Reality dictates that two things can not occupy the same space. The same laws tell us that nature abhors a vacuum. So what's this got to do with your business?

Let me ask you a couple of questions: Do you have clutter in your life? Is it the physical kind, or perhaps the mental type?

Here's the bad news: Clutter is an energy drain.

Think about where that clutter is in your life. Are there other, better, newer things you are yearning for? How about cash buyers who need to buy this week? A workspace where you can find the file you want at a moment's notice? Friends that urge you to be the best that you can be and hold you accountable to be great?

I would bet that if there is an area of your life where it isn't working perfectly, there is clutter mucking up the works. We won't go into the deep psychological reasons why we hold on to things that don't suit us: that scarcity thinking that is so easy to be sucked toward. Let's just get into action, instead and plug the energy leaks by decluttering, throwing out, getting rid of or giving away!

To get you started, here is a list of 30 actions you could take:

Have some fun with this. First read through and just check the ones that apply. This list should get you thinking and you will probably have your own "pets" that you are hanging on to that could free some space and energy. Add them to the list!

1. Clean out your file cabinets. Put old files in storage. Have at least 50 percent of the room free for the new clients.

2. Do you have training materials that are dated that you will never refer to again because the world has changed?

3. Do you have piles on your desk? (Hint: take action, delegate, file or ditch them)

4. Purge your database of people you don't like.

5. Stop saying yes to anything except those things that you love to do

6. Consider the memberships you are paying for or the groups you are a member of. Which no longer represent who you are today and your needs?

7. Do you have old technology that isn't working?

8. Do you have software you have never opened?

9. Do you have leads from over six months ago that you have taken no action on?

10. Do you have high-maintenance clients that make you crazy?

11. Do you have an unrealistic "to do" list that never gets completed?

12. Is your in box emptied each day or things moved to folders like "take Action" and "reply needed"?

13. Do you clear the computer of .tmp files monthly?

14. Do you have newsletters and listservs that are old that you are never going to get around to reading? Delete them!

15. Purge your rolodex of old relationships

16. Is there clutter in the car? In the trunk?

17. In the garage?

18. What appliances no longer work or have not been used in a year or more?

19. What in your medicine cabinet is out of date?

20. Do you have makeup that's over a year old?

21. What spices are old in your kitchen?

22. Or other food in your freezer or on the shelves that is too old to be any good (you know the stuff you stockpiled for Y2K!)

23. Take everything out of your closet that needs repair. Missing buttons, stains, rips.

24. Give away the good clothes that don't fit.

25. Throw away the old tapes that you don't even have an 8 track player for anymore (or sell them on Ebay)

26. Same with the records!

27. What books will you never read again?

28. How about the stack of reading, magazines and articles, to read someday? Give it up!

29. Is there anything in the bedroom that is cluttering it up?

30. How about closets?

You get the idea … add things to the list that are cluttering your life, space and business.

Now go back and make a second sweep, highlighting the 10 that you'd be willing to "clean up" and note by when. Get out those trash bags and get to work! You'll probably notice you feel lighter as soon as some of those spaces are opened up!

Perhaps, sharing this list with a buddy and encouraging each other in really becoming decluttered will keep you at it. Don't be surprised if you start seeing new, good stuff show up once you have cleared the space for it to live.

Published: October 22, 2004

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Joeann Fossland GRI, LTG, MCC is a dynamic speaker and business coach. Creator of THE REAL ESTATE GAMETM, she provides coaching solutions enhance your effectiveness and life balance. You can subscribe to her free monthly newsletter, attend free monthly telephone seminars, and find out about classes delivered by email and personal coaching by visiting JoeAnn.com or e-mail her at .