1. Start with the easy stuff. Eliminate anything that's broken, damaged, or no longer wanted. Then go to out-of-the-way places like attics, crawlspaces, and garages. Making progress in 'easier' areas will build momentum to go through the harder-to-decide areas.
2. Ask Yourself, "If this disappeared tomorrow, would I run out and replace it? If you wouldn't miss it or need to replace it, it's probably not worth keeping.
3. Don't be a storage unit for others. If friends or relatives have left things for you to store, it's time to ask them to pick them up-or arrange to have them shipped. You may need to be tough and set a firm deadline, after which you will donate the items.
4. Ask for help. Although you can do much of this work on your
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