A new decluttering hack is making the rounds on social media, and while it sounds disgusting, people say it works.
While the best-known declutterer might still be Marie Kondo, a number of social media users have claimed that the ‘poop rule’ has changed their lives.
So what exactly does it entail?
What is the ‘poop rule’?
The premise of the poop rule is pretty simple: ask yourself whether you would clean and keep the item if it was covered in poop, helping determine whether to toss it or not.
In December 2024, Becka, the TikTokker behind the account ADHDOrganized shared the method for clearing out her home with followers.
In the now viral video, Becka said that it works wonders for her, and she thinks people, especially those struggling with ADHD, can benefit from using it.
“I know that sounds super gross and it has nothing to do with the bathroom,” Becka warned her followers.
“Pick up an item and think ‘is this important enough that I would wash poop of it?’ and let me tell you it works miracles,” she explained.
@adhdorganized ADHD purging/organizing hack!! 💞💩 #adhd #organize #hack #cleaning #grwm
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How to use the ‘poop rule’?
Luckily the ‘poop rule’ isn’t as literal as you may fear, and doesn’t involve any bodily byproducts.
Speaking to her followers, Becka revealed that the ‘poop rule’ works wonders particularly when it comes to things like bathroom products.
“I truly picture poop on the item, and it really helps me,” she explained, encouraging her followers to do the same.
For those looking to try this decluttering theory, look through your toiletries cabinet and ask yourself whether you would keep something if it had poop on it—you’ll be surprised at the results.
Does the ‘poop rule’ actually work?
Since ADHD Organized shared the video, it appears that thousands of people have been able to improve their decluttering strategies as a result. Lots of TikTok followers have been trying this for themselves and loving the clutter-free results.
“I'm doing this! Thank you for this!” wrote one, while another added: “You might have just changed my life.”
Another joked: “I'm applying this to people in my life as well.”
According to a writer from Apartment Therapy, the ‘poop rule’ can also work wonders when it comes to drawers of miscalaneous items, but it does have setbacks.
“The poop rule is great for when you’re unsure whether something is, to borrow from another decluttering principle, useful or beautiful,” the author wrote. But, they argued it doesn’t mean it should be applied to everything, as you never know when a useful yet inexpensive tool might come in handy.
