Clutter is simply anything you don't love or need.
You may find that answer too vague so when determining what items (and this includes digital items or tasks on your to-do list) ask yourself the following questions:
Do I love it?
Do I need it?
If the answer to both is no, let it go.
But what if you say "I may need it one day"? Then ask yourself these questions:
Would it be difficult to find it again?
Would it be expensive to repurchase?
If the answer is yes to either of those questions and letting go of the item will cause you to stress, keep it. Just be sure to find an out-of-the-way, proper storage area and revisit the item at a later date.
What about all those gifts that you hold onto out of guilt?
I'm giving you permission to let them go! Your loved ones whether they are alive or have passed on wouldn't want you to be stressed. Well at least most of them.
If someone gives you a gift that isn't your style or you don't need it, accept it with grace and let it go. Of course, if someone is repetitively giving you gifts you don't love or need you may want to talk with them about it. You can simply say you are trying to minimize. If they continue you can take comfort in knowing that you expressed your feelings.
There will always be people who won't stop giving and usually, it is because of the joy it brings them. Your acceptance of the gift allows them to feel that joy.
Remember your clutter didn't appear all at once so you don’t have to let it go at once, but you should be brutally honest with yourself during this process. Some items will be easier than others.
To speed the process along, deal with the easy items first and set aside the ones you are struggling with. If you find yourself holding on to too many items give yourself permission to revisit this process.
Sometimes the passing of time will give you clarity. Pick a future date whether it is a month, six months, or a year, and schedule it on your calendar.
Letting go of clutter allows us to be more Productive, Peaceful, and Prosperous.
