Disruptors, distractions, and interlopers

My uncle-in-law was a hoarder. I remember the shock the first time I visited his home; every room filled from floor to ceiling, an obstacle-course of stuff to navigate. I don’t think of myself as a hoarder but then, neither did he. When asked about my practice I often say “I make stuff out of stuff”. But what actually is stuff and is this a term I should be using to describe my work? I guess, the phrase might be interpreted as a throwaway remark, flippant or dismissive, as if I’m questioning the value of my work.