I cancelled all the store cards. They are not that useful and just take up space on your credit report. Then I analyzed which card was most useful for me. I did cancel some old cards, but I figured it would wash out in the end. When I cancelled a card, I raised the credit limit on a card that I kept. They keep track of how much credit you have and how much of the credit that you use. I use my cards like debit cards--if I don't have the money, I don't spend it.

I don't have a mortgage, but I do have student loans that I pay off quickly.

http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducatio...YourScore.aspx

Here's a good website on FICO scores, although I really like the one posted by gj83. I'm in the majority--29%. I'm closer to 800 than 750, though.

I don't recall precisely how long it took to get the 22 cards under 10, but I think it was something like a year? Maybe two?