DECLUTTER & ORGANISE My Whole House With Me In 2023 PART 1

[@cathryncavalli]

Do a brain dump page in your journal and whenever you think of an odd job or little task that you need/want to do but it’s not a priority, write it down there. So when you have pockets of free time, you can look at your list and pick from it. The goal isn’t to cross everything off a brain dump but to take away the mental space it takes up 😊

[@dartlanddunbar5842]

The bags can be used not only for Christmas gifts, but every day gifts for those who are struggling. My grandmother's church fills the canvas/fabric bags with hotel toiletries, drinks and snacks and other items for those in need. They serve breakfast and lunch six days a week and give the bags when serving meals.

[@franziska5582]

I don't know if you like to sew (or maybe someone you know), but the sentimental pyjamas could easily be made into something like a cover for a cherry pit pillow. That way, they still keep you warm when you snuggle up in bed ;) That was my birthday gift for my best friend lately: I used an old jumpsuit with a lovely pattern to make a "wellness kit" for her. Cherry pit pillow, scrunchies, sleep mask, washable make-up remover pads, everything in a little pouch made from the same fabric ☺

[@MadeleineOlivia]

This is a lovely idea thank you! I will speak to my mum about some ideas we could make from the trousers!

[@FionaDickinsonMusic]

​@@MadeleineOlivia agree with franziska's idea. I've used old clothing to make little drawstring pouches that help me organize those smaller items (lib balm, phone charger, sunscreen, etc.) that I don't like to leave the house with, but can easily get lost in my day bag. Helps me keep my larger bag organized and bring new life into sentimental fabrics - minus the yucky body shaming triggers.

[@ingkasi]

I did with the first duvet covers I bought for myself when I moved out of my parents place. They got old, really thin at some parts and started getting holes. I made it into reusable shopping bags like jute bags. Love them and use them all the time

[@courtneywagasky1093]

I was going to suggest this too!

[@RillaG]

Must be something in the air... I've been going through all our office supply cabinets at work and home and getting everything decluttered and organized. Such a good feeling. One thing that really pissed me off though was I had bought a new label maker and after emptying every nook and corner it has vanished! So I had 4 packs of new label tape to go in the new label maker, and two old label makers that no longer have tape available to buy. LOL Yesterday I finally got a replacement label maker, recycled the old 2, and I'm back in BUSINESS, BABY! Ha!

[@TheresaCaney]

I also experienced difficulty reading during the pandemic. I could listen to audio books that I borrowed from my virtual library consortium.

[@ccq6877]

Same here, and I’m an avid reader. Thought it was just me.

[@rachaeljones5767]

Started facing cluttering as I was an emotional hoarder and slowly breaking the habit and a better mindset. But 2023 is the one to get my house finally straight as things were put on hold for a while from lots of hospital trips for breast cancer treatments in 2020 / 2021 . I am now all clear and can slowly get those jobs done ... already started a box for what will go to charity x

[@junehulton9776]

Excellent progress...it makes me feel so good when I have declutter day.... I have taken so much to the charity shop...My Mum....her to say...a place for everything... Everything in it's place...and if you don't use something with four to six months...you don't need it ...and I do remove them things too... My mind feels so much better....when I know there's no more STUFF in the drawers .....well done 👍 I would make a pillow case for you beds with your PJs...or in Shetland...where I lived for a few years ...thy used to make teddy bears with clothes from loved one who had passed away....it's good to remember them in the personal items..

[@Wheezywatches]

Why not keep your books in your library downstairs? Somewhere cozy to read them in? Also, I wonder if you could repurpose the pjs into wall art or a little pillow or something? There are some artists on Etsy who will take fabric and make little animals with them. Then your not holding on to it in the dark for someone who may not want them. I use to be a major minimalist as well, but do find some of the principals still hold… You want to be able to enjoy the items your holding space for in your home. I also find with those linen closets with such wide set shelves, sometimes adding an extra shelf can help keep things separate.

[@stephmulrine7298]

I totally resonate with going through phases of not being able to read. When I did my PhD and my mental health was bad, reading for pleasure became impossible because I was always thinking "I should be reading academic stuff for my thesis". When I submitted it and passed my viva I got back into it and have enjoyed it so much! I still have lulls when my mental health means I can't quiet my mind to read, but overall I find I am so much more consistent and get so much enjoyment out of it. Would love to hear your thoughts on what you are reading. I love my local library!

[@anavidreader277]

Have you tried audiobooks? I’m able to do inane tasks that don’t take much concentration and it takes away the feeling of ‘guilt’! Just a suggestion :)

[@Reader643]

I love the few baskets I have in my linen closet, but I also love storing linens inside fabric bags and pillow cases to keep sets together or keep dust off blankets in storage. Easy and usually free.

[@rebeccascheetz8843]

Foe the canvas bags: if there's a bunch of tiny ones, you can use the material to patchwork together large r, more usable one for your regular shopping .

[@ansalexandras.5306]

Declutter and organizing is my favourite content 🎉

[@elsje479]

Some stores have baskets where you can leave shopping bags for other customers to take. If a shop near you has this as well you could drop some cavas bags off there so other people can use the ones you don't need.

[@jangriffiths8013]

When I retired and was looking for projects to keep me busy (sane), the first thing I did was line the bottom of all my drawers with inexpensive (dollar store) wrapping paper. It creates a nice clean surface on which to put everything.

[@JoannaLouise200]

That certainly was a declutter...hope you had a break and some treats afterwards! Your new armchair for the guest bedroom is so classic & beautiful, and such a good buy, and really looks comfy! My idea for the smaller pull-string bags is to fill them with lavender or other natural potpourri, and hang them on the ends of the rails in your wardrobes. Your clothes will not only be beautifully scented with the fragrance of Summer, but lavender especially is a moth repellent. You can also part-fill the larger ones with the same, and lay them flat in your chests of drawers...beneath your clothes :)

[@ggguillemette1375]

You really are on on my favorite youtubers, if not THE favorite. You had such a positive impact on my life and my mental health, teaching me to be gentle with myself and giving me motivation too! So thank you so much, I am always excited to see your latest video!

[@amberelgee1139]

On the realm of period pain remedies, i have endometriosis so I used to get period pain literally 24/7 until I went on medication for it. I thought about getting those period patches you mentioned but they cost too much for me personally. If that is the case for other people as well use muscle heat patches. People in England can get them in b&m cheaply for about 1 pound a pack (you get two in a pack). You can put them on during the day while at work or doing what you need to do and they are great. Not an eco friendly option but when pain relief stop working even the strong stuff for myself they were a god send.

[@dottiebaker6623]

You are so right that this is very satisfying work, when done in small chunks. When the pandemic first hit, I COMPLETELY reorganized my bedroom closet, including new shelving, hanging rods and a shoe organizer. It's so nice to actually be able to find things right away - no more wrestling my way into it! And last week, I feng shui-ed the bedroom. All the furniture is now in a different place, laid out according to feng shui principles. Although I've been a fan of fung shui for a while, I never intentionally did a whole room that way, as in, by the book. I am shocked at what a difference it makes! The afternoon I finished, I just lay on the bed drinking in how good it felt. It felt like I was in my most comfortable, safe spot. And I'm sleeping better. Less waking up in the middle of the night, and if I do, I can now go back to sleep! It's worth giving it a try.

[@salihabala8003]

I use linen bags for groceries : veg and fruits go in, and also biscuits and dry fruits, pasta, rice or even lentils etc…

[@loredepalo4080]

Am so with you. This was my new year resolution. Just de cluttered my linen closets,main clothes closets, pantry, freezer, and fridge. Next up my garage and basement storage. Hope this brings you as much satisfaction as I am feeling.

[@jessie551]

The reusable bags can totally be donated. Our local charity shop uses them for customers. Also women's shelters might be interested in them to use for toiletries. Speaking of toiletries, I know you say that you are sent tons of products from companies. A women's shelter would love the extra unopened samples and products. For the jewelry drawers, get some velvet from the craft or fabric store, and cut pieces to fit the drawers. :-)

[@hannahwilders9879]

You could use some of the canvas bags for vegetable and fruit instead of using the plastic ones in the shops, and you can also use them in the laundry. To separate single pieces that may be more delicate. I put my bra in one of those types of bags so it doesn't get stretched or the clip doesn't damage another piece of clothing. Love these videos!

[@mariedamon5655]

That's a great idea little and often tidying then don't ware your self out surprising what you can get done over a few days .glad you found your bag x

[@lucywoodcock7394]

Shoe boxes are great for drawer organising, no need to buy new.

[@christinemccoy5237]

The cloth bags are useful to group sets of sheets and towels not used. They don't wander that way, look neat and tidy and just throw in a sachet of lavender makes it perfect

[@verenaurban1607]

There's something therapeutic about decluttering 😍 Who feels the same way? I wish you a great Monday Madeleine and I'd love to share with you some really cool music on Spotify for your next decluttering session: Benedict Ammann - Dream This song always puts me in a good mood and I hope it will do the same for you 💛

[@glynnL]

You could donate the canvas bags to a charity shop to use as take home bags, or maybe one of those Dress for Success types ones that give professional clothes to people going for interviews or new jobs when they don’t have money for new clothes. Or a food bank. Or some of them and some of the clothes can be the backing for the scrapbook, or some of the pages.

[@northwoodfalls1403]

Oh, my goodness …. I LOVE that chair!! What a find. It looks so cozy comfy 😊. Decluttering is so soothing. Yes, it’s quite a chore and can be overwhelming but doesn’t it just feel like some burden you weren’t even aware you were carrying around with you is suddenly lifted? I needed this inspiration to get on with some areas in my house that have, apparently, been multiplying items whilst I have not been looking and have reached critical mass 😂

[@emmaswan9927]

I abslolutly love your videos ! You give me so much motivation and joy to declutter and organize my bedroom, and I also love the fact that you are vert natural during tour videos, you don't try to be someone else so it feel so good to see you very shiny and happy. You inspire me to embrace my values and to give me hope, thank you and never stop showing us your declutter video ! Ps : as a 17 years old french girl, I'm completely in love whit your british accent ! And it help me to understand english with the british accent so thank you !

[@sandrab5477]

I use the light canvas bags for buying bulk veggies / pasta / nuts. I guess you can also use them in bags (like handbag or tote bag) for cable storage / small items. Or to carry a lunchbox. Gift wrapping is also a good idea to reuse them.

[@carlienvandernet7902]

I love to see you declutter...it get me going as well 😊. I’m still in the middle of decluttering my house, but moving forward every now and then. Now it is time to relax but tomorrow I will do at least a couple of drawers.

[@jennifertoliver9546]

I am a mad reader, my mum was a mad reader and now I have a Kobo I've pulled up so many sweet books I read as an adolescent. Its very sweet to visit that time of my life!

[@sannie1208]

In my country we have clothing donation boxes for an organisation for kidney disease treatments. I bring the clothing in a canvas bag. They can treat it like a clothing-item too, to recycle or re-use. And there will be no plastic in the donation box for them to sort out

[@KWilliams22]

I'm obsessed with decluttering!! So excited for this content 😁 I am the same with not being able to read if my mental health is bad. So far I've read 6 books this year...I'm getting back into it too. I recently read 'ghosts'...interested to see what you think...please share brief book reviews here too as I'm not active on Instagram 🙏

[@s30123]

One suggestion for drawers is using bins. I found some smaller rectangle ish shaped bins on clearance and they work wonderfully for the drawers. I fit 3 in each drawer and separate socks, pants, bras in one drawer. Then pj's, sport tops and sport bottoms in 3 separate bins in another drawer. Also with the PJs from traveling you could make them into pillow covers or upcycle them into something more useful but keep the fabric that way

[@natashadavies9569]

Charity shop your surplus fabric bags. Also works for any plastic bags too thick to waste as bin bags and any surplus bubble wrap wtcy

[@heatherhouston7371]

You have inspired me to do little sections each room as the mood allows!

[@brandihornsby7080]

Thank you for the motivation, I am going to tackle my nightside table today!

[@abbymitchell1697]

I store the canvas bags for traveling in my suitcase, put some with my gift wrapping stuff, used some for wash bags for delicates, and even used some in the kitchen for food storage.

[@ninamariaknitting]

I would definitely make something new out of the sentimental pyjamas. That way you can still make use of them now and have those memories come to life again. Making a cushion cover could be really nice, maybe one of those rectangular ones that are specifically for decorating a bed. It means you always have them nearby 😊

[@trudiegordon6327]

I love your vlogs and yes we do have to reset and declutter you are so right like an inventory of what we have. You are slimmer and it really suits you and I notice since you had your wedding you wear more make up and you have such a beautiful face and natural energy that you are beaming these days. I think you have settled and found the house of your dreams and it shows. I love watching declutter videos and not enough people do them so thank you. I am still getting over someone painting a granite stone house????? The house has been save by you both.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Thank you so much! I am a lot happier as I was struggling a lot in 2021 and 2022 so it probably showed up!

[@hayleymar]

For those pajama bottoms you've pulled out, what if you repurposed them? Like, cut it up to reinvent it into a framed art piece or an eye mask or a headband or something else?

[@franziska5582]

Second this! I just made a similar comment and then noticed that you had already suggested it ;)

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Very good idea!

[@ccq6877]

I like to use drawer or shelf liners when storing cleaning liquids or cosmetics to make clean up easier if needed or prevent staining the wood. Also use to prevent snagging of undies or other delicate fabric. I’ve used left over wallpaper or even wrapping paper to line with.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Well done Maddie.👍👍 wow great reaction when you found the doggy bag because you blamed Alex for losing it. ❤

[@Cherylherb]

I keep my travel bags in my luggage. Bags for shopping I keep in the car. Why save the pajama pants? Chances are the material will possibly dry rot. Send it to some to have a pillow made.

[@hbr6507]

Thanks, I feel very motivated to declutter too now :) Were you listening to His Dark Materials in audio book while tyding the cupboard ? 😊 It's such a good idea to make the task a bit more easy and fun !

[@catherinewoodhead751]

I keep my shoes in the canvas bags so they don’t get. I also saw on Tales from Cuckoo Land she tidied her sons pyjamas by taking top, lay in flat and then fold the trousers on top, finally, fold the top over the trousers. Good way of keeping sets together. My youngest son plays for three different football teams so great way of keeping his team kits together and a tidy drawer.

[@stefaniegalea6810]

I could literally watch you all day. Such a calm vibe. Xx

[@marycarey5513]

Love the chair and I love it on an angle.

[@wellhello1603]

Oh my god, it made me laugh so much when you screamed “Alex! I found the bag, it was my fault!!”, because of how bad I feel 😂😭 it’s so cute that you called yourself out so casually, I have adhd and always put stuff somewhere, but it’s so hard for me to accept the guilt, so I nonchalantly just come around saying “oh I found it.. not sure how it ended up there, you probably did it” 🤐

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Haha it’s because I had told him off for losing it 😅

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

GREAT JOB!!it is all good, I am with your on most all of it. I am working on my home as well.

[@barbaragommerman9180]

Thanks for the motivation....decided to do my dresser and end table while I watched and finished when the video ended....feel so accomplished.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Amazing!!

[@HelenBeeee]

Hi Maddie just what I needed to put me into action it’s clear out week in my house 👍 Just a quick thought that chair looks perfect in that position could you perhaps flip the chest of drawers onto the wall next to the wardrobe and scooch the bed over a bit then the chair would have a bit more clear space around it and won’t look so big in the space. 🙂

[@bee3456]

For the smaller zip bags and pouches I made up little toiletry and snack pouches for homeless people and gave them out in my local community.

[@bee3456]

Feel exactly the same way about reading. Just getting back into it after 3 horrible years and i have so many half finished books

[@suusieeeq8007]

Wayfair has a stackable insert that might work for your jewelry drawer!

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Sentimental stuff should be out to enjoy.. make a cushion cover or wall art with the travel PJs... in the attic you risk decay. I have scrapbook-photo books of all my old photos, paper memorabilia.. love them. Even my kids love looking at them from my backpacking travels... definitely scrapbook. I have 1) birth to 14yrs 2) o-levels..14-16yrs 3) a- levels 16-18 4) BSc 3yrs 5) MSc 2yrs 6) PhD 3 yrs Then several for backpacking adventures.. eg 2 for Australia, New Zealand, other places. Still have some to make with Canada, Russia, Taiwan etc...will get to it one day.

[@EllieHawkes]

Canvas bag idea: I use them for veg / potatoes / onions! Or re-usable makeup pads, period products and travel!

[@rebeccaorin328]

Might want to buy some pretty paper to put in your drawers. World Market sells scented drawer liner.

[@suusieeeq8007]

Just an idea: place the mirrored wardrobe on an able as well. The mirror will change the perspective of the room. I’ve done this and love it.

[@suusieeeq8007]

Angle

[@tracybrowne4665]

Yay you’ve found the dog bag. Congratulations 🎉. Bet Alex is well chuffed. Can’t wait to see you walking Bobby ( he he) well done on the decluttering. Never know what you might find in a random bag.

[@linesrensen3706]

You could put your pyjamas sets back into the bag, this way they are kept together. I belive I saw the matching bag for the set with the red flowers on :) Thank you for the decluttering content, it's really inspiring:)

[@michellel9595]

I’m doing the same me and my bf still have our clothes in black bags coz we’ve been too busy working to go through them so when I’m off I’m gonna try on all my clothes and take what I don’t need to my work (community shop, like charity shop but the money goes to community events rather than a charity) and my bf is gonna do his at the weekend 👏🏻 I’ve always hated spending money but love selling or donating things

[@jessicapaulino5342]

I love these videos! Thank you for sharing! You should post one every day 🙈

[@trudiegordon6327]

What a beautiful child you were and keen on your pets then too. A fringe really suits you and I meant to say how amazing your teeth are now and can't even remember what they were like before. I had my large gap changed with composite bonding and it freaks me a bit but again I can't remember what I looked like. You are very honest and I like that and not false and more down to earth which is refreshing and I feel I identify with you on that level.

[@javabeanstudio]

For the COVID tests, at least the ones released in the US, they were initially given a short shelf life because they didn't have time to test that before distribution. If you go online and look them up, many have been given extended expiration dates, now that enough time has passed to test continued effectiveness. The ones I have got an extra year on them, or more.

[@SuperClare]

Here are some tips that I’ve learned over the years: Empty the space of its complete contents; if it’s a small drawer, empty it. Closet, empty everything! It sets the tone for a reality check and how much you need to toss, donate, and eventually keep to organize. Then sort by item. Drawer might have linens, clothes, cleaners, cords, etc. Closet might house pants, shirts (tanks, long sleeve, short sleeve) and shorts. Be okay with the “overwhelm” that comes from emptying things in a space that is undergoing an declutter. Take solace in knowing that it’s temporary because you are going to toss or donate most of the contents that sits before you. It is temporary chaos that leads to an organized space. As far as reusable bags, keep 5 to 10 of your favorites. Donate the rest. For postal mail, keep a recycle bin near the mailbox. Quickly recycle anything that does not require action or immediate attention. Random organizational thoughts from an old lady. Donate, donate, donate.

[@daisysimpleliving7855]

I always use canvas bags that I no longer need as gift wrapping, people always really appreciate and use the bag too! 🎉

[@RachMoon4843]

You should use the canvas bags up by making them into a quilt! And if it’s not the most glamorous quilt you could use it as a dog blanket 🐶

[@sunniva3252]

Omg i just re-listened to his dark materials as well 😭😭 love them so much

[@MadeleineOlivia]

They're actually the most comforting and entertaining thing!

[@sunniva3252]

@@MadeleineOlivia .. and the most heart breaking 🥲

[@callydecherd]

This was such a satisfying video!

[@jessicasinclair1547]

I was going to suggest using the bags as wrapping 🙂

[@christapoulet363]

What a lovely channel you have! Cheers from France 💌

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

Every time I finish making over a space/room, I declutter like crazy. Then I start all over again, in a different room.😂🙈 Loved the vlog, Olivia.✨

[@JulentesDing]

you look great with the fringe😃😃

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Thanks!

[@Karmathevisualizer1908]

Very good points

[@loredepalo4080]

Food for thought, my mom made decorative pillows from my dads shirts after he passed away.

[@patriciawilliams7419]

Thar was so satisfying to watch 🪻

[@rooskramer99]

in th every ast pink room you showed, I definitely think this setup with the wardrobe on the other side is better, the chair is beautiful! But maybe, I would have removed the persian carpet from underneath the bed. I think it would look much more coordinated and that beautiful carpet might give another room more character, just a thought

[@trudiegordon6327]

I love the chair and it's shape and what a bargain but I would have the bedhead on the wall where the wardrobe is and the wardrobe behind the door and the chair left where it is and the curtains need to be short and above the radiator to look more cottagey. Just how I see it but it may not fit. The wardrobe is too small and looks marooned in the corner but I love it and it just looks too lonely there. What do you think?

[@chanti2309]

I can't believe you sell a book about minimalism

[@MadeleineOlivia]

It’s quite the achievement isn’t it! I am so proud of myself 🥰

[@katemcg1987]

I have this same dilemma with my travelling clothing. Watching this video I had the idea I might make one into a travelling handbag. 🌍😊

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Such a great idea!

[@edianecavalheiro4289]

I love your accent...

[@rachgeorgia9993]

I had the same experience where I couldn't read for about 5 years due to my mental health. It was such a shame because I'd always loved to read. I still struggle to read fiction now.

[@mansoor3159]

Hey!! Madeleine you're looking too beautiful and I love this vlog so so much you are my inspiration and I wish you reach 600K Subscribers very very soon!💫💕☺️

[@lizfield6486]

If I kept everything that had sentiments to them, my attic would be full 😂

[@carolynhoover9444]

I like watching declutering videos as I am not a clutter individual, but I do have materialistic things so I guess I have clutter😜

[@smileybugLB]

Use your extra bags for gifts! OR! Idk the differences in culture, but here in America, police officers will carry crisis packs in their patrol cars in case they need to relocate a child with little to no notice. When they don't have a bag, their belongings end up in a trash bag. Having an alternative might let them feel a little better without thinking like all their stuff and the situation is literal trash in a plastic bag. Or you could create period packs in the smaller bags for children in middle and high school. Donate the filled bags to the school nurse so girls can have supplies without having to carry them in front of everyone in case they get embarrassed.

[@jvgl2024]

Once I got to a point where I had enough canvas bags I could use, I popped a comment on any order I was making asking them not to send one. Just something polite like, please don’t send a canvas bag, I am happy with paper or any packaging you are recycling.

[@marileigh9913]

I have a chest of drawers I have to redo every week it's exhausting:)

[@HomelyHazical]

"a bag of bags" 🤣😂 I also have a bag of bags.

[@emie7315]

Which ebook are you listening to? 🥰

[@cathybackman945]

Loved fill with crap! Lol.😂

[@cathybackman945]

Thank you for the offer but I am in US and never used Telegram. Aging myself, I am sure. I just enjoy your vlogs. You are such an honest sincere person in a crazy world and I wish you much success and happiness! Perhaps you can donate the prize locally to someone in need.

[@lenavonstein9671]

My home is in a desperate need of a decluttering session

[@zanyzoo6767]

Call me by your name, the book is sadder than the movie .

[@djaneab]

🥰

[@cuteopiax1259]

Decluttering just means you buy more stuff because you've made room for it. I never get rid of anything, so now I can't buy anything else because there's no room for it. Much more eco-friendly, nothing goes to landfill and I save money. You're welcome.

[@jangriffiths8013]

Sorry, but it's not de-cluttering if you are just moving stuff from one place to another (ie, storage). If I'm not using something, it goes.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I decluttered quite a few things! I've been decluttering for years, so am very considered with what I have in my home, hence not getting rid of much. But thanks for being condescending :D

[@jangriffiths8013]

@@MadeleineOlivia I'm sorry if you interpreted that as "condescending". Not at all what I meant. But there is a difference between de-cluttering and re-organizing.

[@shellfraya]

My top draw full of sex toys, Madeleines top draw full of supplements, I suppose they both give you a boost lol

[@MadeleineOlivia]

😂😂😂

[@AlexanderAMY]

Omg how can you have a cocker spaniel and no stolen socks 😳 😆 😂 haven't seen my cocker she is a sock girl

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Roxie weirdly isn't interested in socks or toys very much!