How I did it: First, I broke things down and sorted by item type. Our closet had clothes, suitcases, memorabilia and a few random other items.

I then sorted into "keep," "donate" or trash piles. Anything I had doubts about, I put in the keep pile to sort through again.

Then I used some basic questions before putting the "keep" items away. Do I currently use or wear it or have occasion to in the next year (think special event clothes)? Does it fit who I am? Does it make me feel good to use it/wear it? Should it "live" somewhere else? Is there room for it?

Lessons & tips: Be prepared to make a mess.

I immediately boxed "donate" items so I wouldn't have a chance to reconsider.

If you are emotionally attached to items, remind yourself they are not the person or event you associate them with. If you don't use or wear something, think of how happy the next person who discovers it will be.

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Nov 30, 2011, 05:23PM PST | 0 comments | 5 cheers