More on clutter: I watched a PBS program on decluttering and it had one or two good ideas. Clearly, the woman giving it had had serious clutter problems and maybe how to get rid of things didn't come easily to her. Overall, I didn't feel it helped me much.
I really think that some people are minimalists and some of us are not. I have a friend who tosses something every time she buys something new. She was taught this by her mother and is rather obsessive about it. Worse, she expects her husband to do the same. I grew up in a frugal family and can't do that.
I think that it helps to look at what it's costing you in $$$, such as a storage locker. Every time you can reduce your monthly expenses, such as DR GEORGE is doing, you're ahead. After all, you can now afford to BUY MORE STUFF!!!
Seriously, due to the high cost of housing these days I can't afford the large house that I was planning on some years ago, so that is a motivator. On the other hand, why not keep something you might need or simply enjoy if you have the space?
As for the "If you haven't used it for a year.." thing, well, that just doesn't work in my life. If we have a warm winter am I to toss my winter coats and cold-weather gear? Hardly. I think that what you keep and what you toss just depends very much on your lifestyle. One day I'll tell you all about the REALLY HUGE MISTAKE I made long ago when I threw out something that I REALLY, REALLY REGRET. But not now.