Here are 3 GREAT rules to follow when you want to advise a seller how to really get rid of the clutter:

If you do not love it, get rid of it. You can sell it, donate it or throw it out, just physically take it out of your environment and deal with it. 

I have a wonderful client who proudly showed me three huge piles of items she was going to get out of her life once and for all. The only problem was that each large pile was parked in her dinning room and there was no space for anything else. "This pile, I'm going to donate, this one is for my daughter and this one is going to be put in the garbage". I then asked the deadline for removal of each pile and she looked at me like I had three heads. "Well, I sorted all the things I don't need anymore in three different categories, just as you said."  But that was as far as she had gotten. Basically, the clutter still controlled her. It was just reshaped and moved to one central location in her home.

If you have a huge pile of clutter you just con not budge, try this Feng Shui cure for fast results.Buy a new, clear, faceted, lead 40 or 50mm crystal and hang it on a 9 (or18) inch RED ribbon. Hang the crystal from the ceiling and place it in the middle of the room or closet you want to de-clutter. If you have a certain pile if things you need to sort through, then hang the crystal over the pile itself. The crystal activates Chi', and will break up the clutter ‘roots'. It will also bring clarity to your de-cluttering process. If you gravitate towards more color and movement, use a fun, colorful windsock instead of the crystal. Apply all the other rules, especially the 9" or 18" red ribbon.

Do not let guilt rule your life.

If you do not like someone, you will not feel positive about a gift they give you. Every time you walk by it, unpleasant feelings will arise. This holds especially true for ex-spouses, ex-buisness partners, and relatives you'd rather not have. I was in a beautifully decorated home in Irvington, NY this fall and noticed that both the husband and wife became very edgy and uncomfortable when they started to describe an expensive set of hunt prints from England. " Well", stated Jon, "we should be really happy we were the ones who got these prints, when Uncle Paul died. They're really quite expensive". His wife groaned. " I guess the only thing is, we both really never liked the guy...He was a cheap, nasty, bitter person who never even approved of Leslie when I married her 27 years ago." I then looked directly at both of them, and asked why they would want to keep these types of memories alive? "How are we doing that?" Leslie inquired. "By staring at these pictures every day of your life. They subconsciously bring up all the buried feeling you guys have been harboring about this awful man in your life!" With that said, John removed the pictures and placed them out in the garage. Leslie smiled at me and stated, "things are getting better already".  Also, if you feel a gift is not in harmony with your taste, or you have outgrown it, get rid of it. Learn to live with only the things in life that bring you joy and peace of mind. Our home and office is our scared space. Honor it by surrounding yourself with uplifting items.

Place items that will be donated in plastic bags or boxes. Then put a large (8x11) green piece of paper with the removal date, phone number, and name of person (or organization) on each pile.

This is the date that each donation pile must to be out of your life. No excuses! Make the date realistic and very timely. If the contact person or charity fails to show up on the given date, make one more appointment and stress the importance of them respecting your timetable. If they fail again to show up, throw out what ever was in the bags. If you simply can't bear to throw it out, put it in your car and drive it to a nearby charity. Clearing your space of the unwanted baggage is much more important, than trying to wait for just the right person or situation to come and pick it up.

To think with a clear head, speak with true intent and listen with an open heart is all part of the benefits you will also experience when you declutter your life.  Remember, you are a reflection of your home and your home is a manifestation of you. Treat it like a family member, with respect, honor and love.