Life's 'excess baggage'. The objects that weigh you down, slow you down and stop you moving on. Clutter's horrid, isn't it?

Here are ten tips to help you de-clutter, feel better about yourself and make money:

1. Set aside some 'quality time', or a series of 'quality times', for de-cluttering. Stick to those times.

2. Start with areas of your life that are least chaotic and cramped. Then tackle areas that are most ‘challenged’, progressively. Look for big and easy disposal decisions in each area first.

3. Don't panic if you find that up to half of your possessions are redundant! It's quite normal. Hoarders will find that over half of objects they live with are surplus to requirements.

4. Give other people's clutter back to them, or at least ask their permission first, before you dispose of it!

It's your birthday, as he hands you a nicely wrapped gift wonder lights up your face. You try to contain excitement and curiosity while you carefully peel off tape. As you pull off box cover you can feel your fluttering heart come to a screeching halt as you uncover a bottle of same perfume he gave you for Christmas. You let out a small sigh and put on your best surprised face as you graciously say thank you.

Just because you paid a fortune for a gift doesn't mean it will be held in high regard. Sometimes smallest token of affection can make biggest impression. Taking a real look into his or her likes and dislikes can give you a better indication of what to give to someone on that important day.

Gift Giving Tips

Home is where heart is! You can really get a sense of what a person's all about just by taking a glimpse at what they surround themselves with. What type of music do they listen to? Are they elegant or down to earth? What are their favorite colors? Are they romantic?