Right I've finally worked out that a totally clutter free house is the way to go but

[nikos]

how to I get to that point. I've just dropped ds off for a playdate at a house which had no clutter, nothing on the surfaces except for ornaments. And it looked amazing. Very calm. I want to be like that. But those of you with houses like that, how do you do it?
I imagine that I would either never stop tidying or would have to get rid of most of the stuff I own. Do you have to develop an attitude of having few possessions?

I insist on a clutter-free sitting room. It's essential for my sanity! The rest of the house isn't too bad, but we don't really have enough storage. Strategies that help are a charity bag on the go at all times so as soon as I spot something that's no longer of any use it can go straight in the bag and a large file with sections for all paperwork. I'm going to get a couple of large cupboards built into alcoves to give me more space to hide things!

nikos I find that once you have decluttered you actually have more time free as housework takes less time, it's easier to keep tidy and you spend less time looking for Stuff.

good storage definately my dd's toys are in 2 large whicker chests in dining room,books are on shelves.
in dd's bedroom she has pop up storage baskets.
i don't have toys in my sitting room if toys are brought in they have to be put back when finished with.