2. Use Dave’s Uncluttering System

Our friend Dave swears by this method for getting rid of things he no longer needs, but can’t bear to throw out: Put them in a box with a label indicating a date two or three years from now—but don’t list the contents on the label. Store the box in the attic or the basement, or wherever is convenient. Once a year, examine the labels. When you come across a box whose date has passed, throw it out without opening it. Since you don’t know what’s inside, you’ll never miss it.

Of course, it’s much easier to keep your life free of clutter if you make it a habit not to hoard in the first place. You can stop things from accumulating by getting in the habit of throwing them out now, rather than later. Every time you start to store something in the back of your closet or in a dark attic, ask yourself, “Do I really want to save this, or will it end up adding to the clutter?” Then discipline yourself to throw it out now.