Catherine I love your videos. They make me happy. I’ve been down-sizing for 20 years. I sold my 3 bedroom ranch that I’d lived in for 30 years when my kids were all grown. I lived in four other places and down sized each time. Now I’m in a little one bedroom apartment that is strange in that it is tiny but has an enormous walk-in closet. To that closet I’ve added 4 long shelves and it now holds bins of all my art, craft, tools, suitcases, Christmas decorations, restoration materials, out of season clothing, and extra linens. My clothes, shoes, scarves, and bags live in an Art Deco burl walnut wardrobe in my bedroom. My queen size bed is on risers and I store bins that hold wrapping paper and ribbons and bows, and current projects.Also, my family keepsakes. My kitchen is so tiny I’ve gotten rid of all my things like juicers, waffle irons, slow cookers, stand mixers, food processors, rice steamers, and instant pots, or things I “needed” for cooking from scratch for my family. I have retained a toaster, a blender, a hand mixer, an immersion blender, and a spice grinder, that’s it. I have two antique mahogany corner cabinets that hold my vintage and antique china, glassware, and silver serving pieces. My dining room has a billy bookcase that holds my favorite books, and a bunch of my memorabilia from traveling around the world. I’m not a minimalist yet, just a perpetual downsizer.
In the US, we call it the linen closet. Usually the hot water heater is outside, in the laundry room or sometimes in a separate closet than the linen closet.
I will never be a minimalist but I do declutter constantly to keep up with things. Stopped buying lots of junk. Only buy nice things that I can use. Hard though, there are so many pretty things to buy.
My mum had an airing cupboard where socks would go to die. It was rammed full all the time. We never thought it was messy anywhere in her house... it was cosy and "lived in". Love your house, it always looks tidy to me 💖
I came from a generation where as wedding gifts, we were given beautiful silver pieces, fine china, and everything one would need to throw a fine dining party. I declutter most of those items many years ago. But then I lost my mother, and had to clean out her house to be sold. THAT is when the minimalism "bug" bit me! As morbid as it sounds, I don't want to do to my kids what my mother did to us! I struggle with health issues, so I have just slowly started to declutter and give things away. IT FEELS WONDERFUL!!!
That is what I've gone through Patti. I have had to get rid of so many peoples stuff I really don't want to leave all that for my daughters. I have been ill the past year and my husband had to do everything himself so luckily we are on the same page with decluttering. It does feel wonderful Patti.
I dunno why watching someone declutter is so fun, but I enjoy it! To your comment on the hot press - most Americans have don't have a 'hot press' if they live in newer homes - most people's boilers, etc. are located in basements or outside. In really old homes, they are actually located in what looks like a closet in the back of a room or along a hallway, but there's never enough space to fit anything else on the side or in the front. In mobile homes they are usually in a closet or free standing next to the laundry taps. I had one in an apartment once, and the closet is literally not larger than the size of the boiler. It's a cool way to store your linens in a relatively dry spot, but it didn't really catch on across the pond, as early American homes tended to have in-wall storage (no closets) and moved straight to walk-in closets in new builds or free-standing wardrobes in renovated homes.
I think I would call that space a utility closet? It’s where I’d shove all the brooms and mops and stuff lol the terminology may vary depending where you are in the US tho :) love your videos!!!
I am a “clutter bug” too. When you mentioned holding on to boxes because they are “good boxes”, that is so me! We are always renting and moving so I end up holding on to so many! One day, I want to be like you and shed that extra stuff, like boxes! I absolutely love your videos! Your style is on point, and I love your positivity, honesty, your adventurous spirit. Like I said, I so want to be like you when I grow up! I’m 50, and I have never been to a movie theater by myself, let alone travel by myself....You make it look so easy, so I may have try it
I just wanted to say that I think you are adorable and you have a fantastic personality.😍 Happy birthday 🎂💐Catherine and may the Lord bless🙏 you and keep you all the days of your life. 😇💓🇺🇸
I grew up believing I should save certain things for a special occasion ! I'm getting older now and the items are still waiting for that special day. It's time for me to go through my stuff and you've inspired me. Thanks again dear girl ! 💜
Hi Catherine! You inspire me to make my home cozy and beautiful with your warm style and fantastic personality. I am so impressed by your maturity - when I was your age I was a hot mess ;) Thank you, Blondie and Pepsi for all your wonderful videos, you are all stars :) Best from Iceland...
We downsized in retirement so I had to get rid of a lot. The house needed remodeling so I filled one bedroom with decor and furniture pieces and whenever we got a room finished I would go in the room and "shop'. When all the rooms were done I sold or donated everything still in that room and turned it into a cozy guest bedroom. I like your idea of taking a picture of your storage items and I really liked your saying about the long finger!! Cracked me up.
I’ve spent the lockdown year decluttering all of my belongings. I’m currently listing excess craft items and then it’ll be summer clothes. I’ve completely emptied my very full garage and now rent it out. My loft is empty except for Xmas decs and 2 spare dining chairs. I’ve donated loads of stuff but also sold some things and have made almost £400 so far. It’s a great feeling knowing what I have and where it is xx
In reference to your closing comments, I think decluttering your home will be big this year. After being inside so much you realize that you just don't need all this stuff. It's a great idea to give it away so you can brighten someone's day!
I did it! I started rearranging furniture and buying a new table (from marketplace)for the room I keep injured/rescue birds in, last night. Then I woke up at 6am and started going through all my jumbled up draws of craft stuff and getting it all together. Then i tackled my big horrible set of draws and the bottom of my wardrobe. Then I filled my car with rubbish and took it to the tip and washed my car! Phew! I’ve not done so much for over a year 😂
So since this video things have escalated and I've been through the hole house excluding the loft (which is another can of worms 🤣) and I've probably rehomed and taken about 2 skips worth of stuff to the tip!! My god the house is feeling amazing...so much dust collecting it was disgusting. I've made spaces all over the place....it's fantastic!! Thank you for the motivation!!!😘😘😘
Never did I ever think I’d be entertained by watching someone clean out their linen/utility closet! I’ve recently discovered your channel and am thoroughly enjoying it. Your home is adorable with gobs of charm and unique pieces......I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve shared your utube site with friends on Facebook. I live in the upper Midwest in the U.S., in the state of WISCONSIN directly on Lake Michigan. It gets very cold here (currently -5 Fahrenheit with windchill -25 degrees) and at the moment we have about 2 feet of snow on the ground with more expected this week. So, keeping busy indoors (also COVID to contend with) is important to maintain sanity. You’ve inspired me to clean out my closets, dresser drawers, etc...and make some donations. Thanks for the fun posts .....I’m so very glad I happened upon your space! Stay safe. ❤️
You know you love decluttering videos when you can sing the lyrics to the first song (3:16) Has anyone else realized that this is in literally every decluttering and organizing video? "Loooook at the beautiful stars, I wanna drive a faster car" 🎶🤩
Thank you for sharing . I’ve been guilty of stuffing stuff in corners and behind sofas . I live in the Uk and it’s so common to see the hot water tank in the small cupboard too , which I guess it was built for , but it does leave little room to put our linens and towels etc. Thinking about it 🤔 when I look at American youtubers I’ve not seen a tank in their linen closet ever . Glad you have your mum with you . 💛
So glad to see a new video Catherine! You are such a doll, honestly I’d enjoy just you talking about anything, sipping your “cup-uh-tea”. I get joy from your bubbliness, accent and expressions. Ideas too of course...lol. Here in the U.S. we have “linen closets” where things you seem to store the most of in your hot press. Hot water heaters, furnaces etc are in separate place. Usually not used for storage. I so wish I could enjoy tea like you. It always looks so good when you are sipping some. I am definitely an American, coffee girl. I do have teas, flavored ones I try now and then. But, always go back to my coffee. Thanks for the new video. Cold, rainy day here and this is a perfect lift to the spirit.
"Putting it on the long finger" never heard that but going to use it from now on.🤣 Heard one from Australia too, about when something fits well. She described it fitting "like a finger fits up a nose"😂
I’m trying to declutter myself. I have so much stuff it’s ridiculous! I enjoy watching your channel so much. I’m from USA and I just love to hear you talk! Your accent is adorable!
In the US we call the closet for towels, blankets a linen closet. Not all houses have them. There is a room normally separate or in the garage that has the hot water heater, but truthfully the are all usually dumping grounds!
Oh my! I think you do one heck of a job keeping your place dainty and tidy! We moved in the middle of this Covid mess. Going from 3000sf to 1500sf, so 1/2 the space. I have taken a number of your hints to keep everything sorted. Thanks for all your videos!!♥️😁🏅
Yes, every home should have a junk room or dumping room 😆. I am forever sorting at home and work.... I sort out and think thats where that went then now I know great. I'm doing my craft room at present ..the stuff I have found. So a big thank you for another great blog. Amanda xxx Happy Birthday xx
After this I sorted out my craft room , cleared out and removed some unwanted storage completely and a load of old photos I was going to junk in the attic, and I watched the documentary , you gave me plenty of motivation this weekend Catherine!
Catherine I just love you. You’re videos always make me smile and laugh, you’re so funny. You’re also very inspirational and talented. I envy your office/Craft/work room. I love crafting but my house has no space for a room I could dedicate to happily be creative in. Anyway, look forward to more of your vids. Sending you virtual hugs from a fellow Dub. 💗💗💗
Many years ago my best friend came over just before Christmas, and while here she wanted to see what presents I bought for my 3 kids and offered to help me wrap some. I took her in my husband and my bedroom which happens to have the only closet in our house, that houses everything and hide the gifts too. I started pulling all the presents out and she was so shocked by what I could manage to stuff in such a small closet. From then on and over the years we laugh and joke about the “magic “ closet.
I was doing great at decluttering a few years back and then I discovered junk journaling. Now my home is filled with all kinds of stuff I think will be great to use in a junk journal. I totally need therapy. Great video Catherine, as always. 👍🐱🐱😃🌼🌸
I do have the same upbringing.My family always saves things "just in case" and when we were renovating our home it got so overwhelming.I still learn how to let things go.Especially boxes and paper bags.
You're too funny. Great job reorganizing. Sweet advice you gave. Lock down has certainly helped us view our home in many new ways. Yours looks lovely Catherine. Thank you for sharing, it's always a joy. Bless you and your family. Remind your brother becareful in the attic! Happy weekend to you~♡~
I’m learning that too, my grandparents raised me and they lived through the Depression…. I’m very sentimental over family things too….but these past few years …heh heh… turning a new leaf! 🍃
I love seeing the difference in homes from the states (Florida here) and your country and the manes used to describe them. I adore your accent and love listening to you explain things with the chuckle in your voice. I would like to see videos of the shed revamp, it would make a cute little out building, a little cottage out back. Hang an old window with mirror in it for the side and a flower box underneath and maybe some shutters, of course all painted up with the "Dainty Style". The inside could be painted and have some shelves for extra storage and some decor of course. And....in one of your videos you mentioned your master bedroom has a bathroom, would like to see you work your magic for that room as well.
Great job cleaning Catherine! Your office is lovely. Best thing I did for myself was put a donation box by the back door to drop unwanted items in it as I come across them. When it's full, I pop it in my car. Lately, I've been working on 2 huge piles of sewing projects. It feels so good to be down to only a few projects. Yippy!
You and my sister have so much in common. She is my official packing person! She can fit 4 weeks of clothing into an overnight bag! A skill that is at the top of my "i wanna be like her skills"! We too are of the clan, if someone gives you something you have to take it so you won't hurt their feelings. 😆. Thank you for all you do. Hugs to Queenie and Pepsi 💖
I so needed this right now. I have been keeping my 3 grandbabies a lot for the last several months and have not had the time and energy to keep everything organized. Little hands and do a lot of damage! 🤣🤣🤣 I will clean and organize my spaces this coming week, since we are expecting snow again and I will have no excuse or tiny visitors to keep me from getting it done.
Oh my, I have a closest that is so full of towels , blankets, bed linens, table cloths, pillow, you can not get another thing in that space. I know I must clean it out; however I think I will wait until cold weather is past and then I can put all of the blankets and throws in space bags and store them in the attic. I may be able to donate some to goodwill. I am always careful to not go over board when getting rid of certain items. We still have a lot of overnight guests from time to time, ( 11 grand children and 9 great grand children). My biggest clean out is my walk in ATTIC. You have given me some good ideas on organizing the space to better use. Thank you. Ann from Va. USA 🇺🇸
Something I need to do, but lack the motivation!!! Baby steps! You are so sweet. I just love your attitude and personality. Hope your Mom is better.🌷 I love your videos, I feel you help young women realize that they CAN do it!!! 😉👍💖
I love the minimalists. They have really inspired me to declutter and to not hold on to things. It's very freeing. We just cleared out the attic. I had cards and letters from when I was a child. I had never looked at them so they got chucked. It's all lovely and tidy and organised.
Thanks for sharing that Gabrielle, yes, you feel so much lighter! Just having the things you use everyday around you and not as much "stuff", you even feel less anxious x
😍 Catherine, I just love your Channel. I am retired nurse and I am disabled now but you have given me inspiration as I am in the process of moving and I'm casting off a lot of stuff. Thank you for everything you are amazing!!!
I've just recently discovered your channel and fallen in love with not only your style, but your lovely way if speaking. My ancestors hail from County Cork and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to hear that lovely lilt. 😊
A hot water heater and A linen closet are what we have in the US. I absolutely love your channel and all of your content.....so thank you for letting us see your "mess"!! Take care!😊
We would call it an airing cupboard in Hull. It's amazing what I find in there!! I loved it when you said you being home is wrecking the gaff, because that's exactly what's happening in mine! Much love xxx
Hello Catherine, yes you do have a skill in putting things into that whole closet. Hope your mum's better, much love to both of you can't wait for next week video 🤗🙋♀️
so much insp to clean out my own room (only have a room for now) and make it look as pretty as your house!!! I love the lighting you get in your office space!
You did a great job Catherine. I have just bought two large storage boxes to put all my Christmas decorations in. I’m going to keep them in my cellar, when I clear that out. I’m in Wales and we call ours an airing cupboard. Have a lovely birthday 💖🎂🎉 I hope your mum is feeling better 😊
Hi Catherine well done. Decluttering is a journey. I've been a minimalist for 4 years now and I'm still decluttering. There is always something to get rid of. Hugs from across the ocean💚❤
Goody! And I'm happy you show us your "messy" house so we can all learn how you deal with the mess and declutter. After all, we all need help 😉 (it often gets worse before it gets better.)
LMAO "the magic cupboard" love it!! most people in america have our water heater in the garage or basement, we generally don't have anything fancy like yours
If you could see my house right now mother of God!! I am waiting for my new desk and chair to arrive and I did get a lovely cabinet for shelving today. Without proper storage things get all cluttered. That’s my excuse Lol!! You did a great job girlie as always! 💕
Wow, Catherine!!! You're inspiring and industrious. I've always admired you and all that you share. Your home is beautiful and I understand how you feel. Especially with the lockdown. Thank you for sharing your home life. 💯🤗❤️🌺💐
I’m 57 And have a lot of stuff , I have a room in the basement that had a lot of stuff that we stored in there it’s clean out now , it been turned into a workout room for me ,it’s almost done so grateful to have that space, going to do my kitchen next . It feel so good when you declutter. Thanks for sharing I have a linen closet to clean to 😂❤️🌹
Your home is so cozy 💕 and that's such a good idea of taking pictures of your items before putting it into storage, because I forget what's in my bins when I start to look for them again lol 😄🙈
I just have to tell you! I have been watching all your videos and got so inspired that my dining room table and chairs are now pink and recovered!!! 💕💕
Catherine if you think yours needs decluttering come and see mine.i wouldent mind but i did it in the first lockdown so where does it come from?.my spare bedroom is terrible for clutter .ive no storage cupbourds so everything is in boxes under the beds. but at 74 it will take me two minuits to get on my knees and when its done it will take me fifteen minuits to get up again.Happy Birthday.
As usual you have inspired us to not only have a good clean out, but to enjoy the feeling of making room and making use of things we already have. I didn't see your sewing machine out, so I wondered if you were taking a break from making crafts. I thought how lovely it would be to see you making Bunny Rabbits for Easter that were much like the bears made at Christmas. And I am going to remind you about a tutorial for the lovely pin cushion if you ever need an idea for a video. Thanks for giving us your spark of joy. You have no idea how much it means to some of us to see a positive example of life going on just now.
My family gave me many items which they didn't want and I want to pass them onto thrift stores or trash. We've downsized in recent years with very minimal storage space in this house. Your video is very motivational! In New Zealand we say "airing or linen cupboards".
Growing Up in a Scottish/Irish Family I certainly knew what a Press was But we mostly just called it a Linen Cupboard or Airing Cupboard ~ You are Great at Encouraging Us Catherine ~ Take Care x x
Hi Catherine you inspired me to help my daughter paint her kitchen cupboards still working on it and looking great Love you channel keep going and stay safe Breda x
I don’t think I could ever be a minimalist, I am tryimg to be mindful of what I have and what I need, but I am a crafter with so may things I would love to try, but fortunately funds and space are saving me at the moment xx
I think you have a birthday soon, as I remember last year it was around the same day as mine (but, you are young and I will turn 57 lol.) CHEERS to you! Happy Birthday Catherine! We all love your channel. I hope your Mom is on the mend. In Michigan, we would call that a utility closet. Be safe and be well!
Hi Catherine. It looks so fresh and clean, I like how you show the details...wiping down the desk, vacuuming up bits of dirt! I have been traveling but am back home and will tackle my main floor bath and storage closet next week, Monday to be exact! It’s something that can be completed in 3 hours, I believe. I’ll be stuck home in extremely cold Minnesota, USA weather. 😄. I think it’s your birthday...soon? Happy birthday, Catherine.
Where I live in Australia we dont have those hot water closets. Usually our hot water system is outside the house. We call our cupboard for linen just a Linen cupboard or Linen press. You did a beautiful job as always.
Oh my, the cupboard gave me a serious moment of panic. It was indeed a hazard. Those valves in red must remain easily accessible! I had to have a talk with myself last year when I realized I’d crammed so much in the cabinet under my cooktop I’d have had to dig to get to the shut off valve for the natural gas. The clutter happens, but we can’t let it impact safety. ❤️
Thank you so much for these videos. I heard they take quite a bit of time to edit etc. I really enjoy your lovely personality and great house and projects. Hugs from 🇨🇦
Your house is the perfect size!!! It's in Ireland so you are blessed!! Our trip has been pushed to Dec 2021 to Ireland. Praying we get to make it. I need some Irish sea air and peat!!
Feel really inspired by your video, thank-u! Want to do up the small room into a study, my home is small and a bit like yours. Can't wait to do the study now!😊
Decluttering video one of my fave n things to do...Thanx for showing us your space n how U reorganized it sooo neatly...how relaxing...taking ur tips now is my turn...💙🌸Blessings...😺
Owning your first home, I think anywhere in the world, usually means others will be giving you furnishings they no longer want. A creative person never wants to say "no thank you" . until you acquire too much lol. Anothe rYT I watch is Hermione Chantal who bought a Victorian home and has been redoing the entire house over for the last 3 years. Her video today talked about this very thing. We all have a pile or two, or a drawer or two that needs clearing out. YOur home is lovely tfs 🥰🌵🏜️❣️💕💞💗💖💘💝🥰🌵🏜️❣️💕💞💗💖💘💝
