'Would I Keep It If It Had Poop On It'? This Decluttering Trend Is Weirdly Genius

While the world is obsessed with tidying hacks and Pinterest-perfect minimalism, a gross but surprisingly impactful trend is taking over social media. The name might throw you off, but its effect is real. It’s called “The Poop Rule,” and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: “If this item was covered in poop, would I still keep it?” As odd as it sounds, this offbeat decluttering rule is actually working wonders, especially for those overwhelmed by emotional attachment, decision fatigue, or the pressure to keep things ‘just in case’. Turns out, all it takes is one gross mental image to help you let go of what no longer serves you.

The roots of this viral trick lie with lifestyle influencer Amanda Johnson, who first coined the term. And as bizarre as it sounds, the poop rule is as literal as it gets.

Let’s face it — we all have piles of things at home that we don’t even use, but we’re too emotionally attached to let go of them. Whether it’s an old gift, a dusty decor piece, or clothes that “might fit someday,” these items linger out of guilt, nostalgia, or habit. The poop rule tackles this emotional mess head-on with one unexpected question: “If this item was covered in poop, would I still keep it (after cleaning it)?”

If the answer is yes, it’s a keeper. If the very idea of washing it makes you recoil, it’s time to toss it. Johnson shared that the rule helped her let go of clothes she hadn’t worn in over six months, incomplete board games, and party décor she was holding onto “just in case.”

The Surprising Psychology Behind the Poop Rule

So why does something as gross as the poop rule work? The answer lies in how it cleverly bypasses emotion. Our attachment to objects is rarely about utility; it’s about memory. We hold on to things out of guilt, nostalgia, or sheer habit. That old top we don’t wear anymore? A reminder of a trip. The chipped mug? A gift from someone we don’t even speak to now.

By imagining those objects smeared with something as revolting as poop, we’re suddenly able to emotionally detach. It becomes less about memory, more about practicality.

This method is also gaining traction among neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD or anxiety. The poop rule removes the grey area — no overthinking, no “maybes.” Just one clear question. And that clarity is empowering for people who struggle with decision fatigue or clutter paralysis. Not everything we own “sparks joy,” and that’s okay. Some things are simply functional, but this rule tests their real value. If it’s not joyful or useful, why is it still there?

There’s also a hidden charm in how humour and disgust combine here. That vivid mental image — of poop on your favourite trinket — might make you laugh or cringe, but either way, it breaks the seriousness of the decluttering process. Suddenly, tidying doesn’t feel like a heavy emotional task. It becomes quick, honest, and even a little fun.

And the psychology backs this up. A 2021 study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that clutter negatively impacts mental wellbeing, particularly in households where women bear the brunt of emotional labour. What qualifies as “clutter,” however, is deeply subjective — and that’s exactly where the poop rule becomes useful. It cuts through internal noise and helps you perform a gut-check: Is this object truly worth your time, space, and mental energy?

For women, who are often expected to declutter not just their own belongings but entire shared spaces, this one graphic question can be surprisingly liberating. It removes the emotional weight, the second-guessing, and the mental gymnastics. It’s a shortcut to clarity — one that’s weird, maybe, but wildly effective.

So yes, it might sound gross — but the impact of the poop rule is hard to deny. After all, something as universally repulsive as poop is ironically helping people bring cleanliness and clarity into their lives. By using this one vivid, slightly absurd question, we’re not only clearing physical space but also untangling emotional clutter. It cuts through indecision, avoids the grey area, and lifts the invisible mental burden we often carry while tidying. Sometimes, it turns out, the most unclean thought is exactly what we need to feel a little lighter.