Wow, after 5 days I've finally reached the bottom of the thread - well done to all of you who've made a huge start on de-cluttering - it really motivates me to dive in and begin, too - I've been procrastinating for ages, because both DH and I are 'keepers'. I'd say we're not true hoarders because we don't collect ornaments or tat, 'just' useful things, as he likes to make stuff out of wood, and uses little yoghurt pots to mix up his paint, etc, we seem to have several windowsills full of 'stuff we'll need', which is fine, except the condensation has turned to mould, and is really a health hazard.
However going through the early part of the thread has given me some insight into why we're like we are, and making me grateful we're not worse - although both my parents were adults during the war, dad was a 'saver' like me, and mum is ruthless - she sold my bike while I was at college one day, and when dad died, threw out everthing of his before I had a chance to keep a single memento. I dread to think how much useful stuff she ditched when she moved house recently, but what's gone is gone...
DH was dreadfully poor as a child, and is attached to objects. He calls the house his 'shell' and, as it was his for ~10 years before I moved in, a lot of the stuff is his, so difficult for me to sort & bin, but more easy for me to be ruthless about!
We too have to do smething serious soon, as I'm pg with DC 3 and we live in a 3-bed house. DC2 (2yrs) is still in with us as there's no room in her brother's room until I have a big sort out and move around (but where to find the time?). There are bookshelves everywhere and the 3rd bedroom is fulll of games, boxes of stuff we want to keep, etc. but I'm going to have to be more ruthless.
Please keep us updated everyone on your progress, as each person's efforts keeps the others motivated, I'm sure.