How to Overcome the Fear of Decluttering | Hoarded Craft Stash

[@nicolabrazier3838]

When you've finished decluttering the basement, I would love to see a montage of tossy tossy piles! You really are doing an amazing job. X

[@reginacornish3030]

Yes!

[@busybeavermom4763]

That would be amazing!

[@ahoardersheart]

That is a FABULOUS idea!!! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!!

[@alanbirkner1958]

July 2024. I watch and rewatch your decluttering videos. A tip: take beads and buttons out of the original containers. Take ribbons off the spools: the spools waste space. I've also taken silk flowers off the long stems. Fold up cardboard boxes, flatten paper bags, sort paper by color. Most important: buy no craft supplies unless you've gotten rid of a big bag recently. Tina, Al's wife

[@9064bow]

I loved watching Pepper investigate your Tossy Tossy pile 😆❤️

[@michaelrichardt]

And a very talented painter)

[@denisemarie6131]

For sure the organization frees your spirit to create. Thank you for always sharing what you have learned from you doing the really tough emotional and physical work 😍

[@bobbifrost2665]

Miss Heart, you decluttered a lot of baby items, and I just want to recognize that and how overwhelming that can be. I just wanted to let you know that we see you and are proud of you and all you’ve overcome ❤️

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you so much my friend, that means so much to my heart and healing journey 🦄💜🙏🏼🌟

[@katbutler9935]

I'm so proud of you for letting go of the baby sewing patterns. I dealt with secondary fertility issues and experienced some of what you did. Anything baby related is gut wrenching. You are getting so much stronger.

[@robynnjasper3843]

I don’t have hoarding tendencies and I have been able to go through my stuff like clothes, decor, duplicates of things or I upgraded something. My house, closets, cabinets are pretty organized and clutter free. However…Craft supplies was one area that I did tend to “hang on to” craft stuff. is okay to acknowledge that your interest in a particular craft changes through time. My taste in clothes, my hair style changed through time and so it does with crafts. I was making those metal stamped jewelry for a year or two and then I wasn’t doing that anymore. I made different wreaths through time with the deco mesh, then ribbon wreaths, etc. then I stopped making them. I used to make “parent pins” for the parents of kids in my son’s sports teams, so I had those acrylic paints I used. I was really into card making and stamping, but after several years, I did it less and less. Scrapbooking has really my most consistent craft. I never bought a lot of the different embellishments, no die cuts, no Cricut. I have paper, stickers, and my Kiwi Lane templates. After doing a certain craft for awhile, I finished most of what I wanted to do and a different craft caught my interest. Or I had enough wreaths to put on the front door with the season. It is okay: I enjoyed it at the time. Acknowledging my taste and interests changed through time really helped me donate craft supplies instead of the supplies being in a bin in a closet in my house. Not going into craft stores to “look around” helped me as well. I don’t buy what I don’t see. Staying away from clearance areas helps tremendously. But what me the most was being honest with myself and be realistic in what I would/could actually complete. I think most people struggle to some degree with “my intent” to do something vs. “being able” or having the time to do something. You are doing a great job!

[@leahsjovold8296]

When you are all done decluttering your basement I would love to see Cas come and do your craft area!!!

[@melanietrester]

Hello from Germany and hi miss heart and miow pepper. I'm so proud of you. You Rock it!!! Be safe ❤

[@loriragsdale1769]

Today, when I saw you declutter the baby sewing patterns, tears came to my eyes. In several of your videos you talked about the trauma of your miscarriages. Heartbreaking! As heartbreaking as they were, you looked at the baby clothing patterns, and confidently decluttered them! Look how far you've come! I'm So Happy for you! I'm So Proud of you. You are So Strong! You are a Great Person! Thank you for your loving spirit and the strength that shows through in your videos. ❤❤❤, From Lori in Dallas.

[@taraa3456]

Yes, as a fellow recurrent miscarriage sufferer, that really moved me. Sending ❤

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you so much my friend, it truly means everything that you understand my struggles 💜🙏🏼💜 I’m still processing those miscarriages but I am coming closer to a space of peace that they are always with me & I will hug them all again when I cross over the Golden Gates 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@loriragsdale1769]

Yes, you will!

[@orysyaf8337]

I really miss your older style of videos when you talked through each item and why your keeping or tossing it. Can you please do some of thoes again.

[@renfairegoddess]

Agree. I prefer a less 'produced' video. I would like the mic to go away too. Unless it's a voice over, it's really not needed.

[@raintessa1]

Not only are you organizing and making a home you can love, giving those unused items to others so they can make a home they love must be so fulfilling. You're doing great! But also be gentle with yourself and your progress!

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you so so much! You truly keep me motivated to keep going 🦄🌟💕💜🙏🏼

[@The_Joy_Finder]

42.2 Yay! You got to craft. Plus, a few rolls of beloved ribbon 😉🤭

[@rhonda8231]

Thank you for breaking this down. It is so daunting, and scary. I watch the Minimal mom, she seems like a great person. But it is like she doesn't have the same issues that we have. I find it so amazing that you were bullied and told such negative things. You are such a wonderful woman, beautiful, smart, and compassionate, and can even explain such complex emotional subjects so well. But I do know that some kids are very cruel, and they can be very good liars as well. I was severely bullied as a child, and in abusive relationships, lots of trauma. Shopping can make me feel better. I am trying to cut back on it, it is hard. But just starting is really hard. Thank you for being so open and honest about it.

[@KristiBranstetter]

You are doing amazing!

[@IrethEaron]

I love that you show the organizing after the decluttering. It is good that you put away the stuff to keep in the proper bins. You are doing amazing 🎉

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you so so much ❤️🙏🏼❤️ This is my rough organizing so it’s easier when we officially organize and curate the crafts!!

[@susanmunoz7688]

What a beautiful bracelet you made! 🤗❤️

[@zambranaml]

Love that you said "in this basement" now instead of "in this hoarded basement"! You're making that mental shift into seeing the basement as the room that it is/will be (with a little more steady decluttering), and not defining it as a hoarded space. Yay!

[@Llz1234]

I have a tip with getting rid of stuff, join your local buy nothing group and you can post stuff in there, you can also put it on the curb with a free sign, and what's left you can donate or toss, saves having to move so much stuff and you can see your items going to a good home where they will be used. Good luck in your decluttering!

[@sharonsomers5513]

You are doing such a good job. Decluttering can be very overwhelming,but you have done amazing.

[@jessicaquiroz7178]

I love your videos and advice

[@alexantran]

My father has the same desire. He bought things and stack to the ceiling, now his bedroom become a store room and he has about half a metre to sleep.

[@rg-mi5hh]

Yeah! Decluttering progress!

[@josephdaly2015]

The amount of bins you went through was brilliant. The pile leaving was great. You will make someone very happy. Miss Pepper is a great support. Mary, Joes wife 🙇‍♀️👏👍💪🙏💐🐈

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you so so much my dearest friend, you always put a smile on my face ❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@loisbolton1800]

What a pretty bracelet!! A sunny reward for the amazing progress you made in this video. Well done. ❤️

[@reneebergman714]

The bracelet you made and showed at the end was so pretty. It reminds me of you and your personality . . . . sunny and bright!! You are amazing Melanie!! ✨🌞

[@simones.438]

Thank you for your honesty and openness. You’re helping so many people. Keep going!✅💖✨

[@alanbirkner1958]

I was given another big bag of craft supplies. I kept 2 items, the rest are gone. Another big bag showed up, this time I kept 3 items. My daughter kept some greeting cards, she loves to send cards. Tina, Al's wife

[@katelynwhitaker3401]

Great job! You have grown and matured so much since the beginning and I’m so proud of you!! I have a suggestion though… maybe have a blog-style video to accompany the main video or just two parts to the video. One for the decluttering and one for your hoarding thoughts. I have ADHD and have a really hard time focusing on the decluttering and notes because I’m equally interested in your thoughts and healing processes. I usually have to watch the videos twice: once with sound and the second time without so I can read commentary. You really are doing great so don’t feel you need to change anything but I hope you listen to my input. ❤

[@taraa3456]

Yes, I get this as well.

[@charishurt1768]

Give crafts to nursing homes they would love them give them something they could make for a gift or for themselves plus would give them a great accomplishment for themselves ❤💜🦄

[@busybeavermom4763]

Teachers too!

[@alanbirkner1958]

We saw some kids we don't see often. I gave them a goody bag of craft supplies to take home. Tina, Al's wife

[@PreciousL0VE]

What a beautiful bracelet! They make great gifts too!

[@tngirlz4622]

BRAVO Ms. Heart! 👏👏👏🥳🎉❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🦄 Such had work, but you are doing it so well! After I post this I’m going to go work on my OWN basement.😁

[@caramoonlynn]

In a business club that I attend, we talk about failing often. It helps take away the bad connotation of failing. It's just learning. I'm sorting Christmas decorations. I'm labeling things with "2023" to indicate that's when it was sorted.

[@kellyharris4639]

I just went through a big section of my scrapbook materials hoard. You are inspiring me still after 4 years

[@carypolakowski4817]

I’m so glad you rewarded yourself by using your craft supplies!

[@barbaraandrews402]

Great progress. My reward for sorting bags of fabric is to slice scraps into ready to stitch strips and squares. I find stitching them together very soothing on stressful days.

[@lysem4392]

Great Idea for a self reward!

[@jodimurphy8440]

I had a question I don’t think I’ve heard you answer. If the items aren’t claimed on your town’s giving page, what do you do with them? Donate them to a thrift shop?

[@cat3crazy]

I was kind of forced to declutter my front porch. The roof leaked bad. It took me two days to go through and clean everything. I filled my trash container and more. I'm trying to find someone to do the repairs. The roof is metal sheets that have caulk between them. I had done some minor repairs a while back but I'm no longer capable. Getting old isn't fun. BTW, it was worth the hard work to clean. It was such a mess before.

[@bunacat1]

Declutter that bin Pepper!

[@brendajackson2651]

I’m so excited to see you set up your crafting space in the basement someday. It’s gonna be so great for you to have a specified space to craft in.

[@universaltruth2025]

There ARE a lot of different emotions with the stuff we hoard. I find them hard to identify. They are as messy as the unsorted pile of clutter. With clothing I have quite an ocd like compulsion to find a happy home for them. I imagine the ‘right’ person feeling delighted and grateful to get them. And not only that - but in the combination I think they go well together. Eg. This cardigan with that t-shirt. This shirt with those jeans. But I underestimate the time & effort needed to sell them. Then I think - I could probably recoup some cash from the good quality items, given I have spent so much buying them. And then I think I don’t want to just give these all for free to someone when they don’t realise how much money and time and thought I put into getting them in the first place. With craft supplies I feel sad I’ve never made anything or done any art, because I am naturally quite creative. With my recipe books I hardly ever cook anything in them because the food is a bit fancier than my family eats so it would be a lot of expensive ingredients, time and little appreciation at the end. Maybe when I think about it I am always weighing up - effort & energy in vs energy and satisfaction or appreciation out. Maybe I know I won’t get that feeling of anyone appreciating my time or effort or seeing the potential I see. But in reality my family would LOVE a clean tidy uncluttered house.

[@lysem4392]

Finding _just_ the right place to donate is part of the hoarding syndrome. The reality is that it's hit and miss. Whoever gets to use your donated items knows nothing of the history behind them and sees them as objects. Then again, these objects might become treasured in turn by whoever acquires them. I have had occasion to go to donation sites and charity shops when I was in desperate straits, and I can't tell you how much I appreciated what I was able to bring home with me; these shops and organisms were life savers. I am so grateful to those who donated their clothes, household goods and books. Your donations _will_ make a difference in someone's life. As for the really good items, yes, you might want to sell them; on the other hand, someone looking for a job for example might be thrilled to have them. It's up to you; the main point is that things you can part with actually leave your house. Once what you no longer need is gone, chances are very great you will never again think about the items. I speak from experience and the experience of others in my hoarders group.

[@universaltruth2025]

@@lysem4392 Thanks, yes I definitely have hoarding syndrome. I think its the thought of something I think is valuable being casually thrown away and wasted. Whereas I really want it to make someone else happy. But I know the reality is I can’t control that. I could increase the chances of it being valued by selling it but that takes time and effort. I have given away many bags and bags and boxes of stuff over the years but it takes me too long to bring myself to do it or find ‘the right’ cause (eg school gala).

[@lysem4392]

@@universaltruth2025 I absolutely hear you. I can manage much easier giving away items that I know will be useful and cared the for the way I want. But... it's as you say. For the good clothing, here in Montréal the YWCA has a collection of donated clothes specifically for women who are enrolled in their work search program. Maybe something similar is going on where you live.

[@alanbirkner1958]

I got some craft books and magazines at a rummage sale. I'm keeping one, the rest are going to the library so other crafters can enjoy them. I have only a few that I know I will use. I'm passing on some other books, too. I've almost got another box for Goodwill. My daughter found some things to give away, too. Tina, Al's wife

[@Saforra99]

Amazing progress! Thanks for sharing your emotional process + being such an emotional guide on this journey! 💜💜💜

[@chantalturcotte4410]

Wow! You were even able to let go of baby patterns which is huge for you given it's pretty sentimental. Congrats! 🎉😊❤

[@tonibergquist61]

You are doing so well!!! Cute bracelet 💖

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Appreciate that you show your methods, your labeling, your emotional status and your victories, too! You're awesome, Ms. Heart!

[@mooseyourbody]

Well done! I'm so looking forward to the final result of your craft supplies mini series! Keep up the good work!

[@psymompa]

Greay declutter seasion! You are inspring. Have a great weekend 💜☀️💜

[@c.han.b_]

I use stickers not only for a scrapbook, but also on cards that I give to people or on a present after wrapping them. That way I use it more often and allows me to be creative and go through them sooner😊❤

[@Roni_1518]

I love this. I just found your channel. I actually have a pretty good grip on my house, but needed some motivation to tackle some problem areas that never seem to go away! Thank you!

[@lear635]

I really enjoy your content 😍 What a lovely bracelet !!

[@MsArtistwannabe]

I’m decluttering craft supplies today. Love to see your progress.

[@joyindrelie6715]

Loving this series!

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

Melanie, I’ve heard you say “I am hoarding disorder”. No, you “have” hoarding disorder. Please don’t label yourself in that way. You’re doing a great job in your recovery. Thank you for sharing your journey! Hugs!

[@orysyaf8337]

I agree . She always says that

[@rebeckamattisson5083]

What a great reward to find your supplies so you can craft more easily. A big tossy tossy pile and such a cute bracelet! ❤❤❤

[@lindamusser7370]

I love seeing the cool stuff you have. Someone will love the things you share with them. Wow, this helps me toss a lot of patterns and fabric. I think I'll make a bracelet!

[@XOXOBBS4EVA]

💪Your hard work is paying off 🙌

[@MaryEavey-dc3sk]

craft supplies, yikes!! I am a quilter and my tough spot is FABRIC!!!! It is on the end of my list because it is high emotion, but sometimes when I go through my bins I will see a big pile of it and pick a few to get rid of........well, rid isnt the right word. Usually it is a low quality piece or something that was gifted to me that I am not all that fond of.

[@cupcakepinup1]

You did great 👍🏾! Course Pepper is great company !

[@joannefurlong9576]

So proud you were able to toss toss the patterns. You marched thru those like a champ. Keep up those baby steps!

[@lenarobins2480]

Sooo proud of you!!!❤

[@joycedemolle4565]

You are doing great in your decluttering.. Yes you have come so far in your journey. So happy for you. Keep up the positive energy. ❤❤

[@julievw6520]

Once again, you've done an amazing job! Just a thought... When you say, "I am hoarding" disorder, it always strikes me as a bit of an odd way to say it. For example, someone doesn't say, "I am depression", or "I am anxiety." I'm thinking of it as the advice to not say "my anxiety" or "my depression", etc. Instead, to say, "I have hoarding disorder", or "I have anxiety", etc. As in, one may have a particular disorder at this time, but it does not define them (it is not them). I'm not sure if I'm explaining this well or not. But, maybe a little bit of a mindset shift would be helpful! If I'm way off base or this isn't helpful, then ... by all means, disregard it! Lol I enjoy your videos and I'm playing catch up now! Great job!! 👍👍🎉

[@josmith2002]

I came here to say Go Girl, and then I saw your vinyl- Save that Vinyl for your Cricut machine- make a few fancy labels for a Budget Binder and laminated budgeting envelopes 😊 Love your channel ❤❤❤

[@amara560]

What a great declutter session yet again! So proud of you for letting go of the baby patterns❤

[@meimeikitty8981]

👍 Great jpb!!! You are doing it! 🙂

[@aileenreynolds5604]

Great job Melanie! I am so proud of how far you have come! I am on the same journey! I pray that I can be as successful as you are!

[@linayoung4595]

You're doing so good! I'm excited to follow your journey 😊

[@zzhoundzz8403]

I'd buy a handmade bracelet from you. Maybe after the initial declutter, you can make crafts to sell here on your channel ? Just an idea. Have a beautiful week-end !! 💖

[@debratakagawa4764]

Another wonderful job finished for today. I envy you for your ability to create wonderful artwork with all your crafts. Are you looking forward to the day when you can get back to crafting again?

[@francinehogsett3065]

You did great 😊❤️

[@jillmoor3833]

Keep up the good work well done young lady

[@amystewart9228]

Loved it

[@croccatcher]

Another fantastic job ❤

[@jessicajames4493]

This is so wise, to face the fear to overcome it ❤😊

[@LifeWithAllOfUs]

Super cute bracelet

[@pattiwilliams9144]

You are doing such a great job!!! Ive got so much to go thru in my upstairs. Its not all mine, some belongs to family members, but I still need to sort it all out! Thanks for sharing with all of us your journey!

[@joanne3450]

Hi from Mt Laurel NJ Love your channel...

[@saraht5636]

So great, well done! Sxx

[@charishurt1768]

Fantastic job beautiful lady 💜🦄

[@alexandrajacquet5898]

Would you consider doing at the and of a series like this one a once over to see if with the progress you made throughout you can’t toss anything else. It would not be long just a quick sift through each bin for anything obvious. I do this and I find it helpful

[@001-x1b]

Man I need to find these scrapbook savers here in Germany. I have so many scrapbook paperpads I need to pluck the the sheets out that i like and sell off/give away the remnants to other crafters. Too many beautiful paperpads too little time.

[@gingerswan4879]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pamelaoetken5690]

Another job well done. You are doing amazing 👏 ❤️

[@kwiatekkwiatkowska2526]

A beautyfull brancelet. You shoud sell them

[@verena8683]

Hi from Bolivia!!🦙

[@judenebaer9997]

❤

[@lucyrademakers4188]

❤❤❤😊

[@1234OopsyDaisy]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Benkissel1]

upvote for the pepper pic at the end

[@charisrussell4423]

I wonder if there are craft recycling centers or “creative reuse centers” in your area? Or maybe donating crafts to schools, I could see that warming you

[@Temari0Is0Cool]

I have a little problem, and I would like some advice if anyone is willing to give it! I like little projects, such as cross stitch and latch hook! However, once I'm finished with the project, I typically don't want to keep it (unless it came out really, REALLY well, in which I would likely frame it). What do you think I should do with the projects I finish? I feel more attached to the work than to the individual piece. It feels like a shame to throw something in the trash, but otherwise, it doesn't serve much of a purpose to me when it's finished.

[@suzannerockall4030]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jillianmayo5108]

...Is this the first time you introduced it as the basement, and not the "hoarded basement"?? 🤗

[@SN-sz7kw]

Anybody else anthropomorphise their possessions? I struggle with an “obligation” to care for and protect my possessions. Not because of any monetary value - but because they seem vulnerable. A lot to unpack there, I think. Pun intended. 😊

[@iloveallah3519]

Almost 5 years

[@ikrobiee]

You could donate your entire supply to a school or library or community center.

[@shannonbrown7488]

Decluttering craft stuff is the HARDEST!!!! Of all my rooms my craft room is the area I have the most trouble with! Does anyone else in your family have an issue with hoarding? My mother was a hoarder🙁!