When I first heard about the “poop rule” for decluttering, I thought it was a joke. The idea is both simple and a bit gross. When you’re holding something you haven’t used in ages, like an old sweater or a dusty bowl, ask yourself this:
If this item were covered in poop, would I still want to keep it?
It sounds bizarre, but this method, popularized by lifestyle influencer Amanda Johnson, cuts through the cluttered thoughts we often have about our belongings. We usually create stories about why we need to keep things. Maybe that dress will fit again or those books make us appear smart. But picturing actual poop on an item forces us to realize what we truly value.
A Quick Way to Identify Clutter
This technique is great for spotting what really matters in your life. Take my kitchen, for example. I had three vegetable peelers, and only one worked well. Would I clean a poop-covered peeler? No way. Straight into the donation bin it went.
This approach works wonders for clothes too. That shirt with the stain? Those jeans that don’t fit right? Imagining the effort to clean them suddenly makes them seem less important.
The Psychology of Disgust
There’s a fascinating psychological angle here. The emotional response of disgust helps speed up decision-making. When something grosses us out, we often react quickly, without overthinking. This can be particularly useful for those who struggle with “analysis paralysis” while decluttering.
Instead of repeatedly picking up the same item and deliberating whether to keep it, one question and one vivid mental image can lead to a quick decision.
Limitations with Sentimental Items
However, this method falls short with sentimental items. Would I clean poop off my grandmother’s recipe cards? Yes. But my old pottery bowl? Maybe. This shows that some things aren’t valued for their function but for their emotional weight. For sentimental items, other methods, like the KonMari approach or Swedish death cleaning, might work better.
Combining Techniques for Success
I’ve found that the best decluttering happens with a mix of methods. The poop rule is great for kitchen gadgets and clothes, but for other belongings, different techniques shine. For instance, I use the “one-in-one-out” rule for books and the “reverse hanger” method for clothes.
Our attachment to items can be complex. Sometimes we hold onto things out of habit or obligation. The poop rule helps address items that have just been taking up space without good reason.
The Bigger Picture
Using the poop rule made me reflect on why I accumulate so much stuff. When I was working long hours, I often shopped as a form of stress relief. Buying items felt like I was making progress, but it was largely about filling an emotional void.
Now, I’m more selective about what I bring home, focusing on whether I’ll actually use an item rather than whether it fits an ideal version of myself.
A Tool, Not a Dogma
The decluttering world can be intense, with different methods treated like sacred truths. The poop rule is just one option in your decluttering toolkit. Sometimes it works perfectly; other times, it doesn’t resonate.
What’s important is being mindful about what you keep. Whether you visualize something disgusting or use another approach, the goal is to create a space that supports your actual life, not encumbers it.
Some might find the poop rule ridiculous; others may find it liberating. Both are valid perspectives. Ultimately, the method should serve you, not the other way around.
Your possessions should enhance your life, not distract from it.
