First of all, clear things out of your home that you don't love. Have a yard sale, have a swap, take it to auction, put it on Craig's List, give it to someone who does love and need it. Just clear out the stuff you don't love. This will be a gradual process for most, so don't clear things out to the point where you're sitting on the floor and eating off trays! Also, let you're family know what you're doing, so they can expect some changes and let you know if something is off limits for removal.
Make a trade-up policy for yourself. One thing comes in, one thing leaves. Gail and I were discussing this a few weeks ago and laughing at trying to cheat this policy. A table comes in, a coffee mug leaves. No, no. A chair comes in, a chair leaves.
Restrict your shopping trips. You won't be tempted to buy if you're not looking. Only go when you're looking for something to keep yourself from getting into trouble.
It's OK to love something and not buy it. You can love a piece and it can be a fantastic price, but you don't need to own it. If you really NEED to, then use the trade-up policy.
Make it a business. If you just can't resist...if you must hunt, find, buy, and fix it up, then make it a business. That way you can continue to do it and you're home won't look like an episode of "Hoarders" (minus the cat skeletons, I hope.)
That's what I did.
And you have no idea where it could lead.
