The psychology of clutter cuts deeper than simply forcing organization into your life. Cynthia Townley Ewer outlines the major "modus clutterandi" at www.organizedhome.com, and offers solutions for getting organized that are tailored to specific personality types.

The Hoarder
Fear of deprivation drives hoarders. Who knows if they'll ever get another newspaper or paper towel or mismatched sock again? Solution: Consider thrift stores, yard sales, and libraries your personal off-site storage areas.

The Perfectionist
Rather than tackle a job under less-than-perfect conditions, the perfectionist lets stuff slide until she can do it right. Solution: Don't try to bring complete order and harmony to your life in one sitting. Remember the 20-80 rule: 20 percent of every job takes care of 80 percent of the problem, while fixing the remaining 20 percent gobbles up 80 percent of the effort.

The Deferrer
Everything from sorting mail to cleaning gutters is put off until tomorrow. Only, tomorrow never comes. Solution: Get moving! The simple act of getting started can create enough momentum to carry you through the job.

The Sentimentalist
These clutterers collect everything that touches their hearts, from school projects to seashells to birthday cards. Solution: Be selective. Sift through your mementos to find the best one to represent any given time.

The Rebel
With no authority figure to force the adult rebel into straightening up, clutter expresses his or her childhood peevishness. Solution: Although it's hard, rebels must draw on their inner grown-up to face the chore of cleaning their rooms.