MINIMALISM Basics | 4 things you should KEEP as a minimalist

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Have you ever questioned "can I KEEP this?" ... if so, this video is for you!

[@GayIdle]

I am a 65 year old Gigi who kept my own children’s wooden high chair for many years before my first grandchild was born. We are now expecting our 4th grandchild. I will use this high chair with him as I did with my other 3 grandchildren. And I cannot express the joy it brings me to see my grand babies sitting in this high chair. Keep those items! They will bring you unspeakable joy!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you for sharing your story! ❤️

[@patjackson3506]

We keep what is valuable to us - period. Drives me crazy how judgmental some people are. Love your channel and how you make decisions.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! Keep what YOU want to keep! ❤️

[@KristiBranstetter]

You choose what you want to keep! It is all about intentionality and being manageable!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Absolutely! ❤️

[@margaretcraig6538]

It is odd that people will watch a youtuber and then make negative comments ... why would someone continue to watch a channel that they don't like? Just to give them an outlet for negativity? Continue to offer great content!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’ve wondered the same thing myself! ❤️

[@almacervantes7995]

My MIL kept many many things from my husband’s and brothers-in-law. Clothes, toys, etc. And while my husband and I think she may have kept too many, I am still very grateful! My son has toys at her house and we’ve hardly had to buy him clothes bc of it. And she kept it all for that reason!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s really nice! ❤️

[@vickiegordon1959]

Good job on turning criticism into a well thought out and helpful video. When it comes to kid's things, I have always tried to be very selective about what to keep. I have a kids rocking chair that was mine, and now my grandson uses it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! I believe that most people just want to be helpful and maybe sometimes they just come off a little harsh. ❤️

[@victoriatwiz5624]

I myself am on a minimalist journey but I definitely don't plan on becoming a "true" minimalist. My plan is to have what we need and the things that will be on display truly bring me joy and make my family happy not a overwhelming amount because I do prefer things on a more simple side but it will be my definition of what minimalism is to me.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! Have a great day! ❤️

[@melissataylor8910]

I have a few pieces of smaller all wood furniture that my grandpa made for me when I was little. I cherish those items and would never get rid of them. I consider myself a minimalist but there are something’s you just shouldn’t get rid of and could never replace! Love all your videos ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@TheYvi828]

@arrowhillcottage I love your videos and get so inspired by them. I agree with what you said. There are things with sentimental value that are no ones business. I think the idea of keeping the items is so sweet 💕

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m so happy this video was inspiring for you! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@rayeof_light]

I love this. It's so true. I wish the stereotype would stop because I think so many more people could enjoy minimalism. But comments like what you experienced put so many off. Those of us that have deeply experienced the benefits know minimalism is so personal and know it's not black and white.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Absolutely! Spot on! ❤️

[@katherineelizabethco]

My husband and I decided to embrace minimalism when we made the decision to downsize our home . We used to host all of the important holidays. This tradition has been passed down to our daughters. The grandchildren are grownups now. In addition to downsizing we moved to Florida. At first the family were resentful, but over time they’ve accepted our choice for this final chapter of our lives. In the process of moving to Florida we gave a lot of our accumulated things to three sources: the children and grandchildren , donations to Goodwill and Got Junk. I made the difficult decision to pass along all of my family albums to the next generation. When I looked at the photos from long ago waves of nostalgia washed over me. They are now bittersweet memories that bring on tears of so much accumulated loss. That’s what old age contains- accumulated memories of time gone by. I felt so old, and not in a good way. Gradually I’m still needing to go through this transition. I knew I had to find a new path in order to move forward and not get stuck ‘’ aging in place “. By creating a minimalistic environment I feel a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. It’s never too late to simplify your life. This simplified life has the potential to give you peace and tranquility as you grow ever closer into the night.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful that you made decisions for your life and followed through! I know that these changes can be tough for people to understand, but no doubt when they saw your happiness and contentment they were ready to accept your new way of life as well ❤️

[@aliceaustin3603]

Yes, you do what is right for your minimalist life. Thank you for your channel. You encourage me.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@kathrynkerr3317]

Yes, keep the things you want to. Many people keep a wedding dress they don't ever want to wear again. It's OK. I like the statement about grace.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Very very true about the wedding dress! Ironically, my parents dropped mine off recently and I’m trying to decide what to do with it. I’ve heard of some people having their dress made into a christening gown and also a set of ring pillows- useful items that their children could potentially incorporate into future life events. I’m considering it…❤️

[@sl9906]

Another fabulous video, clarifying so many misconceptions about the unique journey we’re all on. Grace and blessings to you ❤😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! Have a wonderful day! ❤️

[@kennethbailey9853]

For Years You have Blessed so many lives ! Thank You. 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@richfiftyfour]

wow! brilliant video this morning- it feels like my favorite one of yours-you really touched on that whole wavy area of comment and feedback and sharing- Arrow Hill Cottage is a reeeaally good place -I'm sure there's lots of other subscribers who feel just as I do that it's really a bit of a blessing to have you share your inspiration and kindness and will always appreciate your channel just the way you make it and that Tuesday mornings are pretty special! ty 🍀

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awe, thank you so much for your kind words this morning! Have a wonderful day! ❤️

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

Ditto on making Tuesdays very special!

[@ajd6627]

You have a wonderful philosophy and keeping a few special items for your future grandchildren is admirable. I have fond memories of sitting on a little stool that my grandfather made and it was later in my own home. I also played with building bricks that had belonged to my father (pre-lego days!). I loved my aunt's Shirley Temple book from the 1930s and she also allowed me to read her What Katy Did books from her childhood. These items were all in my grandparents' home which was definitely not cluttered. The fact that I remember these experiences shows how important they were.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you for sharing your stories! Sweet memories! ❤️

[@DC-cf4ok]

Hi Angela Concurred with your insightful explanation and your calm demeanor in clearing the air about being real and staying true to oneself, rather than all-or-nothing sort of mindset and going to extremes in one's pursuit of so-called perfection (which really is uncalled for, in term of practising minimalism or essentialism per se). Like the saying goes: One man's meat is another man's poison. One does not need another person's approval or validation to be acceptable in what one finds to be meaningful or that "sparks joy" (to quote Marie Kondo), in deciding what's of value & meaning to our individual unique selves in our lives! Different strokes for different folks should be the guiding principle, behind any conviction and decision made pertaining to what we believe and subscribe to!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Absolutely! I knew that I didn’t need to justify my decision to anyone- but I felt there was a lesson in this interaction that needed to be shared! ❤️

[@luludiamond1182]

I’m SOOOOOOOO HAPPY that you quickly had Your Moonstruck moment👍🙏👍🙏👍🙏 VALUE is a huge adjective and element of ALL Life Choices! Choosing what to KEEP is a more positively forward approach. There is no Black & White with human beings. Our birthright is to choose and change with Life as it morphs, and twists, and turns and we re evaluate what’s most important to us!

[@jimgillert20]

Made too fast of a decision on an item that was very sentimental that would have taken a few days work to make room to hold on to. But after a period of time later I did have room as I decluttered and bought an upgraded version. So I fortunately took lots of pictures of the old one and now close to two years later I realized today that I was feeling I needed to move on to something new back then. So had to admit that to myself. But if I had put the work in I would still enjoy having it. Agree with your topic today.

[@motalisa1]

Just found your channel and so glad I did! I’ve been decluttering for a year and it’s now driving me crazy !! I just want everything gone , I have clothes prepped for selling and just need to do it ! Thanks for your helpful video

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Keep plugging along! It can be a tough path but the reward is worth the effort! ❤️

[@dorishamilton1635]

That comment you mentioned was negative and exactly why some people dislike social media. You’re Not hoarding. I an extreme minimalist, trust me, and need open space, however I’ve kept 1 toy , of my sons when he was a baby, that has lasted for almost 40 years, and each grandchild has played with it. The inner battery still works when you pull the string, it names an animal. You are very gifted and I appreciate your generosity by sharing helpful ideas. No of course you don’t hoard… that’s ridiculous. I am so glad you are exactly who you are ..❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you for the encouragement! ❤️

[@chalktalkwithshari4173]

You are totally right to keep those toys for your grandchildren. I had a rocking chair as a toddler. My children all enjoyed this chair and my grandchildren loved it , as well. Will I ever give it away…no…now I am looking forward to seeing my great-grandchildren enjoy this family heirloom.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Awe, so sweet! I’m sure it was so special to watch your grandchildren use it! ❤️

[@yamilamoreno2243]

Keep them! I am in the process of decluttering my house and I just came across a bunch of my children's toys. ( Barney, E.T., Big Bird and others. Some things are worth keeping for future generations. Great video.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! ❤️

[@maryb-h980]

Being really close to moving now and having spent much of the morning packing up dehydrated home grown fruit & veg, your fab vid reminded me of thoughts I had earlier... ie. many ppl would throw these away, when I thought of how these foods will provide nutrition in the time before I have my garden feeding us! Thanks for your exc vids, they encourage me to keep going. Blessings mxxx

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Absolutely! Your family will definitely appreciate the extra effort! ❤️

[@maryb-h980]

@@ArrowHillCottage Thnx for your encouragement ❤

[@diannamallow5195]

A really great video. I think it is a great idea to keep the items for future grandchildren. I have a rocker my great grandpa made by hand in the late 1800's I would never get rid of it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That is so neat! The doll crib we kept was built by my husband’s grandpa! ❤️

[@diannamallow5195]

@@ArrowHillCottage that is a keeper

[@CoolInOlympia]

The kitchen and crib are adorable!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@FelisBoudria]

4:51 Love this content and i already am more minimalist than people might get. I do not get rid of Christmas decor and i keep stuffed animals. I have/use very minimal furnishings. Again i like your content.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@francesstager997]

I am new to this site and have been jumping around to several videos! Today's message was a powerful one for me. THANKS!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s great to hear! ❤️

[@jackiecarnathan7415]

I kept a box of my daughter's baby clothes for 25 years. I have pictures of her in them and now I have pictures of my granddaughter in them. When she is sure that there will be no more grandchildren, I will keep a special few and donate the rest. I also kept her little rocking chair, my granddaughter loves it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

How neat that your granddaughter got to wear them also! ❤️

[@kimberdonham6548]

❤️ very eloquently said

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@kcmama91]

Thank you. I am always encouraged by your videos.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

So happy to hear that they are an encouragement to you! ❤️

[@arya-5763]

Thank you so much for sharing, I love to listen

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! I agree…the process is SO personal! ❤️

[@LaurieHeatherGoldstein]

Your video is perfect! You’ve helped me so much with my journey!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Wonderful! Happy to hear that! ❤️

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

The crib and kitchen are unique works of art. (The remark was snarky and punishing…boo hiss!) If I had those items I would definitely consider them as valuable additions to my life. Your home, your attitude are welcoming spots indeed.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@ginadowd1713]

Oh my goodness! The sad person that lives in a world where what they think matters to anyone else. The pitiful narcissistic tone of that message is just SAD. Thank you for your gracious explanation, even though you owe NOONE an explanation about what you value! The very idea😮

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Like I said, it did catch me off guard! But, deep down I think that most people are just trying to be helpful, but don’t always come across the best! ❤️

[@crterwil]

Thank you so very much for this. I really admire and appreciate your content. It always makes me think and provides inspiration. God bless you.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m happy these videos are helpful to you! ❤️

[@kbkb3358]

I had a wooden handmade rocking horse from my grandfather that I kept for years! All 4 of my kids used it and I lugged it all over the country as we moved and then even 1/2way around the world as we moved to Australia. I had hopes of saving it for my grandkids as well… after all the years and all the moves I finally had to get rid of it due to it breaking beyond repair. Am I sorry I kept it and lugged it around… not at all. I am thankful I could use it as long as I could.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

What a great story! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@sherihepworth8253]

‘Intentionality’: I like that! And can I just say it was a pure delight to watch you speed-fold the clothes!!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha! Thank you! If only it was actually that fast in real life! ❤️

[@baileyblount281]

I always enjoy your videos and how. calm your voice and demeanor are. I don’t understand why some people are so judgmental and critical of others. I am facing the monumental task of going through a mountain of family photos. I got 4 smallish boxes for the keepers, one for us, one for each son and one for our two grandchildren who have grown up with us. I will have to be very selective but it needs to be done

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It sounds like you are being very intentional! ❤️

[@lookingup333]

If you live in a house where you have a place to store something you cherish, there is nothing wrong in that. A space becomes cluttered if it's too small to organize everything in it. If the home is tidy and clean and the people living there enjoy it, I don't see a problem. 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! ❤️

[@ymh1683]

Perfectly said! 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@paularuotsalainen8954]

Thank you for your video! My mother past away and I have take much of her stuff. I have struggled if I have take too much her stuff. But what I took from her, are things that I use. And I can let go some of those things later, if I don't use them. I took my mom china and I get rid on my own china. This video was helpful for me 😊

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@susancook3360]

Spot on!!!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! ❤️

[@PleaseHelpICantThinkofaName]

As a person with hoarder tendencies, trying to be a minalist, I go by the rules: 1. Do we need it? 2. Do we love it? 3. Does it make us money? It seems you love this and I think you should keep it.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Absolutely! It is a treasure to our family! ❤️

[@angieelle9334]

Excellent points. I love watching minimalism videos. I find them so inspiring, but I have no intention of becoming a minimalist. I am very slowly working towards having none of those closed boxes in dark corners, though! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s a wonderful goal! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@anneblenkhorn5258]

Good advice!

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks! ❤️

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Geez. Wow. The comment was extremely pushy and bossy. Yikes! (I think I would wind up being way too snarky and cheeky….also why I prob shouldn’t ever have a YT channel). 😂😂 But moving on lol. I guess the beauty of it is that it puts you in charge of your life. It’s a conundrum I guess like with…how can you be “wrong” if you’re the boss of it? Such as it’s something we do for our own benefit. And yah. I think being a gracious boss to yourself is better than being a cruel boss to yourself. I’ve also found that what I would keep changes based on either how my life is evolving or just when my soul seems to know it’s time to peel off another layer. Like the other day I just wanted to get rid of some of my chatzkies. It was time ya know. Felt right. Wasn’t painful at all. Awhile ago it would’ve hurt a little bit to get rid of them. So my today self isn’t my yesterday or tomorrow self. So I think about it in terms of “right now.” Besides we can change our minds at any time. And we don’t need to try and jump ahead to our “tomorrow self” before we are ready and just accept our “today” self for today. (Like we can realize that nothing is set in stone but for today, you keep the toys if you want to. It’s whatever feels right and good “right now.” So maybe that is THE definition of mindfulness. We live in the moment not in the past or the future). I def think that all those decisions should be made without FOG (fear, obligation, guilt). I don’t think decisions based on FOG motivation are really ever good ones. We don’t have to feel massively inspired all the time, but we should not be bogged down with FOG either. I was discussing my new found excitement with a friend awhile back. She’s not a minimalist and loves collecting dolls. She said something like what if I was sad Bcuz I had to get rid of my dolls. It made me think. Then it dawned on me the whole duh conundrum. So I just said getting rid of them would only be when and if you wanted to. So it’s not like any kind of “have to” stuff. So if the time came when she wanted to get rid of them she would and it would not be painful Bcuz it was what she wanted. So idk. So hard to put into words I guess. When you want to, you will. But until then, carry on and stay happy. 😬

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I love that acronym! FOG (fear, obligation, guilt) great way to look at it! And also, totally agree that finding peace with your present self and not focusing on the past or future is key! ❤️

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

@@ArrowHillCottage Lol. Thanks. I stole it. FOG. In abuse recovery we learned a lot of acronyms. That was one. Another was JADE. They say never JADE to/with a narcissist or anyone really who demands it of you or incites you to it-it’s usually a trap and also we don’t “owe” explanations to people like that. (Justify, Argue, Defend, Explain). There are more I think but those two stuck with me the most. 😬 And FOG was mainly about watching out for toxic people who bring FOG with them. As it literally “fogs up” your thinking and your feelings. But could also be whatever inside us still fears or self guilt tripping or thinking non obligatory things are true obligations when they are not.

[@carolentringer8836]

1. things you use 2. things that bring you comfort 3. things that align with your values or goals 4. things that you enjoy

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Bingo! ❤️

[@deanacincotta2236]

Thank you for this. It was a breath of fresh air 💜

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@deborahcole1045]

If you love it, keep it! It is no one else's business,

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes! ❤️

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

i seriously think its the term minimalism its self that causes the problem, its just not a great word really, and its caused me so much stress. I think its labelling myself , and then it starts to control me and boss me around. I was watching something on the volcano in Iceland and how people had to leave thier homes with very few possessions and it got me thinking what would i take from my home. Interesting.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I feel like minimalism is less of a label and more of a way of life - just a constant reminder, maybe a ‘keyword’ I suppose - that things are just things ❤️

[@shoppingislifeuk]

Thank u

[@sct4040]

Some people can be so judgmental, you keep whatever you want to hold on to.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! I’m not taking it personally ❤️

[@user-dv1xz4vt6g]

Lovely video today with which I wholeheartedly agree. I’m in a slightly different situation though….I’m already a grandparent to three great grandkids aged six, four and one. There are unlikely to be others….😢 So, having kitted out my house with cots, toys, bottles, cups, pots, etc etc…..which have been well used…..now what do I do? Pass them on 😢or keep to remind me of these amazing years?? xx

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Have you asked your children if they would like to keep any of those items? ❤️

[@user-dv1xz4vt6g]

Thanks for the tip 😊 However Ivan predict they will want very little, as I’ve basically made a ‘home from home’ for them and they have a lot of similar things in their own homes….! Think I’m going to have to bite the bullet, maybe when youngest hits around three, and declutter all the toddler stuff😢 Thanks again xx

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Great game plan! ❤️

[@carolentringer8836]

​@@user-dv1xz4vt6gI'm in the same boat.

[@thepioneerhomestead]

Such a great message!💗💗💗

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you! ❤️

[@kennethbailey9853]

❤

[@gwenj5419]

There are always people who want to police others. These are the people who want to hold other people accountable to the rules as they imagine them. This happens in food plans, life skills, finances and even recreational and creative activities. Not sure why they feel the need to do this. Maybe they aren't happy with how they, themselves, are doing things?

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Yes, perhaps. Also the commenter may have thought that they were pointing out things I haven’t thought of- trying to be helpful ❤️

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖

[@lulu65245]

Thank you for this ♥️✨

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@charlenebrissette3348]

When will people realize minimalism is different for everyone.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I’m hoping I can help get that truth out there! ❤️

[@charlenebrissette3348]

@@ArrowHillCottage 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@marciadanemayer2251]

The definition of hoarding is not met by the items you mentioned saving off for grandkids. Far from it. Please take no heed of such accusations. 😊 I enjoy your presentations, and thank you for creating this positive and productive community. ❤

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thanks for the encouragement! ❤️

[@bonnieupton4114]

Keep that ! What the hell !

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Ha ha!

[@amonralice]

Hey, Angela. 🌞The person who made that comment doesn't quite understand the minimalism concept. But we're not judging, right? There's more to minimalism that just... stuff. And you keeping those two items means that they're *just for when*, not *just in case*.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

I like that take on it…just for when. :) ❤️

[@amonralice]

@@ArrowHillCottage Yep, me too. It's from The Minimalists. Joshua, Ryan and T.K. Coleman. 😊

[@rchia1023]

👍🏻💐

[@elu9780]

Speaking about the crib, are you certain that, however many years from now, your children will want to use it? They may not want that one specifically or they may not want to have kids at all. It is, of course, your choice whether to keep it or not, but I believe it would be better for it to be used now by someone who needs it *now* than if it was sitting there for years if not decades if not *forever* waiting for that possible - not *guaranteed* - future.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

It is a doll crib, not a crib for a child to use ❤️

[@elu9780]

@@ArrowHillCottage aah, I see. I suppose my point still stands, but thanks for the correction.

[@aflack1000]

What an awful and pushy comment. Boo on her!! OT, but you just keep getting prettier. 🙂 I've probably said this here already (but, maybe not), when I can't make a decision about an item on my journey to owning less, I ask myself, "If you saw this at Goodwill for 99 cents would you buy it?" If the answer is, "No" - it's gone. Simple. My obsession is spatulas, both the actual silicone "scrapper" spatulas and also the turners. I've been giving myself grace over this little obsession. I was just at Wallyworld this morning and guess what I perused? Spatulas. I resisted and didn't buy another one. Yay, me.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Thank you for your kind words, and yay for resisting another spatula! Ha! ❤️

[@viralprimenetwork]

Great video on minimalism basics! It's always helpful to learn about the key items to keep as a minimalist. we sent you an email, we would love to connect and collaborate with you🙂.

[@robertmueller2023]

One of my shocking victories? When I discovered Einstein and quantum theory and found out that time and space are completely relative. That was the death knell of anti-immigration. I did what an entire generation of hippies couldn't do in 1974.

[@KelseyHayward]

That commenter clearly doesn't know what hoarding is. 😂

[@ArrowHillCottage]

That’s kind of what I was thinking. Ha ha! ❤️

[@Ann-vr1qr]

Hoarding?! Not only is that not an opinion, but it is a blatant misuse of a word that is a mental disorder caused by trauma. A true minimalist would never say that. People who embrace this lifestyle know that "minmalism" is not an end state. It is the journey. 💖

[@ArrowHillCottage]

Agreed! ❤️