It’s worth remembering that uncluttering is an ongoing process. It’s not a one time shot, then that’s the end of it. If you don’t integrate new “rules to live by”, you’ll find yourself in the same predicament three months from now with your house, your office, your car, and your closets overflowing with “stuff”.

The good news is that the more you do this, the more it becomes a habit and the more you begin to notice the red flags in your behavior - thoughts like: “This thing is perfectly good and I might use it someday.” That alone should be enough to prompt you to throw it out (or give it away). When you begin to realize that you can live without all this stuff, it’s easier to pass through your space and notice more things that you can get rid of.

One of the rules to live by is "If you haven't used it in 6 months - it goes!" Well, if you are really overflowing with clutter, you may find it easier to start with tossing out things you haven’t used in one year. After you do the “one year” clean-out. Go through again, and you will find that you have more gumption to stick with the 6 months criteria.

I had a client who started the process in just this way. There was SO much stuff, using the “I haven’t used it in a year” qualifier enabled her to get rid of a ton of stuff. Then, she was better equipped mentally and physically to handle the “I haven’t used it in 6 months” toss. Pretty soon she started to value the freed up space more than the stuff. After awhile, there was such a transformation, she began to feel like stuff was encroaching on her valuable space! A total shift! (and new found freedom!) She began to think more clearly, noticing lovely things around her that she hadn’t noticed before, and she realized that stuff is just stuff. It’s not life!

Another really neat trick I learned from another coach is what she calls the “Only Two Extras” formula. This is great for helping you keep everything under control.

Here's an example. I have one queen sized bed, so I only need 3 sets of sheets (one on the bed, and two extras). So, I picked out my absolute favorites, and donated the rest. Now I have free space, sheets I really enjoy, and the satisfaction of knowing that my “above and beyond two” extras are being used by someone who can really appreciate them.

Apply this formula everywhere in your house. Several years ago I did battle with my coffee mug collection. I had shelves of cute mugs collected from various places I’d traveled to and visited, but they never got used! I decided to get rid of them, and stick with the mugs that go with our china. I pulled out those mugs and discovered, lo and behold, there were about 25 that I’d totally forgotten about. It was hard to give them up (memories), but it was a great relief to unload them and to have several free shelves in the kitchen cabinet! Try it! You’ll like it, too!

I want to encourage and congratulate you! Many of you are finding that the cliché “less is more” really is true. Less stuff equals more energy and more freedom! When you start applying these tips on an ongoing basis with the smaller things in your life (maybe your coffee cup collection), then you’ll find it easier to deal with the bigger things!

Edi Sowers helps professional women working from home who struggle with the challenge of balancing professional and personal priorities. Visit http://www.lifehousecoaching.com today to sign up for her FREE weekly articles in "Blueprints for a Dream Life." Edi is a Life Strategy and Business Coach with LifeHouse Coaching.

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