Before you declutter, it’s important to understand what clutter is.  Clutter is something superfluous or unneeded.  Clutter can even be emotional, or mental rather than just physical.  When it comes to physical clutter, there are three questions that can help you decide.  If the answer is no to all three, the item is clutter.

Do you Use it?  The toaster that you use every day to make toast. This is something you would be lost without.

Do you find it Beautiful?  Your favorite outfit that makes you look like a star and makes you smile every time you see it in your closet.

Do you Love it?  The gift brought back from another country by your best friend that reminds you of her every time you see it.

Once you have asked these questions, you will find it pretty simple to figure out which items are clutter and which are treasured possessions.  Decluttering is about pairing down to only what you use and love.

After you have decluttered and freed up space for your valuable items (the ones you identified with the questions above), you will see how much simpler it is to get organized and to maintain it.  You will be able to enjoy being free of clutter and the benefits will pile up.  You’ll have more time, more energy, more happiness and you will have a better perspective on things.