The best strategy for clearing clutter is to avoid letting it get there in the first place. Keeping up with the "stuff" of life can be a pretty daunting task once it seems to have invaded your space…leaving no space! Here are a few pointers that may be helpful in clearing it out. This is not for the faint hearted. I'm afraid you must be ruthless when it comes to regaining control of your living space.

Dealing with All that Paper

Mail coming in can form great piles within a few days if ignored. Get it; go through it; and toss any junk immediately. Open bills now and keep only the payment portion and the return mailing envelope. Throw the rest of those useless ads etc. away. Get control of magazines by tearing out the articles that are of interest to you and put them into a file for reference later. Another strategy for magazines and catalogs is to recycle them by giving them away as soon as you've finished with them. Of course subscribing only to those that are absolute must haves is the best way to keep the count down. Develop a system that works best for you where your mail is concerned. Some people have a "handle it once" strategy for bills. Open, pay and discard the rest. Whatever your plan is just remember that mail is a big contributor to clutter! It flows in and the sooner you create a method to keep it flowing out, the better!

If you have young children you are no doubt inundated with art projects and a number of other "precious mementos". Try taking photos of the objects with the artist and create a scrapbook.

Just Let it Go

Removing at least a good portion of knick-knack type items from your living space will also go a long way in reaching that uncluttered look and feel you may be desperate to attain. Near and dear as some of these items may be, over time they've become dust catchers and detract from the simple beauty you desire in your home. Fill a box with any thing you know full well you can live without and get it out of the house. Take it to Goodwill or anyplace that accepts such donations as soon as possible. Anything you're ambivalent about put in another box and store out of the way in the attic, garage or basement. Chances are you'll never retrieve anything from it and in a few months you can send it off to Goodwill as well.

Getting in the Habit

This system of clearing out items you don't absolutely need or love also works for cleaning out closets, dresser drawers, and kitchen cabinets. Create your give away boxes, ambivalent box and of course there undoubtedly will be plenty to throw away.

The best way to keep clutter at bay is by performing those little tasks on a regular basis and staying alert to what you or your family is bringing into the home. Just remember what got you there in the first place. Getting rid of clutter and keeping it out is freeing, putting you back in control of your environment.