1. Never give up; old habits can be changed.
2. Do not give ultimatums; they only make things worse.
3. Try not to set unreasonable standards; perfect is not an option, but progress is.
4. Try not to nag. The clutterprone person is probably already hard enough on themselves.
5. Do not blame. There is usually an underlying cause; they are not doing it on purpose.
6. Never name call. It is not constructive or motivating.
7. Do not deny the situation by calling it “collecting” or offering excuses.