17 DECLUTTER Habits that have TRANSFORMED my home!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

What habits do YOU use? I'd love to hear!

[@KathyLange-p8t]

I say repeatedly (in my head) while shopping, "I'm old and my basement is full" lol. I really do!!!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh my goodness, I just laughed out loud! I guess that’s one way to keep extra clutter out! Lol! ❤️

[@KathyLange-p8t]

😂❤😂

[@AllTheThingsOfHome]

😂 love it

[@janetstraw191]

Love this!! 🤣🙋‍♀️🥰‼️

[@geavisser7339]

İ am taking this advice 😊

[@laurafitlin9486]

On garbage day, I clean out the refrigerator and I look around the house for any that can be thrown out

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s a great idea! ❤️

[@kimsnader8777]

I game-ified my decluttering in 2 ways. First, I give myself a defined space (a certain number of bins, a certain quantity of shelf or rod space, a closet, a certain sized drawer) for each category of items (tools, clothing, cookware, hobby supplies, etc). Then, as I use an item and return it to the designated storage space, I place it to the left. Over time, it's easy to see that the things perpetually on the right are not my favorites or useful, so become easier to purge. Then I reduce the size of the "designated space" for that category. Second, I periodically challenge myself to "make do" with fewer items in a category. That may mean a month of wearing a capsule wardrobe that would fit in a single piece of luggage. Or maybe cooking for a week with a minimal kit, forcing myself to adapt recipes to available tools and to broaden my skills using the tools allowed. This helps to break some lazy habits that lead to having a lot of specialized items and strenghtens my creativity and skills at achieving the desired outcome with less stuff.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

These tips sound great! Wonderful that it is working for you! ❤️

[@kennethbailey9853]

Took me years in the process but I now have been in a tidy home for more years than that process took. 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! ❤️

[@kennethbailey9853]

Did I say thank you for every thing You have taught in every single teaching???THANK YOU KIND LADY !!!😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m so happy to hear that! ❤️

[@StephanieGiese]

This is all such great advice! We are in the maintenance phase, so my best habits now are that I try to clean one room every day and also organize one thing in that room. This would have seemed impossible when I first started, because we had so much stuff that just tidying the room to be able to clean could have taken an hour. But now it only takes like ten minutes from start to finish, because when surfaces are clear all you have to do is wipe things down. So today, for example, I am cleaning the living room which just means dusting a few surfaces and washing one window. I only had to move one coaster and the tv remote to be able to get started. And while I’m in here (and watching your video on my phone while I do it), I also organized our bookshelf and took a handful of unused books out to our donation box. Yesterday I cleaned the kitchen and organized one drawer. The day before that I cleaned the bathroom and went through the medicine cabinet, etc.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

So great! The maintenance place is super rewarding! ❤️

[@laurafitlin9486]

❤

[@lauriepowell3959]

@ 11:53. What charming Christmas ornaments!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

❤️

[@ginabess619]

I love the gallery style approach I always used to think I have to fill my wall to look balanced but not anymore, it’s so true how you said this, I’m also new to your channel, love the minimalism movement!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Those pieces really stand out so much better when not surrounded by so many random things! ❤️

[@heatherframpton9693]

Ongoing process of decluttering & getting rid of unused items at our home 😁

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Always!!! But the effort is worth it! ❤️

[@karenrich9092]

People say, "If I clean out the garage, I can park the car in it." In our case, we measured the garage and our cars. Even if we took out EVERYTHING, there wouldn't be room for a car. So, we made the garage divided into different storage areas. And I do agree that you need to change your systems for the seasons of your life.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I don’t know why some people build such shallow garages! We once lived in a house built in 1903. It had a carriage house out back that we baaaaarely fit our mini van into. No way would it fit an suv of today’s size! Ha ha! ❤️

[@joswearingen3507]

The lack of upper cabinets would drive me nuts. I’m tall, having to dig into lower cabinets would be a daily frustration.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Yeah it probably isn’t for everyone! We are average height people and one of our daughters can’t lift her hands above her head…so lower cabs work well for us! ❤️

[@GlendaGriffin-do1du]

I'm 5' so this would be a lifesaver to me. No more need for stepstool

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! We wanted our kitchen to be accessible for all of us, adults and kids! ❤️

[@mountaingirl1797]

Open shelves are nice‼️👍🏻… gets rid of those upper cabinets …and opens up your space…😁

[@rml54]

Thanks for today's video -I have a subtitle for your KZbin channel..." having an excellent life with help from Angela!" and... You look soooooo happy when you mention garbage day!!! 🌲

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Thanks for the subtitle! The funny thing is, our garbage is picked up every week but we only bring it out every 2 weeks because we wait until the bins are full. ❤️

[@atwlr7320]

I always ask myself, Where will you store this? That cuts down on a lot of purchases.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Good one! ❤️

[@Annie-j1v]

What an encouragement this is! I’ve been doing really well with decluttering and now I’ve have hit a wall with sentimental items…. But your list reaffirms that I am making progress and working to maintain the changes. A new habit I’ve started is picking up the living room every night (and my husband helps! Yah!) and I wash the dishes and put them on a drying mat to put away while I make breakfast in the morning. Small changes but a lovely start to the morning routine. Lastly, attempting to have a no buy 2024 except for food and body items. So far so good.😊. Love your videos and desire to help others with your knowledge.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh wow! A no buy year would be very difficult for my household - but I would love to try it someday! Please check in and let me know how you’re doing as the year goes on. Also, the habit of picking up every night is a great one! Good teamwork between you and your husband! ❤️

[@janetstraw191]

Your shoe-storage bench is genius!!👍🙋‍♀️👏👏🥰‼️

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! We really thought out the design, and my husband made it come to life! ❤️

[@mawawohuuuschwarz3721]

Thank you so much. So many very very helpful tips in one single video. You really put the decluttering concept to test even in making this video - every single idea seems to be based on lots of experience, especially in a household with children. Thanks a lot.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m happy to hear the video was helpful! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@jogiese3483]

Great advice and I really like the shoe rack at your back door.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! My husband worked wonders there! ❤️

[@ruthemck8512]

❤ your ideas. I watch many decluttering videos in an effort so that something sticks. There are so many facets to this way of life. I want to learn & adopt good habits. So many good nuggets here. Thank you for your take on things. 👍

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes, I watch a bunch of different people. Everyone has different ideas so I like the variety! ❤️

[@xpsxps1339]

@@ArrowHillCottage Definitely! Everyone's life is different; everyone has at least a bit different experience, so if something doesn't work, there's always an option to try a different approach until we find what fits us. My newest approach is - only buying things that I immediately spend = I am not purchasing anything in bulk unless it's not planned to be used "immediately" and I strictly refuse any freebies, no matter what it is.

[@nicolejohanna2178]

Great video! I try and gift my daughter more items that will be used up or be consumed. It helps a lot’

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes, that is super helpful! ❤️

[@amonralice2]

Hey, Angela. ❤ Love these tips on the habit of decluttering.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@dantosinferne]

Wow! Your husband is very skilled! Lucky woman!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

He is! We make a great team, if I do say so myself! ❤️

[@solarhydrowind]

I guess my main tip that I've been following...is to Go Slow! My elderly parents were babies in the 1930s and want to keep everything, and, without trying to, I guess I think that way too....(when I actually try to take something out of my home!!!). So, I have put lots of stuff into these categories: storage with family, recycled lits of stuff, threw stuff out, took stuff to thrift and charity shops. The kind of amazing thing is that it still looks cluttered in here to me at times! Loved your advice!!! I've subscribed because you are really pleasant to listen to and you make a lit of sense to me!!!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you for subscribing! Happy to be a part of your journey! ❤️

[@bigbubblespopacord4194]

Pickin my butt up with both hands and making myself do something, anything! 😊 would be a great habit!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

😂

[@jenforbes661]

5 min on a time

[@IndiBex86]

These are great tips!! I love the idea of gallery decorating and reverse decluttering! I'm subscribed now. Thanks so much for this video!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

If you try it out I’m sure you’ll love it! ❤️

[@claudiarepp4471]

Great reminders. Next to a small daily declutter on my ways through the house, we declutter for example paper for the paper bin monthly, clothes before a new saison starts and we try to follow the one in- one out- rule. Looking forward to your next video. Greetings from Germany

[@ArrowHillCottage]

All great habits to have! ❤️

[@JontueScent]

Your Winter picture above the fireplace is Gorgeous 🩵

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! It is an original oil painting by a local artist. It’s very special to me! ❤️

[@kathyesargent9088]

We reuse Christmas gifts bags under the tree. Never buy wrapping paper. It’s just my husband and I and a few friends. I have bought really pretty gift bags and boxes it works great.❤️❤️love your channel❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Those bags have been super helpful through the years! We collect ours after the gift had been opened also. I’m considering switching to cloth at some point, for durability. ❤️

[@alinedeviller3396]

Thank You Angela. You are a natural, Kudos to you. Thank you for all those tips, especially last 7 minutes or so. You’re a great example to your children as well✅ Very informative.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@lisamaddicott6781]

Ahh I needed that telling off from you today Ed😂no more delay I'm at my writing desk ready to go go go ❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! You’ve got this! ❤️

[@trinaroe5132]

LOVE your kitchen cabinets!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@sonyad7723]

I LOVE the trash day idea! Thnx for the screen shot!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@ireneoligher59]

I just found your channel today. You give so much practical and useful advice. I found out that I had already incorporated some of these things, but I have become stuck on decluttering some stuff/areas of my home. Your reverse decluttering is genius! I am going to start using it today. Thank you.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! I hope it works great! ❤️

[@ElsieJoy39]

Reverse Decluttering......what a brilliant idea that is. Thank you. Think it will make decluttering easier.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It really helps me too! ❤️

[@kathyesargent9088]

I gather trash the day before trash days and that works❤️❤️❤️❤️😃

[@autobotdiva9268]

im dreading clearing out the basement. i have gotten rid of old shutters; baby bed; paint cans; exercise equipment on special trash days

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Every bit counts! Keep plugging away! ❤️

[@ImLunaShesZeta]

Thanks! While I have many of these down pat, others I still need to work on.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Like I said, I’m always learning also and need to work on things all the time! It just isn’t as overwhelming anymore. Blessings on your journey! ❤️

[@saraguerrero7477]

Thank You for your Valuable Information. I don't have any habits to share yet. 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

You’ll figure out some ‘tricks of the trade’ as you go! You’ve got this! ❤️

[@ajd6627]

A few years ago a friend turned up unexpectedly (not encouraged!) but I had just got home from work so said another time. She left a bag with some magazines which I put in the closet. A few months later I was reorganising, found the bag which also contained two pastries now mouldy black, blue and green. She had obviously been hoping to be invited in for coffee/tea and had provided a sweet treat! I had a laugh but it did teach me not to use the closet as a catchall and to check and discard more promptly. (No, my friend wasn't offended!)

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh my goodness! That is quite the reminder/ lesson! ❤️

[@uteme]

My rule is TWO out before one in...♡

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great! I bet that really helps keep clutter away! ❤️

[@EBFTube]

Great video and inspiring as always. Thanks.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@sadhanachhajedc1721]

Brilliant video ❤thanks a lot for sharing

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@lisabynum7943]

Great info! Thanks.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@danielacuenca5219]

What do you do with your puzzles after you finish them, do you store or donate them?

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Depends on the puzzle! Usually if we do it only once and think we would like to again the following year we will keep it. Otherwise it gets donated. I never buy puzzles Brand new - always second hand so that we can rotate more often! ❤️

[@danielacuenca5219]

Thanks, good ideas!

[@jan-nl7rw]

❤this

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@Joce123]

The idea somebody gave me years ago was to donate or trash at least 11 pieces of furniture.. I thought that they were crazy!. But. I did get rid of my dresser..using a coat tree instead ..nightstands, file cabinets, curio cabinet , rocking chair, vintage sewing machine cabinet...book case..Donated books, bath towels, sheets, dishes, lids for cookware (use aluminum foil instead) silverware, small tools, yard tools, cookie sheets, plastic storage containers because it isn't healthy to use them ..I'm getting good at find dual use things...like even hand towels instead of bath towels We actually screwed kitchen cabinets shut.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Oh my! Yeah that sounds extreme but in the end you were probably surprised to find out you didn’t really need those furniture pieces! And screwing the cabinets shut? I’m curious why you would do that? Just to prevent putting things in? ❤️

[@jennyjenkins877]

Revisiting systems has happened so many times in our kitchen. For example, I've changed the location of our food storage containers several times. It's hard on my partner so I try to make the change and involve him when he's already in the room with me. There's a little short-term frustration but he always comes around and says it's better that way. It usually only happens because he buys an extra set of storage containers or a rice cooker or whatever else and I'm better at the organization side of things, in case anyone was thinking that I just enjoy torturing the man!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! It does take a little while to get used to a new kitchen arrangement for sure! It’s good that you involve him / let him know where things are moved! ❤️

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Bwa ha ha. In my new program, also they said take a before pic. Just did that. Lol. (Full body shots). Some areas were worse than I thought and some not as bad as I thought. The amount of math and googling macros and calories I’ve had to do is insane tho. And a lot of learning about produce and how to better care for it and so on. What is what like what I thought was a tbsp vs what really is. Portions and proportionally this to that. (I’ve never used so many measuring tools in my entire life lol). And exercising, of course. Doing good tho although I keep forgetting that cheese isn’t a protein but a fat. 😅😅 But I have to say that it’s also really helping with my energy and with eating more balanced, healthy and regularly. It does remind me of the last journey with timing cleaning tasks etc. Like set the timer and pencil in lunch by this time etc. Bcuz for me, I would have no sense of timeliness and be lost in whatever else I was doing. I guess overall tho just putting my body needs up front ahead of all the other stuff for awhile. And then like a form of self care. Paying attention more. Which does seem to help my moods also. Well anyways, as the subject is habits. I would just not eat until I was starving and then I’d eat too much and all wrong. (Such as get tired Bcuz I didn’t eat and then get tired again Bcuz of not eating and then eating too much and/or badly). So not eating turns into eating too much and bad eating and a couple hours of more of low energy. So after 3 months perhaps I’ll be entirely a new person (Aka habits around all things food esp). But same as with decluttering, there seems to be never ending levels of discovery. Such as had to get down to brass tacks about the few macro veggies I like. So now at least even tho they are few, (besides all things salad), I’m now having to seek out creative recipes for the slim few I do like. (It’s literally only cabbage and spinach and broccoli and tomatoes…but only in some ways and not all ways to eat). Someone gave me a pair of silk pants. Oh my. 😂😂 I didn’t even know such a thing existed but I love them. Soft. Light. Thin. Breathable. Well I have prob already said what I do quite a bit but I think the main thing is looking at things as fluid. It’s all about inflow and outflow and now, as opposed to later or in the past etc. So I both think about it that way and implemented “entrance and exit strategies” as a matter of standard protocol. I would also say start where you are and just do the best you can. Just putting your hand to it and starting and going with the process will affect the way you think about things and stuff and your home and life in general (for the better). Besides that, I’d generally say respect your space boundaries. The goal is really ease of use, easy in and out etc. Fits in the space allotted to it comfortably. Easy to find and so on. Stuff serving you well and not you serving your stuff. You’re the boss. Lol. Stuff works for you and you are not the mere employee of your stuff. So you basically “whip it into shape” and make it do a good job for you (Bcuz you’re paying it well enough and it should not be slacking or lacking “on the job.” Lol). Like if you paid it for beauty or good memories, or if you paid it to do a useful task. Whatever it is, it needs to be serving you well. So ya know if it’s being a jerk, or sitting around wasting time and space, mooching, etc, then fire it. Or if it’s too old, retire it. Lol. Well there I go. Looks like you were right. Lol. Learn something new every day…still. Lol.

[@alicequezada9309]

Too long a comment, did not finish reading.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

@@alicequezada9309 That’s ok. I think I’m just extra stoked about how well this fitness thing is going. Got a little excited. Lol.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

So happy to hear that the start of your healthy lifestyle program is going well! I’ve never counted macros or calories or steps…I don’t think I would be dedicated enough to do that, so good for you! It’s wonderful that you are already able to feel the effects of eating in a strategic way- more energy, clear mind, etc. ❤️

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

@@ArrowHillCottage Lol. Thanks!!! You’re such a gem. I concur with several other commenters. You are so gracious and do a great job. Great person. Great content…so naturally, I have to stick around. 😂😂 But ugh macros and all this. Measuring and looking up “swaps.” (Such as they have a list of macro types and various “swaps” you can do for recipes). It’s 🤯🤯. Such as a list of fats, proteins, carbs etc. Me thinks “carb confusion” is also human confusion. Lol. 🤣🤣 But at least I’m already a math geek. Lol. I think the hardest part will be the first week Bcuz I’m still learning now and pre cooking some repeat recipes etc and so I can later “eyeball” some things. So yah. A bit tedious now, but it won’t be like that forever. And then just also having to do a LOT of salads until I can rework and learn less annoying veggie preps. Lol. It’s been tasty tho and I’m never really hungry or feeling like I’m lacking. And ugh. So out of shape. Workout sore and jello legs. Lol.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Your math skills will definitely come in handy! Exercise gives a person that ‘hurts so good’ feeling! Ha ha❤️

[@sl9906]

❤❤❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@jenniferbuchanan712]

❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@gwenj5419]

I have something I keep out of guilt but I know this person may ask about it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yeah that’s a tough situation for sure! ❤️

[@kj7653]

Food on the floor? Yuk.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

What do you mean ‘food on the floor’ ?

[@Marjorie-oh4oj]

GEN X. Take the house and the money. This.girl is a despicable excuse for a HUMAN BEING

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Who should the house and the money go to? Any suggestions? ❤️

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️