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The Verge
2 days ago
- General
- The Verge
Moving sucks, but decluttering helps
Moving sucks. Ever since leaving college more than a decade ago, I've only lived in apartments, so I've had to get good at living small and managing my inventory of belongings before, during, and after a move. A lot of what makes that possible is that I really like decluttering. But it didn't come naturally — it's a skill I've had to practice, learn, and occasionally fail at. So I thought I might share my experiences here in case you find it helpful for a current or future move. I got good at decluttering when my wife (then girlfriend) and I decided to downsize from a one-bedroom apartment to a studio. We loved the one-bedroom for a lot of reasons, including its view of Seattle's Space Needle. But eventually, we realized we could afford to live in a more walkable part of the city if we could squeeze into a studio. That meant reckoning with the volume of stuff we had each brought into the apartment. Our move into the one-bedroom apartment was two people stuffing their separate lives into one. Our move into a studio meant we had to really decide what would make the jump to the next phase of our lives. It was an emotional thing. We made the decision to downsize a while before we actually packed things up. This was right around when Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up was blowing up, and while I know that book (and the discourse around it) has become something of a meme, it had a lot of advice that we found very useful at the time and have used for all of our moves after. Yes, Kondo's concept of keeping things that 'spark joy' is vague, unscientific, and inexact. But if you're facing a mountain of clothes or a pile of books that you know you have to sort through in order to make space in your new place, it's a great framework you can use to begin to chip away at those piles. With every declutter I've done, I've found that starting is the hardest part, but once you get the ball rolling, it becomes much easier. I've found that I'm most successful when I start with things that I don't really care about. Moving is already stressful, so diving first into an overflowing but beloved collection of gadgets isn't the best tactic for me. Usually, sorting through clothes is where I begin — I keep my wardrobe pretty basic and I don't buy a lot of clothes, so I'm not super precious about them. I save gadgets and games for later (I work at The Verge, after all). One other thing I've learned: once you've decided what to remove from your home, you still have to find a place for that stuff. That can be its own source of frustration, especially if you're short on time ahead of a big move. We have an article all about how to responsibly get rid of the stuff you've decluttered, if you want some ideas. But once you get rolling on decluttering, it can feel great. I find great satisfaction in sorting through stuff, finding what I don't need, and getting it out of the house to free up space. I like it so much that I've actually learned — the hard way — that you can take things too far. My biggest regret is that, ahead of that move, I tossed many books that, while they didn't actively 'spark joy' in me, had sentimental value. I do pretty much all of my reading on an e-reader, so I figured that, to save space (and my back), I could get rid of just about every book that I owned. That included my high school yearbooks, which I justified because I never actually looked at them and because they just sat in the bottom of a box in my closet. But now that I have a baby, I wish I had those yearbooks stashed somewhere so that I could show them to my kid when they get older. I also shouldn't have decluttered my old, tattered copies of the Harry Potter series I grew up with. Similarly, they took up space and I wasn't actively reading them, and while it was a difficult choice to toss them, I figured it was time for me to move on. But in spite of what we now know about J.K. Rowling, I still have good memories of those books, like getting sucked into the Quidditch World Cup for the thousandth time or waiting at a midnight book release with friends. I wish I could pick them up and flip through them again. I've even been overzealous about decluttering old hardware and game consoles. Sure, I wasn't playing my Nintendo 3DS very much anymore, but now I really wish I had it so that I could play some of the games I had collected. I've found that, in general, I don't miss the vast majority of things that I've gotten rid of Even if I have a few regrets, I've found that, in general, I don't miss the vast majority of things that I've gotten rid of. And building those decluttering muscles the first time helped us tremendously with later moves, too. When we moved from Seattle to Portland, we picked a studio again to get cheaper rent, and we were able to do that because we didn't have a bunch of stuff. It also meant we could put everything we owned into one of the smaller U-Hauls, which made a cross-state move less painful than it could have been. We're not in a studio anymore. We eventually moved to a two-bedroom condo because we knew we wanted to start a family, and we realized that a studio might be a bit tight for two adults and a growing kid. (If you are parents who raise a family in a studio, I salute you.) In many ways, though, we still try to treat our larger place as if it's a studio, even with our new 'roommate,' who needs a lot of gear. We've gotten quite good at keeping our possessions under control, an especially valuable skill when you're dealing with the chaos of a toddler. If we ever have to move again — and presumably, someday we will — we will hopefully be able to do the required declutter with as little stress as possible. Decluttering sometimes gets a bad rap, and I would never say it's easy. But it's a skill that I'm glad that I've had to learn through many moves. I know that because I can do it, my eventual next move will be just a little bit easier.
New York Post
26-05-2025
- General
- New York Post
Tired of overwhelming clutter? This bizarre ‘poop rule' could save you — if you have the stomach for it
Marie Kondo sparked joy — but this new method might just spark your gag reflex. A foul-sounding — but weirdly freeing — decluttering method is taking over social media, and people are swearing it's the s–t. Literally. Dubbed the 'poop rule,' it's exactly what it sounds like. Advertisement 'The poop rule is simple: while decluttering, ask yourself, 'If something was covered in poop, would I still keep it?'' Amanda Johnson, a content creator who wiped away and flushed her clutter using this technique, told the Washington Post. 'It's a fun, no-nonsense way to decide what really adds value to your life.' 3 It's called the 'poop rule' — and it's as nasty as it sounds. The viral decluttering test asks: 'Would you keep it if it were covered in crap?' Advertisement While Kondo asked what sparks happiness, this rule just asks what you wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pooper-scooper — and it's catching on fast among the chronically overwhelmed and ADHD crowd. Johnson put the method to the test in her own home and promptly purged 'clothing I hadn't worn in over six months, board games and puzzles we never played or that were missing pieces, and decorative items I was holding onto 'just in case' for a future party.' 'This method is perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed by clutter or struggles with decision fatigue,' she said. Clutter isn't just an eyesore — it's a mind-melter. Advertisement Dr. Faith Coleman, a medical journalist, warned on that 'when clutter is winning, mental health is losing.' She links messy spaces to impaired memory, poor eating habits, decision fatigue, even relationship woes. 3 Kondo wanted joy — this method wants to know what you wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pooper-scooper. And it's going viral with the overwhelmed and ADHD crowd. And with 40% of homeowners afraid to even face their clutter, it's no wonder the poop rule has become a holy grail for the organizationally exhausted. 'This can be a useful strategy when a person has multiples of an object,' Diane N. Quintana, a professional organizer who works with ADHD clients, told the Washington Post. 'It can help them to quickly pick out their favorite one or two.' Advertisement Quintana also noted that the method works well for visual thinkers: 'Many people challenged by ADHD feel that if they can't easily see something, they don't know where it is — out of sight, out of mind.' And while it's a little stomach-churning, it's also surprisingly clarifying. 'While it is somewhat disgusting to think about,' Ann Lightfoot, co-author of 'Love Your Home Again,' also told the outlet, 'The poop rule is also very clear about what you're willing to do to keep something.' Psychiatrist Jeff Ditzell told the publication that the 'fun' mental game can actually help ADHD brains stay motivated. 3 With 40% of homeowners too scared to face their own mess, it's no surprise this trick is becoming gospel for the hopelessly disorganized. 'This way of achieving your process goals day-to-day actually becomes quite rewarding and satisfying.' Even sentimental items get the sniff test. Johnson kept her great-grandmother's china, because 'it's been handed down, I actually like it, and I use it.' So yes, it passed the poop test — fine china and all. It's a filthy-sounding trick, but the results are squeaky clean. Advertisement Research shows cluttered spaces tank focus, productivity and take up 5% of your time rummaging for lost junk — the equivalent of flushing 5% of your income down the toilet. And if your garage looks like a disaster zone (as 37% of homeowners admit), it may be time to ask yourself: 'If this was covered in crap, would I still keep it?' If not — scoop it, trash it and enjoy the sweet smell of freedom.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Best Crystals for Every Room in Your Home
Interior Design, but Make It Energetic Forget minimalism—crystals are maximalism for the soul. Each room has its own vibe, and no one wants the kitchen to feel like the bedroom (unless it's 3 a.m. and snacks are involved). Here's a room-by-room guide to crystal-charging the home like a modern mystic with interior taste. Living Room – Amethyst The chill bouncer of the house party. Amethyst clears energy like it's running late to therapy, keeping drama out and vibes calm. Ideal for where guests gather and the WiFi mysteriously stops working. Kitchen – Carnelian Because the kitchen isn't just for burnt toast. Carnelian brings creativity, courage, and energy—so yes, it's basically Gordon Ramsay with a better attitude. Bedroom – Rose Quartz Classic softie. Rose Quartz is all about love, self-care, and peaceful sleep. Like that supportive friend who sends long text messages after every bad date. Bathroom – Clear Quartz Pure, versatile, and doesn't mind humidity. Clear Quartz amplifies intentions, so it's perfect for all the 'reset your day' routines and occasional mirror pep talks. Office or Study – Fluorite Mental focus in a polished rock. Fluorite cuts brain fog and supports productivity without caffeine-induced spiral energy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kickstart your new journey with the Honda Shine 125 Honda Learn More Undo The crystal equivalent of a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Entryway – Black Tourmaline The bouncer at the door. Black Tourmaline absorbs negative vibes like a gossip magnet and keeps weird energy from entering—especially after that coworker visits. Dining Room – Citrine Abundance, joy, and enough glow to make even awkward dinner convos feel festive. Citrine brings warmth and optimism to shared meals and overcooked pasta nights. Children's Room – Moonstone Gentle, intuitive, and full of comfort. Moonstone supports emotional balance and imagination, perfect for dreamers still deciding if they're pirates or astronauts. Meditation Corner – Selenite High-vibe and zero-maintenance. Selenite cleanses other crystals and invites peace. It's the Marie Kondo of the spiritual world—everything feels lighter with it around. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
The poop rule: is this the most disgusting decluttering method ever?
Name: The poop rule. Age: New to the mainstream, already popular on TikTok. Appearance: More sanitary than you may imagine. I'm trying not to imagine it at all. TikTok has new rules for poop now? Not exactly. Do you remember Marie Kondo? The tidying influencer? That's the one. This rule is sort of an update to her dictum to throw out anything that doesn't 'spark joy'. Go on … Essentially, the rule is: 'If this item was covered in poop, would I still keep it?' And who do we have to thank for this mental image? Lifestyle influencer Amanda Johnson. She called it 'the easiest way to declutter your home'. 'The easiest way' is to picture everything you own covered in poop? The idea being it clarifies what items you value enough to clean up. The kids are safe, then. Maybe the dog. But what about everything else? Johnson told the Washington Post that the rule helped her to get rid of clothing she didn't wear, board games and puzzles her family weren't reaching for, and party decorations she was holding on to 'just in case'. I've got cupboards full of that stuff, but picturing it all brown and smelly doesn't exactly make me want to roll up my sleeves and dive in. It's a silly question, Johnson concedes – but a powerful one, too. 'If it weighs me down or stinks up my space, it's gotta go. Simple as that!' Who is this supposed to help? 'People who are very visual,' according to the professional organiser Diane N Quintana. I don't doubt that. Also those who 'need extra motivation to declutter'. Again, I'm struggling to see how this is motivating. Supposedly, the rule is a way to make a game out of tidying up that's especially effective for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, by removing options and using a visual prompt to focus the mind. Does it have to be that, though? Could I not imagine tar or Nutella? The disgust bit is key, according to Johnson, to help you 'cut through emotional attachments'. I have no emotional attachments to the stuff in my junk drawer. Maybe the poop rule is just not for you. But you get the point: perhaps you don't need all those miscellaneous cables and food-storage lids if you're not prepared to go to any lengths to keep them. So what has Johnson said she'd willingly clean of faecal matter? Her great-grandmother's china, being both precious and useful. And, may I point out, relatively easy to wipe down. I think you're overthinking it. Do say: 'This is the result of a society struggling with overconsumption.' Don't say: 'How much poop are we talking ...?'
Egypt Today
26-05-2025
- General
- Egypt Today
Decluttering and Recycling: Easy Steps to Simplify Your Life
We all get a little overwhelmed sometimes, whether we spend too much on clothes, bags, makeup, etc. Suddenly, we end up with messy, cluttered closets and rooms with no space to move and no awareness of the things that we actually need and what we want to give away. So here are some steps you can take to declutter the mess, recycle your belongings, and give away the things that you don't need. Follow Marie Kondo's 'Does This Spark Joy?' Method According to Marie Kondo, the Japanese professional organizer and consultant, when organizing your space, ask yourself, 'Does this spark joy?' It's a simple yet effective method that focuses on owning things that make you happy and have sentimental and personal value. Since our home is our haven, it must be filled with items that spark joy, that we like and want to keep forever, not frivolous things we bought on a whim. Check If You Can Reuse & Repackage These Items Before Throwing Them Away We know the stages of reorganizing your home, from feeling too excited and motivated to overwhelmed and lost, then entering 'lock in' mode. You become so focused and determined that you accidentally end up getting rid of items that can be used again, in a different way. So, for example, if you have an empty eyeshadow palette and multiple lipsticks that are 'finished,' you can clean the palette well, recycle those lipsticks by reheating them, then adding them to the palette. That way, you have multiple shades in one place without being all over the place. This idea can also work on empty glasses; you can repaint them and use them as pots, or an old spray bottle that can be used to make your own homemade skincare and hair mists, etc. Divide Things Into Three Categories: 'Fix, Donate, Throw Away' This is the most important step to make when organising your home, have a category for each item and whether they are worth keeping and fixing, donating, or being thrown away. When you set a roadmap on how to simplify access to your things, your mind automatically knows what are the things you usually use or wear, and the things you rarely use, so it makes the process of donating or throwing away a lot easier. Before Decluttering: Contact The Organizations and Communities That You Would Donate To Congratulations, you made the decision to be more organized, you followed all the steps about decluttering, yet you have ended up with big boxes labeled donation with no clue on where to put them or who to contact, making you stuck with these boxes in the house and feeling like you're stuck. This is how you come back to square one, so in order to prevent this, you should already plan and contact charities, nonprofit organizations that are looking for donations, so when you finally put things together, you can easily pick them up and head to your destination. If you follow these steps correctly, your room, home, or office will be a much better place, and you will feel at ease and more comfortable.
