The "poop rule" is helping people declutter faster—here’s how it works
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Decluttering your home can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when you’re faced with sentimental items, gifts you feel guilty about discarding, or just an accumulation of "stuff" that seems to have taken over your space.
But what if there was a simple, no-nonsense way to cut through the emotional clutter and make decisions faster?
Enter the internet’s latest trick: the "poop rule."
Yes, you read that right.
The "poop rule" is the brainchild of Becka, the creator behind the social media account ADHDOrganized, and it’s gained popularity online for its blunt yet surprisingly effective approach to decluttering.
The concept is simple: when deciding whether to keep or toss an item, ask yourself one question—"Would I still want this if I had to clean poop off it?"
It might sound a bit gross, but Becka swears by it.
In a video posted in December 2024, she explained, "I know it sounds super gross, and it has nothing to do with the bathroom. But pick up an item and think, 'Is this important enough that I would wash poop off it?' Let me tell you, it works miracles."
The idea is to use the mental image of an item covered in something unpleasant—poop, in this case—to override the emotional indecision that often comes with decluttering.
Becka says the method has been particularly helpful when sorting through bathroom products and other small items that tend to pile up.
"I truly picture poop on the item, and it really helps me," she shared, adding that the tactic is especially useful for people with ADHD, who may struggle with decision-making and emotional attachment to objects.
At first glance, the poop rule might seem like just another quirky social media trend destined to fade into obscurity.
But according to experts, there’s real psychology behind it.
Counselling psychologist Athul Raj explains that the method taps into one of our most basic instincts: disgust.
"In my sessions, I see how people hang onto things not because they bring happiness, but because they carry guilt, obligation, or nostalgia," Raj told indianexpress.com.
"A gift from someone they don’t speak to anymore. A top that doesn’t fit but once did. The poop rule offers something cleaner—not emotionally, but psychologically. It uses disgust as a filtering tool. It’s primal. It doesn’t require sitting with your feelings or being self-aware. It just asks: 'Would I pick this up if it was covered in poop?'"
This mental image cuts through emotional ambiguity and replaces it with something concrete and immediate.
For people who struggle with overthinking or sentimental hoarding, this can be a game-changer.
Instead of agonizing over "What if I need this someday?" or "This used to mean something to me," the poop rule simplifies the decision into a gut reaction: yes or no.
One reason the poop rule resonates so strongly is its effectiveness for people with ADHD or those who experience decision paralysis.
"The brilliance here is in how it bypasses executive function fatigue," Raj notes.
"You don’t have to think in categories like 'sentimental,' 'useful,' or 'just-in-case.' Those words mean nothing when you’re already overwhelmed. But disgust? That’s immediate. It pushes the brain into a yes-or-no zone without needing logic."
For people with ADHD, motivation often comes from novelty, humor, or urgency.
The poop rule ticks all those boxes.
It’s weird, slightly gross, and feels more like a game than a chore.
This playful approach lowers emotional resistance and makes the process of decluttering feel less like a punishment and more like a challenge.
"The point isn’t to throw everything away," Raj emphasizes.
"It’s to reduce decision fatigue and get unstuck. When everything feels equally important, nothing moves. The poop rule gives you momentum by tapping into your body, not your guilt. It’s not a fix for ADHD, but it’s a useful nudge when clutter feels like a mountain you’ll never get over."
Source: TikTok / @adhdorganized.
If you’re ready to give the poop rule a try, here’s how to get started:
It’s important to remember that the poop rule is just one tool in the decluttering toolbox.
It’s not about throwing away everything you own or feeling bad about the things you choose to keep. Instead, it’s about cutting through the noise and making decisions that feel right for you.
Read next: You Won’t Believe What This $1 Dollar Tree Item Can Do to Transform Your Home!
So, what do you think? Could the poop rule help you tackle your clutter? Or do you have your own tried-and-true methods for keeping your space organized? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
But what if there was a simple, no-nonsense way to cut through the emotional clutter and make decisions faster?
Enter the internet’s latest trick: the "poop rule."
Yes, you read that right.
The "poop rule" is the brainchild of Becka, the creator behind the social media account ADHDOrganized, and it’s gained popularity online for its blunt yet surprisingly effective approach to decluttering.
The concept is simple: when deciding whether to keep or toss an item, ask yourself one question—"Would I still want this if I had to clean poop off it?"
It might sound a bit gross, but Becka swears by it.
A fresh take on decluttering: this mental trick helps cut through emotional attachment. Image Source: YouTube / Ronald L. Banks.
In a video posted in December 2024, she explained, "I know it sounds super gross, and it has nothing to do with the bathroom. But pick up an item and think, 'Is this important enough that I would wash poop off it?' Let me tell you, it works miracles."
The idea is to use the mental image of an item covered in something unpleasant—poop, in this case—to override the emotional indecision that often comes with decluttering.
Becka says the method has been particularly helpful when sorting through bathroom products and other small items that tend to pile up.
"I truly picture poop on the item, and it really helps me," she shared, adding that the tactic is especially useful for people with ADHD, who may struggle with decision-making and emotional attachment to objects.
Also read: Are you secretly sabotaging your own space? 5 decluttering rules organizers live by
Why does the "poop rule" work?
At first glance, the poop rule might seem like just another quirky social media trend destined to fade into obscurity.
But according to experts, there’s real psychology behind it.
Counselling psychologist Athul Raj explains that the method taps into one of our most basic instincts: disgust.
"In my sessions, I see how people hang onto things not because they bring happiness, but because they carry guilt, obligation, or nostalgia," Raj told indianexpress.com.
"A gift from someone they don’t speak to anymore. A top that doesn’t fit but once did. The poop rule offers something cleaner—not emotionally, but psychologically. It uses disgust as a filtering tool. It’s primal. It doesn’t require sitting with your feelings or being self-aware. It just asks: 'Would I pick this up if it was covered in poop?'"
This mental image cuts through emotional ambiguity and replaces it with something concrete and immediate.
For people who struggle with overthinking or sentimental hoarding, this can be a game-changer.
Instead of agonizing over "What if I need this someday?" or "This used to mean something to me," the poop rule simplifies the decision into a gut reaction: yes or no.
Also read: Unlock a Happier, Healthier Life: The Surprising Household Habit That Can Boost Your Mood!
A game-changer for ADHD and decision paralysis
One reason the poop rule resonates so strongly is its effectiveness for people with ADHD or those who experience decision paralysis.
"The brilliance here is in how it bypasses executive function fatigue," Raj notes.
"You don’t have to think in categories like 'sentimental,' 'useful,' or 'just-in-case.' Those words mean nothing when you’re already overwhelmed. But disgust? That’s immediate. It pushes the brain into a yes-or-no zone without needing logic."
For people with ADHD, motivation often comes from novelty, humor, or urgency.
The poop rule ticks all those boxes.
It’s weird, slightly gross, and feels more like a game than a chore.
This playful approach lowers emotional resistance and makes the process of decluttering feel less like a punishment and more like a challenge.
"The point isn’t to throw everything away," Raj emphasizes.
"It’s to reduce decision fatigue and get unstuck. When everything feels equally important, nothing moves. The poop rule gives you momentum by tapping into your body, not your guilt. It’s not a fix for ADHD, but it’s a useful nudge when clutter feels like a mountain you’ll never get over."
Source: TikTok / @adhdorganized.
Also read: The secret to regifting without anyone knowing – Etiquette experts reveal!
How to use the poop rule in your own home
If you’re ready to give the poop rule a try, here’s how to get started:
- Pick a category: Start small. Choose a specific area to declutter, like your bathroom cabinet, a single drawer, or your bedside table.
- Ask the question: Hold each item and ask yourself, "Would I still want this if I had to clean poop off it?" Be honest with your answer.
- Trust your gut: Don’t overthink it. If the answer is no, it’s time to let the item go. If it’s yes, it’s worth keeping.
- Repeat as needed: Once you’ve tackled one area, move on to the next. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
It’s important to remember that the poop rule is just one tool in the decluttering toolbox.
It’s not about throwing away everything you own or feeling bad about the things you choose to keep. Instead, it’s about cutting through the noise and making decisions that feel right for you.
Read next: You Won’t Believe What This $1 Dollar Tree Item Can Do to Transform Your Home!
So, what do you think? Could the poop rule help you tackle your clutter? Or do you have your own tried-and-true methods for keeping your space organized? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
