Between a vacation at the tail end of August and some serious computer glitches in early September, I've been gone from here too long—but now I'm back, and brimming with things to share with you...

So I'm reading the galley of Gail Blanke's upcoming new book, Throw Out Fifty Things: Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life (Springboard Press/Hachette Books Group, March 2009), and it hits me:  I can put some of her tips into practice right this second. 

That's how doable her program is, even for those people who save way more than they should (uh, that would be someone I know).  Gail—a well respected motivational speaker, executive coach and life coach, who I first met when we profiled her in Reader's Digest a few years back—has come up with a magic formula. Take three sturdy garbage bags. Mark one "trash," the second "donations," and the third "sell."  And just START SORTING.  There's nothing Einsteinesque about this.  It's just clean, clear common sense.  You'll be amazed at how quickly you reach the number "50"--and how much better you feel.  Her book goes into much greater detail (especially about attacking the "mental mess," which is a whole other deal), but this, essentially, is the gist of making a fresh start and getting on with things.

I tried it at home the night I read this, delighted to have a streamlined program handed to me.  My younger son and I worked together, and we cleared out an amazing amount of what can only be called "stuff."  Old bits of toys that neither of my boys played with anymore.  Clothes that didn't quite fit.  Hats that my kids just laughed at. 

There's something refreshing about the number "50."  It's a worthy goal, and it's achievable, and you don't need a clutter expert to lead you by the hand to make it happen, unless you count the author of this book. 

I was delighted to see Gail at a luncheon given by her publisher, Springboard Press/Hachette Books Group, last week in Manhattan.  She spoke about her formula for getting rid of the things that hold us back.  Like old keys that take up space in that kitchen drawer we all have. ("Really, are you ever going to open something with those keys?  Just get rid of them.")  At that same luncheon it was a pleasure to meet several other authors with new books as well from Springboard (more on them in future posts in this space).  I told Gail how I was able to make her vision a reality in my house the night I first read her book.  She was delighted--but not surprised.  Of course it works!  

I am all for cleaning out, staying sane and getting real. And I do love doing it in the fall, before holiday time arrives...

What are YOUR tips on this topic?  Please share away.  And when you can, check out Gail's blog for more sensible advice.