Evaluation standard
Every product recommended by What Stays is evaluated against 8 dimensions. Each is scored 1–5. A product must reach 30 out of 40 to qualify. This framework protects you from trend drift, influencer noise, and the slow accumulation of objects that don't serve your life.
Scoring scale
Does it physically last under normal use?
Measured by material quality, known failure points, warranty length, and user reports after 6–24 months of real-world use. If it breaks easily, it doesn't qualify. Period.
Cast iron vs. non-stick coating
Teak vs. bamboo in wet environments
Long-staple cotton vs. short-staple
How often is it used relative to its footprint and cost?
Is this used weekly? Daily? Does it replace multiple tools? Does it reduce friction in routine life? High utility density means the object earns its space — it's not just present, it's active.
A chef's knife used daily vs. a mandoline used monthly
Wool dryer balls replacing dryer sheets permanently
A throw blanket used every evening vs. a decorative pillow
How difficult is it to maintain over time?
Consider cleaning difficulty, availability of replacement parts, consumables required, and technical setup friction. A product that requires constant babysitting fails this test — the overhead should be near zero.
A safety razor vs. a multi-blade cartridge system
Teak wood (self-preserving) vs. bamboo (requires oiling)
LED night light vs. candle (wick trimming, wax management)
When something fails, can it be fixed?
Look at availability of parts, modular construction, simplicity of design, and manufacturer support. Disposable products rarely stay. The ability to repair — or at minimum replace a single component — is a mark of honest design.
A lamp with a replaceable bulb vs. an integrated LED unit
Coop adjustable pillow (fill replaceable) vs. sealed foam
Cast iron (re-season, use forever) vs. non-stick (replace every 2 years)
Does this product reduce or increase cognitive load?
This is a major differentiator for What Stays. Does it simplify routines? Eliminate decision fatigue? Reduce stress? If a product complicates life — through setup, maintenance anxiety, or decision overhead — it doesn't belong, regardless of its other merits.
One great towel vs. a drawer full of mediocre ones
A weighted blanket that removes the 'am I comfortable?' question
Wool dryer balls: set once, never think about dryer sheets again
Is the value real, or mostly packaging?
Indicators of poor signal: overly aggressive branding, trend-driven appeal, feature bloat, influencer-heavy promotion. What Stays favors understated competence over viral appeal. The best products are often the least marketed.
A teak bath stool: no branding, pure function
Himalayan salt lamp: real warm light, overstated air-purifying claims
Specialty coffee: genuine quality signal vs. status positioning
Is total lifetime cost reasonable?
Include upfront price, maintenance cost, replacement frequency, consumables, and energy use. Sometimes expensive is cheaper long-term. A $150 linen duvet cover that lasts a decade beats a $40 polyester one replaced every two years.
Wool dryer balls: $20 once vs. $40/year on dryer sheets
Cast iron skillet: $30 lasts a lifetime vs. $25 non-stick every 2 years
Loose-leaf tea: cheaper per cup than bagged, indefinitely
Does this product support health, focus, order, safety, or calm?
This is the philosophical anchor. Every recommended product should enhance physical well-being, environmental stability, emotional regulation, household efficiency, or cognitive clarity. If it erodes those qualities — even subtly — it doesn't qualify.
A supportive pillow: directly affects sleep quality and physical health
A night light: supports circadian rhythm and household safety
Roasted yerba mate: sustained energy without the cortisol spike of coffee
Qualification tiers
Elite
Exceptional across all dimensions. A rare find — buy without hesitation.
Recommended
Strong performer. Minor trade-offs that most users won't notice.
Conditional
Worth considering for specific use cases. Read the notes carefully.
Does Not Qualify
Fails one or more critical dimensions. What Stays will not recommend it.
Why this matters
This framework differentiates What Stays from influencer lists. It builds intellectual credibility, protects against trend drift, and creates a repeatable standard. Most importantly, it makes the affiliate model feel principled rather than transactional. Every recommendation is earned.