It is time to put clutter in his place and send him packing. So where does clutter belong and how do you get rid of this unwanted house guest? It is not easy. He keeps pleading with you that, "you need me," and laying guilt trips on you for what relatives will think if you put him and his unwanted gifts and inherited clutter out.

Clutter did not accumulate overnight, and it may take weeks to evict him. With small steps, your house guest will have no clue that you are evicting him. Slowly but surely the clutter will leave one bag at a time. Some of you may need to take a "get tough" approach and order a Dumpster or set up regular pickups from charity thrift stores. Whatever you decide to do, consistency is the ticket to getting him to vacate your premises. Just 15 minutes a day is all you need to set him on the road. When you kick him out your door, you will begin to have your home to yourself again.

It is time for him to pack his bags and for you to send him out into the world to fend for himself. You have wasted enough time and energy on him. From now on, you are going to become very particular about whom you bring home.

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Marla Cilley, a k a FlyLady, is the author of Sink Reflections, Bantam Books trade paperback. For more help, please go to www.FlyLady.net. © 2006