The urge to organize has given rise to an entire industry of professional “declutterers” all looking to help people defeat the disarray in their homes and offices, for a fee. If you’re finding that your finances are a mess, it’s important to conquer that clutter as well, because it could be hurting your credit score. But you don’t need to hire a professional to do it. Here are some do-it-yourself tips for simplifying your credit life:

1. Put your payments on autopilot
Avoid late payments that could mar your credit record by arranging for automatic withdrawals from your checking account for recurring bills – such as your mortgage or fitness club membership. Pay your other bills with just a few keystrokes through an online bill-pay program, now offered by most banks.

2. Schedule your credit check
Pick a day – say, the vernal equinox (around March 20) or Flag Day (June 14) – on which you will go to www.annualcreditreport.com and check your credit score every year. Learn more about credit by reading Myths and facts about credit scores.

3. Consolidate debt
If you owe more than one consumer debt, it may be smart to consolidate them, either through a home equity or personal loan. You could get a lower interest rate, and you’ll only have to make one monthly payment, rather than several.

4. Cut your credit cards
It’s important to have some credit cards to build your credit record. But opening new credit cards can be bad for your credit score and could tempt you to overspend. Keep your wallet light and reduce the number of monthly statements you receive by avoiding opening unnecessary credit card accounts.

5. Copy your credit cards
Make copies of both the front and back of every credit card in your wallet, and keep the copies in a safe place. That way, if your wallet is ever lost or stolen, it will be easy to notify your credit card issuers quickly.

6. Get the right credit cards
If you pay your credit card balance in full every month, look for a card that offers rewards for your purchases. If you carry a balance, search for the lowest interest rate.

7. Get a credit coach
If you find yourself in too deep to clear up your credit clutter crisis on your own, consult a professional credit counselor. Just be sure to pick a reputable one. To learn more about credit repair, visit the LendingTree.com Credit Resource Center.