Most people have no idea how much clutter effects their lives. We accept closets stuffed to overflowing, papers strewn about and tasks left undone as normal, and don't connect them to feelings of anxiety, confusion or fatigue. On a larger scale, clutter can keep you stuck in the past and influence the way people treat you.

In this modern information age, clutter is a natural byproduct. Junk mail, special offers, reading material, even e-mails can overwhelm us. You are not alone! Mention the word "clutter" and most people will roll their eyes, break into a sheepish grin or launch into a story about the garage, their home office or kid's room. Couple this with an economy that relies on our consumption and its no wonder that storage lockers are bursting at the seams.

In general, clutter can be defined as anything you don’t use or love, too much stuff in too small a space, anything that is disorganized, or my favourite, anything unfinished. My experience is that we surround ourselves with so much "stuff" that it creates a physical barrier which prevents what we really want from coming into our lives.

If you want a promotion, new relationship, improved health or more money, consider organizing the space around you. Apply the universal law that suggests that if you want something new to come in, you have to let something go. I find the shift in energy to be almost addictive: I roam around my apartment looking for things to get rid of!

Although the concept of clearing out clutter is a simple one, it is by no means easy. Our clutter has usually taken years to accumulate, so it won't disappear with an afternoon of concerted effort. Set aside time to sort and organize your belongings as you would for a yoga class or hair appointment. Pace yourself! The process of clearing out clutter involves shifting both emotional and physical energy; listen to your body, drink lots of water and recognize that it may take several Saturday afternoons to make your way through your possessions.

Be prepared to take a trip down memory lane, and if it helps, get a friend to help you make decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Having an objective opinion can help you decide to donate that old bride’s maid dress to the local thrift shop, or organize a garage sale to bring in some extra cash. Consignment stores are another option for quality clothing that is in good condition.

Once organized, you will spend less time looking for lost items, be more inclined to have friends over for coffee or dinner, and will be inundated with more energy, creativity and vitality. Clutter, however, has a habit of creeping up on us so get in the habit of filing papers, recycling old newspapers and magazines and putting things back once you have finished using them.