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Get Organized with the Poop Rule

I’ll admit that I’m not that good at getting rid of stuff around the house (mainly t-shirts). So how do you know if you REALLY want something or just don’t…

Young happy woman listening and dancing to music while spring cleaning the living room floor with a vacuum cleaner
nensuria/ Getty Images

I’ll admit that I’m not that good at getting rid of stuff around the house (mainly t-shirts). So how do you know if you REALLY want something or just don’t know how to get rid or it? Have you tried the “Poop Rule”? This actually makes sense. 

What’s the poop rule? 

The poop rule comes to us from a viral video on TikTok after a woman with ADHD heard about it from a therapist.  She has trouble organizing, and it's supposed to make it easier to let go of stuff you don't really need. Here’s the video: 

The technique is simple:  Pick something up in your hands and pretend there's poop on it.  Really try to visualize the feces.

The emoji for the poop rule

Poop emoji - the spokesperson for the "poop rule"?

 Then ask yourself, "If there really was poop on this, would I wash it or throw it away?"

 If it's something you'd wash, then keep it.  If it's something you wouldn't, then throw it out . . . or donate it since it isn't REALLY covered in poop. See? That's why they call it the "Poop Rule"

It's kind of like a grosser version of the "spark joy" trick from Marie Kondo

Songs to motivate when you declutter

I asked AI to come up with a song list for cleaning/decluttering...here's what we got:

Ah, so you're looking for some classic rock anthems to power through that decluttering session? I’ve got just the playlist for you! These tracks will get your air guitar out and the clutter out even faster.

Classic Rock to Keep the Energy High:

  1. "Livin' on a Prayer" – Bon Jovi
    When you're halfway through the mess and need to remind yourself you're almost there.
  2. "We Will Rock You" – Queen
    For those moments when you're on a roll, tossing stuff left and right like a rock star.
  3. "Sweet Child O' Mine" – Guns N' Roses
    A guitar solo and some deep cuts into your clutter.
  4. "Takin' Care of Business" – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
    This one was practically made for getting stuff done.
  5. "You Shook Me All Night Long" – AC/DC
    Power through the clutter like an absolute legend.

Let Go of the Clutter:

  1. "Free Fallin'" – Tom Petty
    Let that clutter fall away, no holding on.
  2. "Turn the Page" – Bob Seger
    Perfect for when you're ready to move on to the next chapter, leaving junk behind.
  3. "The Weight" – The Band
    Fitting when you start to feel lighter after offloading unnecessary stuff.

Victory Lap Songs:

  1. "Born to Run" – Bruce Springsteen
    You’re decluttering like a free spirit, ready to take on the world (or at least your closet).
  2. "Start Me Up" – The Rolling Stones
    Keep that energy high from the start and finish strong!
  3. "Here I Go Again" – Whitesnake
    For when you're back in the groove, clearing out space like a champ.
  4. "Another One Bites the Dust" – Queen
    Perfect for every piece of clutter that goes into the trash or donation pile.

Not bad actually. Good luck with the "poop method" - and let me know if you need any t-shirts.

Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.