T en years ago I decided to simplify my life. I got rid of roomfuls of possessions and moved from a big house to a condominium. I have never missed anything I gave away... and I have felt much lighter of heart and mind ever since.

One way to get started simplifying is to get rid of the clutter. Then you can tune into what’s really important. It’s not about deprivation, but about freedom. Here’s how to start...

Get rid of unneeded stuff. Possessions complicate your life. You have to take care of them and store them. I believe that every household in America could get rid of half its stuff -- and still have too much.

Helpful: Every Saturday or Sunday morning for the next year, take 10 minutes to get rid of 10 items. Examples...

Linen closet: Remove sheets that don’t fit beds in your house.

Kitchen: Get rid of gadgets you never use -- popcorn maker, plate warmer, espresso machine, etc. Give them to others who can use them.

Important: Immediately place giveaway items in your car trunk, and schedule a time to take them to the local thrift shop. If you look at them again, you’ll be tempted to keep them.

Buy less stuff. Don’t replace any of the items you’ve given away. When you find an item you desperately want to own, put it on a list on your refrigerator. After 30 days, take another look at your list. If you still want the item, buy it. But it is more likely that the urge to buy it will have worn off.

Do less stuff. Learn to say no to requests for your time. That will free you to spend more time with your family and friends.

Simplify time-consuming chores. Ideas...

Relax your strict housekeeping standards. Neat is good -- but spic-and-span is not always necessary.

Replace some of the grass in your yard with a low-maintenance ground cover that never needs to be mowed. And it is okay if your lawn has weeds.

Shop for groceries once a week. Make a list and stick to it, so you don’t buy indiscriminately. Also, shop alone. People spend 20% more time and 30% more money when they shop with a companion.

Create a true day of rest. Practice a family Sabbath. Gather the family together for breakfast (without TV or video games)... or go out to brunch ... or have a picnic in the park.

Important: If you reduce the amount of time you spend caring for your possessions, you won’t feel guilty about taking time to relax.