Taming the clutter monster

Pretend you're going to move to the other side of town. Go through your living space and throw out everything that is not worth bringing with you – or not worth packing, even. It makes us feel secure to carry a lot of the old with us until we set up in the new, but there's nothing like packing and moving into a new space to remind you of what's important in your life.

We tend to keep certain sentimental artifacts because we're afraid we'll forget the memories attached to them without being able to hold onto or see something tangible. Eventually, however, these items take up space and become clutter.

In keeping with today's theme of clutter control ("Say NO to Clutter!"), try this tip * Photograph everything you shouldn't keep but don't want to forget. This works especially well for your kids' three-dimensional projects (science fair, dioramas, models of anything, etc.) from school or Scouts or camp. It's so much easier to store a photo album.

Think of your clutter like an old ex-boyfriend – a photo or two is all you really need.