By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service At one point you may decide to take the plunge, clear the slate and start fresh, or perhaps you just want to refresh certain areas of your home. Regardless of your desire, certain rooms and key target areas may serve as a great place to start. The springboard…

I have a theory that most of us would be more than willing to let go of the stuff that’s cluttering our homes if we knew these things would serve a worthwhile cause or help someone else. And I know too well the conflict. It’s nearly impossible for me to let go of things that…

The holidays are fast approaching. One way to help yourself feel prepared and on top of things is to declutter. Taking the time to clean out closets, tidy up spaces, tie up loose ends, and make room for the inevitable influx of stuff that tends to arrive this time of year can provide just the…

Somewhere along the way, we all got the impression that decluttering our homes should be easy. If you don’t need something, you simply … let it go — right? That is much easier said than done, especially when it comes to items that tug at your heartstrings like photographs and letters. Still, chances are there…

As I stood in my kitchen, my view spanned across the countertops, into the living room, and through the adjacent playroom. I saw piles of unopened mail, dozens of small toys scattered by my toddler, last night’s clean dishes left to dry next to the sink, and a large stack of clothes that beckoned to…

To us, obtaining a clutter-free home and owning a smaller number of items is not the goal, but a means to an end. We desire to own less so that we have more time and space to pursue what matters most to us. Decluttering and reducing are two of the best ways we know to…

The minimizing of possessions acquired over a lifetime is a consuming, multi-tiered process with layers that must be peeled back and muddled through one at a time. If you are anything like my family and me, you may find it best to tackle the easiest layers first. Just the thoughts of turning loose of sentimental…

The thought of getting (and staying) organized spurs a variety of reactions in different people. Some consider it a quick but necessary chore, while others see it as an insurmountable obstacle. However, organization isn’t just a way to get your physical belongings in order. It can also help build confidence, add fulfillment to your life,…

What would we do if we actually had to use everything we own, including all that stuff in the drawers, cupboards, closets, shelves, and boxes in our kitchen, bedrooms, living room, basement, attic, garage, rafters, driveway, patio, side yard, and cars? Could we do it? It’s not likely. Instead, we pack it, stack it, and…

What would we do if we actually had to use everything we own, including all that stuff in the drawers, cupboards, closets, shelves, and boxes in our kitchen, bedrooms, living room, basement, attic, garage, rafters, driveway, patio, side yard, and cars? Could we do it? It’s not likely. Instead, we pack it, stack it, and…