27 ONE-MINUTE Habits for a Clutter-Free Home | Minimalist Living

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Don't have a lot of time to spare? Consider incorporating a simple ONE-MINUTE habit into your daily routine!

[@trinaroe5132]

I have an old baby wardrobe in my foyer next to the front door where my mailbox is located. I took down the hanging rail and added an adjustable shelf behind the door. A shredder is below the shelf and I used a metal mesh file box and cup hooks to hang on the inside of the wardrobe door with my monthly files. The bottom drawers contain a plastic dishpan that fits perfectly for paper recycling of things that don’t need to be shredded. The top drawer has stationary and notecards for hand written notes and letters as well as office supplies and my checkbook. The second drawer contains an assortment of greeting cards. I have a page-a-day calendar on top as well as a shallow bin. When mail comes in it gets opened and the envelopes or extra inserts shredded or recycled. The current copy of my favorite few catalogs go in the shallow bin under my address book. Bills due get paper clipped to the calendar date I intend to pay them and anything that needs to be shredded is. When I pay bills my checkbook, address labels and stamps are right there as well as the files for whatever I need to keep, bank statements, etc. I don’t use streaming services or online banking and I rarely order online. This system has worked great for me. Better than anything I’ve ever tried in the past. Most importantly, having the shredder and recycling right by where the mail is brought in has been a lifesaver.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That sounds like a really good system! ❤️

[@danaplate6459]

Another amazing video! I love your helpful and manageable tips Easy to tidy, not always tidy Thanks!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@frenchfruga4851]

Good afternoon , i live in south of France as a single man without family , i'm 40 years old and i really enjoy minimalism for my financial freedom I only spend 90€ per month for food , i eat between 12 and 20 o clock , i buy a lot of vegetables for being as young as possible , no fast food , no smoke , no alcohol , I live in 45m2 apartment bought in 2014 , i closed the reimbursement of it last year thanks to my savings on transport , food and accommodation , i don't need a car to go working , i'm very relax now , less is better and i'm ready too invest in real estates and stock market to be on retirement as soon as possible , have a good time 😉

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! It sounds like you’ve done very well for yourself! ❤️

[@gailmoore7068]

Angela- I was just knocked out by what you have done in your beautiful home- especially the children’s areas. It is a perfect home! 🏡 I am so very impressed! You are definitely doing a thoughtful, wonderful job!❤️❤️❤️

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you for your kind compliment and encouraging words! I appreciate it! ❤️

[@debbiegraham3136]

Enjoyed your video!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@danicegewiss862]

I empty my sink and spray homemade disinfectant in it as I prewash my other dishes in the other side of the sink. Then I fill it with the prewashed dishes. It cuts off wash time dramatically. I love your tips. My dog undoes much of my work.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great idea! ❤️

[@joannemberube]

I love the clipboard idea!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It works so well! ❤️

[@ritabutler1951]

I tied a ribbon around my closet rod. Every thing to the right of it is where I hang clothes that I wore, that can be worn again. It has been a game changer. Especially since I declutter my clothes.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh that’s a very simple / useful idea! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@sable747]

I was surprised at the shower curtain tip. And really excited about the cord electronic station!!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@RussellWisniewski]

Thank you very helpful

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@donnawiseman9311]

Thank you for sharing this list. It was very helpful.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m glad it was helpful to you! ❤️

[@helenmak5663]

I have designated the beginning of the month to clean the shower curtain and thanks for reminding me it’s the time. I have the habit of pushing the chairs back to their original spots before we leave at restaurants, that’s also the time I scan through the table if we leave any belongings without notice.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! You’re welcome! Also, I’m sure the restaurant staff appreciate your habit of pushing in the chairs! ❤️

[@jennyjenkins877]

That's a great tip, Helen! I always push in my chair at restaurants but sometimes leave my packed up leftovers on the table. Pairing those tasks is an excellent idea. 💡

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

I also declutter 1x a week. It really helps alot so it's not out of control in 6 months!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It helps keep it manageable! ❤️

[@mistydorsey9224]

Lots of good tips and encouragement. But some definitely aren’t for me. I don’t decant except for baking supplies. And I bulk buy bc we live far from town. Everything else sounded spot on!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great! I don’t decant every single thing either, especially food items that could get stale. ❤️

[@livingoncoffee]

Your place looks beautiful. So tidy and clean. Love it!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@kennethbailey9853]

Always a Blessing !🙂

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@mrs.brayman4840]

Thank you for your great decluttering ideas & insight. When you said "our minds crave order", I thought 'why does that make so much sense and sound so familiar?'. Remembering how the Bible tells us that we are made in Gods image, 1 Corinthians 14 came to mind. Specifically, verses 33&40 they tell us God is the God of peace, and to let all things be done in order. Thank you for "walking the walk" as they often say at church. 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Very true! Great connection! Blessings on your day! ❤️

[@anneard1674]

THANKS, still need reminding

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@sozod2000]

Hadn’t thought of using a lazy Susan in other places than the kitchen. Great idea 🙌🏼

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That was something I discovered a few years ago! So helpful for the deeper cabinets! ❤️

[@kennethbailey9853]

Yes !!!😁

[@BFreeInLife]

Awesome ideas and tips, Thanks!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@ruthmeyer5415]

One note about bulk buying. If you are on a very restricted diet (for health reasons in our family), it may look like you are buying in "bulk", even though it's only 1 or 2 weeks worth of food you will 100% use. We tend to buy a few specific foods that can be used in several different dishes/meals (quinoa for example, instead of pasta, rice, or bread). Our cart has the same amount of food as another person's, just a smaller number of different items. If this is you, please don't feel bad, just know you are doing what works for your family, and you know what constitutes actual "bulk/excess" for you (we can certainly still over-buy, but very rarely anymore). The other side is, I imagine, you can over-buy a bunch of different things, and then think "at least I'm not buying (one thing) in bulk", but still end up with unused items. So, the advice (as you have shared before) is the same no matter what you buy: always have a plan for everything you buy. And I would say, limit "special" or "just for this one recipe" items, if they won't be fully used up that one time. There are items still in our cupboard I need to get rid of that just don't fit into our current meals/recipes, and probably never will. If not expired, I could give such items to those who will use them.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I think that if there is a plan to use the food (or any consumable) within a reasonable amount of time - that isn’t really an issue at all! I can totally understand the need to buy because of allergies or restrictions! ❤️

[@danicegewiss862]

You took the words out of my mouth.

[@LorreneRomanic]

Thanks for sharing the idea of a clipboard for important mail - I used to stick it inside my monthly planner, on the month it mattered (bills, etc) but now I carry my planner with me, like a bullet journal, so I don't like to take my bills & stuff along. Having them on a clipboard will keep them separate from any other important but not urgent paperwork.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I hope it works well for you! ❤️

[@vickysalisbury8214]

I agree! Going to use the clipboard tip!😄

[@avir2us1]

Thanks for sharing. Great list. 🎉

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@SwissMiss74]

I really enjoy your videos, only noticed them recently and slowly catching up to them. The pleasure of visiting Minnesota a couple of times and loving it, this adds additional joy! Thank you for the great content and many greetings from Europe, Switzerland.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh fun! What time of year did you visit Minnesota? I would love to visit Switzerland some day! ❤️

[@SwissMiss74]

@@ArrowHillCottage Summer & Winter, and loved both. I‘m sure you would enjoy it here too.

[@karinaa1008]

Thanks for a great list!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@denisekirshenbaum7798]

Thank you! Very helpful!!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@amonralice]

Hey, Angela. All those 1min tips apply to me, except the ones including the children (not yet a mom) and moving the furniture - small house. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Also, I find it the best minimalistic example that your family of 7 don't own a dishwasher. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I know many people who really value their dishwashers - but I just personally prefer hand washing. I think there is a connection that happens during the time when I’m washing dishes - like a thankfulness of sorts maybe? I feel that same way about making beds. I might just be weird! Ha ha! ❤️

[@parkerrose3590]

I use the click board method too. I recently had a form that needed to be filled out. Having it right there on my clip board made it very easy to do. Also, I live in an apartment complex and there is a trash can right by the mail boxes, so I never have to bring junk mail home. I hang up clothes inside out if I plan on wearing them one more time before washing.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh that’s a good trick for hanging them inside out! ❤️

[@joannecalcutt6724]

You can also use the method of turning the hanger in the opposite direction

[@pattiecake11]

Love that too!

[@parkerrose3590]

good idea!@@joannecalcutt6724

[@faithhomeschool2789]

Great tips. We do most of those. I have never tried the clipboard method, sound like it worth a try

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I hope it works well for you! ❤️

[@ForestFury101]

I like the clipboard idea for things that need to be handled ASAP. I also just wet the dishes. We run the dishwasher at least twice a day.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

The clipboard is such a simple but effective system for me! ❤️

[@kennethbailey9853]

😊

[@josmith2002]

❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Lol. NO. (Mostly to 9 whining cats for the “good stuff” every time they see me enter the kitchen. 😂😂 Lawd I hope I can get these 3 little ones adopted soon). Seriously tho. I guess it needs to be NO to all the things to do at times. Sometimes that is in my own head and other times it’s other people. And maybe NO to buying too much of the clearance grocery mega deals. Lol. Dishes. I have no regrets buying that Dawn Power Spray. Or should I say that initial bottle. Lol. I looked up how to refill it with a small amount of dish soap, alcohol and water. I do about the same. It all goes to the sink for a rinse or at times a power spray soak. I will just go throw some in the dishwasher randomly during the day. (Similar to other one minute tasks lol). I have a ceramic thing I keep in the sink also for utensils. It’s kinda funny tho. Perfectionism? OCD? I make them tidy and “neat.” Lol. When I used to procrastinate and let them all pile up, I had some nice looking stacks. Bwa ha ha. My aunt said once that it was the nicest looking stack of dirty dishes she’s ever seen. (After a quick rinse of course). Lol. Well at least these days the stacks are a lot smaller.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh my goodness, I had to laugh at the ‘tidy stacks’ comment! I’m that same way. I can’t just haphazardly throw all the dishes in the sink…they have to be sorted - biggest on the bottom, bowls stacked, etc. ❤️

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

@@ArrowHillCottage Ha ha. IKR. Exactly! I found an affordable zoom support group coaching thing (around this specific kind of abuse with these specific issues). So well. Trying it out. 🤞🤞(Which should help with many things. Including the boundary NO stuff and esp at least having something like friends/support. Not feeling like a weirdo or all alone etc…Bcuz the whole group knows). I thought maybe I didn’t need it but I guess maybe now with a push to expedite moving, I think maybe I DO need it. Leaving time can be an extra hard and even dangerous time. And well that’s the other side of NO also…..Asking for help. (And maybe also being able to know where and how to direct that so you can get the most effective help and support). Like idk. Maybe most folks already know such things or have such things but some of us don’t even know the nuts and bolts of “how to get the right help” and what all it takes to even trust enough to reach out. I guess I would say to anyone like me. Keep pushing. Don’t let a bunch of false shame or hopeless discouragement or relentless opposition stop you from getting the help and support you need. Plus it will be more useful for me and everyone else than to just keep bleeding out all over YT lol. Which admittedly I’ve been doing a bit lately. I can’t really take any of it back but I can maybe make it better from this day forward. It’s like I could see what I was doing but still couldn’t stop myself. I just don’t always know the appropriate social parameters and so well. I’m learning. Slowly. Lol. A well directed cry for help to the right places really is more effective than throwing it all out there all random and willy nilly like that and just hoping something sticks here and there. Well I just wanted to clarify that. It won’t always be so hard I know. But right now…leaving. Preparations to leave. These psychos freak out (at their loss of control) and pull out all the guns…so for times like these…you just can’t do that all alone. Gotta get help. Allies. And Bcuz that is their whole point. Captors always want captives to stay. Captives don’t want to BE captives and want to leave. So here we go. This is war. I def need to be around folks who fully comprehend what all I’m up against…just to leave. And maybe also to see how some of them did it…so I can too.

[@marie-lynn5767]

Hi 👋💕🇦🇺🙂

[@ktroars5761]

When I collect the mail, I walk straight to our outdoor dumpsters and recycling bins and shred any junk mail so it does not enter the house

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great habit! Those papers can pile up so fast if we let them! ❤️

[@ginadowd1713]

Same here!

[@marie-lynn5767]

There is no picture

[@ArrowHillCottage]

No picture? Do you mean the thumbnail isn’t showing up for you?

[@johnbrooks8258]

work on your puffy eyes

[@ArrowHillCottage]

What would you recommend? ❤️