To find your home’s hidden storage space, you can toss seven things right now–and never miss them. Start with the items that demand the most real estate, then dive into the smaller ones. By the time you’ve made it through the list, you’ll have plenty of room for this year’s tree and the ever-growing present stash. Once you’ve tossed the artificial tree that’s seen better days and the broken ornaments you’ve been hanging onto for sentimental reasons, you’ll have more space for new decorations. And if you’re planning to buy brand-new decorations this year, consider donating your current, clean and undamaged ones to the Salvation Army or another organization. Imagine how you will feel when you find these cards next year. Will you be excited to read through them again? Then keep them. Will you be annoyed with yourself for having kept them? Go ahead and toss them out now. If your little one is having trouble letting go of toys they no longer play with, consider adopting the popular “one in, one out” policy. In order to get a new toy, your child must give one away. (Careful: This policy applies to the belongings of the grownups in the household, too!)
