Most of us have things in our home that we don't really need. Clutter can accumulate over the years and we're loath to throw it away. However, this can accumulate on your psyche too and weigh you down. There's nothing like a good clearout to lighten the soul and now is as good time as any. So what are you waiting for? Well, it's not always as easy as it sounds; it's often difficult to know where to start. And that's why we thought we'd give you a few pointers on how to go about this and inspire you to lighten the load. You won't regret it!

Move it!

The first step is to move everything. Move out all the stuff you don't use on a daily basis and move it into the spare room or store room. After a few days, you'll know whether you need it or not.

Hang up!

You can do exactly the same thing with your clothes although it will take a little longer to come to the conclusion as to whether you really miss these garments or not. Turn all your hangers around the other way. Once you've worn an item of clothing, hang it back the way you usually would. After a couple of months, you should be able to tell which clothes you really need and which not.

Spark of Joy

When it comes to décor, basically you should just keep the things that spark a feeling of joy. Whether it's a vase or a painting, if you just feel indifference when you look at it, remove it. The fewer the things in a room, the greater the feeling of serenity.

Gift It!

It's not always easy to throw things away even if they don't inspire any positive feelings within you. Therefore, see if anyone you know would be grateful to receive it. You could even do your own private yard party. In contrast to the well-known yard sale, this would be just for friends with nibbles and wine and without any money changing hands of course! 

Inspired

Home and Lifestyle magazines are an ideal source of inspiration. Check out the designs and décor that promote a minimalist style home. Try to re-imagine the most cluttered areas of your home being transformed into the images in these glossy magazines. This would be an ideal place to start removing clutter.

Too Big to Handle

OK so what to do with the big items that you no longer need in your home? Well how about the tried and tested method of leaving them outside at the end of your drive or somewhere where they don't obstruct pedestrians but allow easy access. Leave a ‘feel free to help yourself' notice nearby and see your items disappear in a flash! You'll feel so much better knowing that they're going somewhere where they'll be loved and appreciated. 

Come & Go

If you're a self-confessed hoarder, try to rein it in by following this one rule: one in, one out! In other words, although I think it's pretty self-explanatory, when you buy or introduce an item to your home, you sacrifice one that you already have. This will help you to really appreciate the things you have in your home.

One Step at a Time.

Managing to follow all these tips may seem insurmountable to begin with. However, don't let it overwhelm you. Start one room at a time - maybe just one day a week. You don't have to finish your clearout in one day. It can be an ongoing project. This way you will feel that you can cope and you won't give up as soon as you begin.

Blank Canvas. 

If you want to clear out a space, don't just stare and try to decide mentally what you do and don't want/need. If possible, empty the space and then replace everything leaving out anything that doesn't inspire a spark of joy in your heart.

Here are some useful tips to help you decide what to keep and what to chuck:

• Photographs that bear no relation to you.
• Souvenirs that don't fit in with your décor.
• Accessories no longer needed.
• Board games no-one plays anymore.
• Broken or cracked items.
• Food containers without lids.
• Gadgets you no longer use or don't work.
• Whatever has expired.
• Pots and pans with damaged non-stick surfaces.
• Bedding that's worn and torn.
• Clothes and shoes that no longer fit or need repairing.
• Gifts that you don't use.
• Sheets and duvet covers that don't fit your beds.
• Solo gloves or socks that are futilely awaiting a reunion.
• Expired medicines.
• Make-up and nail varnish that you never use.
• Old receipts.
• Magazines and papers that are no longer of interest.
• Old keys.
• Pre-historic coats and jackets

Follow these tips and lighten the load both in your home and your soul - you'll feel better for it!