A decluttering method with a nasty name is going viral on social media, and those who’ve tried it swear it works. It’s called the “poop rule” and it has people purging unwanted and unused stuff in the trash like it’s literally covered in crap.
So, how does it work? “The poop rule is simple,” explains Amanda Johnson, a content creator who’s used it. “While decluttering, ask yourself, ‘If something was covered in poop, would I still keep it?’” She tried it at her house and was able to toss clothing, games and home decor items with ease, noting that the technique is “perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed by clutter or struggles with decision fatigue.”
While pro organizer Marie Kondo had us asking what sparks joy to know what to keep, the poop rule helps us figure out what we wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pooper scooper. Being able to part with some of that clutter won’t just make your home look better, it can boost mental health, too, as messy spaces are linked to everything from an inability to focus to impaired memory to poor eating habits and decision fatigue. Sure, the poop rule can be a little repulsive, but it can be a quick way to decide what you’re willing to do to keep something and what you’re willing to let go.
Source: NY Post