'It had become a time capsule' – 6 things I ruthlessly decluttered at 70 to honor my past but make room for a streamlined future

A white living room with large pink rug, white sofa with red and yellow cushions, a statement lamp and wooden furniture. On the walls are large painted seascapes.

For decades, my life has revolved around helping others conquer their clutter. As a professional home organizer, I've guided countless clients through the emotional and physical maze of transforming their chaotic spaces into havens of calm.

When I turned 70, it felt like the right time to take my own advice. I began looking at my life as half over, and so asked myself what was really important to me going forward. Whether in the kitchen, hall closet or even my home office, I wanted to live with just the things that make me happy, not a load of lingering, extraneous items.