The article discusses the challenges of decluttering and introduces the 90/90 rule from The Minimalists, which helps streamline the decision-making process. The author reflects on a cluttered drawer that was intended for essentials but accumulated junk instead. By using the 90/90 rule, the author systematically assesses each item, determining if it has been or will be used within the next 90 days. Items not meeting this criterion are discarded, while important paperwork is organized and retained. This approach highlights the balance between sentimentality and practicality in decluttering efforts.
Sometimes, things need to stick around even if they don't spark any joy - looking at you, tax returns and other important documents.
When you come upon an object you're unsure about decluttering, ask yourself two questions: Did you use it in the past 90 days? If not, will you use it in the next 90 days?
I started sorting things into piles. Paperwork was one of the largest piles, full of junk mail, expired coupons, and old receipts.
There was a bit of important paperwork that needed to stick around for a while, so I put it into a file folder and placed it back in the drawer.
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