Good guidelines for housekeeping:

--As much as possible, there should be nothing on the floor.
--When something big comes in, such as a vase or an urn, two or three things should be thrown out.
--When you buy something better to replace an item, make sure that you throw out the item.
--If only you and not the rest of the household can appreciate an object, it is best disposed of.
--Do up rooms so that everyone wants to be in them all of the time.
--Avoid cabinets with opaque doors. They make you stow unwanted things away until you forget that they exist.
--It is all right to throw something away after it has served its purpose fully.
--It is all right to throw damaged items away. Do not feel obliged to restore or repair something if you'll never get down to doing them anyway.

Do NOT throw away:

--Antiques that accrue in value.
--Real jewelry.
--Records that are or will be useful to your family.
--Important receipts.
--Good fabric.
--Original art.
--Rare books.