December 31: Make Up Your Mind Day

This is the month to make up your mind and start making decisions about what is in your home. When you look at clutter, really what is happening is a delayed decision. Think about that every time you go into a room and see items out of place. Should this get picked up and travel with you to their rightful place during your walk?

This holiday break, think of creating open space in your home for the new gifts and gadgets received for Christmas. You'll most likely be entertaining, so make decisions about which items need to be out and which items should be put away.

Here's a tip: Give everyone in your home a handled shopping bag to reverse shop. As they go through their daily routines, evaluate the unused items they come across that are theirs. Are they used, needed or enjoyed?

Getting rid of things will be easier if you can picture someone else benefiting from them. This could be your neighbor, local nursing home, a preschool or your favorite charity. Then give thanks for the items you truly use, need and enjoy.

Less is more to be thankful for.