37 signs that you have TOO MUCH stuff | Minimalism for beginners

Let this list guide you in answering the question 'Do I have too much?' - Some signs are very obvious and others will make you stop, ponder, and introspectively reflect.
Whether you are beginning a minimalist journey, or if you just want to determine an appropriate balance of how much stuff you are able to handle comfortably, this video is for you!
Do any of these 37 signs resonate with you?
xo
Angela
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[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! Does anything on this list speak to your heart?!

[@Love_Anne]

I just came across your videos and instantly subscribed! You are so kind and beautiful. All of these resonate with me! I've been wanting to declutter and simplify our life, and create a haven from the craziness in the world, but I just can't get going! Many things contributing to my lack of enthusiasm. Maybe I will get the motivation here on your channel!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

@@Love_Anne awe, thank you Anne Marie! I hope you are able to feel encouraged here! The main takeaway I can give you is to just keep putting one foot in front of the other! If you WANT to make a change, you WILL. Even if that change takes some time!

[@takoo6843]

All of them 😅

[@kelleystout33]

​@Arrow Hill Cottage Oh my goodness, every single one of these that you listed, except one, described my home & my day to day chaotic life because of my home!! I have started the decluttering process and have removed about 15 bags of trash & 20 bags/boxes of donations so far. But I still have SUCH a long, long way to go to get my house to a place where it will be a calm, peaceful, & minimal safe haven from the rest of the hectic world around us. Your video has motivated me so much to get us there!! This is the first video of yours I have seen. After which, I quickly subscribed and am very much looking forward to watching all of your other videos!! Thank you so much for this video!! It resignated so much with me & just made so much sense to me!! I've been watching HUNDREDS of minimalism videos over the last year. But this video just really spoke to me and opened my eyes to exactly what needs to change now, in order to make permanent & lasting change in my home. And it's SO exciting to finally realize that!! Thank you so very much for that!! 😊🫶💛

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

Hi, maybe more

[@shannonw5999]

The silent signal is spot on! When my home is a mess I'll walk through it and I'm constantly thinking "I've got to do those dishes, I've got to tidy that up, I've got to fold that laundry" and it's a major stressor

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It will just nag at you until it gets attended to! Ha ha! ❤️

[@CadetRedShirt]

ADHD adds to my losing important things a lot, having a minimalist setup is really important for me to not be overstimulated

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Very very true! Simplifying would definitely be a help in that regard! ❤️

[@ACarole]

YESSSSSSSSS That would help me so much! Just getting it done is my struggle. Baby steps!

[@pnkldy74]

When I began decluttering in 2018, We had a 10x12 storage unit across town that was pack and stacked full. We went through it and trashed or donated 98% of it. The 2% that came to the house was mainly our Christmas tree and ornaments and a storage container with definitely keep (my husband’s Star Wars figures from childhood) or items that we were not sure (will probably get rid of most of those soon). This took such a huge load off our shoulders and saved us $50 a month (as of Oct this year that would be a total savings of $3000).

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wow! Great story! And what an awesome savings too! ❤️

[@michellebrooks5582]

That's great

[@brittybee6615]

It helps me to take pictures of sentimental items before I get rid of them. That way I know I’ll still have an image to help spark the memories.

[@katehenry2718]

to figure out if you want a storage rental space decide if the things you are storing could be sold for that much. Bin of old clothes worth 50 bucks? EVERY month? Box of relatives kitchen stuff worth 50 bucks EVERY month? Old chairs, furniture old lamps you'll never use.... worth 50 bucks every every every month? maybe not. donate.

[@ZurditaDinamita]

​@@katehenry2718 I'm surprised by the fact that people rent space por their store in the first place 😮 Here in Spain is not a common thing, usually we use the house as much as possible: if there's no more space, then choose between old storage or the new one 😂 This helps minimise consumerism too.

[@jennyjenkins877]

Message to those just starting out: You'll love your home more with less stuff getting in the way. I know you love your things but they are inanimate objects. I just got rid of my childhood Easter basket because I have all the fond memories of finding it Easter morning within me. If I ever decorated for Easter I would keep it but I don't and I won't so this mass-produced basket (that has been sitting unused for well over a decade) is gone and freed up a good chunk of space. Admittedly, that special item survived several rounds of decluttering before I was able to set myself free of the burden of storing it but really that was the only time I ever touched or looked at it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It does sometimes take a bit more nerve to get rid of those sentimental things! Great job recognizing that the basket wasn’t serving you anymore! ❤️

[@michellebrooks5582]

Needed to read this.....thanks

[@blikewat3r]

A tip for sentimental items that are hard to emotionally part with: take a digital picture of them and remove the physical item. The digital image can be referenced later if needed but also, many people realize those items weren’t that significant and will later remove the digital clutter of that item as well. Helps speed up the physical removal of clutter knowing that the more sentimental items haven’t entirely disappeared. Funny the mind games we play with ourselves 😉

[@zakosist]

I think something being sentimental and bringing joy can be perfectly valid reasons to keep things. We live for more than just survival. And I dont want to live in a home thats not decorated. I want to continue my hobbies too. But if its something you hardly ever use or even look at, and only feel "special" when you're particularly searching through your stuff, that is probably something you should rather get rid of. And of course the overall amount matters. To me a home has more charm when you keep personal items and have it well decorated. And in the end its up to each person to define whats important for them personally

[@jennyjenkins877]

@@zakosist Thank you for adding a thoughtful reply! I'm glad you added to the conversation that people have every right to keep what sparks joy and I totally agree; that alone can be a valid reason to hold on to something. In my Easter basket example, it was a breakthrough for me that I was ready to declutter it. I suppose the key is to declutter when that becomes what you want because the pros significantly outweigh the cons. I had kept it through several rounds of decluttering because it sparked joyful memories but I realized that they're still available to me now that the item is gone. Your lovely comment just triggered the nice memories and I can look forward to thinking about them every Easter too. 🙂

[@AMcDub0708]

I would suggest getting rid of the junk drawer all together. Common junk drawer items actually have a home. Pencils, rubber bands, tacks go in the desk, batteries in the utility closet along with light bulbs, cords, tools, etc. If you have a junk drawer, then everything by default is…..JUNK.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Well, I think a utility drawer can be useful as long as it is well categorized. We personally don’t have a desk to keep some of those random things in, nor do we have a utility closet. So our drawer holds those types of small things that everyone in the home needs access to. ❤️

[@CactusGal]

I keep some minor tools, etc., in there myself. Saves from having to run to the toolbox. I'm in that drawer several times a week. Saves time.

[@rochellena4082]

Agree.

[@jaellouis4749]

I soooo TOTALLY agree! A junk drawer by nature just becomes junkier...a place to stash random items. They either belong in the office or a utility box (in the garage). I am anti-junk drawers.

[@Buildingup2020]

So TRUE!! Was just thinking that a couple weeks ago. It seems ridiculous now to have a drawer designated for “junk” we most likely won’t use like old keys or random pieces/ parts. But the rest, like you mentioned, are useful and just need to be homed better.

[@lindawilson795]

Chronic illness makes decluttering difficult also.❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes, absolutely! I would encourage someone who is struggling with chronic illness to check out a recent video from the channel At What Cost. She speaks about some things that have helped her be able to deciliter while living with chronic illness ❤️

[@craftyhobbit7623]

There is a lady who does the Crafty Organizer youtube channel who has covered this and there is a Finnish lady who helps followers clean their homes - many of them have trouble with depression and anxiety related illnesses and illnesses/or accidents/physical trauma that affect their mobility. It's sadly a common problem and folks need more support with it - not the preachy, 'You're a hoarder and you /have/ to get rid of stuff' approach that seems to be quite common, but one that gives them practical help with organizing their home, doing DIY/repairs so they have storage space, and help with cleaning. I have arthritis and I've recently developed a painful back problem.

[@StephanieGiese]

We are in the maintenance phase after minimizing for several years. Now my biggest issue is that we actually do use everything in the house, but it’s still feeling like too much for me to manage, yet all these other people live here and have opinions, haha. Just kidding, although I do frequently ask myself questions like “do I want to keep this body pillow I only use a few times a month?” It’s practical and I do use it, but I also could probably just stack two other pillows together and not have to worry about moving it every day when I make the bed.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I think there is a level of efficiency that comes into question during that maintaining stage you mention…trying to be ultra critical and intentional about that stuff we keep. Good job! ❤️

[@CactusGal]

Keep it.

[@williamclark1244]

Another sign is when you keep buying bins to store stuff instead of getting rid of the stuff.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

True! That's a good one!

[@MegaTippee]

I love decluttering and keep this process going. Especially since my mom died and I have many heirlooms. It has been harder lately as I am reassessing her Bible teaching notes and books.... Very sentimental and of course gives me much meaning . Many notes are rather random and illegible, but because of the hours and work I really feel guilty and are holding. An. Emotional attachment.

[@SheLightsUptheDark]

I hear you on the Bible notes :) I’ve had a hard time going through my own at times.. can’t imagine what that would be like with losing someone’s so loved.. For my own after a little while usually one or in between moves I look at certain things.. but usually if if the kind of notes in homework bible study book I’m usually not one to finish those anyway.. those I usually end up parting with unless there’s a small devo I wrote for that year for the womens retreat or something.. which I don’t do often but then I may take that one out and keep in a memory box or something.. Gods word is a treasure for sure and when we treasure that in our hearts it shows.. maybe see what she treasures most from the Word and archive for making a book or scanned media file to look back on later? My great grandma did some of those things for her own journals .. I know it’s not the same as paper though.. my pastors wife passed a couple years ago and one of the sweet things we saw from our pastor was him occasionally posting a picture of her prayer lists or notes on media.. nothing super personal but lists of names of the people in our church.. finding our names there was so touching.. Maybe find a beautiful chest or box that you can place some of those treasures in and take them out for your children or family every once in a while to share the wisdom in there? It can give you some boundary to work with and help your find those and maybe have a more special place for those really neat pieces where it’s totally evident God was speaking to her heart or through her to share later with her reader.. maybe think of placing her bible in there if that box or chest or containers is big enough and keep the like things together.. maybe revisit to declutter a little at a time for more gleaning and remembering

[@GoogleGoogle-fy3cj]

I have done several declutterings but more needs to be done. When I started we had 2 sheds and a storage space. I adopted a capsule wardrobe and I love it. Donated stuff in the storage space to my daughter, my granddaughters and the Salvation Army. I can see progress because now everything has a place and when my husband asks where something is, I can usually tell him exactly where the item is. I developed a simple system for handling bills and mail. I decluttered and shredded a ton of old paperwork and receipts. I am so pleased with my progress. Next, we have to tackle the 2 sheds. My plan is to get rid of everything in them except Christmas decorations, lawn equipment, lawn furniture, snowblower and basic tools.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great work! It’s an amazing feeling to know where everything is, isn’t it? ❤️

[@patjackson3506]

My junk drawer is screaming at me! I keep looking at it and closing it back. I’m going to tackle it once and for all! Thanks for all your inspiration!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

You will feel so much better when it’s gone through! Best of luck! ❤️

[@LightFigure888]

Call it a utility drawer. Only useful things in there. Odd, but useful. Then you won’t have a Junk drawer

[@pasta_girl]

“If anything spoke to you-” yes, all of them. I already knew the answer before I clicked on this video I just needed to hear it before I go into work mode tonight to get my life back in order. The biggest sign is I’m constantly overwhelmed by my space and it’s taking time from other things bc it’s yelling at me…

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Good for you! I hope this channel can be your accountability partner! ❤️

[@earthmamma85]

I’m Ashley, and I have tooooooooo much stuff. I spend most of my day cleaning and organizing and it’s soul crushing.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m sorry to hear that! I hope that you can start eliminating the clutter soon and find peace in your life! ❤️ if there is anything specific you would like help with don’t hesitate to ask!

[@juliab8992]

"demoted" shoes! 😂 SO RELATABLE!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Right?!? What makes those things so hard to get rid of?!?

[@colleenmarin8907]

I love the Corelle plates - they take up less space and are super easy to clean!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! We have been really liking how user friendly they are! ❤️

[@waterfallpeace8057]

Good morning. We went through our spice cabinet & found multiples that were expired & pushed to the back. Needless to say, we decluttered & put the spices we frequently use in a lazy susan organizer. Now it refreshing to be able to reach for a spice to cook now that it's organized. Thanks for your input.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s wonderful! Easy access to the things you actually use is so very helpful! Nice work! ❤️

[@AlphabetRock]

I think it's a bit different when you have a huge house versus a small 500 square foot apartment.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That smaller house will definitely feel ‘full’ a lot faster!

[@peterowen4456]

35 out of 37 - work to do. They all rang a bell. Another helpful video.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@simplefarmhousefamily383]

You have so many ideas. I waited a few days to watch this because I thought well I know I still have too much but you did an excellent job showing different ways to see how all this stuff affects day to day life! Genius!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Happy it was helpful! ❤️

[@debbiehuffman3379]

I love this video it enlightens us on being aware of how the amount of stuff we have effects our life. Thank you.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Glad it could help! ❤️

[@Sunshine-fy4fz]

Love love love this! Just the reality check that I needed to hear.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m glad! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@1213LB]

Incredible. I have NEVER related more to a video than this one. I checked most of these boxes and yes I already knew I had too much stuff but hearing it all in one video gives me the boost I need to keep going with letting go.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s great! I’m glad it was helpful to you! ❤️

[@JesusVillanueva]

I also feel seen. This video has brought what has been at the back of my mind for month to the forefront, so many things on their list apply to me, no open horizontal surface, piled and stack of items all over the place, it feels overwhelming... But I'm going to try to work on one category or area at a time. Today I'll get my dining table back.

[@charmingintrovert3240]

This was wonderful Angela, such an encouragement for all of us! Your message really resonates with me and I am sure that it won't be long before your channel grows and grows!💕💐🤗

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awe, thank you! ❤️

[@margaret1336]

Put it in the time will tell box❤❤.

[@nanaman]

To let go of the memories that “things” have is very difficult. Thank you for your advice.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@kelleystout33]

​@Arrow Hill Cottage Oh my goodness, every single one of these that you listed, except one, described my home & my day to day chaotic life because of my home!! I have started the decluttering process and have removed about 15 bags of trash & 20 bags/boxes of donations so far. But I still have SUCH a long, long way to go to get my house to a place where it will be a calm, peaceful, & minimal safe haven from the rest of the hectic world around us. Your video has motivated me so much to get us there!! This is the first video of yours I have seen. After which, I quickly subscribed and am very much looking forward to watching all of your other videos!! Thank you so much for this video!! It resignated so much with me & just made so much sense to me!! I've been watching HUNDREDS of minimalism videos over the last year. But this video just really spoke to me and opened my eyes to exactly what needs to change now, in order to make permanent & lasting change in my home. And it's SO exciting to finally realize that!! Thank you so very much for that!! 😊🫶

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s wonderful! I’m so happy this video has been helpful! Blessings on your journey! ❤️

[@kelleystout33]

@@ArrowHillCottage Thank you so very much!! ❤️ 🫶😊

[@liz650]

This was VERY helpful!! I can relate to everything you shared.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@brg2743]

A few garage, basement and shed items need to go for sure. Little by little it is either getting put in the trash or going to the Goodwill. The load is lifting.😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Good job! ❤️

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

This was the most helpful video I’ve seen on decluttering. Great points and really good editing.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m so glad you found it helpful! ❤️

[@kimleis5184]

Perfectly said!!! This is all me… I definitely have a problem. 12:16

[@merry.minimalism]

Well I feel called out 😅

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Same! Like I said, We’ve experienced everything on this list! ❤️

[@amylucier]

Thanks for the video! Great signs to look for!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@alanbirkner1958]

I helped my friend declutter her 3(three) car garage and full basement (with many bookcases full of stuff). She had garage sales, gave things to charity, and more. Tina, Al's wife

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s awesome! ❤️

[@rockyrodriguez3984]

I appreciate finding more channels regarding simplicity and minimalism to help motivate my husband and me more! Thanks for this as we watched this together and realize we outgrew all these signs a couple of years ago and doing better as far as our spending and monitoring our consumption of things… a big struggle for us are shoes though as we love shoes.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awesome! Great job! ❤️

[@katmaciag5510]

That's a very helpful video. Thank you. It all gets even harder in a small house.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes, I agree! Much more noticeable in a small space! ❤️

[@kennethbailey9853]

Always a Blessing!🙂🙂

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! ❤️ have a wonderful day!

[@mommieswinetoo1647]

Sooo helpful and eye opening!!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awesome! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@AdrienneJung.M]

Yes to all of the above!

[@debbiestrang7774]

Great ideas. Thank you 😊 You have a lovely home.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@user-pz8ii6ce4k]

First video for me to see of yours - and now SUBSCRIBED!! TY!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much! Glad you found it useful! ❤️

[@trex3003]

This was a VERY helpful video. It's really useful information, possibly the best decluttering meta information out there.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m so happy it was helpful to you! ❤️

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

This message is talking to me.. Thank you!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@SandraLemenaite]

Whoaaaaaa this is ENLIGHTENING for me.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m glad it was helpful to you! ❤️

[@sadieguenther1948]

Thank you good advice for all of us!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! ❤️

[@JMK719]

Feeling burden by my stuffs is the EXACT feeling and words I’ve been telling myself. It’s one of the biggest reasons I’m decluttering my life. I wasn’t intentionally looking to be a minimalist, I was just feeling extremely overwhelmed. It’s ironic how the things that we thought we love and got them to make us happy and content turns out to be the very things that stress us out. I took the opportunity of moving from one state to another to declutter. I donated quite a bit. But I still have too much, way more than what I really need to live comfortably. Next month is my birthday and I’ve committed to put at least one thing everyday in my donation bin for this whole month until my birthday and will probably continue to do that until I feel I can manage what I have. During this process I noticed that letting go was so hard. I started with the easy ones which I know for sure I don’t want anymore, but eventually it’s getting more difficult because I’m getting to the things that I adore or have sentimental values although I clearly don’t use them often or at all. This process will definitely teach me how to let go of things in life, more than just materials.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Slow and steady, and making progress towards a goal! You can do it!! ❤️

[@theodore961]

this was a great video keep up the brilliant work and have a good day.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much. I hope you have a good day as well! ❤️

[@cristin794]

Great video! Good reality check.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! Happy it was helpful! ❤️

[@Kate-lo1in]

Great list!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! ❤️

[@ladykupo]

A huge issue we have at my household is we have zero storage areas. Our basements floods, we arent able to store anything down there. We have no attic, shed, or garage. We have on closet in our older, ranch style home. I am so incredibly overwhelmed everyday. We are looking to move, but it may be awhile with the current state of the housing market. So each day, i am just stressed and anxious and have no idea where to put anything. I'm watching these videos to get ideas, but I know our case is not the usual. We have three young children.

[@craftyhobbit7623]

I find this is a major problem - the lack of storage space. I like to read, have a dvd and cd collection, and do crafts like cross stitch and make miniatures. I don't like getting rid of books since I tend to like ones which are out of print, aren't generally sold in bookshops because they are full of popular best sellers/or by authors who are mostly published over seas (the sci-fi genre is one of the worst for this) or are expensive academic books. (I don't like reading on a screen because I can't get lost in the book as easily and not /all/ books make great e-books - only short and medium length fiction seems to do that. My cd collection is made up of a lot of niche music and digital files is not the same as having it on CD or Vinyl. DVDs could be solved by watching online, but that usually requires a subscription service, or I've found episodes are badly edited/or have been completely removed from a streaming listing. I stopped collecting sci-fi/fantasy memorabilia years ago because there is no space to display it so I enjoy books and dvds instead. The size of a home can have a negative impact if it is small and it stops me from enjoying all the hobbies I like.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That definitely sounds like a challenging situation! When it comes down to it though, there should be very little that actually needs to be stored/ packed away. Everything else should be conveniently placed for use. If you can utilize baskets or furniture pieces for that type of ‘storage’ that might help ❤️

[@juliab8992]

Did you start easy and progress to harder stuff? Because I made it over halfway through the video patting myself on the back and agreeing how much better life is having decluttered so many things... But around the 7 min mark, I started to feel SEEN ha ha! The Christmas bins!!! I used to go ALL out, forcing the family to participate in a big evening of decorating hoping to create some cherishable memories... but the last 2 years, we've done a family vacation around the holidays instead of presents, so I have "skimped" on decor. I found lights and garland are gorgeous on a tree, no ornaments needed 🙂 I am sooo tempted to get rid of those 2 totes full of forgotten festivity... "But what if I want to over decorate again one day" 😳🤦‍♀️ Anyway, that was my "ah-ha" moment here, I am exactly where you said, somewhere between "have I decluttered enough or too much" as I have both an extremely sparse kitchen stuff (life changing to have decluttered there!) And I still have the jam-packed, under the basement stairs, "just in case" clutter 😂. Ok, I'm headed back to see what else I still need to declutter in the next 5 min of your video! 😂 Congrats - you got yourself a new sub!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! I’ve been there! That’s how I created the list, remember? 😂 good luck! You can do it! ❤️

[@anacorona6234]

😁 thank you my friend.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@janehogan8127]

CHAOS='s Can't Have Anyone Over Systrom My house is yelling at me and all that happens next is I freeze...where do i start or how do I get motivated, the million dollar question! HELP!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Start with something very small and with low commitment. My most recent video gives 15 ideas on where to start! ❤️

[@BRuthable]

OMG I can’t believe I have thought these things. Maybe 3 things were new that didn’t apply to me but you and I agree on the others. I just realized part of my problem this week. I buy things for a specific purpose but already have something that I could use. I absolutely do feel overwhelmed and have said that to friends. I will not get a storage unit because if I have to store it, I do not need it. I usually cleared out in early years moving with my husband’s job but now he is deceased and we have been in this house 44 years. I am working on it every day so eventually it will get done if I live long enough. Thanks for feeling I’m not alone.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Blessings on your journey!!! ❤️

[@terrya2849]

I couldn't stop laughing when you said you demoted your tennis shoes after you got a new pair. Thanks for the laugh. I appreciate your presentations.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Thanks! ❤️

[@danicegewiss862]

I'm always decluttering. My husband and I went camping. I decided to declutter some of our camping supplies. He said you really can't stop can you. I said not when we have unnecessary supplies. We eat separately because the dog tries to steal our food. She's very well fed. Def not starving.

[@JohnSmith-4U]

Excellent tips and advice….There is sense of peace when your life is de-clutter

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I agree! So much peace! ❤️

[@digital_mixtape]

Very helpful video!

[@dorothyelder1534]

I just found you tonight. Thank you for a super video. Everything resonated with me. I am heading to my hot press to see what I can get rid of.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Best wishes on your journey! ❤️

[@mamamacgyver]

I have a that hold ALL of my pretty thing, sentimental thing, and just things I LIVE. I don’t want the stuff all around my house and I don’t want to get rid of it. So, I’ve found a way to keep it, set it out for me to see and look at it, use it occasionally, keep it all in one neat and orderly place.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s great! ❤️

[@dollyjohnston561]

I finally managed to declutter my autistic sisters bedroom. This has been a struggle for her and she fought me until today. I took the oprions away from her. I did a swedish death clean. Once everything was out of her room, she was onboard with going through and getting rid of stuff. My mom helped, too. I was shocked at how helpful they both were. They both love to collect stuff. My sisters room is clean!!!! It is organized!!! Bins/containers are labeled. She is still going through her clothes. But seriously, she had 117 dice scattered throughout her room. A lot of her clutter was tiny things that had no home, no purpose and ended up in the trash. 3 garbage bags of trash. A huge load donated to a local rummage sale, outdated vhs tapes that are being donated to goodwill. I ordered her a dvd book to store cds and dvds. Those took up 2 totes and massive space in her closet. She is just not ready to let go of them. I also found 10 bottles of laundry detergent in her room. None of which we use (I use Norwex). She lied to me a lot today, but I kept my cool and kept going. No judgement, no frustration. We kept it calm. She was very tired when we stopped for the day. 😅

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wow! That’s incredible news! It is wonderful that she has loving people by her side guiding her. I’m sure she will absolutely thrive with a more organized and clean environment!! ❤️

[@GoogleGoogle-fy3cj]

No doubt, decluttering can exhaust some people emotionally.

[@ready4reiki]

This was great! Thank you.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@inspiredrecipes]

Wow, I have almost all the signs! but it is just so hard to rid of stuff. Especially kids stuff, I am not sure what to keep and what to let go off. Thank you so much for this video. I am now watching your other videos.👍

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! I hope my videos are helpful! ❤️

[@BigSmashKing]

Hi there mama to 7 kiddos ;) I just wanted to say make sure it is not your emotional attachment to your kids stuff! Many times our kids are done with something and don't ever reach for it anymore, but we are the ones who won't let it go, 😂 ask me how I know lol

[@erinlikesacornishpasty4703]

It might help if you looked at some developmental guidelines for certain toys or objects to help you and and your kids declutter more easily. And yeah, if its YOUR emotional attachment, then the item is effectively yours and not theirs. That's kinda odd. I experienced that with my parent, and its actually been sort of burdensome. My parent kept many things from when I was very small because my parent was emotionally attached to them, but as far as I knew, they were NEVER mine and I didn't care about them at all. In the process of storing all those things for so long, they got damaged, so they couldn't even be donated or sold, or passed on to future generations. So, sure, it's important for kids to have a lot of options to play, but it's important to be mindful of what's actually serving them developmentally.

[@cammiehupp3049]

Yes I'm 5 of them lol Thank you for the motivation!!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@thewovenknotcrochetthehand4721]

Very helpful list! In process of major downsizing and it seems like it will happen in phases. Big phase is in progress but looks like another round or two will be needed:) 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Good luck! You’ve got this! ❤️

[@thewovenknotcrochetthehand4721]

@@ArrowHillCottage thank you 😊

[@soravelllanos7715]

This is great! Thank you❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@ItCantRainForever2]

I had to re-watch this one. I'm back at it

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! This is your year! ❤️

[@munirasultana2313]

Great tips 👌

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! ❤️

[@erinlikesacornishpasty4703]

I gotta say, I'm a little mad at "minimalism". I'm a natural essentialist; meaning, I've really never had an issue keeping things that are essential for the life I actually live and getting rid of the stuff I don't need, use, or like. I did grow up with a parent that has a problem with hoarding, as in that parent aquires and keeps things that stimulate some kind of emotional response, but aren't usually very practical. And I sometimes start to emulate that behavior, even though it's not really very natural for me. My parent often felt guilty about having nice things, and would try to offload the guilt by getting rid of the nice stuff pretty chaotically. A lot of the stuff was MY stuff (or other family members things) and it was difficult for me to realize that some things actually make my life easier, because I kept having my stuff "decluttered". It was terribly chaotic. I'm sure people who have been helped by minimalism will claim what I'm describing isn't "real minimalism", but it IS. My parent was trying very hard to control the clutter using many of the techniques minimalists recommended. The problem is that you can't usually control your emotional attachment to stuff just by having less, you probably should decide which stuff is actually necessary for life.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It sounds like the way you are managing your belongings now is working well for you, so that’s great! ❤️

[@BL-rb7jm]

I think another indicator that you have too much in your house is when you wake up and the first thing you think of is, I wonder what i'm gonna do with my stuff today. I wonder how long it's gonna take me to clean out my closet. I wonder this I wonder if I should take this to the thrift store. When you wake up in the morning, you're supposed to be thinking about things that make you happy. Not things that Burden your thoughts as soon as you wake up. I'm realizing that that was my case and i'm still working on getting rid of stuff that I don't need. I had a car accident and I became a hoarder, Because of the pain, I would go and buy things that would create happy thoughts and endorphens. I broke my collar bone in the car accident. And and I was in so much pain for a few years and I couldn't even bade myself. I felt like I was in my ninetyes because women would have to come over and wash my clothing. Wash everything including my boddy. So for me it was an emotional reliever. And now that I don't have nearly as much pain because of physio and Proper therapy I noticed I got way too much. And because of that accident, where somebody hit me and went to a red light I suffered. PSTD. And it came out as a hoarder. So now I have a bunch of stuff😂😂😂

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s so true! If your first thoughts are about your stuff…you probably have too much! I’m sorry to hear about your accident and resulting injuries and ptsd! Glad to hear, though, that you’ve recovered well and are making positive changes in your life for your well being! ❤️

[@BL-rb7jm]

😅 When you said there's items in your house that you can't find a match to, I say I wish I could 😂. Problem solved. Nothing a fire truck couldn't handle.thats how i feel sometimes.

[@susanmakiha9838]

Good grief, there were FAR too many points applicable to me 😮😅

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Just remember…I’ve experienced them all too! :) ❤️

[@rachaelbruesch6306]

Guilty as charged Ma'am! I'm working on decluttering my stuff. 🎉 My husband on the other hand, not so much 😢

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Perhaps he will get inspired by your progress! ❤️

[@lizzabbott]

Wonnnderful ! Thank you so much !

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@nerd_alert927]

Reading, sewing, (oil) painting those are legit the things I would do if I wasn't trying to clean every day. We were minimalist, I don't know what happened (maybe when we had our child), but we are trying to get back to that life where we used to do the things we enjoyed and had a calm peaceful home. Now, it's just trying to clean the house all the time. We get anxious when we come home because my husband and I know we need to declutter. So, I've just been watching these kinds of motivating videos for a couple of days to get my mind back to simple living.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh my goodness, I hear you! Those little humans can add a lot of clutter! You recognize that you don’t like the feeling of excess now though, so you are well on your way to making positive changes! Blessings on your journey! ❤️

[@LeendaRella]

Great video, thank you and I am now subscribed❤️

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@avaraquel]

Thanks!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@annatheawesome1]

Watched this as a reminder of why I keep trying to reduce. At this point every one of these, besides the parts with children, apply. Is it any wonder why everyday is stressful?

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Too much clutter can be very stressful indeed! ❤️

[@moonshynegirl172]

Red lentils! Organizing my pantry and found seven packages of red lentils! I put them in the pantry and forget to make them. Of course, there are many other areas that are over cluttered

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It’s crazy what we can find when decluttering!!!

[@paulineniles370]

I definitely have too much stuff. I can identify with almost every point you have made. I have been working on it but I need to speed it up. It is just hard to believe I won't these things in the future. I just have to let them go. Thanks for the many helpful tips.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Most things that people tend to hold onto for ‘just in case’ reasons are of fairly low value ($50 or less)…and could be replaced if getting rid of it was a mistake. I always feel like the benefit of not having the clutter overrides the cost of potentially needing to replace something I’ve donated. ❤️

[@kikitaube-hansen]

A very good video. Thank you for this one. All your points are so true. It´s an every repeating cycle and we have to work on it. Again and again and.....

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! These same signs pop up in my life still, on occasion! It’s just easier to recognize them now! ❤️

[@BL-rb7jm]

For me I'm too busy because I got so much to do that. If I have a invitation to a backyard party, I can't make it. 3 times I had my friend invite me over. And each time I couldn't make it. And she even said I'll come and pick you up. Or she said I made your favorite dessert and everybody else is gonna eat it. If you don't come, LOL. So this last time I thought to myself. It may be the last invitation if I don't go out of my way and please her. So it gets pretty bad when you can't make a party. Because you're too consumed with cleaning up or organizing your junk. I didn't want to lose my friend . So I got my butt into gear and I pushed myself and made sure. I disciplined myself and got things done faster and I gave myself a whole week before to do it. I didn't want to be selfish mind you. I did not have everything all done but I thought I can always go back to my material. Possessions but family and friends could die unpredictably. And I would regret putting my material belongings or possessions ahead of my family and friends. You think about what's happening in this world? With floods and fires and earthquake and the recent fire on Maui. Things can go and come and go but friends are more important

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great perspective! ❤️

[@almudenagonzalez760]

Este es uno de los mejores vídeos sino el mejor que he visto , estas señales son las que llevo teniendo media vida y arruinan el tiempo libre !!! Llevo más de un año regalando cosas ahora me sobran hasta muebles , no hay nada como un espacio despejado 💕💕💕Saludos desde Madrid

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you so much! I’m happy to hear that this topic resonated with you, and that you are well on your way to a more simple life! ❤️

[@RTAV108]

You had me actually pause the video, get up and open the kitchen cabinets to have the 50th look in last couple of months and take out the unused/unopened excess stuff that always has been on the back of my mind. No more procrastination!! I have accumulated excess steel utensils over the years in order to get rid of the subpar plastic containers, nonstick and aluminum cookware many of them broken but were still in use, which my MIL had accumulated!! Due to borewell hard water quality, now maintaining even top-notch stainless steel has become a headache in our new location. Also, I have upgraded to our traditional Indian cookware such as bronze, indigenous cast-iron and earthen pots; and glassware for food-grocery storage. So, for days together my kitchen has been screaming at me to declutter. But the guilty thought of getting rid of utensils that are in perfect condition has been bothering me on the other hand. Also, the never ending 'what if we need these extra sets of dinnerware when there are more than 8-10 usual relatives/guests'. But now I am going to be practical about it and make a bin of items that I have not used ever and/or probably will never use ever again; and donate them. Believe me I have been decluttering and giving away items every 4-5 months past 3 years after I am finally in charge of my own kitchen, but still I feel mentally cluttered though it is actually not much compared to other households. However, as you would agree, I NEED TO DO IT if it silently bothers me all the while just looking around or even knowing that I have things stacked in the back that I am never going to use. I love your channel and love the honesty and clarity of your thought process when it comes to home making. I have been your subscriber since you had around 1100 subscribers, and used to wonder why you have so less subscribers. I am happy to see you have grown to 10K count and wish you the best!! Edited after 2 hours: Done! Emptied at least 2 cabinets worth space!! some brand-new unopened items to be donated, some used ones to be given away. Confession: While emptying space, I already have some items in my amazon + ikea cart that I will be ordering, but they are more like shelf liners and such, so I guess it is okay. Thank you for getting it done from me!!! Love from Bhārat (i.e. India).

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you for your very kind words! I am so excited for you to embrace this journey and experience the peace that comes with it! It sounds like you are making some very positive steps! ❤️

[@rosehunter7788]

I love dishes so when my granddaughter got older I was so happy to go back to dishes!😂 We are still in the long process. My husband is coming along so well. Organized his kitchen, still too much in it but it is a start!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Sometimes the process seems slow…but you are going at just the right pace! ❤️

[@pimeshpjp7057]

Very nice beautiful vlog. Thanks you

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@pimeshpjp7057]

@@ArrowHillCottage Thanks you madam

[@ACarole]

I also have used Jenga as a verb 😂 So appropriate!! 😂

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha Ha! ❤️

[@pastichehaus]

I need to declutter. #facts

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Knowing is half the battle! ❤️

[@deb1130]

Very nice presentation! Served as a positive reinforcement (because I always feel like there’s more to be done) for me to realize just how much I have accomplished in simplifying my space

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m happy it was helpful! Definitely celebrate those accomplishments! ❤️

[@luludiamond1182]

I’ve been “delayering” (registered) for about 25 years now. About that long ago, I rightsized from a 3 br, 1500+sf home into an 800sf seaside, cottage style ranch. Also replaced a high stress, city commute corporate job with a very different lifestyle. Mother Nature remains my primary leisure/entertainment. I’ve always said that I wouldn’t move until I could fit comfortably here. Getting there. Love your “lists”. I’m very comfortable with lists and outlines. Still need to complete attic emptying ( as much due to difficulty of access as items obviously not needed. Except I’m keeping my sewing machine 😉). My clothing drawers are tidy, but you just brought awareness to my need to clear and org several kitchen/ dining area drawers👍 AND , I really need to sell/ give/ gift my US Art Pottery collection that is STORED in one of my few closets! I ❤️ Your Presentation Style. (Feels very genuine a& non-judgmental ) I ❤️ Your Suggestions ( many which are reminders toSelf!) I ❤️ finding Your Channel. It will help me focus My Goal is to be cleared enough to rent or sell my major asset!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m so happy to hear that my videos are helpful to you! Thanks so much for watching! ❤️

[@laminage]

When it comes to The House Keys, some folks put them in a Bowl near the Hallway with a Table, so it's easy to find. I keep my House/Car Keys in a compartment in my Purse and My Bus Pass in another compartment which are easy to find in the morning. Not to judge but if you live in a House with Fellows who aren't exactly neat or clean you have to be on top of keeping the house clean. When he was alive, My Father used My Sister's Old Room as a "Cave" and he was very territorial about having it cleaned. When he died, I did a major cleaning and now we use it to keep stuff. I think he was making up for what he didn't have as a little boy growing up. Alot of My Uncles were like that as well.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I have heard that same thought about many people who went through tough times as children ❤️

[@laminage]

@@ArrowHillCottage Exactly! If you remember the "Original" Version of The wonder years, Jack Arnold was a tightwad. However he may have grown up during the depression, and while he let Karen & Wayne get away with alot, he was tougher on Kevin because he knew Kevin was more stable. remember the episode where Kevin worked as a Caddy, got $20.00 which was alot in 1969 and instead of saving The Money for a New Album or The Pizza Joint, he treated his Father which was so admirable.

[@sadieguenther1948]

Really had to subscribed

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awe, thank you!!❤️

[@steftastic2645]

Hahaha this whole video felt way too personal, but I absolutely need and love that. 😅

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha! Like I said... I could make the list because I did all the things! ♥

[@danikeebler1662]

I am not a minimalist, but I constantly drop bags of stuff off at rhe thrift stores. My friends come over and they decluttered after seeing my home. I am on the edge of having too much. Yes I can put my car in the garage, BUT. Yes my table tops are usable, BUT. The one NO I have is guests coming over and not being embarrassed or try to avoid inviting people in. That would be a no. My door bell rang and my heart sank. Oooh noooo. It turned out to be a package. I want people to come over for game/ movie night. I want to share my space. I have a nice home but the clutter/ mess is my excuse to keep people out. I have a termite inspection as soon as I schedule it. It has to be magazine ready before I will open the door especially a exterminator.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It sounds like you are ready to move forward and take control of your belongings! Good for you! ❤️

[@JontueScent]

I'm guilty on most points. I'm in the process of a major declutter and organizing.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Starting is one of the most difficult steps! You’ve got this! ❤️

[@missshuffleuk]

I have lots of stuff, so Lamy clothes , shoes , kids toys but I don't have extra storage to put them anywhere, no garage , no shed etc

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That sounds like a tough situation. Is it starting to feel overwhelming to you at all? ❤️

[@NonaMaryGrace1952]

Very good advice, thank you for sharing this with us. 💕NonnaGrace 🐓

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@BL-rb7jm]

There's one woman that I really like watching on KZbin. And her name is doctor Lori. She's had about thirty years of experience with antiques. Everything that you can imagine including costume jewelry. She knows her stuff. But she said that once a month you should open your china cabinet. Because the heat in the china cabinet is terrible for your antiques or any valuables.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh interesting! Never knew that! ❤️

[@RoxannePonds]

I just found you and I swear, you are talking directly to me. You may as well have said “Roxanne, listen as I name off these points.” Wow! 😳 This video has been extremely eye opening for me. How do you deal with the sentimental attachment ?? It is a HUGE struggle for me.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Hi Roxanne! So glad you found the channel! I’ll be happy to help in any way I can! As far as sentimental attachments go, you are definitely not alone - that is a challenge for many people! I have done a couple videos on the subject if you search my channel. ❤️

[@RoxannePonds]

@@ArrowHillCottage ok great! I will go find them. I told my husband at lunch today about watching last night and how you were talking about us! He said where do you want to start 🙌🏻☺️ I will be doing a deep dive into more of your videos. Thank you!! I know I will have more questions. ♥️

[@zakosist]

3:37 I have done that a couple times, but it wasn't even "later realized", I knew I had it but just couldn't find it for a longer time than I found acceptable. I dont have much of the other problems listed so far (mostly because my home is relatively big), but I have many things I do not use and dont really want to keep either. I want to de-clutter, especially since Im going to move in a few years, but also have to be careful because there are some items in my home that dont belong to me only. I also care about disposing of it responsible when possible, either donating or recycling the things that can be reused. But that gets hard because I dont have a car myself and would have to wait and depend on others to drive me to the sites

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I wonder if your local thrift stores would be willing to do pickup for you? I know that some in our area do! The epilepsy foundation, for example, will pick up items directly from curbside!!❤️

[@queenmarynovelwriter5397]

I live pretty minimal now because I an temporarily living overseas but I'll remember the tips for when I move back home.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Has it been freeing for you to have less to care for?

[@queenmarynovelwriter5397]

@@ArrowHillCottage I have always been a very organized person and good house keeper but now with less room and knowing I'll have to leave or donate whatever I leave behind I am more conscious of what I bring into the condo.