Nearly everyone reaches the point when they want to get rid of some of their stuff. Whether downsizing before a move or simply decluttering the house, the process can be hard to begin. But once started, the many benefits of getting rid of clutter reveal themselves: less to clean, less to organize, less stress, more energy and time for meaningful interests. Here are a few tips for getting started:

1. Don't keep things you think might have sentimental value to your family-especially your kids-without asking.
Be prepared for them to admit they aren't emotionally connected to those items. Keep in mind that ultimately the memories associated with those items are more valuable than the items themselves.

2. Realize that even if some things have financial value, your family may not want them.
What better time than now to financially benefit from selling them? Consignment shops, a garage or estate sale, or free posts on a local Facebook page are great ways to cash in on those valuables.

3. Whittle down your wardrobe to just a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched.
Keep timeless, versatile pieces; ditch anything too trendy. Donate or sell anything you haven't worn in six months.
4. If you're keeping things because you might need them someday, decide whether their possible use is worth the amount of actual space they are taking up.
Items such as cookware, records, DVDs, CDs, and old software can easily be replaced-usually with improved versions.

5. Digitize beloved photos, home videos/movies, and important documents.
The wonderful thing about the digital age is that we're not dependent on paper, tape, or film. Thousands of digitized photos, portraits, and documents can be stored on cellphones, stick drives, and other software. There's no need to keep old cassettes, photo albums, or boxes stuffed with snapshots. Once photos, videos, and documents are digitized, they can also be shared with friends and family through emails, texts, and social media. Photos and documents can be easily printed if you want to frame any of them in the future.

6. Donate books you've finished reading and haven't looked at in a year.
Consider downloading an ebook reader (they're free) and buying ebooks in the future. Besides being much cheaper than print editions, hundreds of ebooks can be stored on your cellphone and computer and then read any time, any place.