Most of us tend to collect a lot of things as the years pass, but possessions can sometimes become clutter, which becomes a liability when it's time to move and sell a home. Even if you're not getting ready to move, most of us can benefit from thinking a bit about how much time and effort we spend cleaning, arranging, and caring for all those things no longer needed, used, or may not even still like.

We have a rule at our house: if something hasn't been used within the previous two years, we give it away or sell it. As a result, our garage and closets are remarkably organized.

Getting rid of excess possessions makes a home easier to live in and more attractive to buyers when that time comes. Some good rules to follow come from www.TheCleanTeam.com:

• Rule 1: When in doubt, throw it out.
• Rule 2: Use it or lose it.
• Rule 3: Efficiency counts, so arrange and store things accordingly.
• Rule 4: Handle each thing once, deciding then and there whether to keep it.
• Rule 5: Recycle if possible.
• Rule 6: Pick a number and stick with it. (For example, if you need one old jar for pan drippings, toss the rest.)
• Rule 7: Use a filing cabinet.
• Rule 8: Take action now. Pick one place in your home from start and finish.
• Rule 9: Find a place for everything and put it there.
• Rule 10: Label things.
• Rule 11: If needed, call in a professional.