So says health writer Josephine Collins in her new book Detox for Life, which includes a whole section on getting your home in shape. The first thing is to create some sort of order by getting rid of unneeded stuff . . . often easier than it sounds. Here are her troubleshooting tips to get started. . .

"I am overwhelmed by clutter" Start small. Break the clutter in your home into separate, manageable types, then pick a type to work on that, once cleared, will make the most obvious difference to your life. Put everything that needs sorting or tidying into a few bags or boxes.

"The prospect of tidying up bores me" Decide how much time you are willing to spend tidying up, then choose something enjoyable to listen to while you sort out the mess "I feel guilty about getting rid of gifts" Gifts that you don't like or that are of no use to you would be better off being given to someone who would appreciate them. If you really don't want to let a gift go, make sure that it has a place to live in your home.

"How can I change the image of my home without spending a fortune?"

Applying a fresh coat of paint, adding a few plants or covering your sofa or bed with an attractive sheet of fabric are among the quickest and cheapest ways to change the image of your home. Simply opening the windows to let in the fresh air will also change the temperature and generally move the energy around . . . and it doesn't cost a thing.

"What's a good clutter-control mantra?"

Ask yourself three questions before bringing a new item into your home: Will this make a positive difference to my life?

Have I got room for it? Am I prepared to let go of something to make room for it?

'Detox for Life' by Josephine Collins, (Ryland Peters & Small) 15 approx