RULE OF THUMB WHEN SPRING CLEANING
If you haven't used an item or worn an outfit in the last six months, sell, donate or recycle it.

WHAT TO DO WITH MEMORABILIA?
Throw love letters and autograph books out if they no longer hold any sentimental value for you. Or pack them into boxes.

GIVE THOUGHTFUL AND PRACTICAL GIFTS THAT WON'T END UP IN THE STOREROOM
Gift vouchers from department stores are your best bet. With the variety of merchandise available, you can be sure there'll be something for everyone.

DO AWAY WITH FILES
Stand-alone drawer units make a great storage centre for documents. Just drop your credit card statements, health reports and insurance records into the drawers – no need to punch holes or lug heavy files out.

SELLING OR DONATING YOUR OLD, UNUSED ITEMS
Besides the Salvation Army and Ebay, you can drop off adult fiction books into the donation boxes at all public libraries. For other genres, donate directly to charities. To get a listing of the charities, log on to deposit.nl.sg: click on "About Donation", then "To Donate" followed by "List of Non-profit Organisations".

Get a copy of the February 2010 issue of Simply Her to read about smart solutions for busy women. Simply Her, published by SPH Magazines is available at all newsstands now. Lim Tsiao Hui is the consumer and lifestyle editor with Simply Her magazine by SPH Magazines. Check out more stories at Simply Her online, www.simplyher.com.sg.