Hi, Ken.

Ever watch that hoarder's show on TV?

My first suggestion is that you need to clear out all at once. None of this "little by little" or a box/crate at a time. The visual and viceral reward of regaining space, clearing and cleaning, is a positive reaction that takes the psychological sting out of the separartion anxiety.

Second, ask yourself, how much has any of the stuff actually benefitted you or your family? When you start looking at "worth" instead of merely possessing something, it's easier to pull the trigger on getting rid of it.