Take the stuff that you have "just for memories" and box it up. Put the boxes in your closet or in the garage. When you leave for college or move out, you can go through it again; it'll be easier to know which things to keep after some time has passed. Simplifying your space, then, is twofold: actual clutter and visual clutter.

For actual clutter, I am a fan of baskets. You can find them cheap at Ikea or cheaper at thrift stores and yard sales. If they don't match, consider painting them the same color. Under bed boxes help, too. Put your clothes in the hamper, not on the floor. ;-)

For visual clutter, minimize stuff on your walls, like posters. Keep patterns to a minimum (like zebra print) When choosing paint, choose from the grays: blue-gray, green-gray, lavendar-gray, etc. The color chips may look boring while displayed next to the brights, at home they will look like blue or green or lavender, but be calming. Shop thrift stores for curtains or join www.freecycle.org for freebies!

It sounds like you have symptoms of mild hoarding. the best option is for you to take pictures and make a scrapbook or something to save your memories. then clean out your room and get rid of all of your stuff thats not essential or super duper special. i promise you'll feel so much better. I redid my room a couple years ago and made it very simple and chic so i can help ya. what's "so hard"? like what problems are you running into?

Ok so back in 8th grade I painted my room a horrific bright bright green and zebra print everywhere from curtains to blankets to garbage can. My mom agreed to paint again so I'm gonna go with a more subtle blue but I also have so much clutter everywhere like a ton of random stuff that I keep just because of memories. I have no idea what to get rid of. I really want a simple looking room but it's so hard. Also know of any places to get cheap curtains because the zebra is wayyyy to much. Thank you!