De-clutter items on visible shelves and mantles. Any items that don't add to the décor or serve a purpose can be given away, sold, or used strategically elsewhere.

It's time to be ruthless. Do you really need to keep that tacky souvenir or is it time to give it away? Maybe it is now a collectible and you can see it on Ebay? Make those decisions - why do you keep items that have no attachment, are out of date and could be used by someone else? Do you have a few of the same items which are now just collecting dust? Time to go!

Twist tie or band wires together at the back of the television where cables meet those of your DVD player, Nintendo Wii, speakers, et cetera. This makes less of a tangled mess in the back. If you have these electronic items in other places of the house - try going around and neatening cords this week.

Organize feature shelves or mantles to be attractive and not busy. Home magazines are a great inspiration for creating features in home spaces out of items you already have, such as artwork, framed photographs, and special interest or collectors items.

The tricky thing here - is not to add 'junk', but to re-arrange what you have. Perhaps, in your sorting process, you might like to update a few items, but make sure you get rid of old things first. Remember, "In one, out two!"

Wipe down electronics like your television, DVD player, and stereo with a warm, damp cloth. Make sure everything is unplugged before you do this as a precaution.

Ok- It's not rocket science, but if you've decluttered those places, sorted out junk, and maybe re-organized a few things at this stage, wipe it down and create the fresh look.