People tend to hold on to things for sentimental value, or because those things used to define them — like an sorority sweater or a bread maker you got as a wedding present. According to Pollack, you need to stop thinking in those terms if you want to reduce clutter.
"It's really about taking inventory of your life: where you were, where you are, and where you want to go," she said. "Define yourself and define your life."
If something no longer serves where you are currently in life, toss it. Pollack also said that everything should have a place where it can be stored. If you don't store it anywhere or find that you can't find a place for it, it automatically becomes clutter, and you need to reevaluate if it serves any purpose.