How many things do your have in your home that are waiting to be mended? Whether it's shoes that need heeling, trousers with a trailing hem or household gadgets that are on the blink - broken things cause frustration and irritation. In fact they often get shoved away in the back of the cupboard or chucked in the spare room and forgotten about. It's one of the most common symptoms of losing the battle with clutter to be surrounded by broken objects.

Do a quick check around your home and be honest with yourself. If you will never mend your radio, hairdryer or the strap on your handbag, then it's time to let them go. After weeks of watching it flicker, I said farewell to my old TV this weekend. It felt a wrench even though it had had it's day!

For the rest - make a list with the date next to it and either mend it yourself or take it to someone who can do it for you. That way you'll reduce clutter in your home and feel much more in control of everything.