How to Declutter an Overwhelming Amount of Stuff | Craft Supply Hoard

In this episode while I’m decluttering the craft stash, I’ll be speaking about how to Declutter without feeling overwhelmed. I’ll be addressing the emotion side bc I’m hoarding disorder, everything in my house has an emotional story attached to it.
I had this concept pop into my head called my “Decluttering Toolbox” which was inspired from my son’s “coping toolbox” for his ADD, HFA and anxiety. We’re in the beginning stages of creating this and these are the concepts we cover in this video to cope with being overwhelmed:
1). Baby Step DeCluttering
2). Don’t force yourself to let go of anything you’re not ready to let go of.
3). Pick the easiest thing to let go of first
4). DeClutter by categories.
#home #declutter #cleaning

[@eloisechoquette]

Watching you put back items from random bins into their designated box you previously made was soooo satisfying! Paint tube in the painting bin, washy tape in with the others… oddly calming and satisfying 😂😅 You’re doing such a good job ❤

[@Saforra99]

YES! I agree. Thanks for another great video! 💜💜💜

[@ros8986]

The big reason to declutter craft supplies is so you can easily get to the stuff you love (and not have to dig through the stuff that is just ok) - then organize so you can craft easily and spontaneously, in a space that it ready for crafting.

[@debratakagawa4764]

Good job getting craft supplies sorted and filed in previously organized bins. Amazing “take it there now “

[@susanwelch9496]

I'm 62...my boys are in their 30's. They don't want my stuff. I need to get rid of most. I don't want to saddle them with my "stuff". I came into this world with nothing, I will go out with nothing.

[@kensiblonde4203]

Good for you. I had to deal with two homes jammed packed. 😩

[@trineh3877]

I wacth and love all your videos. But I sort off miss, when you used to talk me through the decision making of each item, as you went through the boxes. I always loved that. Would you pehaps consider going back to doing that? 🌈🌷❤.

[@greenserene2676]

Yeahhhh!!!! :) I love your decluttering advice and this series is so exciting! I had a vision of your cleared out basement and you contacted Cas from clutterbug and you two COLLABORATED!! She made you the cutest zoned out basement with a workout area for hubby, an awesome toy area with gaming for the kids, a simple yet functional seating area and the most amazing butterfly 🦋 craft room ever!!! You've gotta get Cas to come and do the space after you've decluttered!!

[@alainapotaduh]

That would be a dream! I'd want an hour long video!

[@sharpiesarecool814]

Pepper is so cute 🥰

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you so much!! She really is a sweetheart 🐱🩷🐱🩷

[@danixoxo8637]

Yes and she is a great decluttering buddy!

[@Aquamarine325]

It’s comforting to see someone else’s craft hoard. I am not alone! We have some of the same stuff even!😂 I am moving to a new house and need to severely cut down my supply.

[@catie5939]

So much of our cultural language around hoarding disorder has been dictated by reality TV. I love seeing someone else who just has the disorder and is talking about it and what works and doesn't. 💜

[@MySweetSammy]

Michigan Minimalist here! I got rid of ALL of my craft supplies (too much stuff gives me anxiety!) Plus, it was ALL 'Fantasy Self' items - crafts that were 'cute' when I purchased the supplies - but then never got around to making them. Now, I only allow myself to buy what I need to make ONE project at a time! For instance, I made new curtains for my bedroom today! (I still need to make matching pillow covers for my bed - but I'll get those made this weekend! PS: Nursing Homes LOVE craft supplies! Oh...the 3 drawer plastic 'carts' that I was storing most of my craft supplies in are...now in my closet holding my clothes! I decluttered so many of my clothes, I was able to get rid of my dresser! That has REALLY freed up space in my bedroom!

[@crystalsdance]

Good for you! Great tips!

[@josephdaly2015]

Omg Miss Heart ❤️ take a bow 🙇‍♀️ with the amount of craft supplies you are letting go, it’s a huge pile. Whatever direction you send it in, you have truly blessed them. Miss Pepper 🐈 was loving the paper too. Have a great weekend. Mary, Joes wife 🙇‍♀️👏💪🙏💐🐈🦄

[@barbaraandrews402]

I am finding this craft sorting really helpful and supportive. I am gathering together and sorting all my sewing supplies and finding homes for them in my newly created sewing space. I have been going through boxes and sorting into categories and it is making it easier to sort the remaining boxes because I have a starting point. Keep up the good work, I'm already looking forward to next Friday!

[@ahoardersheart]

Ohhhh, I just LOVE that you’re working on your sewing supplies!! I bet you have creative such beautiful items!! Please know that I am cheering you on every step of the way 🦄🌟🙏🏼💕💜

[@Genauish]

I like how you’re tackling this project! A little bit at a time and mostly just focusing on sorting. I find it overwhelming to decide what to get rid of when you don’t know what’s in the other boxes.

[@AllTheMiniThings]

I wanted to share with you that this week, my 6 year old daughter and I started to declutter our rooms. I gave her a little chat about where to start and how we're going to do it and she jumped right in and did SUCH a good job, which got me motivated too. And we used your terms 'This is an easy tossy tossy' :) It was so helpful, and so cute to hear her say that, as well as being so keen to pass things on to other kids to make them happy. Thank you! : )

[@mtncreekdawn]

It's so exciting & satisfying to see you organizing your crafts! Working on decluttering the basement overall meant that your crafts got set to the side (literally & figuratively) for awhile. But here you are! Such progress! I forecast that it will be like your Christmas cave decluttering; it'll take a few passes before you settle on what to keep long term & how to organize it optimally. In the meantime, though, you'll still have a much easier time finding things AND putting them away. Yay, you!

[@carypolakowski4817]

This is great! Maybe you can reward yourself by completing a craft project. I know seeing all those supplies brings out your creativity.

[@ahoardersheart]

Oh yessss! Going through all the craft supplies definitely was giving me inspiration to creative something new!! Thank you so much and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

[@arianarodrigue268]

That is actually another way to declutter craft supplies by using them!

[@stitchysworld9596]

I love your compassionate approach!

[@eyrunsigrunardottir6977]

When you opened the super organized drawer - wow! It must feel great for you. Thank you for showing where you put things, it is very satisfying for some of us😉

[@raineedaytinyfilms]

Hoarder here… I’ve honestly gotten to a point where if i look at a box & I can’t remember what is in it and haven’t been in It in over a year… I donate the whole box… or I throw away the whole box because i need the things out of my home to heal from my nervous breakdown that caused the hoard 😞❤️ otherwise it feels like it would be years of decluttering

[@kaycee625]

I feel so safe when I listen to your advice. When my own husband just tells me to throw away everything, and I mean everything, you are so much safer to listen to.

[@bethstratton3391]

Love that you are organising your supplies as you declutter. I think this is a great way to create categories for the different crafting stuff you have. I also think you are doing a superb job in tackling this emotionally difficult section of your basement, Ms Heart. May I offer a suggestion by saying that it might be wise to only allow yourself one bin for each category of crafting supplies and that you declutter what doesn’t fit into each bin. That way you are creating a firm boundary. Plus, may I suggest you think hard about the final number of crafting bins that you would feel comfortable keeping (e.g. perhaps ten large rubber-maids and ten small plastic baskets on your crafting shelf), and then make a positive decision not to keep more bins than that number. By doing that you are stopping your mind from wanting to over buy items in the future, by remembering that you only have a designated space for your crafting items and only a set number of bins to store those items in.

[@amandac8836]

This gives me the vibe of changing the channel to an educational art and craft show at 7am… idk why I think it’s the way you speak and the cat? Haha. It’s so nice compared to crazy over-stimulating videos all over KZbin these days.

[@BerryBerry1465]

Here I am. I'm a level one craft hoarder. It's emotionally draining.

[@cmooshi33]

In the future I hope you make videos of creating some of your crafts every once in awhile. 🥰

[@yoshclements6951]

You are an incredible and understanding person. Thank you for sharing a helping process to deal with my decluttering. I'm so attached to many things that I've labelled many and all of my belongings the "someday stuff" that only seems to be a hoarding disorder. The fact that you walk us through dealing with the psychological aspect of letting go and being kind to ourselves no matter how small is the most gratifying feeling that it does take a reminder to be kind to myself even if letting go was small. Being kind to myself has been a problem because I feel guilty that I may have let go of something small and didn't with the rest of the stuff at a given time. Thank you so much for reminding me to be kind to myself and to remind me that cluttering did not happen overnight so eliminating will take some time and that's okay. Even though I don't feel good about myself for not decluttering huge amounts, you're helping me be kind to myself and so far, I've decluttered more than I thought. Still, I remember you saying that in 6months a person was able to see the difference. I desperately want to be decluttered and actually taking the time to do the crafts that have sat there for years to get started. Thank you again for your loving process of decluttering.

[@denisewagner764]

I definitely have a hard time with getting rid of crafting stuff and junk journaling also makes for a hard time for me. Everything has potential. I have been asking myself. If I haven't made this yet, and I ever going to make it? It has helped me let go of stuff. I have a ways to go. I also have family members who have hoarding issues, so I know I have to keep on top of this. I have found your videos very helpful. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your journey. As we continue the journey, I wish you well. Happy decluttering. 😊

[@jodieswife]

You have such a calming and soothing voice. Love this video. I am new to your channel, but thank you for putting this out it is beyond helpful.

[@catharinab8860]

Love watching the progress each week 🤩

[@moonlightknitting]

Very helpful

[@CB-jh1pt]

Miss Heart! You content / stories and topics are so helpful… but I’m finding it difficult to learn how to “do it myself” as the reasons you’re able to let things go (individual items) is more often in white text and it’s harder to follow while there’s a different narrative on the voiceover 😅 might just be me, but it would be so so helpful if some of your new videos were going through the things on the white text (like your old videos). I was so looking forward to the craft series, but I personally find it difficult to pay attention to the text while there’s different verbal words. I kinda miss both 😅 I have no idea how you’re making the decisions to let things go, I’m so lost! Your Tossy Tossy piles are ever-impressive, though, so whatever you’re doing I’m so glad that it’s working 💕💖 I don’t want you to change for my benefit/ at all, but I’d be interested to know if anyone else would find this helpful too? 💖🦄✨💕

[@lnwmelon]

Your videos are helpful. Thank you for your love. ❤

[@caramoonlynn]

Comment 100! I'm ready to declutter with you and Pepper. 12 minutes of decluttering.

[@SBS7]

Hats off to you for this beautiful and huge progress! I’ve been following for about 2years maybe and i’m loving the growth! The way you learned to let go of things at your own pace and detaching the emotions from it, is really a great accomplishment and very inspiring! ❤

[@amberl4401]

This is great motivation for decluttering! I’ve been going through my paper work and school books I’ve had long time in boxes. I did away with a lot. I did keep some of the papers that I wrote about my favorite pets and places to visit. I’ve also went through my art drawings. I need to go through my decorations again. It does help to organize items. Have a good weekend.

[@kaylag9579]

How often do you get to do a craft? If it’s less then once a month maybe you should schedule time to do a craft so that you can do the thing you love. If it’s in the calendar then it’s something you need to do and you get to have fun yay! I schedule letter writing time. Haha

[@alanbirkner1958]

This week's bag of clothes is in the car. The box of breakable stuff for Goodwill is about a third full. I make crafts out of throwaway items, too. I just have much less stuff. Tina, Al's wife

[@goconnor0304]

👏👏👏You are doing soooo well! I think the decluttering of your crafts is probably the most challenging yet because it is such a part of your creativity. Yet I know that at some point you will have to give up some simply because you won't have enough time to do them all ... unless you vow not to purchase any more craft items for a few years. That would be hard. So maybe letting go of what is not tugging at your heart as much, would be good. So for example, if you got rid of 6 out of 20 un-started projects, you still have 14. Once the 14 are done, you will have the space to put the next 2-3 new projects. Continuing to training yourself to focus on working with what you have, and then later limiting the amount that comes into the house, will actually give you more mental breathing space. And also get rid of that 'guilt' that comes with not completing projects that we have held on to for a number of years that we aren't married to anymore. Hope all that made sense!

[@crystalsdance]

Makes PERFECT sense!

[@melissabaugh691]

Love the decluttering toolbox! Thanks for always having informative videos that are happy and bubbly yet calming

[@HolographicCathawk]

Yay!! You are slowly setting yourself up for that dream craft space!! So excited for you.

[@listenorskip]

i know your outro and intro by memory and love saying it with you like a goodbye and hello at the beginning and end 😊❤

[@ahoardersheart]

Awe, you made my heart soooo incredibly happy!! Thank you for making my day 🦄💜🙏🏼🌟💕

[@charishurt1768]

You did a fantastic job congratulations even putting things were the belong congratulations

[@rebeckamattisson5083]

It's brilliant to use the tubs to sort, you don't create a big mess in the basement. The checkmarks are brilliant too. Great job with both decluttering and make cathegories. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@sarahsmom1002]

This is so inspirational, Melanie. I love the way you talk through your processes & the feelings experienced along the way. What a great outcome from this decluttering episode, too! I look forward to each new video.

[@theannamueller]

pepper is a cutie

[@chandrapate9602]

I am so glad I found your KZbin channel yesterday. I just finished up seeing my Psychologist for my ADHD and cognitive rehab. I am feeling good about tackling my mess one day at a time. It also makes me feel better seeing someone else working on cluttered spaces. When need encouragement I will just put on one of your videos. Thank you for bringing awareness to this problem of hoarding and adhd .❤

[@andeebee2530]

I’m cheering you on every time you say “we can let this go!” It’s going to be wonderful when you get to a stage you can start crafting instead of sorting through all the boxes.

[@susanpiaquadio7336]

I don't know why...but I'm super excited watching you declutter and organize craft supplies

[@puff222001]

I just went through my papers and used your tips to get rid of more than I might have otherwise. I didn't need old EOB forms, for example. I was able to let those go because I didn't force myself. Thank you for being an inspiration!

[@alanbirkner1958]

November 2023. I just got rid of more stuff. An empty photo box, a bag of hangers, some mugs, and a big bag of craft supplies are gone. I only made $5, but the whole back seat of my car is emptied. Tomorrow, I'll make some papercrafts to sell, then find more for the food pantry. No new craft supplies til after Christmas. Tina, Al's wife

[@created2bless322]

?QUSTION? All of this is great! My problem is that when I begin my creative mind starts to see projects and then I am crafting instead of de-cluttering. I even talk to myself and tell myself that i am rewarding myself for decluttering the little that I actually did declutter. How do you avoid this from happening?

[@LaMichiganR]

*Just getting to going hard on my basement craft hoard, I will try your methods; wish me luck!*

[@parkerrose3590]

I love Pepper!!

[@ahoardersheart]

Awe, thank you so much, she is a sweetheart 🐱🩷🐱🩷

[@judyavants7928]

I'm getting rid of all my crafts things. I mean everything. I have a friend did wedding & she getting rid of her things too. I'm not into crafts anymore I don't do it anymore because I'm busy taking care of my husband.

[@1234OopsyDaisy]

You are becoming a pro 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻good for you !

[@tanyatrussell9963]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I am a hoarder and know I need to make some changes but have had a hard time. However watching your videos says I need to try.

[@ikrobiee]

It amazes me how much stuff you still have after years of decluttering. 👀

[@prettyinpink2102]

Thank you for this video. Very much needed. I subscribed to your channel ❤

[@ginagonzalez6547]

Hi, thank you for this video. I have so many things im holding onto just in case. Its so hard to get rid of those things because i may need them in the future which for the most part i have used them later on. This is what i needed. Ive come across many decluttering videos, none like this one. I thank you and made me wanting to come back for more. Feels likebyou ended the video too son. But i understand where you are coming from. Im sure i will watch every video you post. Something will eventually click and i will have a major breakthrough. Looking at your things is like looking in the mirror. Thank you also for addressing the emotional part. Very important.

[@trekkie-cat]

Such a pretty kitty! 💖🐱💖🐱💖🐱💖🐱

[@ShoppingwithRina]

Thank you

[@adrian_isolde]

2:20 minutes in and i know - you are a genius!!!❤❤❤

[@patpalmer1337]

So enjoy your videos.....As you explain what you are doing, I wonder if you are able to ask yourself if you will ever actually do those crafty things you thought you would, then at some point let the items go that you know you won't do?

[@jeannebowes2898]

Fun to start the crafts! Big washing down duvets, jacker, and coats. Cleaned and packed up the winter boots( we have to have many types). Then back to the garden this evening. I have garden items to drop off at the donation garden store and clothing for the Good Will.

[@kellyharris4639]

This is my summer goal

[@karlashmeedavlasta6365]

Very helpful...TY

[@AuthenticallyAshley]

If you ever did a podcast I’d listen I love your voice ❤

[@itsjustme.7059]

I really need to do this. I had to put my crafting on hold for now because I’m going back to college. I will pick it up again someday, but I have things I’ll probably never do. I like sewing so I’ll keep those things.

[@rhondawidmer2937]

Love your explanations and logic! Breaking things down and making sense of it is so helpful!!

[@charishurt1768]

Even relabling everything yippie fantastic job 🦄💜🥳🎊

[@LoriTaylorSmithGA]

Great job!!

[@eileenlester4342]

💜🦄💜

[@sharisimonehampton5434]

Thanks!😉👍❤

[@danazzimmerman5534]

Girl! You were on a roll! You go❤

[@The_Joy_Finder]

41.9 Lots of ribbon! And even some for the tossy pile. 😉 You did so well today. 💪🏻

[@mmmichellegirl]

What an excellent and motivating video! You are a #ROCKSTAR!!!

[@yardenvk]

Wow

[@lrid3sc3nt]

I loved watching you put away right away.

[@susanmunoz7688]

You are so helpful. I really look forward to your wise advice! ❤️🤗♥️

[@carriebelcher8644]

Pepper loves decluttering too!😄

[@fangirl365]

Congrats to your son for his diagnosis! Glad to have him on our side ♾️!

[@Banana-kd5iv]

Amazing!!! You are an inspiration.

[@nnylasoR]

(Third! haha 😄) This is phenomenal content!! As with most of your videos, I can relate to this one so, soooo much - as I am an Aspie ADHDer with a PDA profile / AuDHD / AspieDHD (…still working on my preferred acronym 😂🙃) ✊🧡 ❤️‍🔥✨❤️‍🔥✨❤️‍🔥✨🌈💝✨❤️‍🔥✨❤️‍🔥✨❤️‍🔥

[@ahoardersheart]

Hehe, oh I just LOVE your energy and message!!! I was never diagnosed with HFA but I still wonder if I fall on the spectrum as Aspergers. I know there’s a huge ADHD/Autism connection between the two! It’s amazing how many similarities there are!!

[@Peanut11111]

I did this not long ago and what a big difference.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@AurorasJournals]

🙌🌸

[@hannahkennedy2259]

👏👏👏🤍

[@charishurt1768]

💜🦄🥳🎊

[@vanlifebayou]

❤

[@nomanejane5766]

❤

[@jessicajames4493]

Thank you for the goog tips, even though i heard them before, i still need to hear them over and over again 😅. Because thinking about to start often overwhelms me . ❤💕🌸💖

[@ahoardersheart]

Yesss! That repetition helps us retain it and eventually make it a subconscious habit. Just like how Dave Ramsey always talks about the 7 Baby Steps! They haven’t changed in 20 years! Lol But I am diving deeper into adding newer ideas to the Decluttering toolbox 🩷🙏🏼🩷

[@francinehogsett3065]

😊❤️

[@nellieb4252]

♥️❤️💗

[@JenniOlsen-t1r]

I’m anxious just watching you sorting yours but thank you. I need this channel.

[@RadCenter]

Pepper is a big part of your decluttering toolkit!

[@sw1679]

It’s so great to only keep the best stuff! 👍

[@gachalovero.o2755]

Have you heard of Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response? I have PTSD and have been stuck in Freeze response for years. You are so gentle and kind compared to my therapist. I've been feeling good enough to do things ❤😊

[@sheilasinghal2922]

This video was way more my speed than the pretty craft rooms with white IKEA storage that everyone seems to have. While I use places throughout the house to actually make things, my basement craft storage looks exactly like this. Thanks for the inspiration! 😊

[@kishasworld]

How encouraging and helpful

[@danielgatchell871]

I also see these items as gift opportunities. Make homemade gifts for people and give them away! It's a running joke amongst my friends that I have too much crochet thread and yarn. Recently I have been frantically making gifts for people to get rid of my stash without throwing away things and have really gotten into cross stitching and embroidery. I saw those 1990s embroidery flosses! You have a treasure trove of crochet yarn and floss and so much. Your hands are your gift makers and also way to get rid of stuff!

[@cynthiavanorder7288]

Thank you! I began to wonder about myself after watching episodes of hoarders. I related to their psychology and you helped me to understand how difficult it is for me to declutter and why I am so emotionally attached to things. I used Marie Condo's technique twice. The first time I got stuck at sentimental stuff and the second time I got stuck at craft supplies. I started my own decluttering toolkit. OK, so I copied down everything you said. But, they all apply to me and it gave me courage to go declutter one box in my craft area.

[@dianehinson2170]

Thank you for this. AlthoughI have decluttered a lot of my art and craft stash I still need to downsize. As I upcycle a lot and do many different arts and crafts, it isn't easy, is it ?