You don’t have to be a feng shui expert to know that when clutter takes over, all is lost — your cell phone, that important document, your peace of mind.… And as much as you try to fool yourself, that skyscraper-high pile on the table is not a vertical filing system. You need real solutions. These clever tips from Real Simple readers may be just the motivation you need to get started.

This Month’s Winner

The Zen of Clean
Clutter-free living begins with an attitude of respect. Every item you possess has its own function, whether practical or sentimental, so it’s important that each has its proper space. Keep only the most useful and meaningful things — it’s distracting when every surface is covered with objects. Prioritize what you really need, then think about each object’s purpose and respectfully honor its place in your home.
Kate Henninger
Katy, Texas
Kate will receive a copy of the book Real Simple Solutions.

Teamwork

Every season, my girlfriend and I play Clean Sweep with each other’s closets. We agree ahead of time that if either of us says an item needs to go, it goes. We take the discards to charity, then treat ourselves to a shopping trip for one new outfit each.
Ginny Haithcock
Mobile, Alabama

My mother had the best trick I’ve ever heard for getting rid of clutter. Every summer, she and her best friend would hold a two-family garage sale. We kids would clean out our rooms, help with the setup, put up signs, then run the sale. Why would four 10- to 12-year-olds go to so much effort? We got to split the profits. At day’s end, we had about $50 each (a fortune!), our moms had clutter-free houses, and everyone was very happy.
Kate Reed Hauenstein
New Haven, Connecticut