I love books and I would never call them a clutter... however recently I discovered that many of them I was keeping for my future self... thinking I'll be making candles, jewellery, knitting etc. Sadly, I realised I'm not having a time for all of this and if I will one day, everything will be available online. This was a hard decision for a book lover like myself but finally I donated many of my paper treasures to the local library and some charity shops. Hope someone WILL actually have a time to read them and take an action, too!
I really need to get rid of projects leftovers... And also some paintings that I painted and are just cluttered in my cabinet... We are moving soon so then I'll have the time to do that
The mistake I made in the past was collecting craft supplies. There would be some cute items on sale & I would stock up. Ten years went by and I hadn't used a single thing. When I decluttered, I donated several things to my grandson's teacher. She took a picture of her class using the items in art class & sent it to me to let me know they were being used.
That is so awesome that she was able to show you that they were being used! When we had our gigantic garage sale, we ended up giving away a ton of craft supplies to the senior center - they used them to make greeting cards to sell as a fundraiser ❤️
I had that collection too. I purged and donated about 80% of the supplies to my local cub scouts. Most of the stuff was crafting supplies for my boys who outgrew them.
When we were prepping our house for sale I gave oodles of art and craft supplies to a local charter school. After moving to a smaller home in another state I realized that I still had way more than I was likely to need at age 79, so I cleared out more and took it to an art thrift shop that sells to the public at bargain prices and donates to teachers and others who work with children and disabled adults. I am not missing a bit of it!
The hob and the oven use WAY MORE electricity than the microwave for reheating food. I'm keeping mine. I can cook bacon for a sandwich in my microwave in two minutes. Scrambled eggs, heating a cup of milk...so many economical uses. You'd be a fool to declutter your microwave
I'm still pretty bad about holding onto "just in case" items and "future" supplies. I got rid of a bunch of keys, arts & crafts supplies, continually going through paperwork, clothes and other laundry, things the kids never use, and so on. Decluttering a bit every day has made a huge impact in my current home. My husband has noticed a big difference in how our space feels and has started decluttering as well. He hates the claustrophobic feeling as much as I do, so we are making progress in the right direction.
I love clocks and I look at them all the time; it’s quicker to look at a clock than check your phone. I have a ‘quiet sweep’ one in my bedroom that incorporates the temperature and date; one in the kitchen that I look at all the time when food is put on the stove and one in the lounge.
I keep a handful of cookbooks because I remember life before the internet. You never know for sure if it might be taken away. Also have kept my favorite dvds and a player. Ditto for books. Nothing in this world is for certain.
I love my wall clocks and view them everyday im not always carrying my cell phone so its nice to be able to glance up and see what time it is occasionally
Hospitality is a way of life, a way to share our lives with others. Love gathering around the table, in the kitchen. Making memories. I have mostly white serving pieces and decorate for holidays, seasons and themes with linens, flowers, decor items and centerpieces.
When we were initially designing our home we had it so that the dining table would be IN the kitchen. Sometimes I wish we would have kept that part of the plan. Something about a table in the kitchen seems so homey to me! ❤️
Agree with most of these apart from clocks and cookery books...I use mine all the time, they are much loved and stained. Would add television to this list. We haven't had one for twelve years and don't miss it. Listen to talk radio show nstead
Yes the tv is definitely not a need! For us, I can’t imagine getting rid of it just yet- but when our kids are grown and out of the house it’s a definite possibility! ❤️
I use clocks the same way I did 40 plus years ago. When I'm home my phone is laying on a table somwhere, because it's a pain to keep it on my body. I use my microwave daily. I had it mounted above my stove. No clutter that way. A lot of movies that I love watching aren't on streaming. Also once they have everyone on streaming very little will be offered for free. Especially when they know no one owns any physical copies. I ditch the cases, and put them in DVD zipper storage cases. I do weed out the ones that we never reach for.
Love the ideas, only one I would differ on is the DVDs. We have had times that our streaming service just wasn't reliable and the only thing we could watch is DVDs. That is one to take into consideration for where you live and how well service is provided before passing on the physical item. :)
Streaming services don't hold everything and they regularily clean their catalogues. It can easily happen that the film you search for just disappears. Or you "buy" it on a service and the service just drops everything and you are left with nothing. Same for music. I only use my MP3s nowadays but I still have all the CDs in the basement. And I don't need any Internet for listening.
Our dining room is too large for our daily use. We put our dining table in the livingroom and we use it for eating, puzzles, board games and crafts. We transformed the "dining room" into our bedroom. The master bedroom is now office/guest room. The second bedroom is still a bedroom. Our neighbours think we are crazy. "You can't sleep in a dining room". 😂 Well yeah, we can and we do. And the balcony doors are now also our windows. Still thinking about ways to declutter more, specifically in the kitchen. Perhaps the pizza cutter is next...
Totally a better use of space! I’m not sure why people think that they have to use a dining room to just hold an empty table 363 days of the year?!? ❤️
I use my microwave most days. Making oatmeal for breakfast and heating up soup only takes a few minutes. I also like to 'bake' potatoes in the microwave. I live alone and it's not worth heating up the oven. Got rid of the cheese grater, just finely chop the cheese. No more grated fingers. I once found a fingernail in a friend's signature coleslaw that she had lost when grating cabbage! Definitely no throw pillows, they're just dust catchers and a nuisance for me. I like bare walls so (finally) got rid of all the pictures I had been storing for years. I keep discovering things I can do without and make my life simpler in the process.
I use clocks when l want to know the time, and they are beautiful! Ive used real feather standard-sized pillows on my sofa dressed in pretty pillow shams for YEARS. Im keeping my mahogany dining table seating twelve because we have 6 grands and 6 adults often. A well stocked kitchen because l USE it- including cookbooks. At some point “minimalism” turns into ridiculousness! Im not trying to troll you- you look like a sweet lady. I just do not find this practical in many ways. It just seems like this a band wagon many are climbing on and some day folks will wake up and realize they gave away things they needed…
That is why I was clear to say at the beginning that none of these things are bad and that the list is mainly for people who are looking to simplify their lives. If you use and enjoy these particular things in your home, they are not clutter to you! ❤️
....YES. thank you ! I am tired of this Bandwagon of Minimalist mindset "... I love my Cookbooks. My other Comment is about " the Pillowing ".. I'm the same .. down pillows, beautiful covers ( washable). I have a huge Coffee Table.. it was a library table, I cut it down 4 ". Perfect height... no " bending over to pick up a beverage...a book, whatever. Why would I want to use a phone or Electronic device IN A KITCHEN..where there's water, and food being prepared ..(??!) Makes no sense . I believe these younger people do not understand about " elegant, gracious living..." Very sad.
True ! It all depends on your lifestyle , how many in your family , what you value , makes you happy , knowing the difference between needs & wants , etc. Interesting that " young " people w/out life the experiences that age & wisdom bring assume to have all the answers to a better , simpler , life . 😂
@@texasstardust6010 So well said ! " Real " books , a clock on the wall , a few comfy accent pillows , favorite photos / artwork , a well-made dining or kitchen table ( in my case , a true family antique ) to eat at or share a cup of coffee or tea w/ a friend , etc. bring a " softness " & kinder aspects to our lives . Our homes are an honest reflection of who we truly are !
@cynthiajohnston424 ...I humbly thank you for your kind comment, and it is my thoughts on the matter, lol. I appreciate that I am not alone in understanding about " living life with R e a l. Things." ... like books, Family photos , clocks, pillows in which to be comfortable. ... all these- and more - add richness to our surroundings, and you are correct ... it also reflects " who we are ", what we value ,and how we choose to live with things that matter to us, as individuals. I have not ever been a " Minimalist ", ...lol. ..I've always been a Maximalist. Also, your other Comment offers ponderence, as you stated ( and it was well said )that " it is interesting that the " young people " w/ out Life experience that age and Wisdom bring ...assume to have all the answers to a ' simpler, better life '. Indeed. If they could understand and look at reasons why " progress" is n o t always " a good thing " , it might enlighten thier perspectives. :) I don't need a watch that is a phone. I don't want an E.V. I don't want a Kindle or any such thing. I don't want to read E- books. ...you get the idea, lol.
Ive been on a roll decluttering since January when I retired. I had to laugh when I went go declutter a very deep cupboard I kept our pots and pans and discovered I had removed,donated, or tossed a good half or more of them already months ago. I guess I never even missed all those extra pots and pans.
I only got partway through your video before realizing that you really need to consider age and culture. I am an Italian woman in my 70s and we often have large gatherings and always have special platters for food. I think you would find the same thing for ethnic people in older age groups. And we do look at the clocks in every single room of our house. 😊
If you can give a quick re-listen to the beginning of the video - I clearly point out that these will not be clutter to everyone. There are likely things in my home that you would consider clutter! These are ‘typically’ , at least in America, things that just take up space and aren’t used as much as they could be. But obviously each item we keep in our homes is a personal choice! ❤️
Yes, I did hear you say it was personal choice. :) I just thought that more young people than older people these days feel the same way you do, judging from my kids and grandkids... that's all. I appreciate more people not wanting to live in clutter.@@ArrowHillCottage
Excellent point regarding pieces left over from projects. I am an avid knitter and do not keep unused yarn from a shawl project, hat, etc. I place left over yarn in a bag and donate when the bag is full. Appreciate your insights.
When we built our home we purposely eliminated a formal dining room and opted for a large breakfast room where we take all our meals. We used our big dining room table instead for a library room. I think everyone needs to live according to their own needs and lifestyle.
I started keeping my recipes, most of them printed out from online, in page protectors in a 3 ring binder. When I need one, I take it out to use. I add new recipes when I find good ones, and go through it periodically to remove the ones that I no longer use.
Oh there’s plenty of things that no longer serve us . When the other person won’t let things go it’s such a pain. It’s hard sending things away that money was spent for. I’m ready to swallow hard and let things go. Hubs just isn’t onboard. Solution is I’ll focus on things that are deemed “mine” and that will be a start. Some people like my hubs have experienced trauma around things being ripped away so I do need to be kind.
I made the decision a few years ago not to keep any telephone books. They go immediately into recycling. Same with mail-order catalogs. If I want to shop mail order, I place the order online, so I don't need the catalog. Sales fliers and coupon inserts also go straight to recycling.
But we have a family of 7….so I feel like the micro would be running non stop to get a meal ready for our family! And then, by the time I get to finishing the last person’s plate of food…the first would need to be heated again! Haha! ❤️
We don't have the coffee table in our home because I love how the space feels without it. However, I have considered opting for an ottoman to make things more cozy for lounging because it is less likely to become a drop zone in comparison.
This past September, my husband and I went through our garage and basement and decluttered remodeling supplies we had been storing for the past twelve years plus lots of random hardware items and tools that had belonged to my dad. Most of the items went to Habitat for Humanity. Items such as old paint went to the Household Toxic Waste site and scrap lumber went to the landfill. It's so much easier to find what we are looking for and to keep the freed-up areas clean from dust and dirt!
12 years and now finally back in circulation for use! We have stacks of scrap lumber we need to go through this winter…I want my husband to build a work bench with it. But if he doesn’t, we should just let it go! ❤️
Love your comments! I needed some of the laughs, especially the exercise machine. For me, the bread maker, masses of stuff never used in the garage, and items people gave us at our wedding that might insult someone if we ever give away. Thank you always for your sweet comments. You delight so many!
I love our treadmill, I can exercise whenever I want in the comfort of my home… I can’t picture myself going for a walk 3 hrs, I just bought a stationary bicycle and I like the stepper too.
My husband had kept thin set to lay down porcelain tiles from our kitchen floor renovation in 2020 and when we just went to lay tile in our master bathroom it kept clumping. We had to buy a new bag and I reminded him that saving what is left this time won’t be good for any future projects.
We’ve absolutely done the same thing!!! It’s happened for us with paint often. I recently learned that our local garbage incinerator station will collect paint and resell it in smaller batches! ❤️
You are spot on on dining table. Just since this month my husband has made our unused dining table as his home office desk, and it is perfect in dimensions, height and working space requirements. He said when guests are here, he can temporarily shift his work space to another smaller desk. We also did get rid of our cycling equipment and leg massager unit exactly for the reasons you mentioned. While repainting the house, we removed all the nails in the walls in all rooms that were for clocks n decor frames. Now only living room has antique train station clock and a simple one in home ofc / guest room which can be seen from other room as well. My cousin commented that my walls look bare and I should fill them with our portrait or photos collage frames. I didn't have heart to tell her that we intentionally got rid of wall decor n that we actually like plain walls . Having said that, I am guilty of having acquired multiple cookware, and I am okay with it, because Indian traditional cooking does call for specific metal vessels, and so I have cooking pots-pans made of earth, bronze, cast-iron and regular stainless steel. I love ceramic ware so I have pantry full of glass n ceramic jars. My husband has pointed it out that we have way too many vessels for a household of two people, and I have to agree with him. So I am decluttering extra tableware, but my pots I am going to hold on to which I like to cook in in rotation. 😊 I couldn't agree more with you on flat surfaces! We have given away our large n bulky coffee table, in stead we use small wooden stools on either end of our sofa to keep the essentials like a holder for remote controls, spectacles and coasters all in one . Sorry for the lengthy reply. 😮
I was having a hard time lugging all of our cast offs to the thrift store. I started listing the items on my local Facebook dollar auction and now people are paying ME to get rid of things I was just going to give away anyway 😂 Thanks for giving me more things to consider 😊
Just get holiday paper napkins for those days. I have holiday china, but honestly sometimes it’s just easier to buy paper goods that have the holiday pattern and use my everyday dinnerware! 😂
Hi! Thanks so much for this video, lots of great ideas. I really enjoy your natural way of relating with viewers and your down-to-earth practicality. Since moving out of my parents house 22 years ago I have never had a microwave, dishwasher, or tv and I have not missed it! We are a family of four. Another idea, our kitchen table is a round wood folding table like for outdoor dining. I can open and close it with just one hand. Makes it easy to clean the kitchen and keep people from laying random stuff down. 💗 Sarra
I look at the clock the second I wake up. I look at 3 different clocks on the wall, and that is so much simpler than reaching for my phone and having to lift it up to see the time. Granted I don't use a watch anymore, but when you wake up, you do not want to have to feel about on your night stand for your phone - then it gets knocked off the stand, and ends up on the floor, when the clock is right there. I even have TWO wall clocks in the living room. It is still very popular. COLLECTIONS is something that I find pointless. Collecting this or that is just a load of dust collectors. My Mum inherited her Mother's teaspoon collection, from all over the world, I refuse to give it house space, who ever thought that would be a good idea. You end up with someone else's collections once they die, because you don't have the heart to toss them in the bin!!
I am genuinely surprised by the amount of people who have commented about clocks! Apparently I’m in the minority on that one! Collections are so personal - I don’t think they ‘pass down’ from generation to generation very well! ❤️
@@ArrowHillCottage no they don't, but when clearing out your loved ones things, do you have the heart to toss out something they spent years collecting? it is a curse - collections.
It is definitely more difficult to do when you know your loved one cherished it! But…I suppose I think that the person wouldn’t want you to be burdened either, and by letting the collection go- it can move onto someone who will appreciate it more! ❤️
i think a good rule of declutter is if you’re keeping something “just in case” .. don’t. i’m trying to declutter my room/closet right now and i need to really keep this in mind when i go through my closet (it’s basically the storage room for our apartment)
I love this list! My husband is a key hoarder LOL I need to have him watch this. One thing I am getting rid of is my dresser. I have plently of space in my closet for baskets and i am utilizing my space better.
It's amazing how much better I felt when I got rid of my dresser! I decluttered my clothes to fit in a beautiful three drawer chest and I couldn't be happier!
So discard your serving dishes and buy neutral serving pieces, throw out sheets you have and buy brooklinin, throw out your pizza cutter ect and buy multi use tools…I’m sensing a theme
I also use my salad spinner to get my reusable period/incontinence panties and pads a bit dryer because my muscles and joints too often aren’t able to get the most of the water out after rinsing them and I really didn’t want to have to use throw-away single use items again. A bit weird but it works better than I’m able to with my hands 😅😂 Might be a tip better suited on other videos but since many can have arthritis and more, I thought this tip might be useful for some here as well
How do you reheat a cup of coffee without a microwave? We reheat several cups a day. How do I shred cheese and vegetables without a shredder? When I lived in the Midwest, I had to have a treadmill because there were large portions of the year where I couldn’t run outside.
Well, I don’t drink coffee and my husband just makes sure to drink his before it goes cold. Ha ha! I buy my cheese pre- shredded…partially because I think I’m too clumsy to operate a hand shredder without shredding my fingers. And, we do live in the Midwest and are thankful that there are gyms nearby! ❤️
@@ArrowHillCottage Live in the midwest , just a few miles outside our small town , but there are many days when the weather is too brutal ( icy roads , drifting snow , frequent fog advisories , etc. ) to risk even driving my four-wheel vehicle to a gym . I'm a country person , worked for decades outside , but refuse to risk my life when I can have a treadmill & a few other workout items at home to use at any time for free ! 🥰
Indeed, I don't need any dining table set nor coffee table. However, I still need clocks in kitchen, powder room, bathroom, my own bedroom so I just at a glance know the time.
Years ago, our microwave broke. I didn't want to replace it but my husband did. I told him to go out and buy one whenever he wanted. He's not a shopper so we went for YEARS without a microwave and it was totally fine. We reheated food on the stove or in the oven, or used water or a water bath that was quickly boiled in our electric kettle. He never actually bought one. An acquaintance of mine offered me a small one for free so I brought it home for my husband. Now we have one again, we use it sometimes, but it is definitely not necessary.
Extra keys……this made me laugh…..we lived in a house for 22 years and it was hilarious how many random keys we had in the junk drawer. Got rid of them when we moved. I still laugh about those 40+ keys. 😂
Kitchen cabinets are the bane of my existence! I have at least two tins of tumeric and a few other spices/herbs that I have NEVER used. My husband bought them for a recipe he wanted to try but never did. But, he's sure he's going to. sigh I had two pots of cooking utensils by the stove, we decluttered it down to one. I still have three or four slotted spoons in there, it's ridiculous. And then there's the medicine cabinet. I am old, so susceptible to purchasing things that will reverse the process. Try them, they don't, stash them in the medicine cabinet. I guess it's guilt for having spent the money that makes me keep them! Help!!!
Yes- the darn money spent on things creates quite a tether! It’s frustrating! That’s why I’ve finally gotten myself to a place where I just try to not buy them at all in the first place! I like to take a day or more to think about it before I make any purchases ❤️
I know different channels have a suggestion for this, but what do you recommend to do with heirloom furniture, etc.? I sometimes feel I have too much but feel guilty at the thought of getting rid of these things, as I don’t think others would appreciate their history.
I suppose that would go back to the question and decision of: is the furniture piece special to YOU? If not, don’t feel that you have to be the keeper of all memories for other people. I suppose if I were in your spot I would let family members know that you do not have the space for certain items, and offer to them first - If they don’t see the value or sentiment in them either, than donate or sell them…guilt free! ❤️
I know it feels like a hard choice, but I noticed when I moved down here to my retirement home, most people moved furniture they kept for that reason so the second stores are jammed with these pieces. Before we moved I reached out to our family (especially the younger ones with less resources) and offered up everything…surprisingly most items were taken. The rest I gave to Habitat for Humanity’s store. Take pictures, write down the history and let it go…🥰
I’m doing this for my parents now. All the valuable small items, I’ve taken pictures of everything, I email a few pictures a week, family has a week to claim something…if multiple people want the item we flip for it…or there’s a discussion and they come to an agreement. There’s been no fighting over anything. I’m about to donate the big items we haven’t sold, no reason to store…donate so someone else can use them. Btw, if it’s valuable antiques museums will accept some things…I’ve already made these phone calls. There are consignment stores and antique stores that will be interested.
Depends on lifestyle . For the two of us , my motto is to " cook once , eat twice " so great to cook enough to have leftovers to reheat for at least another meal or two . Simple , energy efficient , time saving , etc.
I do somewhat agree about the no DVD thing but actually just yesterday I was trying to watch a movie on Apple TV and the voices weren’t matching up with the actors lips, it was way off and super distracting and I couldn’t watch the film. And it was just this film too. 🤔Thankfully I actually still had the DVD of this same film so I just popped it in the player and was good to go. I know this was probably a rare occurrence but it shows how “digital” type things are maybe subject to more “glitches”…So in this instance I was actually glad I still owned DVDs :)
Yeah I am digitalizing my movie collection slowly but still have a few in cases so that they are easy to take with me places like road trip if I am a passenger or we plan a movie night I have a few to take with me the rest are in those space saver boxes for DVDs until I can digitize them
I hate my coffee table. It's a clutter magnet. I clear it off and hours later it's like fly paper for nick knacks. I was hoping you would say, "get rid of your coffee table" and I would have someone to blame, Lol. Thanks for your channel. The best thing about the holidays is they are the best time to trash excess.
I hope that you have pretty tough skin because I just realized that the very nature of your videos almost seems to invite the people who disagree to comment. I know though, that many of us really do appreciate the ideas so very much! Thank you! I actually wish you were a junk journal maker or watercolor artist so that you could help me think about the stuff that I collect for my two hobbies!! I have been working on organizing and donating (but that began partly for my sanity and partly because I am moving!) Oh well, it’s helping!!😊
Ha ha! I am hoping not to cause controversy! My main intent is to basically help people to think more intentionally about their lives and their things ❤️
Hmmm let’s see use my microwave much cheaper on the power bill, use my clocks don’t have a phone, now towels? I could get rid of a couple, DVD’s no because we don’t pay for streaming so the ones we have can’t see any more like on Netflix or TH-cam, loved your video it makes a person stop and think. Still can’t get rid of decorations cause in the back of mind I keep thinking if I move back home I’ll use them.
It’s all a matter of just taking a second to think about it, you know? We had a clock in our bedroom that I hated!!!! But yet I thought it had to be there. Don’t miss it at all! Everyone has different thoughts about different things and needs to do what works for them! ❤️
Yeah I know I have a tote of fall decorations I haven’t used in 5 years, that’s how long we have been here, yet I hang onto them because like I said if we move back home I know I’ll use them silly I know. I do regret getting rid of my collection of minions sort of,just had no room we live in an 800 sq ft trailer!
I'm like you with the microwave. I rarely use it. I think things taste better heated up in the oven or on top of the stove. But i will loose this battle our son uses it alot
My problem is no storage even though I got some built in. I am a retired artist and my son left for Australia 16 years ago (still trying to get over that) I am now 68. Had a bad accident while trying to declutter a tiny house. I actually broke my neck (but dident die) now I am back here as I live on my own, I truly wholehearted would love to start painting again. But because I worked for the last 25 years as a resident artist.😂 I already had the only spare room I had filled up, and then had to add half of what I collected in art supplies and left the other half behind me with my old job, who very kindly stored it for me. Every time I walk into that room I have to walk back out again, because I can't even get into it, it's all over the place. I don't have any family to help me, and it breaks my heart because I would love to start painting again, for my sanity. Can you help me.i would dearly appreciate your talents. ❤
I’m sorry to hear about the struggles you’ve had! Thankful that you are still alive - and I agree that art is not only a passion for you but also purpose for your life! If I were in your situation, this is honestly what I would do…and don’t feel bad if it seems too extreme for you to actually try. I would not even look through the excess supplies that are filling the room…I would ask someone to come in and box it all up, take it away. Then, I would buy only a small portion of supplies - just enough to make a few art pieces. Whatever medium you prefer to use, get the highest quality you can afford. Make that art…sell it. To you, the creation of art is life giving, and I think that it is vitally important that you do just that! ❤️
And being the daughter of an artist he left me all his paint and canvases. And I simply don't have the heart to throw them away. I have all sorts of things in there, so maybe I should start on those first. As for looking for help it simply won't happen. But if you could give me some good pointers I would be very gratefully And again thank you for taking your precious time to answer me. You are a bonny girl.x
Get a few containers, or I have used a table…put like things together. You need to see what you have. I have set up my sewing room based on use. Things I use every time I sew is on a rolling cart that I roll next to my sewing machine. I have stored things in a dresser that I don’t use every time. My dream was to have things available but not in my way…I think of my supplies as my store. I keep ribbons together, stored in one bin, elastic together. I have a drawer for sewing items only, but another is more craft supplies that I use when making doll clothes, another holds embroidery supplies. Setting it up like my own store cleared my brain. I have my thread on a holder that is hung on the wall, it is useful to be able to easily see what colors of thread I already have, I store colors together so it looks like a piece of art. I organized my projects in bins so I canwalk in and select a project and pick up where I left off. Perhaps canvases can be stored that way. You can get glass vases at the dollar store, your brushes could be stored bristles up, put on a shelf or a table…or on your rolling cart! I have different vases for different scissors groups, glues, seam rippers. Think of the zones you use for painting. Donate what you know you’ll never use, someone who can’t afford supplies will put them to use, pass it on is a good way to live, regardless who used to own it. I just love to organize, wish I could come help you…it’s a hobby of mine, finding homes for things…but a sewing room, a craft room, or painting room…it needs to be set up for use, but include inventory storage. I would suggest using TH-cam, there has to be a video that gives ideas for organizing that you are needing. Once you start organizing the weight of what seems unsolvable can be something you can achieve.
I, too, am older and have faced what seemed like an insurmountable pile of possessions. I realized I'd have to break the project up into very tiny pieces. Maybe tell yourself you will find donations for 5 minutes. Next time, take in a small garbage bag and fill it will trash. Pat yourself on the back for these tiny bits of progress. I also agree with the other comment about putting like things together. I find I can do that because I'm not having to get rid of anything at that point. I save that task for later. My father was an artist, too and it's taken me years to let go of some of his materials. But I've kept his completed works and display them.
My coffee table is my ottoman as everyone likes to put feet up so therefore a small tray on it for my coffee or tea and I can comfortably put my feet up.
Thank you so much for the tip for folding the pillows, now I don't have to throw them out :) and I don't have to buy cushions! After I make my 'new' cushions, I plan to declutter the over 100 pillow cases I seem to have been collecting! :P
Great video! I agree with mostly all of these, but I do enjoy my dinning room table, specialty dishes and clocks on the wall. Perhaps it has something to do with being a Gen Xr, lol!
I definitely agree with the workout equipment and most of the other things but not the microwave & I have 3 sets of sheets for each bed. I would love to have a dining room though. No about the kids they definitely need there own room
I’m curious why you think kids having their own room is a need. Not judging or anything - I would just like to know your thought process. Is it for privacy reasons? ❤️
we do have clocks here and there, I do not carry my phone on me all day when I am at home and it is nice to take a break from the cell phone. The separate dinning room! Struggled with that one for years. Had a space for it in our first home and never used it for that. The second home we built we eliminated the dining room. One big table is enough and some tv trays or folding tables for extra people on those few occasions. Thanks for all the suggestions!
Being able to make choices when building your own home is so great! That is a lot of extra square footage that I’m sure you put to better use (or eliminated altogether to save money)! ❤️
I let go of… 1. Samples and freebies. Unless I really want it, I just walk in by at festivals, carnivals, etc. 2. Exercise stuff that I don’t use. Kept 2 sets of dumbbells and yoga mat. 3. T-shirts from every volunteer activity or 5k. I gift them to shelters for the unhoused or teachers to use for “ art painting shirts” for kids. 4. Too many hair and skin products. I chose one brand and buy 3 items from the brand. Now everything is so nice and near
Don't take your kids' rooms away! 😅 If you have enough space that each child has their own room then you should leave it like that, especially as they get older & need more privacy!
great ideas. I forget about some of these items if out of sight. I know I had a lot of recipe books with post-it-notes marking the recipes I used. I used my printer to copy only those pages and then I could donate the cookbooks without any missing pages. From about 15 inches to store the cookbooks to a one inch binder. (Yes, I thought of scanning and having them in the computer, but for me, at my age, paper is still the most portable and easiest to read.) Thanks for the excellent presentation.
The pillow hack is genius. All those “extra pillows” are usually taking up closet space, so folding them in half to stuff decor pillows is genius. And frees up closet spaces that are better utilized . Bravo!!🎉🎉🎉
Yes, I believe I have all 17 items you said but I have the space and neatly place. Yes, you may have items you don't use often or only seasonal but each item cost Extra money when you need them.
We got rid of our microwave years ago and I don’t usually miss it. Some foods are more annoying to heat up without one, but I like the counter space more. I don’t agree with getting rid of a cheese grater though! I don’t know what you would use instead when you need to shred cheese lol.
❤ I trimmed my stuff and have some empty shelves Ito remind me of all the years I spent stuffing moving and cleaning JUNK 😢 . My Music scores CDs instruments cook books candlemaking and green plants in small numbers are my cherished items now that have space to breathe. PS I keep kid's toys & books that are beautiful and inspire the imagination ❤
My microwave broke and I decided not to buy a new one. It's been a couple of months since. So far so good. The only thing I miss is making popcorn for movie nights.
The days of formal dining spaces has disappeared, but I decided that since we don’t really have enough space in our kitchen for a table. That I would get a dining table for our dining room (located next to our kitchen) and use that. We eat at it every day! I wanted to have spaces in our that our used and often!
Keep the favorite DVD's many of those movies you cannot find on streaming and end up wasting money renting them on a service like prime. There are some things like tote bags out here in NJ we got rid of single use plastic so now my home is over run with bags. recycle those puppies!
Things from when my children were very young like children’s toys and too many Christmas decorations. We don’t even have a lot of Xmas decorations compared to many, but I tried using the bare minimum this year and it was fine. Thinking of getting rid of the tree now. Also too much stationary. A lot because the schools give a list of what they need each year and it usually doesn’t all get used so the left overs keep building up. Art & craft supplies, dinner ware, glasses for alcohol (we don’t drink or entertain much), old electronics.
Salad spinner is a necessary item. I use my clock to look at time while I am getting ready for work. I cannot be carrying my phone around. I use my microwave to heat up food during busy work week. No need to wash pots to heat up food.
Let me know... what is something that YOU realized was just clutter in YOUR house!
I look at my clocks all day long. I couldn’t stand finding my phone every time I wanted to know the time.
So. MANY. PILLOWS! Haha I do think that most of these items on the list are age and lifestyle dependent.
I use my kitchen clock constantly cause I keep losing my mobile
I love books and I would never call them a clutter... however recently I discovered that many of them I was keeping for my future self... thinking I'll be making candles, jewellery, knitting etc. Sadly, I realised I'm not having a time for all of this and if I will one day, everything will be available online.
This was a hard decision for a book lover like myself but finally I donated many of my paper treasures to the local library and some charity shops. Hope someone WILL actually have a time to read them and take an action, too!
I really need to get rid of projects leftovers...
And also some paintings that I painted and are just cluttered in my cabinet...
We are moving soon so then I'll have the time to do that
I use a clock all day every day. I do not relish having my phone always in tow.
I can see that! If we have the phone with us at all times, we are more likely to look at it mindlessly! ❤️
Love your idea of folding regular pillows instead of having extra decor pillows
It works so well! ❤️
Great idea, but I must say, they don't look great.
The mistake I made in the past was collecting craft supplies. There would be some cute items on sale & I would stock up. Ten years went by and I hadn't used a single thing. When I decluttered, I donated several things to my grandson's teacher. She took a picture of her class using the items in art class & sent it to me to let me know they were being used.
That is so awesome that she was able to show you that they were being used! When we had our gigantic garage sale, we ended up giving away a ton of craft supplies to the senior center - they used them to make greeting cards to sell as a fundraiser ❤️
I had that collection too. I purged and donated about 80% of the supplies to my local cub scouts. Most of the stuff was crafting supplies for my boys who outgrew them.
Luv THIS
When we were prepping our house for sale I gave oodles of art and craft supplies to a local charter school. After moving to a smaller home in another state I realized that I still had way more than I was likely to need at age 79, so I cleared out more and took it to an art thrift shop that sells to the public at bargain prices and donates to teachers and others who work with children and disabled adults. I am not missing a bit of it!
Material…..I have so much material!
I have a clock in every room and I look at each one all the time. I think analogue clocks are pretty, too.
I agree. Some clocks are works of art! ❤️
The hob and the oven use WAY MORE electricity than the microwave for reheating food. I'm keeping mine. I can cook bacon for a sandwich in my microwave in two minutes. Scrambled eggs, heating a cup of milk...so many economical uses. You'd be a fool to declutter your microwave
That’s what my husband and kids say too…that’s why we still have it! Ha ha! ❤️
Wall clocks are essential in my house. We even have one in the bathroom.
Well then they definitely aren’t clutter for you! ❤️
I do look at the clocks in my house to check the time!
I'm still pretty bad about holding onto "just in case" items and "future" supplies. I got rid of a bunch of keys, arts & crafts supplies, continually going through paperwork, clothes and other laundry, things the kids never use, and so on. Decluttering a bit every day has made a huge impact in my current home. My husband has noticed a big difference in how our space feels and has started decluttering as well. He hates the claustrophobic feeling as much as I do, so we are making progress in the right direction.
It sounds like you are well on your way! Blessings on your journey! ❤️
I love clocks and I look at them all the time; it’s quicker to look at a clock than check your phone.
I have a ‘quiet sweep’ one in my bedroom that incorporates the temperature and date; one in the kitchen that I look at all the time when food is put on the stove and one in the lounge.
Wonderful! Sounds like clocks definitely aren’t clutter to you! ❤️
I keep a handful of cookbooks because I remember life before the internet. You never know for sure if it might be taken away. Also have kept my favorite dvds and a player. Ditto for books. Nothing in this world is for certain.
I love my wall clocks and view them everyday im not always carrying my cell phone so its nice to be able to glance up and see what time it is occasionally
This is the one thing on the list that surprised me! A lot of people really like the clocks! Definitely not clutter to many people! ❤️
Hospitality is a way of life, a way to share our lives with others. Love gathering around the table, in the kitchen. Making memories.
I have mostly white serving pieces and decorate for holidays, seasons and themes with linens, flowers, decor items and centerpieces.
When we were initially designing our home we had it so that the dining table would be IN the kitchen. Sometimes I wish we would have kept that part of the plan. Something about a table in the kitchen seems so homey to me! ❤️
Agree with most of these apart from clocks and cookery books...I use mine all the time, they are much loved and stained.
Would add television to this list. We haven't had one for twelve years and don't miss it. Listen to talk radio show nstead
Yes, clocks, cookbooks and my dining table are all well used and loved
Yes the tv is definitely not a need! For us, I can’t imagine getting rid of it just yet- but when our kids are grown and out of the house it’s a definite possibility! ❤️
Awesome! ❤️
I use clocks the same way I did 40 plus years ago. When I'm home my phone is laying on a table somwhere, because it's a pain to keep it on my body. I use my microwave daily. I had it mounted above my stove. No clutter that way. A lot of movies that I love watching aren't on streaming. Also once they have everyone on streaming very little will be offered for free. Especially when they know no one owns any physical copies. I ditch the cases, and put them in DVD zipper storage cases. I do weed out the ones that we never reach for.
Good idea to get rid of those cases! They are so bulky! ❤️
I too, have a clock in every room, except the spare room.
Love the ideas, only one I would differ on is the DVDs. We have had times that our streaming service just wasn't reliable and the only thing we could watch is DVDs. That is one to take into consideration for where you live and how well service is provided before passing on the physical item. :)
Yes that’s a very good point! ❤️
Streaming services don't hold everything and they regularily clean their catalogues. It can easily happen that the film you search for just disappears. Or you "buy" it on a service and the service just drops everything and you are left with nothing. Same for music. I only use my MP3s nowadays but I still have all the CDs in the basement. And I don't need any Internet for listening.
Our dining room is too large for our daily use. We put our dining table in the livingroom and we use it for eating, puzzles, board games and crafts. We transformed the "dining room" into our bedroom. The master bedroom is now office/guest room. The second bedroom is still a bedroom. Our neighbours think we are crazy. "You can't sleep in a dining room". 😂 Well yeah, we can and we do. And the balcony doors are now also our windows. Still thinking about ways to declutter more, specifically in the kitchen. Perhaps the pizza cutter is next...
Totally a better use of space! I’m not sure why people think that they have to use a dining room to just hold an empty table 363 days of the year?!? ❤️
I use my clocks alot! :)
I use my microwave most days. Making oatmeal for breakfast and heating up soup only takes a few minutes. I also like to 'bake' potatoes in the microwave. I live alone and it's not worth heating up the oven. Got rid of the cheese grater, just finely chop the cheese. No more grated fingers. I once found a fingernail in a friend's signature coleslaw that she had lost when grating cabbage! Definitely no throw pillows, they're just dust catchers and a nuisance for me. I like bare walls so (finally) got rid of all the pictures I had been storing for years. I keep discovering things I can do without and make my life simpler in the process.
Oh my!!! A fingernail in the coleslaw! Ewww! 😂❤️
I use clocks when l want to know the time, and they are beautiful! Ive used real feather standard-sized pillows on my sofa dressed in pretty pillow shams for YEARS. Im keeping my mahogany dining table seating twelve because we have 6 grands and 6 adults often. A well stocked kitchen because l USE it- including cookbooks. At some point “minimalism” turns into ridiculousness! Im not trying to troll you- you look like a sweet lady. I just do not find this practical in many ways. It just seems like this a band wagon many are climbing on and some day folks will wake up and realize they gave away things they needed…
That is why I was clear to say at the beginning that none of these things are bad and that the list is mainly for people who are looking to simplify their lives. If you use and enjoy these particular things in your home, they are not clutter to you! ❤️
....YES. thank you ! I am tired of this Bandwagon of Minimalist mindset "... I love my Cookbooks.
My other Comment is about " the Pillowing ".. I'm the same .. down pillows, beautiful covers ( washable). I have a huge Coffee Table.. it was a library table, I cut it down 4 ". Perfect height... no " bending over to pick up a beverage...a book, whatever.
Why would I want to use a phone or Electronic device IN A KITCHEN..where there's water, and food being prepared ..(??!)
Makes no sense .
I believe these younger people do not understand about " elegant, gracious living..." Very sad.
True ! It all depends on your lifestyle , how many in your family , what you value , makes you happy , knowing the difference between needs & wants , etc. Interesting that " young " people w/out life the experiences that age & wisdom bring assume to have all the answers to a better , simpler , life . 😂
@@texasstardust6010 So well said ! " Real " books , a clock on the wall , a few comfy accent pillows , favorite photos / artwork , a well-made dining or kitchen table ( in my case , a true family antique ) to eat at or share a cup of coffee or tea w/ a friend , etc. bring a " softness " & kinder aspects to our lives . Our homes are an honest reflection of who we truly are !
@cynthiajohnston424 ...I humbly thank you for your kind comment, and it is my thoughts on the matter, lol.
I appreciate that I am not alone in understanding about " living life with
R e a l. Things." ... like books, Family photos , clocks, pillows in which to be comfortable. ... all these- and more - add richness to our surroundings, and you are correct ... it also reflects " who we are ", what we value ,and how we choose to live with things that matter to us, as individuals. I have not ever been a " Minimalist ", ...lol. ..I've always been a Maximalist.
Also, your other Comment offers ponderence, as you stated ( and it was well said )that " it is interesting that the " young people " w/ out Life experience that age and Wisdom bring ...assume to have all the answers to a ' simpler, better life '. Indeed.
If they could understand and look at reasons why " progress" is n o t always " a good thing " , it might enlighten thier perspectives. :)
I don't need a watch that is a phone. I don't want an E.V. I don't want a Kindle or any such thing. I don't want to read E- books. ...you get the idea, lol.
Ive been on a roll decluttering since January when I retired. I had to laugh when I went go declutter a very deep cupboard I kept our pots and pans and discovered I had removed,donated, or tossed a good half or more of them already months ago. I guess I never even missed all those extra pots and pans.
Ha ha! Well that’s a great sign that you’re on the right track! ❤️
I only got partway through your video before realizing that you really need to consider age and culture. I am an Italian woman in my 70s and we often have large gatherings and always have special platters for food. I think you would find the same thing for ethnic people in older age groups. And we do look at the clocks in every single room of our house. 😊
If you can give a quick re-listen to the beginning of the video - I clearly point out that these will not be clutter to everyone. There are likely things in my home that you would consider clutter! These are ‘typically’ , at least in America, things that just take up space and aren’t used as much as they could be. But obviously each item we keep in our homes is a personal choice! ❤️
Yes, I did hear you say it was personal choice. :) I just thought that more young people than older people these days feel the same way you do, judging from my kids and grandkids... that's all. I appreciate more people not wanting to live in clutter.@@ArrowHillCottage
Excellent point regarding pieces left over from projects. I am an avid knitter and do not keep unused yarn from a shawl project, hat, etc. I place left over yarn in a bag and donate when the bag is full. Appreciate your insights.
Wonderful idea!!! ❤️
When we built our home we purposely eliminated a formal dining room and opted for a large breakfast room where we take all our meals. We used our big dining room table instead for a library room. I think everyone needs to live according to their own needs and lifestyle.
Absolutely! Everyone has different preferences on how they use their homes! ❤️
In one home we had a formal dining room plus a breakfast nook. We used the formal room as a home office instead.
Wonderful idea and a much better use of space if you have another place to dine! ❤️
I use all my clocks. I have one in kitchen, both baths , living rm. Much easier than phone
I started keeping my recipes, most of them printed out from online, in page protectors in a 3 ring binder. When I need one, I take it out to use. I add new recipes when I find good ones, and go through it periodically to remove the ones that I no longer use.
Very smart - bonus…the paper is protected from any cooking splatters too! ❤️
Exactly!
I do the same...have several notebooks with pages in the protectors!
Great video. We got rid of our microwave almost two years ago and are doing fine without it. I also switched to natural, homemade cleaning products..
Yay! Another vote for no microwave! Ha ha! ❤️
Still have my microwave( it’s built in) but switched natural cleanser many years ago
Oh there’s plenty of things that no longer serve us . When the other person won’t let things go it’s such a pain. It’s hard sending things away that money was spent for. I’m ready to swallow hard and let things go. Hubs just isn’t onboard. Solution is I’ll focus on things that are deemed “mine” and that will be a start. Some people like my hubs have experienced trauma around things being ripped away so I do need to be kind.
It is very thoughtful of you to take it slowly for your husbands sake! Working with your own things first will be a great first step! ❤️
What is helping me is thinking of the people who will get use of it, you will make someone happy.
I made the decision a few years ago not to keep any telephone books. They go immediately into recycling. Same with mail-order catalogs. If I want to shop mail order, I place the order online, so I don't need the catalog. Sales fliers and coupon inserts also go straight to recycling.
Great one to add to the list! I don’t think our town even gives our phone books anymore! ❤️
A microwave is important because it saves money.. heat something in an oven takes longer and will cost you more than 1 minute in the microwave
But we have a family of 7….so I feel like the micro would be running non stop to get a meal ready for our family! And then, by the time I get to finishing the last person’s plate of food…the first would need to be heated again! Haha! ❤️
We don't have the coffee table in our home because I love how the space feels without it. However, I have considered opting for an ottoman to make things more cozy for lounging because it is less likely to become a drop zone in comparison.
Yes! I like having something to put my feet up on! ❤️
This past September, my husband and I went through our garage and basement and decluttered remodeling supplies we had been storing for the past twelve years plus lots of random hardware items and tools that had belonged to my dad. Most of the items went to Habitat for Humanity. Items such as old paint went to the Household Toxic Waste site and scrap lumber went to the landfill. It's so much easier to find what we are looking for and to keep the freed-up areas clean from dust and dirt!
12 years and now finally back in circulation for use! We have stacks of scrap lumber we need to go through this winter…I want my husband to build a work bench with it. But if he doesn’t, we should just let it go! ❤️
Love your comments! I needed some of the laughs, especially the exercise machine. For me, the bread maker, masses of stuff never used in the garage, and items people gave us at our wedding that might insult someone if we ever give away. Thank you always for your sweet comments. You delight so many!
Oh the wedding gifts!!! Yes! 🙋♀️guilty as charged! ❤️
I love our treadmill, I can exercise whenever I want in the comfort of my home… I can’t picture myself going for a walk 3 hrs, I just bought a stationary bicycle and I like the stepper too.
That’s awesome! Sounds like your treadmill is NOT clutter! ❤️
My husband had kept thin set to lay down porcelain tiles from our kitchen floor renovation in 2020 and when we just went to lay tile in our master bathroom it kept clumping. We had to buy a new bag and I reminded him that saving what is left this time won’t be good for any future projects.
We’ve absolutely done the same thing!!! It’s happened for us with paint often. I recently learned that our local garbage incinerator station will collect paint and resell it in smaller batches! ❤️
Lol. The other day I tried to use some sandpaper that was so old it kept crumbling.
You are spot on on dining table.
Just since this month my husband has made our unused dining table as his home office desk, and it is perfect in dimensions, height and working space requirements. He said when guests are here, he can temporarily shift his work space to another smaller desk.
We also did get rid of our cycling equipment and leg massager unit exactly for the reasons you mentioned.
While repainting the house, we removed all the nails in the walls in all rooms that were for clocks n decor frames. Now only living room has antique train station clock and a simple one in home ofc / guest room which can be seen from other room as well.
My cousin commented that my walls look bare and I should fill them with our portrait or photos collage frames. I didn't have heart to tell her that we intentionally got rid of wall decor n that we actually like plain walls .
Having said that, I am guilty of having acquired multiple cookware, and I am okay with it, because Indian traditional cooking does call for specific metal vessels, and so I have cooking pots-pans made of earth, bronze, cast-iron and regular stainless steel. I love ceramic ware so I have pantry full of glass n ceramic jars.
My husband has pointed it out that we have way too many vessels for a household of two people, and I have to agree with him. So I am decluttering extra tableware, but my pots I am going to hold on to which I like to cook in in rotation. 😊
I couldn't agree more with you on flat surfaces!
We have given away our large n bulky coffee table, in stead we use small wooden stools on either end of our sofa to keep the essentials like a holder for remote controls, spectacles and coasters all in one .
Sorry for the lengthy reply. 😮
It sounds like you have made some wonderful, intentional decisions for yourself! Great work! Also…long replies are perfectly fine! ❤️
I was having a hard time lugging all of our cast offs to the thrift store. I started listing the items on my local Facebook dollar auction and now people are paying ME to get rid of things I was just going to give away anyway 😂 Thanks for giving me more things to consider 😊
Oh! I’ve never heard of a group like this! Sounds like a fantastic idea! ❤️
It drives my extended family nuts that i dont have dinnerware or a dining table for two days out of the year. I refuse. I dont want to deal with it 😅
Well, the good thing is - they don’t get to make your decisions for you! ❤️
Just get holiday paper napkins for those days. I have holiday china, but honestly sometimes it’s just easier to buy paper goods that have the holiday pattern and use my everyday dinnerware! 😂
The one single use item I’ll never part with is my salad spinner. I love it too much and it’s entertaining to boot! Lol
Ha ha! Entertainment and functional! Win/win! ❤️
A great list! When we downsized I did a lot of these, always looking for more to get rid of. Your list helps.
Wonderful! ❤️
Oh, I believe in many towels and sheets. I love decorating so I gotta try and break away from some of my Christmas items. A microwave is a must!
Great! Do what works best for you! ❤️
Hi! Thanks so much for this video, lots of great ideas. I really enjoy your natural way of relating with viewers and your down-to-earth practicality.
Since moving out of my parents house 22 years ago I have never had a microwave, dishwasher, or tv and I have not missed it! We are a family of four. Another idea, our kitchen table is a round wood folding table like for outdoor dining. I can open and close it with just one hand. Makes it easy to clean the kitchen and keep people from laying random stuff down.
💗
Sarra
A folding table is smart! I love that idea! ❤️
I look at the clock the second I wake up. I look at 3 different clocks on the wall, and that is so much simpler than reaching for my phone and having to lift it up to see the time. Granted I don't use a watch anymore, but when you wake up, you do not want to have to feel about on your night stand for your phone - then it gets knocked off the stand, and ends up on the floor, when the clock is right there. I even have TWO wall clocks in the living room. It is still very popular. COLLECTIONS is something that I find pointless. Collecting this or that is just a load of dust collectors. My Mum inherited her Mother's teaspoon collection, from all over the world, I refuse to give it house space, who ever thought that would be a good idea. You end up with someone else's collections once they die, because you don't have the heart to toss them in the bin!!
I am genuinely surprised by the amount of people who have commented about clocks! Apparently I’m in the minority on that one! Collections are so personal - I don’t think they ‘pass down’ from generation to generation very well! ❤️
@@ArrowHillCottage no they don't, but when clearing out your loved ones things, do you have the heart to toss out something they spent years collecting? it is a curse - collections.
It is definitely more difficult to do when you know your loved one cherished it! But…I suppose I think that the person wouldn’t want you to be burdened either, and by letting the collection go- it can move onto someone who will appreciate it more! ❤️
i think a good rule of declutter is if you’re keeping something “just in case” .. don’t. i’m trying to declutter my room/closet right now and i need to really keep this in mind when i go through my closet (it’s basically the storage room for our apartment)
Yes, so true! ❤️
I still use my clock in my kitchen. I have opened concept so I can see it from every where.
Great! ❤️
I consider myself fairly minimal, or at least just simply don't keep clutter, but this video exposed me 😂🤣🤐
Ha ha! ❤️
Consider swapping out your counter microwave for a hood/microwave combo over the stove. It's a great kitchen feature!
We’ve had an above the stove microwave before and I personally hated it! ❤️
I love this list! My husband is a key hoarder LOL I need to have him watch this. One thing I am getting rid of is my dresser. I have plently of space in my closet for baskets and i am utilizing my space better.
I would love to get to that point some day! Also…the keys! Yes! I swear they multiply! ❤️
It's amazing how much better I felt when I got rid of my dresser! I decluttered my clothes to fit in a beautiful three drawer chest and I couldn't be happier!
@@cantocant2346 🤩
I look at my clocks on the walls and tables ALL THE TIME. lol, when I am home I don’t have my phone with me.
Awesome! ❤️
I have to have clocks. I use mine all the time. Everything else. Yep I agree with.
I am surprised by how many people commented that they use their clocks often! I must be in the minority on that! ❤️
So discard your serving dishes and buy neutral serving pieces, throw out sheets you have and buy brooklinin, throw out your pizza cutter ect and buy multi use tools…I’m sensing a theme
What’s the theme you are sensing?
I also use my salad spinner to get my reusable period/incontinence panties and pads a bit dryer because my muscles and joints too often aren’t able to get the most of the water out after rinsing them and I really didn’t want to have to use throw-away single use items again. A bit weird but it works better than I’m able to with my hands 😅😂
Might be a tip better suited on other videos but since many can have arthritis and more, I thought this tip might be useful for some here as well
Hey, whatever works! Hopefully you have a separate salad spinner for that though and don’t use the same one for salad! Ha ha! ❤️
How do you reheat a cup of coffee without a microwave? We reheat several cups a day. How do I shred cheese and vegetables without a shredder? When I lived in the Midwest, I had to have a treadmill because there were large portions of the year where I couldn’t run outside.
Well, I don’t drink coffee and my husband just makes sure to drink his before it goes cold. Ha ha! I buy my cheese pre- shredded…partially because I think I’m too clumsy to operate a hand shredder without shredding my fingers. And, we do live in the Midwest and are thankful that there are gyms nearby! ❤️
I own a zester that I use for shredding things it takes up less space but I can still shredd my cheese and carrots for salads
@@ArrowHillCottage Live in the midwest , just a few miles outside our small town , but there are many days when the weather is too brutal ( icy roads , drifting snow , frequent fog advisories , etc. ) to risk even driving my four-wheel vehicle to a gym . I'm a country person , worked for decades outside , but refuse to risk my life when I can have a treadmill & a few other workout items at home to use at any time for free ! 🥰
Indeed, I don't need any dining table set nor coffee table. However, I still need clocks in kitchen, powder room, bathroom, my own bedroom so I just at a glance know the time.
Great job recognizing what works for you! ❤️
Years ago, our microwave broke. I didn't want to replace it but my husband did. I told him to go out and buy one whenever he wanted. He's not a shopper so we went for YEARS without a microwave and it was totally fine. We reheated food on the stove or in the oven, or used water or a water bath that was quickly boiled in our electric kettle. He never actually bought one. An acquaintance of mine offered me a small one for free so I brought it home for my husband. Now we have one again, we use it sometimes, but it is definitely not necessary.
It’s so amazing how we really CAN live without things - just need to open our minds up to the possibilities and alternatives! ❤️
Agree, I have been downsizing and plan to continue doing so. I need to tackle my closet, I have too many items that I don't use.
Closets are notorious for holding onto things we don’t need! ❤️
Yes, when I moved the last time to a smaller house, I only kept in the kitchen what I use. I also got rid od extra linens. So much more space now.
Extra keys……this made me laugh…..we lived in a house for 22 years and it was hilarious how many random keys we had in the junk drawer. Got rid of them when we moved. I still laugh about those 40+ keys. 😂
How do they multiply!!! I swear I don’t even know where the ones we had even came from! ❤️
Kitchen cabinets are the bane of my existence! I have at least two tins of tumeric and a few other spices/herbs that I have NEVER used. My husband bought them for a recipe he wanted to try but never did. But, he's sure he's going to. sigh I had two pots of cooking utensils by the stove, we decluttered it down to one. I still have three or four slotted spoons in there, it's ridiculous.
And then there's the medicine cabinet. I am old, so susceptible to purchasing things that will reverse the process. Try them, they don't, stash them in the medicine cabinet. I guess it's guilt for having spent the money that makes me keep them! Help!!!
Yes- the darn money spent on things creates quite a tether! It’s frustrating! That’s why I’ve finally gotten myself to a place where I just try to not buy them at all in the first place! I like to take a day or more to think about it before I make any purchases ❤️
I know different channels have a suggestion for this, but what do you recommend to do with heirloom furniture, etc.? I sometimes feel I have too much but feel guilty at the thought of getting rid of these things, as I don’t think others would appreciate their history.
I suppose that would go back to the question and decision of: is the furniture piece special to YOU? If not, don’t feel that you have to be the keeper of all memories for other people. I suppose if I were in your spot I would let family members know that you do not have the space for certain items, and offer to them first - If they don’t see the value or sentiment in them either, than donate or sell them…guilt free! ❤️
I know it feels like a hard choice, but I noticed when I moved down here to my retirement home, most people moved furniture they kept for that reason so the second stores are jammed with these pieces. Before we moved I reached out to our family (especially the younger ones with less resources) and offered up everything…surprisingly most items were taken. The rest I gave to Habitat for Humanity’s store. Take pictures, write down the history and let it go…🥰
I’m doing this for my parents now. All the valuable small items, I’ve taken pictures of everything, I email a few pictures a week, family has a week to claim something…if multiple people want the item we flip for it…or there’s a discussion and they come to an agreement. There’s been no fighting over anything. I’m about to donate the big items we haven’t sold, no reason to store…donate so someone else can use them.
Btw, if it’s valuable antiques museums will accept some things…I’ve already made these phone calls. There are consignment stores and antique stores that will be interested.
I can’t imagine life without a microwave. It’s so efficient vs the stove. Excellent idea with the pillow though!
Yeah I can see for just heating up small things it would be helpful. ❤️
Good video!! I agree that extra boxes, linens, and too many kitchen gadgets have to go!
Thank you! ❤️
I use my microwave more than any appliance in my kitchen. I would never get rid of it. It saves so much time!
The micro sounds like it definitely isn’t clutter in your home! ❤️
Depends on lifestyle . For the two of us , my motto is to " cook once , eat twice " so great to cook enough to have leftovers to reheat for at least another meal or two . Simple , energy efficient , time saving , etc.
I do somewhat agree about the no DVD thing but actually just yesterday I was trying to watch a movie on Apple TV and the voices weren’t matching up with the actors lips, it was way off and super distracting and I couldn’t watch the film. And it was just this film too. 🤔Thankfully I actually still had the DVD of this same film so I just popped it in the player and was good to go. I know this was probably a rare occurrence but it shows how “digital” type things are maybe subject to more “glitches”…So in this instance I was actually glad I still owned DVDs :)
Yeah, that has happened to us sometimes too. Super annoying! ❤️
Yeah I am digitalizing my movie collection slowly but still have a few in cases so that they are easy to take with me places like road trip if I am a passenger or we plan a movie night I have a few to take with me the rest are in those space saver boxes for DVDs until I can digitize them
I hate my coffee table. It's a clutter magnet. I clear it off and hours later it's like fly paper for nick knacks. I was hoping you would say, "get rid of your coffee table" and I would have someone to blame, Lol.
Thanks for your channel. The best thing about the holidays is they are the best time to trash excess.
Ha ha! You have my permission to rid yourself of the coffee table you hate! And feel free to blame me for it if you need to! ❤️
Thx for this going thru everything now...declutter, donate and give away.
I need my cheese grater! You can also use it for grating fruit and vegetables, too! I love having a few cushions around but may cull some.
I had one for a while and kept scratching up my hands! I think I’m just not skilled. Ha ha! I buy my cheese grated now ❤️
Preshredded cheese is treated with antibiotics to prevent mold growth. Check the label next time - natamycin. I never buy preshredded cheese blech!
Ew…I didn’t know that :/
The microwave was one of the first things to go when we moved in, along with ceiling fans, I hate those dust collectors
Oh yeah…those fans are a nightmare to clean! ❤️
I hope that you have pretty tough skin because I just realized that the very nature of your videos almost seems to invite the people who disagree to comment. I know though, that many of us really do appreciate the ideas so very much! Thank you! I actually wish you were a junk journal maker or watercolor artist so that you could help me think about the stuff that I collect for my two hobbies!! I have been working on organizing and donating (but that began partly for my sanity and partly because I am moving!) Oh well, it’s helping!!😊
Ha ha! I am hoping not to cause controversy! My main intent is to basically help people to think more intentionally about their lives and their things ❤️
Living on an acreage, I love it when I see people selling their left over building materials.... ;)
Ha ha! I’m sure you have plenty of projects that they could be useful for! ❤️
Hmmm let’s see use my microwave much cheaper on the power bill, use my clocks don’t have a phone, now towels? I could get rid of a couple, DVD’s no because we don’t pay for streaming so the ones we have can’t see any more like on Netflix or TH-cam, loved your video it makes a person stop and think. Still can’t get rid of decorations cause in the back of mind I keep thinking if I move back home I’ll use them.
It’s all a matter of just taking a second to think about it, you know? We had a clock in our bedroom that I hated!!!! But yet I thought it had to be there. Don’t miss it at all! Everyone has different thoughts about different things and needs to do what works for them! ❤️
Yeah I know I have a tote of fall decorations I haven’t used in 5 years, that’s how long we have been here, yet I hang onto them because like I said if we move back home I know I’ll use them silly I know. I do regret getting rid of my collection of minions sort of,just had no room we live in an 800 sq ft trailer!
I'm like you with the microwave. I rarely use it. I think things taste better heated up in the oven or on top of the stove. But i will loose this battle our son uses it alot
Ha ha! Yeah - maybe a few years down the road…❤️
My problem is no storage even though I got some built in. I am a retired artist and my son left for Australia 16 years ago (still trying to get over that) I am now 68. Had a bad accident while trying to declutter a tiny house. I actually broke my neck (but dident die) now I am back here as I live on my own, I truly wholehearted would love to start painting again. But because I worked for the last 25 years as a resident artist.😂 I already had the only spare room I had filled up, and then had to add half of what I collected in art supplies and left the other half behind me with my old job, who very kindly stored it for me. Every time I walk into that room I have to walk back out again, because I can't even get into it, it's all over the place. I don't have any family to help me, and it breaks my heart because I would love to start painting again, for my sanity. Can you help me.i would dearly appreciate your talents. ❤
I’m sorry to hear about the struggles you’ve had! Thankful that you are still alive - and I agree that art is not only a passion for you but also purpose for your life! If I were in your situation, this is honestly what I would do…and don’t feel bad if it seems too extreme for you to actually try. I would not even look through the excess supplies that are filling the room…I would ask someone to come in and box it all up, take it away. Then, I would buy only a small portion of supplies - just enough to make a few art pieces. Whatever medium you prefer to use, get the highest quality you can afford. Make that art…sell it. To you, the creation of art is life giving, and I think that it is vitally important that you do just that! ❤️
@ArrowHillCottage thank you for taking the time to answer me. But I have bought all the materials I needed before I left my job, who b en
And being the daughter of an artist he left me all his paint and canvases. And I simply don't have the heart to throw them away. I have all sorts of things in there, so maybe I should start on those first. As for looking for help it simply won't happen. But if you could give me some good pointers I would be very gratefully
And again thank you for taking your precious time to answer me. You are a bonny girl.x
Get a few containers, or I have used a table…put like things together. You need to see what you have. I have set up my sewing room based on use. Things I use every time I sew is on a rolling cart that I roll next to my sewing machine. I have stored things in a dresser that I don’t use every time. My dream was to have things available but not in my way…I think of my supplies as my store. I keep ribbons together, stored in one bin, elastic together. I have a drawer for sewing items only, but another is more craft supplies that I use when making doll clothes, another holds embroidery supplies. Setting it up like my own store cleared my brain. I have my thread on a holder that is hung on the wall, it is useful to be able to easily see what colors of thread I already have, I store colors together so it looks like a piece of art. I organized my projects in bins so I canwalk in and select a project and pick up where I left off. Perhaps canvases can be stored that way. You can get glass vases at the dollar store, your brushes could be stored bristles up, put on a shelf or a table…or on your rolling cart! I have different vases for different scissors groups, glues, seam rippers.
Think of the zones you use for painting. Donate what you know you’ll never use, someone who can’t afford supplies will put them to use, pass it on is a good way to live, regardless who used to own it.
I just love to organize, wish I could come help you…it’s a hobby of mine, finding homes for things…but a sewing room, a craft room, or painting room…it needs to be set up for use, but include inventory storage.
I would suggest using TH-cam, there has to be a video that gives ideas for organizing that you are needing.
Once you start organizing the weight of what seems unsolvable can be something you can achieve.
I, too, am older and have faced what seemed like an insurmountable pile of possessions. I realized I'd have to break the project up into very tiny pieces. Maybe tell yourself you will find donations for 5 minutes. Next time, take in a small garbage bag and fill it will trash. Pat yourself on the back for these tiny bits of progress. I also agree with the other comment about putting like things together. I find I can do that because I'm not having to get rid of anything at that point. I save that task for later. My father was an artist, too and it's taken me years to let go of some of his materials. But I've kept his completed works and display them.
My coffee table is my ottoman as everyone likes to put feet up so therefore a small tray on it for my coffee or tea and I can comfortably put my feet up.
Sounds like that works great for you! ❤️
Thank you so much for the tip for folding the pillows, now I don't have to throw them out :) and I don't have to buy cushions! After I make my 'new' cushions, I plan to declutter the over 100 pillow cases I seem to have been collecting! :P
Yes!!!! ❤️
I like that you have brought up a unique collection of "unnecessaries"! It broadened my list of stuff to think about differently.
It’s always good to have a new perspective on things! ❤️
I do this every Christmas give to friends post on social media for friends or take to a woman's shelter for people who truly need it. ❤❤❤
That’s a great idea! ❤️
Great video! I agree with mostly all of these, but I do enjoy my dinning room table, specialty dishes and clocks on the wall. Perhaps it has something to do with being a Gen Xr, lol!
I’m a ‘granny X’ 😂 so I have some of those tendencies too ❤️
I definitely agree with the workout equipment and most of the other things but not the microwave & I have 3 sets of sheets for each bed. I would love to have a dining room though. No about the kids they definitely need there own room
I’m curious why you think kids having their own room is a need. Not judging or anything - I would just like to know your thought process. Is it for privacy reasons? ❤️
we do have clocks here and there, I do not carry my phone on me all day when I am at home and it is nice to take a break from the cell phone. The separate dinning room! Struggled with that one for years. Had a space for it in our first home and never used it for that. The second home we built we eliminated the dining room. One big table is enough and some tv trays or folding tables for extra people on those few occasions. Thanks for all the suggestions!
Being able to make choices when building your own home is so great! That is a lot of extra square footage that I’m sure you put to better use (or eliminated altogether to save money)! ❤️
I let go of…
1. Samples and freebies. Unless I really want it, I just walk in by at festivals, carnivals, etc.
2. Exercise stuff that I don’t use. Kept 2 sets of dumbbells and yoga mat.
3. T-shirts from every volunteer activity or 5k. I gift them to shelters for the unhoused or teachers to use for “ art painting shirts” for kids.
4. Too many hair and skin products. I chose one brand and buy 3 items from the brand. Now everything is so nice and near
Great ideas! ❤️
Don't take your kids' rooms away! 😅 If you have enough space that each child has their own room then you should leave it like that, especially as they get older & need more privacy!
You’ll have to watch our house tour video if you are wondering how it is all set up. Our kids enjoy sharing rooms ❤️
great ideas. I forget about some of these items if out of sight. I know I had a lot of recipe books with post-it-notes marking the recipes I used. I used my printer to copy only those pages and then I could donate the cookbooks without any missing pages. From about 15 inches to store the cookbooks to a one inch binder. (Yes, I thought of scanning and having them in the computer, but for me, at my age, paper is still the most portable and easiest to read.) Thanks for the excellent presentation.
Wow! That was a smart move! Not only will you save space- you will save time searching for your favorite recipes! Way to go! ❤️
The pillow hack is genius. All those “extra pillows” are usually taking up closet space, so folding them in half to stuff decor pillows is genius. And frees up closet spaces that are better utilized . Bravo!!🎉🎉🎉
Yay! A win win! ❤️
Yes, I believe I have all 17 items you said but I have the space and neatly place. Yes, you may have items you don't use often or only seasonal but each item cost Extra money when you need them.
That’s great! ❤️
We got rid of our microwave years ago and I don’t usually miss it. Some foods are more annoying to heat up without one, but I like the counter space more. I don’t agree with getting rid of a cheese grater though! I don’t know what you would use instead when you need to shred cheese lol.
I’ve just been buying shredded cheese. Ha ha! ❤️
❤ I trimmed my stuff and have some empty shelves Ito remind me of all the years I spent stuffing moving and cleaning JUNK 😢 . My Music scores CDs instruments cook books candlemaking and green plants in small numbers are my cherished items now that have space to breathe.
PS I keep kid's toys & books that are beautiful and inspire the imagination ❤
Wonderful that you have been able to pare down to the things you truly cherish! ❤️
My microwave broke and I decided not to buy a new one. It's been a couple of months since. So far so good. The only thing I miss is making popcorn for movie nights.
We had a stove top pot for many years - which worked amazing! ❤️
Hibthere is a saying .."your stuff owns you" i was so shocked at that saying cos its true ! So it made me get more "stuff" out.
So true! ❤️
The days of formal dining spaces has disappeared, but I decided that since we don’t really have enough space in our kitchen for a table. That I would get a dining table for our dining room (located next to our kitchen) and use that. We eat at it every day! I wanted to have spaces in our that our used and often!
Awesome! ❤️
Keep the favorite DVD's many of those movies you cannot find on streaming and end up wasting money renting them on a service like prime. There are some things like tote bags out here in NJ we got rid of single use plastic so now my home is over run with bags. recycle those puppies!
I’ve heard that is true about DVDs - or any type of movies that a person likes to rewatch. We personally are not the type to rewatch movies often ❤️
@@ArrowHillCottageIf I have a favorite, I can rewatch it dozens of times lol.
Are you the same way with books? I’ve never wanted to revisit those either!
Things from when my children were very young like children’s toys and too many Christmas decorations. We don’t even have a lot of Xmas decorations compared to many, but I tried using the bare minimum this year and it was fine. Thinking of getting rid of the tree now. Also too much stationary. A lot because the schools give a list of what they need each year and it usually doesn’t all get used so the left overs keep building up. Art & craft supplies, dinner ware, glasses for alcohol (we don’t drink or entertain much), old electronics.
Oh I definitely can relate on the too much stationary part! We had so many half used notebooks at one point, it was ridiculous! ❤️
Salad spinner is a necessary item. I use my clock to look at time while I am getting ready for work. I cannot be carrying my phone around. I use my microwave to heat up food during busy work week. No need to wash pots to heat up food.
Those things aren’t clutter to you! ❤️
I have a home gym and have been using it for years, kept me sane during lockdowns.
I’ll bet it did! Good job! ❤️
I use my exercise equipment!
Good job! I think that takes a lot of self discipline! ❤️
I use my one clock and my dining table.
Awesome! ❤️
Yeah... it's so much easier to check the time by getting up, getting my phone, turning it on, instead of just glancing up at the clock on the wall.
What if your phone is right next to you on your nightstand? ❤️
We need a part two!
I might consider that! ❤️
I use analog clocks in my kitchen and living room.
Wonderful! They aren’t clutter for you! ❤️