All those stacks of papers, magazines, piles of letters not-yet-answered -- in a word, all those "treasures" that we're certain are destined for "the perfect filing system" -- are they an important part of our lives, or are we kidding ourselves with the veteran procrastinator's optimism? Dare we be honest with ourselves? Are we being resourceful and prudent? Or do we simply hoard stuff out of an innate fear that in clearing the clutter we'll dispose of potential treasure?

Oh, by the way, that "perfect filing system" doesn't exist, except in your dreams, right? After all, time is money, as they say (wrong, by the way, -- keep reading), and you've been too busy to organize your plans, let alone your files. But you will, won't you? Just as soon as you get the chance. Who asked your brother-in-law to give you that six-month subscription to The Wall Street Journal, anyway?

All right, enough kidding. These Tips are designed to help, not make you feel worse. They're also meant to provoke your thinking in a friendly and supportive way. Here's an exercise: Ask yourself the following questions to see which you are doing, being resourceful or hoarding aimlessly. Am I saving this item because there is a good chance -- no kidding myself, now -- that I might need it someday? Or have I succumbed to the life-long habit of so many, namely, finding security amidst my "treasures." Do my stacks of stuff represent an investment -- or merely an expense? Sure, you know in general which pile is which; but are you spending more and more time shuffling through your "files" to find the letter your partner referenced in yesterday's e-mail? Do you have a real plan, or is it, "Someday I'll get organized, and then I'll show those scoffers that I saved important (or is your word "valuable") stuff"?

And, by the way, about the old adage "time is money"? People usually stop believing that in their fifties, as they begin taking personal inventory and realize, "Time is life." Money can be bought and sold like any commodity -- but not time. It's invaluable. I can't make more, buy more or borrow more. Indeed, time is my life being lived out.

So it may be prudent to consider, does it seem that no matter what I've accumulated, it's never enough? Do I find that I want more than my current home, cabinet or closet -- or whatever -- can hold? Do I spend an inordinate amount of time focused on my stuff? Maybe I have too much of everything -- paperwork, files, toys, clothes, food, TV? Am I craving things in an attempt to satisfy my soul? Is it working? Am I choosing "busyness" rather than top priorities, such as activities that lead me to achieving my goals? Ask yourself these honest and hard questions, and then begin to answer them. They will help you discover whether you are hoarding -- i.e., saving for the sake of saving -- or being resourceful. And ask yourself this: Do I own all my great stuff? Or does it own me? Think about it.

As I travel all over this great country to organize homes and offices, computers and corporations, I find a lot of people who have the mentality (their own paradigm) that if they throw something out, they might need it some day. Of course, you don't throw out your turkey roaster just because you use it only three times a year -- that's a given. But what about those broken skis, worn out lamps, torn-up teddy bears your children dragged everywhere, that old sewing machine you're saving because "they don't make 'em like they used to." And the exercise weights that are collecting dust or clothes that you haven't been able to wear in 12 years? Are you saving these for a valid reason (grandkids, yard sale, charity organizations), thus being resourceful? Or, do you have a hoarding mentality, afraid to let go because your parents once threw out an item that today is considered valuable?

There is a difference. The hoarding mentality causes you to hold tightly due to fear, or to feel angst over not having everything "just in case I might need it someday." Being resourceful brings a sense of freedom. It's sharing because you have what you need and a bit extra to give to others in their need. Being resourceful is caring, being responsible and being a good steward. It's an attitude that says all my stuff is given to me for "loaner-ship" not ownership. It's an attitude that says, "All I have is derived."

I've offered some comparisons between hoarding and resourcefulness, or being a good steward of life, time and things. Take another look -- at this article and then in the mirror -- and ask yourself whether you're spending too much of your life hoarding. If so, maybe you'll re-evaluate and begin the process of "Letting go." You will be freer, and your home life, work life and spirit will soar.