Before you know it, the mess formerly known as your house or apartment is not your own. Clutter has moved in and taken over.

Harriet Schechter, also known as the "Miracle Worker," is a New York consultant who specializes in curing what she calls "Paperosis misplacea" and other clutter-related conditions.

Schechter, who wrote "Let Go of Clutter," gives the following tips on conquering clutter:

1. If you frequently misplace things, it is because you move around with objects in your hands and you end up putting them somewhere that they do not belong. Make a conscious effort to release objects from your grasp and put them where they belong.

2. Motivate yourself to let go of clutter by creating noticeable results quickly: Declutter the easiest and most visible cluttered area or segment.

3. Each day, make a conscious effort to let go of at least one unit of clutter, whether it be a single item, or a container-full of items. Do this consistently, and you will see results.

4. When it comes to clothing and accessories, apply this rule: Only keep the items that make you look and feel good.

5. If your clutter includes sentimental objects, remember that you should let go of anything that doesn't touch you in a positive or poignant way. Don't keep anything that makes you feel stressed or upset, unless you are legally required to do so.

6. Only file two types of paper: records of what you have to keep, and resources that you want to keep.

7. Remove the apostrophe "t" from the word "can't " and when you catch yourself saying "I can't get rid of it," change it to "I can."

And here's a few paper-purging ideas excerpted from her book.

Set a timer for 10 to 15-minute increments so that you don't get sidetracked.

Use a floor to speed sort through items.

Have at least one large trash container or box handy.