Clutter is also too much stuff in too small a space: furniture, clothes, books and toys, those yellow computer folders on your screen, anger or stress, and weight.

Included in this clutter definition is postponed decisions--things on your desk, counter or table that require action; never-ending to-do lists and Post-it-Note reminders; items by the back door, in the garage, basement or bottom drawer (things that need repair or...) that require a decision; or stuff you think you 'might' need some day but haven't used in the past many years. 

Finally, clutter is unfinished projects, obligations, and disorganized or messy things. These might fall into the postponed decisions category since you haven't made a decision to finish that quilt or wood-working project; you've said yes, don't really want to, and now can't decide how to say no; you haven't decided where to put things because if you put them out of sight they will be out of mind.

Now what?  Whether you have a few things that fall into the above categories or rooms full, you are the only one who can decide whether or not to do something about it.  Begin to think about what a difference clutter clearing or simplifying might mean or feel like to you.  I often put myself in the place of those residents who are asked to evacuate their homes as raging fires head their way.  What do they save?  An older woman on the news immediately comes to mind as she lovingly clutches a huge scrapbook and says it is filled with generations of recipes.  When you travel what is easy to do without?  What if you can only move 1000 pounds to Dubai?  What do you take?  What do you leave behind?  This is the opportunity to truly ask yourself, What do I really love, use, or need?  Start with small projects: a drawer. a desk, the kitchen counters, a tool box.

The final answer.  Whether you are in your 20s or 30s or 50s to 70s, in my mind it all comes down to the value and importance we place on tangibles (stuff) versus intangibles: feelings, experiences, relationships, memories.  When I'm speaking or teaching I often share my epiphany in discovering my mother's lack of 'things'.  When she died with ovarian and breast cancer at age 61, my three sisters and I were able to go through all her personal belongings in less than a day.  After a few sentimental and special items were shared among us and her clothing donated, the rest of her life's possessions fit into two 14"x21" boxes (several scrapbooks, a monogrammed leather handbag, personal letters, photos, and school memorabilia) .  She was a woman who truly understood 'you can't take it with you'.  Her life was filled with acquiring the intangibles: memories, traditions, family and friends. 

This week as you navigate your home, your office, your vehicles, vacation property, your RV or camper/trailer, take a fresh look at your possessions and identify any thing that might fall into one of the above definitions of clutter.  Consider letting go (donating, selling, gifting)--or crossing off  items and projects--and clearing the way for fresh ideas, new opportunities, exciting possibilities, and lasting memories. 

• Feng Shui a room or two
• Organize your home or office so you can find anything and everything in 30 seconds or less