Every possession, every piece of paper, everything we own has a story. Is your environment a confusing novel written in another language? A fine line exists between treasure and clutter. To quote the great 19th century poet, artist and designer William Morris, “Have nothing in your houses which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” These words from The Beauty of Life were written in 1880 and still have merit today. The things around us should enhance life. Not detract from our efficiency.

Paper is usually the biggest culprit. Often mail, newspaper, magazines, and other documents have emotional attachment. But keep in mind that 80% of the paper we keep is never looked at after being filed. When the mail arrives, open immediately and recycle the envelope and “junk” contents. Being hesitant to deal with “stuff” right away causes clutter to accumulate. If a magazine has been saved for an article needed for future reference, remove the page with the article and discard the unneeded remainder magazine.

Most people spend an hour a day just looking for things, yet who has time to waste?

When you see something that you know you will not use within the year, turn that something into a gift or thrift store donation. Being unable to discard items because of the “someday I will need that” excuse, ultimately results in having LESS because the things really needed are lost and buried.

Take photographs of the “emotional clutter.” Those are items that have memories attached, but are not especially liked or used such as an old something-or-other that was a gift from Aunt so-and-so.. Then donate the item to a worthy cause. The memory stays with the picture, and your space is freed.