Decluttering RESULTS 5 years later | Messy to Minimal HOME

Let's take a trip back to the very beginning of my minimalism journey! 5 years later... was it worth the effort?
All the best!
xo
Angela
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#minimalist​​​ #simpleliving #minimalismlifestyle
Join our family of seven as we establish roots in our small, custom designed forever house - Arrow Hill Cottage.
WEBSITE:
www.arrowhillcottage.com/​​​
I share about simple home + simple living tips. Please like, comment and subscribe if you are new to my channel!
OUR MINIMALIST FAMILY HOME:
www.arrowhillcottage.com/mini....
MODERN COTTAGE VIDEO TOUR:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=itgEY...
CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO
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00:00 Intro
02:14 Four Week Declutter Challenge
09:29 Linen Closet
11:58 Kid Items
15:14 Storage Closet
15:57 Outro
MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO
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DECEMBER DECLUTTERING CHALLENGE:
• KonMari Method declutt...
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MINIMALISM LIFESTYLE:
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WHY I AM A MINIMALIST:
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15 REASONS YOUR HOUSE FEELS STRESSFUL:
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MINIMALISM FOR BEGINNERS:
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7 MINIMALIST BENEFITS:
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HOW TO STAY CLUTTER FREE:
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SWEDISH DEATH CLEANING:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjlAy...
WEBSITE: www.arrowhillcottage.com/​​​

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I hope this video proves that we didn't always live clutter free... if we can get out of the mess we were in, so can YOU!

[@sl9906]

I love your videos and you are so encouraging and soothing. You’re like a warm cup of cocoa in front of a fire, hanging out with a great friend. My “decluttering wisdom” came through divorce, illness, and forced retirement. Hanging on to stuff for what you anticipate the next season of life doesn’t work. Life rarely happens in the way you want. All those things I moved and hung onto are now decluttered and I have a glorious freedom that I wish I had experienced earlier. Thrilled to be drinking my cocoa in front of the fire in a clear, calm space watching you! 😁

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you for the encouragement! I’m happy that my videos have been helpful to you! ❤️

[@susiemejia7917]

Gave me hope. I live with a declutter resister. My strategy is small space at a time. I’m happy and there’s no arguing.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That is a great perspective to have! ❤️

[@kimleffler38]

What a great video. I’ve been decluttering for over 2 years but this has inspired me to keep going. We have lived in our home for over 45 years. I have donated 88 boxes of good things from my home. It’s so refreshing to see a space that is clear and like you it’s nice to see a closet that is not stuffed full. I shared this video with a friend who’s moving. Thank you for the time you spent making this video.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That sounds like awesome progress! Blessings on your journey! ❤️

[@AMcDub0708]

I’m actually in shock at what your home looked like 5 years ago compared to now!! I would say your home “before” was similar to many peoples homes, including mine. To see your videos now convinces me living simply is a choice, not a personality trait or something you have to be “born with”

[@ArrowHillCottage]

The craziest thing about it all Is that I always did consider myself to be a tidy person- that is, until we had kids…then everything went out the window and I lost control. I had to very intentionally claw my way back out and life is so much more peaceful now! ❤️

[@texaslaulie2565]

For clothes and jewelry this has worked so well for me, I have chosen to wear my “least favorite” layering pieces a vest, sweater, jacket and carry a bag in my purse….the first person to compliment the item … I literally take it off and gift it to them!! You wouldn’t believe the reactions!! One girl was working at a fast food place and told me “this is truly the nicest thing anyone has done for me”!! It is a great way to know it’s going to someone that already likes/appreciates it!! God Bless from Texas!! Gift forward!!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That is such an awesome idea! Wow! Love it! ❤️

[@user-gu1dd6dh8u]

For me and my family, decluttering is a lifestile. We always have donation box or bag in my closest. Every time I touch something that I dont need anymore, its going to box, once that box is full, its leaving my house. And the cicle continues😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Very good idea! ❤️

[@lyndarossi933]

We have moved over a dozen times and got rid of so much that we wouldn't even be able to remember what we decluttered. Just goes to show that we had stuff we never really needed! Now, moving would be soooo easy!!! You did a great job! Love the cottage, it is very warm and cozy!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Nothing brings you face to face with your clutter quite like moving!!! ❤️

[@sharonhenry2820]

It was fun to see all of the progress your family has made. Thank you for sharing your journey with others! 😀

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@kimberdonham6548]

I love this flash back. You are such an inspiration and I love all your videos. 👍

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! It was pretty eye opening for me to see this footage again, all compiled in one spot. At the time I didn’t realize how much clutter we actually had!!! ❤️

[@ruthmeyer5415]

Love this video! Thank you for sharing these first challenges you took on. This is very much like how our house looked when we got started (this year, 2023). Little by little, one space at a time, getting braver and more decisive as we moved along. We haven't sold anything, but we are donating, giving to others (if they actually will use the items, as I'm not a fan of clutter-shifting), tossing what needs to be, and repurposing and actually using many items. It's been wonderful to see each room become more and more functional and peaceful. I feel like I'm living in my home now, not just surviving in it. We do still have one room that has been collecting boxes and things, but we have a plan of attack for that room also, and I'm excited for the day that last room too is functional. I really enjoy and appreciate your videos, thank you!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! How fun it is to see progress being made! Blessings on your journey! ❤️

[@user-nc1lw2hs1z]

You give me hope that I can do it too!!!!! I will start!!!! Thank You!!! :)

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Good for you!!! Blessings on your journey! ❤️

[@EmmyUnwindWorld]

Your decluttering journey is so inspiring! Your home looks amazing now.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@monicacreates]

Loved watching this! Seeing a lot of stuff in homes now after having decluttered so much myself really stresses me out and think that I loved having all those things before... It´s amazing how much you change during this process.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Absolutely - the changes from within are even greater than the visual changes we’ve made on this journey! ❤️

[@cantocant2346]

Night and Day transformation!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

When it happens little by little I didn’t recognize it as much. Watching back I can see the transformation more clearly! ❤️

[@jessicahalvorsen9315]

I just did a 20 items in 20 minutes! Literally instant dopamine hit 🥰

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! It’s awesome! ❤️

[@andeebee2530]

Oh wow! I absolutely loved this video. I wish I had documented my journey (which is still ongoing). I love your cottage, it looks so cozy and comfortable 💕

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m really happy that I documented. At the time, I’ll admit it was a little embarrassing to show all the clutter - but now I can look back and realize how far we’ve come! ❤️

[@ScrapHappy]

Such a lovely video and the perfect encouragement for those of us at the beginning of our decluttering journey.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m so happy to hear it was encouraging for you! ❤️ blessings on your journey!

[@kennethbailey9853]

Every thing You have done here has been worth it. 🙂

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I agree 💯! ❤️

[@CRRBennett]

Oh man! It is very freeing and like you said when you go to move it can be a downer seeing all you still have. But think what it would have been like if you still had all the items you let go of! 😮 We are in a continual state of decluttering. But oh so worth it. I am not a minimalist by many folks definition but we are determined to keep and use only what we love amd not "store" for later minus Christmas decor. Thanks for sharing! Im new to your channel and enjoying it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! There are so many layers with decluttering it seems like it will never end sometimes - but taking it just a little at a time is more manageable. ❤️

[@user-dv1xz4vt6g]

Fantastic video, thank you 😊You have absolutely shown just how much it’s possible to change o er a relatively short period of time. And I like your final tip…’just start’ 😊x

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! That thought sticks with me every time I’m facing something difficult…just start! ❤️

[@sashacerny8227]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@randomstuffwithvicky5980]

I’m so glad KZbin recommended this video to me. Subscribed 💖

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Glad it was recommended to you too! Welcome! ❤️

[@minimalistsmanaged]

Thanks so much for sharing :) I always love seeing fellow Minimalist's decluttering journeys.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@minimalistsmanaged]

@@ArrowHillCottage ❤️

[@corinneparker2519]

Wow I am amazed at everything you had as compared to now. This video is truly inspiring.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

We had so much of everything! ❤️

[@melissab0515]

I love this!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@marybethcully5883]

Thanks for sharing! Gave me several fantastic decluttering ideas..

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s great to hear! ❤️

[@cathyjackson8021]

This was a fun and encouraging video!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! I’m happy it was encouraging! ❤️

[@user-hw9vf4pl9s]

What a wonderful journey you and family have been on, and we are so lucky to be able to share your success! Wonderful video, thank you for sharing this!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much for watching! ❤️

[@gingermonette7455]

Love the idea of decluttering games! Never heard that before. Thanks! x

[@ArrowHillCottage]

They are super helpful! ❤️

[@carlapae7857]

Just discovered your channel through this video and it’s so inspiring, thank you. Watching in UK x

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awe, thank you so much! ❤️

[@melanieantell9884]

This is such a great video. I will subscribe and save this one to watch again. I’m decluttering bit by bit and I can’t wait to have clear empty spaces. The only problem I have now is getting it to a charity shop. At the minute we have so many bags of stuff to donate in our flat that I keep tripping over it!!! I have a friend with a car who is going to help me this week thank god!!! 😁

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It will be so freeing to you when those bags are gone! Great work with decluttering! ❤️

[@livingoncoffee]

Wow! So much work goes into decluttering. That's what happened to me--an abundance of stuff. Keep up the good work.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@alyssamillionaro]

Wow, you owned a looot of stuff!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Sure did!!! Glad it’s gone! ❤️

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

This was fun! Also love the music. Can you let me know the album/musician?

[@sallycroft2191]

When I moved from my family home to a condo, it took over a year to declutter and downsize. I find in the condo due to less rooms and lack of storage I am decluttering constantly. I have asked for consumables, or experiences gifts only from my generous five adult children to reduce clutter.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I think the song title and artist might be listed in the description of the video - it usually gets listed automatically. It’s just the free YT audio! ❤️

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

I really don’t know my exact “start date” or how much I got rid of or what all it was. Lol. But it’s been awhile now and I got rid of a LOT of stuff. I would say over a year but not quite 2 years. I used to periodically “purge” already, but watching these types of vids helped me get more serious about it and maybe that’s why I got mostly to where I wanted to be within a year or so. It seems like every month I have several bags and boxes to give away like clockwork tho. Lol.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I do think that these types of videos are super motivating - even for people who have decluttered a lot already …if nothing else than to remember what could happen if we don’t keep being mindful about our things! ❤️

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

@@ArrowHillCottage Yes. For sure. Stuff is always coming in even if we are trying to be minimal and frugal etc.

[@alanbirkner1958]

I toss at least 25 items each day. I'm 74, and my mom hoarded papers and trash. I do lots of crafts, each has its own plastic shoebox, so I set limits. My husband and daughter have more stuff. Tina, Al's wife

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It’s good that you set those limits for yourself! Nice work! ❤️

[@melanieantell9884]

What did that last cupboard look like afterwards? Thanks

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I did a whole video about it, about 5 years ago. If you look back on my oldest videos you will find it! The closet was so much better afterwards! ❤️

[@kirstenjohnson1952]

I stopped counting t-shirts in my boys closet at 75. Why does any 6 year old boy need more than 75 t-shirts?!? Or even 20? We did laundry almost daily.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It is so easy to let kids clothes get out of hand! We had so many dress shirts for our boys and they only wore them on Sunday! Why?!? Ha ha! ❤️

[@rachelbennett9150]

Wow! My boys have about 5 t shirts and 2 dressy shirts each!

[@kirstenjohnson1952]

I've done some major purging since then. Life and laundry is so much easier with less. And bonus, we actually get our money's worth out of the clothes.

[@ninebyfamilyvulli7013]

👋🏾;)😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🇫🇷