Most of us have too much stuff.  It fills our houses and garages.  It makes our living spaces cluttered and unrestful.

The fresh air of spring is an excellent opportunity clean things out:

• As you bring out your spring and summer clothes, go through them to make sure that you can still wear everything and that it is in good repair.  If something that you wear needs mending, do it (or drop it off with the cleaner or tailor).  If something doesn't fit or you just don't wear it, donate it.  If something cannot be repaired, please toss it.  Don't make a charitable agency deal with your trash.
• Before you store your winter clothes, make sure they are clean and in good repair.  That way, when the days grow shorter and colder, you'll be set.  If something doesn't fit — donate it.
• Whether or not you do spring cleaning, try to tackle a closet, some drawers, your filing cabinet.  Shred financial and other documents you no longer need.  Discard or donate things you no longer use.  Get rid of things you have multiples of when you really need only one (no one needs 3 toasters and 4 blenders unless you are running a B&B).  Resist the temptation to fill the space with new stuff.
• Clean your fridge and your pantry.  Use what you find to make some early spring meals so that you'll have space for the wonderful fresh foods of summer.  You may even make enough room to can or freeze some of summer's bounty.
• Sort through your books and donate the ones that you've finished (and don't plan to read again) to a used book store or library.  If you have a bunch of magazines that you have finished, check with school, libraries, prisons, and assisted living facilities to see if they want the donation.  (Do not donate without asking.)  If not, recycle. 

More space and less clutter always makes a home feel cooler and more summery.  Plus, it's easier to clean which streamlines your summer chores.  Some well-spent hours now means a summer in the sun (with appropriate sun protection).