Although tackling your basement and attic can be a daunting task, there are many hidden rewards to this kind of project. You may even be able to enlarge your home, without the cost of an addition. You'll also regain access to those things that you need and love.

And, if you are able to remove clutter and donate it charity, you'll have the opportunity to be socially and ecologically responsible. Instead of all that stuff wasting away in the dark, cobwebby corners of your basement and attic, at least some of these items could be put to use by those who need them, and others could be recycled into something useful for others to enjoy. Meanwhile, you'll have the opportunity to live in less cluttered, more streamlined space. As Leonardo da Vinci wrote, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”