It is part of the thrills of Christmas Day: stacks of boxes under the tress, a morning ripping open packages, and piles of new stuff. After a day of fun and sharing, you start to put things away; or you start wondering where you are going to fit in these newest additions when your current space is already overflowing.

Anyone who has stacks of “stuff” that do not have a home, other than jumbled in the garage, spare bedroom, or under a bed, knows that clutter is distracting. It creates little nagging feelings of guilt about getting around to clearing that section. While a small corner may simply be an ongoing reminder of a task undone, lots of corners and rooms that need attention end up creating stress.

What can you do to easily merge new items into your space? You want to be sure that anything new actually has a “home,” a place it belongs that makes sense. One solution to controlling the build-up of clutter would be to decide that, for every new item coming into your house, an older one has to leave.

Without making a decision on each item, it is easy to become overwhelmed by your possessions. What things could be moved out during this season?

• Clothes that are too small. If you do lose weight as part of your New Year’s resolution, you will probably want to show off with new clothes anyway.
• Clothes that you haven’t worn this year. There are so many people who do not have much and who would be thrilled to proudly use what you no longer need.
• Toys that your children have outgrown. Children can learn the meaning of giving by involving them in the decision as to what they could donate to a less fortunate child.
• New gifts that you will not use. It is okay to appreciate the giver while not being able to use that gift. It honors the giver more when an item is put to use by soneone else than when you stuff it in the back of a closet.

Use the same technique of making a decision right away in your office space. If you receive a new piece of technology that replaces your previous model, move out the older one instead of tucking it in the bottom drawer.

As you practice making a decision each time and finding a “home” for everything coming into your life, you will discover that it becomes a very helpful habit.