90 days or will you use it in the next 90 days? If your answer is no then it's time to get rid of the item.

3. Celebrate Small Victories:

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements after each 20-minute session. Small victories build confidence and motivation for the bigger decluttering endeavors.

The 4-Bin Technique: Simplifying Decisions

As we continue our decluttering expedition, let’s explore the efficiency of the 4-bin technique. This method streamlines the decision-making process by categorizing items into four distinct bins: Keep, Donate, Recycle/ Trash, and Sell.

How to Implement the 4-Bin Technique:

1. Gather Your Bins:

Set up four medium-sized bins for each category – Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Sell. Having clear distinctions makes the decluttering process more systematic.

2. Decision Time:

As you sift through your belongings, place each item in its corresponding bin. Ask yourself if the item aligns with your current needs and if it adds value to your life. Use the 90/90 and 20/20/20 rules mentioned above for the trickier decisions.

3. Donate with Purpose:

Items in the Donate bin can find new homes where they’ll be cherished. Research local charities or organizations that accept donations, ensuring your items go to those who truly need them. Something to keep in mind is that a lot of donation centers will throw away damaged goods, so if that tshirt has a small paint stain or tear on them from your last home renovation project, it will get tossed. Save those workers (and yourself) time by either throwing away the item yourself or upcyling it.

4. Recycle Responsibly:

Environmental consciousness is key. Items in the Recycle bin should be disposed of properly. Check your local recycling guidelines to ensure responsible disposal, or for an extra creative solution, DIY an upcycle for the item in question if it can't be properly disposed of. You can either donate or sell the upcycled item.

5. Sell Strategically:

If you have items with value that you no longer need, consider selling them. Online platforms or local markets can be great avenues to give these items a second life while adding a little extra cash to your pocket.