Do you have too many "chotchkies" in your life? Most of us do. A chotchky is anything that intrudes, clutters or distracts us from our soul's highest purpose. An incredible amount of what we actually buy, accept and allow into our lives are chotchkies. This includes not only material things, but also unhealthy substances we consume, meaningless information and distractions and even unsupportive people.

Being surrounded by useless stuff robs us of our energy. The more chotchkies in our lives, the more disorder, stress, ambiguity, tension and immobilization we will experience. The good news? Clearing away unnecessary items and activities will leave you feeling lighter, clearer, calmer, healthier and more connected.

Here are 10 spring cleaning tips to re-energize your life and make you happier.

1. Fill up "glad" bags.

Grab three "glad" bags—one to donate, one for recycling and one for the dump. Find items in your home that are weighing you down. For example, how many hair products, lotions, makeup items and pills do you really use in your bathroom? In your sock drawer, how many pairs of socks would you have to wear to actually run out before the next wash?

2. Build in a pause.

Before you make a decision to bring something into your life, whether it's dessert, a relationship, a pair of jeans or a mindless TV show, ask yourself: Does my heart truly desire this? Will it make my life better? Happier? More fulfilled? Pausing before you acquire or consume can prevent every type of clutter from taking over your life.

3. Hold a storage unit sale.

This is one of the easiest ways to lighten your load. If you're paying someone to store your unused junk, you don't need it. Throw a sale and put the money toward something that will add to the quality of your life, such as a nice dinner out with your family. And the next time you move, make it a time of complete and total freedom from the past. Let it go!

4. Unclutter your closet.

How much time do you waste deciding what to wear? How many shoes collect dust in your closet? You don't need a bigger closet—you need fewer choices! Your closet should have no more than one hanger every 2 inches to avoid overload. Don't let your closet exceed 80 percent capacity. Give that old dress, belt or pair of boots to a friend, or donate them.

5. Clean up your diet.

We eat too much, and we feed our bodies junk that's full of chemicals and fat. Look in your pantry, freezer and cupboards and get rid of all the food that's not empowering you. When you eat out, pay attention to what—and how much—food you put into your body. Try to consume food that makes you healthy and energized, not clogged up, sluggish and full.

6. Clear your mind.

If you respond to every ding, ring and buzz of your mobile device while you're eating breakfast with your family, you remove the possibility of meaningful conversation. If you text while you walk, you're not observing the world around you. Manage your technology consumption to allow for empty mental space. While watching TV, mute the sound during commercials and have a conversation or do some stretches instead.

7. Ungift.

How much unwanted stuff have you received as gifts? Instead of acquiring more, you can gracefully say, "I really appreciate the love with which you give. That love is the real gift to me. Thanks." Then tell them that you're trying to let go of things, and you'd prefer a gift that doesn't take up space—a basket of fruit, tea, movie passes, a meal out, a yoga class, a couple hours of babysitting or a donation to your favorite charity. When you give a gift, make it a gift that gives back.

8. Invest in your soul.

Every time you are tempted to part with your money for something you really don't need, stop. Write down the amount and walk away. At the end of the month, tally up your savings. Put that money toward a dream, your favorite charity or anything else that lifts your spirit.

9.  Sweep out your schedule.

I don't have enough time to follow my dreams. Really? Somehow there seems to be enough time for TV, Internet surfing, movies, dinners out, gossiping, texting, drinks and other activities that may not be feeding your soul. You have enough time. Maybe what you're lacking is commitment.

10. Precycle.

Precycling is the act of returning a thing to the earth before it was even taken, saving our resources and creating a brighter future. Before you buy anything, consider all the resources it took to make. Recyclable plastic water bottles, for example, require 17 million barrels of oil to make each year. Some premium waters are bottled halfway around the globe and transported to your local market at great environmental cost. Use a filter and a repurposed bottle instead.

Note: This article was adapted with permission from The Chotchky Challenge: Clear the Clutter From Your Home, Heart, and Mind…and Discover the True Treasure of Your Soul (Hay House, 2012).