5: Avoid any fighting and bickering over who gets what items. Write a letter like one Janet's mother-in-law wrote, that simply states: *I hope we raised you well enough not to argue over possessions. Your family and dedication are more important than things. So I'm sure you won't argue over who gets what.* As you tell your tales, explain why you selected a certain person to receive a certain item. This will go a long way toward alleviating any ill feelings. Remind them that it's memory that matters, not item itself. Encourage anyone who isn't keeper of item -- but cherishes item as well -- to get a copy of story about item. They can always read story, and visit item.

6: Eliminate items that truly don't have value any more. How many button boxes or jars of nails do you really need? Most of what you're saving isn't probably usable anymore anyway. Partially opened tubes of caulk, cans of paint or stain, tape, old twine, old spools of thread and elastic all go bad over years. Throw out anything that is cluttering up your home and drawing your attention away from your family.

7: Unburden yourself from things that are tying you to past. Is your basement or attic still packed with things from yesteryear? One man's basement had a six-foot mirror that had been shipped over from Europe, and was still in its shipping crate – nearly fifty years later! Do you have a *shrine* to a late mate or beloved child? Keep one or two *memory items* and release rest. Otherwise, you'll always be indebted to past instead of free to face future.

Above all else, don't make excuses, don't assess blame and don't postpone need to lighten your load. Too many seniors today are faced with a limited income and worries about how they will make ends meet. Your clutter is acting as a stopper to your prosperity. You can generate much needed income and free up space for even more money to come to you simply by releasing some of your treasures. You'll spend less time cleaning and dusting, and have more free time to do all things you want to do.

Travel, take up a new hobby, volunteer, play with your grandchildren, create a playroom for yourself or your grandchildren. After all, what do you want to be remembered for – your possessions or your joy for life?

Below I've listed 10 tips on how you can gain more storage (for more storage tips please see end of article).

First let's take a look at what you might be able to TOSS or Let Go:

>>Make-up, hair products, lotions and medicines lose their “power” over time. So toss out those you haven’t used or seen in years. Some can contract bacteria and could be dangerous.

>>Let go of seldom used nail polish and eye shadows.

>>Check expiration dates. If expired dispose of safely and properly. Flush unused medicine down toilet (make sure it went DOWN in case you have little ones wandering around) and break up containers that were prescription, especially if they had a refill on label.

>>Look for products that have dried up or evaporated.

>>If you travel pre pack any duplicates in your suitcase.

>>Rusty razors, scissors or anything else that has become rusty-OUT.

10 Tools to Help You Gain More Storage:

1. Wall mounted cabinets 2. Carts on wheels 3. Hooks on back of door 4. Shower caddies 5. Dispensers 6. Coat rack – great for hanging towels and robes on 7. Cut and install straight magnet inside medicine cabinet to hold tweezers scissors or other metal items 8. Small dishpans or crates 9. Mesh bags 10. Wall mount hair dryer, curling iron

Benefits of an Organized Bathroom:

>>Your money will stop going down drain when you know what you have on hand because you won’t go out and buy duplicates.

>>You’ll be less stressed, especially in morning because you’ll know where everything is.

>>Clean up will be a snap with everything contained.

For more Bathroom Organizing Tips, Strategies, and Safety click: http://www.overhall.com/bathroom.htm