Downsizing. No, I'm not talking about dieting, but about down sizing - getting rid of so much of the "stuff" we accumulate throughout the years. I have visited many clients' homes and am constantly amazed by the different collections of magnificent Japanese Imari plates, priceless antiques and porcelains These are far outnumbered by the collections of Bradford and Franklin Mint plates lining walls, teddy bears of all shapes and sizes, roosters, dolls, copper plates and well, you get the (rather cluttered) picture.

Why is it that as we get older we tend to hold on to more and more of our possessions? I asked a psychologist this very question and was told that there is a "hoarding" thing that goes on with us as we get older. This theory has a physiological basis. How great - now we can justify being a pack rat by considering it a natural progression of aging.

So, how do we go about downsizing when we've spent out life accumulating our treasures? Here are some thoughts and ideas:

First, let's start with the kids. If you're a boomer, chances are your tax deductions are either in college or still sloughing around the house with a pretense of job hunting. Boot their butts out, and fast. You'd be surprised the amount of clutter that does with them.

Forget collections. Who cares about inheriting your collection of Franklin Mint plates of Princess Di? I so admire my friend Jill who lives by the philosophy that if she doesn't use it in six months, she gets rid of it. I was ready to embrace that whole thing until my good pal Karen told me her daughter dressed as an '80s teen for Halloween. I could make a fortune renting out my wardrobe! Fashions recycle, and I'm prepared for the next '80s revival.

Moving is a great way to sort through things, especially since you're charged by the pound. So, make a point to sell the house and move periodically.

Divorce is another way to downsize, but make sure your spouse takes the things you don't want or take the cash and buy your own clutter.

Sell the house, buy a big RV to travel and live in, and whatever doesn't fit inside your traveling abode, hand over to the kids for their apartments. I have actually had clients who did this and still remained married. Now that's love!

Then again, you may just be a collector and that's okay, too. It'll make a fine epitaph on a gravestone: Here lies Ann Fogle. She had one fine Hummel collection.


Ann also collects e-mails. Send her one at azfogle@comcast.net.