17 Things Your House DOESN'T NEED

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Let me know... what is something that YOU realized was just clutter in YOUR house!

[@denisecarter5117]

I look at my clocks all day long. I couldn’t stand finding my phone every time I wanted to know the time.

[@simmiedavissimmiesings8185]

So. MANY. PILLOWS! Haha I do think that most of these items on the list are age and lifestyle dependent.

[@jacquelineclauson4891]

I use my kitchen clock constantly cause I keep losing my mobile

[@asias1542]

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!

[@lorimatalon6164]

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

[@sweetkitty3249]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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 ❤️

[@paulascheib5347]

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.

[@kimgordon3695]

Luv THIS

[@marilynndesilva7620]

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!

[@itsonlyatail]

Material…..I have so much material!

[@priscillacarvalho-lovell2898]

I use a clock all day every day. I do not relish having my phone always in tow.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I can see that! If we have the phone with us at all times, we are more likely to look at it mindlessly! ❤️

[@brigittesiedenberg9080]

I agree.

[@marybethcully5883]

My house would drive you crazy because I actually use clocks throughout my house as wall decor. I have 5 chiming clocks too! 😂. But honestly my walls look open and clean and my clocks make me smile everyday…

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Then they aren’t clutter to you! That’s awesome! Keep them! ❤️

[@ElsieJoy39]

Me too.....clock n every room, including the bathroom. Why would I want to carry my phone around with me all the time? I wear a watch when I go out. My phone stays in my handbag.

[@beans4853]

Same! I need a clock in every room! (Besides the bathroom, I don't mind taking my time there 😂😂)

[@Whatsnewkittycat3]

I LOVE clocks

[@Christine-zk6hk]

@@ElsieJoy39I have my phone with me all the time. I live alone so it is a lifeline for me.

[@seasonalliving2881]

I would consider myself an analog person. Give me the wall clock, dvds, and cookbooks! I’m actually really over technology. 😂

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! I can respect that! ❤️

[@lovingsunshine3515]

Same, I’ve been wearing a normal watch that people used to wear 20 yrs ago.

[@texasstardust6010]

..I agree ...! I AM OVER THE DIGITAL NONSENSE.

[@gathercreatelivewithleslie8340]

Love the touch and feel of a book. All dvd's are in a binder, can't see paying for something online I don't actually get, lol.

[@--Singularity--]

Dvd -digital versatile disc :) There is no analog in this simulation. Even analog is digital :)

[@hazelrowan2604]

I have a clock in every room and I look at each one all the time. I think analogue clocks are pretty, too.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I agree. Some clocks are works of art! ❤️

[@sunflowers730]

I do look at the clocks in my house to check the time!

[@caspiana3623]

Microwave is truly needed. 30 seconds in a microwave vs 10 minutes on a stove or even longer in the oven saves lots of time and energy.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m just not sure that would work well with our large family. The micro would be running constantly! ❤️

[@Jace28142]

I lived for seven years without a microwave and only have one now because the house I bought came with it. I haven’t used a dishwasher in over ten years. I find joy in hand washing and drying my dishes. Every Holiday for the past 4 years I’ve let go of decorations and I still have too many.

[@reinhard8053]

@@Jace28142 I'm the opposite with the dishwasher. My mother never had one. I only got one with the new house some years ago. Now I really like it. It's even environmentally better and of course easier, even if it takes days to get it filled up. I also often use the microwave, especially with ready meals or leftovers.

[@SoundofSilence492]

It’s just me. I never use my big oven except to store pots and pans I use on the range. My broiler oven could be more environmentally sound but that’s for the next house. I use the microwave to reheat food daily and for a cup of coffee. Especially in Florida, we very rarely want heat in our homes.

[@LynsAlteredArts]

I could eliminate the stove before I could eliminate the microwave. I use the microwave multiple times per day and rarely use my oven and only use one burner on the stove top. When I had my kitchen remodeled I had to make a temporary kitchen in the spare bedroom, and I used an electric burner, the microwave, a toaster and my coffee maker, and I was fine.

[@andersdottir1111]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! Sounds like clocks definitely aren’t clutter to you! ❤️

[@Zelphraeya]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It sounds like you are well on your way! Blessings on your journey! ❤️

[@melaniegodwin8791]

I agree with everything on this list, especially throw pillows!!! Surely I can't be the only woman who think they are a total waste of time and money! I have two on my couch which I use to rest when I take a nap on the couch but I've never understood the fascination of the 5-7 on the bed which just gets thrown on the floor, YUCK, when sleeping.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yeah, I used to be that person who pulled a million pillows on the bed to ‘dress it up’ - it drove my husband crazy every night when they needed to be moved off! ❤️

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

Hello, I can now honestly say I only have5 now and I use them all! Lol

[@carladaniels7910]

Use one set of sheets, wash, put back on bed no need to fold. Maybe extra set, that's it, hate to fold sheets.

[@carladaniels7910]

No extra pillows, just dust collector, no one else cares!!!

[@corinneparker2519]

Love your idea of folding regular pillows instead of having extra decor pillows

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It works so well! ❤️

[@KJ-lb4tj]

Great idea, but I must say, they don't look great.

[@leslietrivette91]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@katiemcsweeney4248]

Wall clocks are essential in my house. We even have one in the bathroom.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Well then they definitely aren’t clutter for you! ❤️

[@TimelordUK]

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

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s what my husband and kids say too…that’s why we still have it! Ha ha! ❤️

[@cresentborchardt5467]

Oh, the throw pillow hack! LOVE IT! And so easy to swap out and change decorum with something as simple as a pillowcase.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! I have some red ones I will be putting on for Christmas! ❤️

[@karynm3365]

I love my treadmill! It is such a life saver during the cold winters here!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s awesome! ❤️

[@suzanneturley4433]

Both my husband and myself are in agreement that a dining table is a must. We eat at it every day for every meal. It’s also a necessary item if there is a new born baby in the home. The Nurse that calls to do a health and weight check needs a table on which to put the Weighing Scales for an absolute perfect weight reading. Then as time goes by; our children need to be taught table manners/to do homework/ craftwork and play games. We also have an analogue clock in each room, and were stunned when one of our grandchildren in their teens could not tell the time. Saying the numbers on a 24 hour clock doesn’t mean anything unless you know exactly what it means. Somethings I agree with but there are more that I don’t.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

If you use your table and clocks - they aren’t clutter to you! ❤️

[@suzanneturley4433]

@@ArrowHillCottage …That’s the difference. They are a necessity. One thing that many people have is a ‘junk drawer or catch-all’….and as I grew up it became my weekly task to sort it out. To me it was a thank less task and a total waste of time; so I vowed that I would never have a junk drawer in my own home….now in my seventies and can honestly say that is one vow I have kept. Don’t put it down, put it away. Simple really.

[@carriemills6931]

😮😮

[@ElsieJoy39]

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

[@beans4853]

Yes, clocks, cookbooks and my dining table are all well used and loved

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awesome! ❤️

[@HighSierraDawn]

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.

[@jac4YouTube]

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

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@kaydublin5164]

We have a small home, so I can only have the essentials, I’ve been decluttering for a year and I’m going thru the house again. 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great! There is something freeing about a smaller space and knowing you can say ‘no’ to things you maybe would have hung onto in the past. ❤️

[@carinahotzel4996]

Same here, very small home so frequent decluttering is a must.

[@JANICEK-wu4vq]

I have 3 antique chiming clocks that are family heirlooms. They all work and I love them!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Cool! I bet they are amazing!!! ❤️

[@lauraann7816]

My granddaughter's school bus comes at 7:25 AM. I look at the kitchen wall clock several times until it finally reaches 7:25. A few weeks ago the clock- which was very old- went kaput. I looked at that blank wall over and over and had to train myself to pay attention to the time in the corner of the TV screen during the morning News. We got a new clock about a week later because we kept forgetting it wasn't there anymore during our day. But it drove me crazy to look at that blank wall 12 times a day. I am glad to see here that I am not the only one 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Your brain was trained! Good thing you don’t have to look at the blank wall anymore! ❤️

[@lauraann7816]

@@ArrowHillCottage very trained and I am not sure that's a good thing 🤣

[@paulakelley4845]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful idea!!! ❤️

[@sstephens2175]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Good idea to get rid of those cases! They are so bulky! ❤️

[@RebeccaWeikel]

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. :)

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes that’s a very good point! ❤️

[@reinhard8053]

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.

[@gwenj5419]

In one home we had a formal dining room plus a breakfast nook. We used the formal room as a home office instead.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful idea and a much better use of space if you have another place to dine! ❤️

[@kathleenmcgovern9659]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Well that’s a great sign that you’re on the right track! ❤️

[@anneblenkhorn5258]

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..

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yay! Another vote for no microwave! Ha ha! ❤️

[@marybethcully5883]

Still have my microwave( it’s built in) but switched natural cleanser many years ago

[@lauriecampbell1378]

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!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@misslemu]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Very smart - bonus…the paper is protected from any cooking splatters too! ❤️

[@misslemu]

Exactly!

[@janiefender]

I do the same...have several notebooks with pages in the protectors!

[@hazehaze0]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s awesome! Sounds like your treadmill is NOT clutter! ❤️

[@RadCenter]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great one to add to the list! I don’t think our town even gives our phone books anymore! ❤️

[@itsHeatherKay]

I’m a minimalist and love clocks- one in every room!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s great! They are obviously not clutter to you! ❤️

[@ellenparks5096]

Love your idea about sorting the Christmas decorations when it's time to use them. Because i dread bringing them all out .

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! Why get a double dose of hassle if you don’t need to! ❤️

[@MarcyPeter-m7i]

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!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh the wedding gifts!!! Yes! 🙋‍♀️guilty as charged! ❤️

[@maryd253]

A great list! When we downsized I did a lot of these, always looking for more to get rid of. Your list helps.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! ❤️

[@michellep9536]

Omg I never thought to do that with big pillows! I have alot of big pillows and no throw pillows! Thank youuuu

[@ArrowHillCottage]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@karenmcmillan4626]

This is such a great idea. Plus those “extra pillows” are usually taking up closet space, so this way they’re getting used and out of the closets, that can always be better utilized.

[@cynthiabercaw3462]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Absolutely! Everyone has different preferences on how they use their homes! ❤️

[@susiemejia7917]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@Kate98755]

What is helping me is thinking of the people who will get use of it, you will make someone happy.

[@kimberdonham6548]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@gwenj5419]

Lol. The other day I tried to use some sandpaper that was so old it kept crumbling.

[@conniemiller5125]

I too, have a clock in every room, except the spare room.

[@jvalderas4011]

I'm seriously going to consider getting rid of our dining table. I haven't seen it in a couple of years because it's covered in crap! My husband put his roll-top desk in the dining room so I call it the Dining Office. Also he has a rifle on a tripod facing out back with a bench seat. Anyone that comes over sits around the island (we have lots of seating) or on the back deck. Thank you for getting me to consider eliminating things that I wouldn't have otherwise! 🤯💯👏

[@ArrowHillCottage]

If you haven’t even seen the dining table in a couple years, I would agree- it’s time for it to go! ❤️

[@bobbiefarrar3036]

The microwave does warm up our leftovers, but they are in pyrex containers which work for the microwave but not the stove top. If I transfer it into a pot, that adds a dish that needs to be cleaned and the pot needs to be monitored so it doesn't boil over making a stove cleanup or burns. Can your husband build you a shelf under the cabinets or elsewhere so the microwave can sit there instead of your countertop? Thank you for the list - most of which we have decluttered in our home. God bless you and yours.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

In our house, with 5 growing kids, we rarely have leftovers - but I can see how a microwave would be handy for single serving heating …and less dirtying of dishes! ❤️

[@karinaa1008]

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...

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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?!? ❤️

[@Robert-ug5hx]

I love clocks ,I hatdly ever use a phone ad a time piece

[@beverlyandkissie8789]

When I decluttered my home, I chose to keep one craft that I truly enjoyed and donated everything else. Feels great!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! Which craft did you choose? ❤️

[@erintannehill]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! I like having something to put my feet up on! ❤️

[@melissamilnor7823]

I use all my clocks. I have one in kitchen, both baths , living rm. Much easier than phone

[@barbarawilliams3983]

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. 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@barbarawilliams3983]

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

[@ajd6627]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh my!!! A fingernail in the coleslaw! Ewww! 😂❤️

[@irismartinez5753]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Closets are notorious for holding onto things we don’t need! ❤️

[@irismartinez5753]

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.

[@denisem9645]

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!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great! Do what works best for you! ❤️

[@EditorSJ]

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…

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@texasstardust6010]

....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.

[@cynthiajohnston424]

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 . 😂

[@cynthiajohnston424]

@@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 !

[@texasstardust6010]

@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.

[@trekkie-cat]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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 ❤️

[@atroy1983]

Preshredded cheese is treated with antibiotics to prevent mold growth. Check the label next time - natamycin. I never buy preshredded cheese blech!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ew…I didn’t know that :/

[@sarrastella]

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

[@ArrowHillCottage]

A folding table is smart! I love that idea! ❤️

[@kimberlystahl1746]

I use my clocks alot! :)

[@AMcDub0708]

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 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh! I’ve never heard of a group like this! Sounds like a fantastic idea! ❤️

[@dawnt5587]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@dinosaur3126]

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

[@cynthiajohnston424]

@@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 ! 🥰

[@belvadalidowich5314]

I use wall clocks and look at them. I don't walk around my house with a phone in my hand. I found a lot of the stuff on your list to be useful in my house. I use serving dishes for hosting dinner parties.. I am certain your ideas are wonderful for some people but I feel bad that you think having a family dinner table for holiday and birthday get togethers and dinners is a waste of space. It is not. That table during the times it is not your party table it is a place to do crafts, writing, and what ever you do that needs a long table space to do it. Studying, sewing whatever. Unless you know up front you are never going to invite any one to dinner or host the family for holidays then maybe it is a waste but even then you have no idea that one day you might have to or you might change your mind so much you have to move. Families grow before they dwindle. Having a little extra space is a wonderful thing to have. Being closed in can get tiring.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m talking about dining tables that are never used. If someone dedicates an entire room to housing a table for 360+ days a year and never use it…then what is the point of having it? That would be like someone filling up their garage space with a car they never drive. Personally we DO use our table - all day, every day! So it is not clutter in our house! And it sounds like your table (and your clocks) are not clutter to you either! ❤️

[@leenb.7936]

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

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Hey, whatever works! Hopefully you have a separate salad spinner for that though and don’t use the same one for salad! Ha ha! ❤️

[@DeniseSterling-g4w]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I would love to get to that point some day! Also…the keys! Yes! I swear they multiply! ❤️

[@cantocant2346]

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!

[@DeniseSterling-g4w]

@@cantocant2346 🤩

[@HighSierraDawn]

I look at my clocks every day, several times a day. Carrying a phone around is too much hassle. How do you grate cheese without a cheese grater? Or cut pizza without a pizza cutter?

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Someone in the comment section mentioned using a peeler to grate cheese and it works perfectly! I do still have a pizza cutter, personally, but a knife would work just as well!

[@HighSierraDawn]

A peeler? Oh my gosh, that would take forever.@@ArrowHillCottage

[@lindybright1938]

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!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m a ‘granny X’ 😂 so I have some of those tendencies too ❤️

[@vivian9803]

Consider swapping out your counter microwave for a hood/microwave combo over the stove. It's a great kitchen feature!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

We’ve had an above the stove microwave before and I personally hated it! ❤️

[@treluvstrees999]

Good video!! I agree that extra boxes, linens, and too many kitchen gadgets have to go!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@lynda1037]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wow! That was a smart move! Not only will you save space- you will save time searching for your favorite recipes! Way to go! ❤️

[@kimberlystahl1746]

I love my cookbooks and recipe cards and do use them. Also, my children have mentioned inheriting them. I have already passed some down to each child already. (My kids are grown by the way)

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s special! ❤️

[@elizabethjohnson8164]

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 :)

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yeah, that has happened to us sometimes too. Super annoying! ❤️

[@dinosaur3126]

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

[@RebeccaAnnette]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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! ❤️

[@marybethcully5883]

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…🥰

[@Kate98755]

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.

[@HelenGill2222]

Listening to you AFTER binned all my cds and quite a few books I don't need including one cook book today. In a slight cheat I put some books under the bed in a box, as who knows I might need them at some stage, but I do feel lighter and my book case looks more neat. I have room so put some home decor in a cupboard for now. I prefer less clutter but it is nice to change things up sometimes.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Maybe consider that collection under your bed as a ‘time will tell’ bin? Make sure to put a time limit on it if you do! ❤️

[@RTAV108]

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. 😮

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It sounds like you have made some wonderful, intentional decisions for yourself! Great work! Also…long replies are perfectly fine! ❤️

[@kellymulligan2157]

Thx for this going thru everything now...declutter, donate and give away.

[@patriciaaffonso715]

I am in the process of decluttering my home as i dont have the time after coming home from work to do anything and yes so much sense made with so much i have collected intending to use. I do my entire office decor from waste milk cartons styrofoam old file covers cardboard cartons garbage bags and thermocol packaging as its a huge building and requires huge amounts of materials to cover large such large spaces but then yes my recyclying and inspiring others to save the environment is only limited to the time i can use whilst at work the home declutter suffers. I do intend on a war footing to take up the process and get myself to enjoy free time with my family. Especially since i am undergoing cancer treatment..thank you for your video. Loved it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m sorry to hear about your cancer - happy you are receiving treatment. As much as you are able to get your environment very simple right now , even if you need to ask people for help….I think it would greatly benefit you so that you could focus on your health and recovery! ❤️‍🩹

[@katbunn957]

I do need a microwave--young kids would not heat things on their own AND during summer, it's too hot to use oven and sometimes stove top. Even though we have ac, when it's over 100, 110, 115°, AC doesn't work as well !! 😮😢😅

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It does work well for kids, and heating up small portions. I agree ❤️

[@LuluMacaroni]

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

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Entertainment and functional! Win/win! ❤️

[@sandralewis1689]

I like that you have brought up a unique collection of "unnecessaries"! It broadened my list of stuff to think about differently.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It’s always good to have a new perspective on things! ❤️

[@kimvilleneuve2543]

I still use my clock in my kitchen. I have opened concept so I can see it from every where.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great! ❤️

[@CRRBennett]

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!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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)! ❤️

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

Extra old towels are great for rolling up sweaters washed at home! Soon getting rid of the microwave. It is an eyesore over the stove. Never use it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

We used to have an above the stove micro and I hated it so much! The one we have now takes up a good chunk of counter , but at least I don’t hit my head on it every day! Ha ha! ❤️

[@sunflowers730]

I looked at a recipe several times just this week to make meals and zuchinni breads and cakes!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awesome! ❤️

[@widowswatch6610]

I right now am trying to simplify. Every now and then something we all should do. You really do feel better once you get rid of the extras.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It’s so true! I don’t know why we tend to over complicate our lives! ❤️

[@paulascheib5347]

Consolidate small appliances. Buy a combination air fryer/toaster oven/griddle piece.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That might be something to look into! ❤️

[@yelenayeli9529]

We don’t have a television anymore, although we sometimes watch a show on the computer. And my husband likes to watch soccer on the computer. No television gives a lot of rest in the living room. I will quit a lot of christmas decorations. I want to buy a small christmas decoration with real plants, which can leave after the holidays. I go to the second hand store this morning to give some items: a small pan I wanted to use to make herb maceraat (its mainly cute and I have other pans I can use for), christmas decoration, tupperware, craft supply, lamp. I give some wool to a little girl who loves to make projects of it. When I have stuff for the second hand store, I often ask friends or relatives if they need something of it and first I lay it in my hall for people who can use it. Where I live there are a lot of small closets in the neighbourhood where youcan donate books, small items, food, women’s hygiene products for people who cannot affort items and in case of the books, we don’t need to go to the library anymore. With friends we also rotate our books. I have a collection cookbooks and I ❤ them. For me its fun to read cookbooks and I use them too.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

What a great idea to have shared closets that people can utilize to get the things they need! ❤️

[@momoffour2072]

Throw blankets! Somehow they seem to just randomly show up in the house as gifts. I finally went through and donated all but a couple of them.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! They can really add up fast! ❤️

[@helenlouie6856]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s great! ❤️

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

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.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’ve just been buying shredded cheese. Ha ha! ❤️

[@FruitsandflowersBeaumont]

I have clocks in every room, i love them, and they are cheap ikea ones, i actually use them all the time Pizza cutter is a must with little kids, i cut bread soo faster with that than knife. Ok one kid is no need, but with 3 , it is great. Microwave, can't live without All the rest 100% All out of the house I want to redesign my house without any flat surface, that would be amazing

[@ArrowHillCottage]

A house with no flat surfaces…I can’t quite envision it! If you design one like that I’d love to talk to you after you’ve lived in it a year! Ha ha! ❤️

[@terrance8066]

I laughed watching this video because it is SO TRUE! -- I have probably every 'collection' mentioned here, and more -- such as, paper and plastic bags.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

If you’re ready to make a change - and you recognize these things as clutter- then I encourage you to take that first step! ❤️

[@terrance8066]

@@ArrowHillCottageThank you, AH!

[@pattyowens8823]

Thank you so much for this video, it really opened my eyes

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! Happy decluttering/ simplifying! ❤️

[@jeanniemk72]

Such good ideas. I need to get rid of many of the items you mentioned... however, I still wish I had a dining room that I used twice a year for family. Haha😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

They are nice….when you need them! ❤️

[@kellymulligan2157]

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. ❤❤❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s a great idea! ❤️

[@DebDebbiesWorld]

I use my microwave especially in the winter to heat up my instant oatmeal. Yes I know I could cook some on the stove, but the instant kind is one of the quicky food items I allow myself LOL . I might not use it for much more than that, and for me.... thats okay. ;) It is a fairly small one, though (and if I could find an even SMALLER microwave I'd get THAT!) Regarding holiday dishes.... I used to have 2 sets of xmas dishes. I gave the ones from my daughters childhood to her (she was THRILLED), donated the other set, and bought a more neutral 'winter' set that I now use for xmas and thanksgiving, and could be used for an xmas party if I had a sit down type party (though mine is usually pot luck and I use paper/disposable plates cause im not washing more dishes than necessary ;) ) I use throw pillow forms in my family room and pillow covers (cheap off amazon) for various holidays and seasons. easy to store whats not being used! I don't use throw pillows in my bedroom. They would just end up on the floor! I don't have many cookbooks- I've gotten rid of most. I do have a binder of my recipes (I used to own a bakery) and also have in that my holiday recipes or favorite recipes and my daughter has already laid claim to that. I told her she can have it when I'm too old to cook LOL. I got rid of my coffee table years and years ago. Instead we have an ottoman in its place, which is much more useful and doesnt attract clutter. just a throw blanket and feet :) I DO have a bit of a linen fetish but I actually have it on my declutter list to go through and donate those items which I never use, because I know there are pieces that I do not like for whatever reason and do not ever use. All in all, a pretty good list, and I am glad to say, most of which I already do, to one degree or another!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It sounds like you’ve made some great decisions and that you are mindful of what you need/want! ❤️

[@DebDebbiesWorld]

@@ArrowHillCottage always a work in progress (arent we all?) but I do try to be mindful! sometimes/ days I'm better than others! LOL

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Absolutely! ❤️

[@SoeLevin]

I removed all my wallclocks one week ago and it feels really good :)

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awesome! We had a digital alarm clock in our bedroom for years..and I actually disliked it so much! But, I kept it because I thought that if I woke up in the middle of the night I would want to check the time. Guess what? I checked my phone anyway whenever that happened! Now it’s gone and I’m so happy about it! ❤️

[@diannamallow5195]

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

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Yeah - maybe a few years down the road…❤️

[@ilTHfeaa]

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)

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes, so true! ❤️

[@tanyaray4846]

I agree about the formal dining table thing, but if you have that space (with wide doorways) what would you put in that space?

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I suppose it would depend on my family’s needs at the time. Perhaps a flexible play space for kids or a home library/office - moveable partitions could be used to cover up the wide doorways ❤️

[@laurasutton1551]

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

[@ArrowHillCottage]

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? ❤️

[@oliviaginsbourg6541]

❤ 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 ❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful that you have been able to pare down to the things you truly cherish! ❤️