MINIMALISM SERIES | REDUCING ONE ITEM AT A TIME

[@Marissathered]

These videos are NOT boring! They are filled with truths we all need to be reminded of. I'm binge watching your minimalism series and it's really fun seeing the real process....not just one before and after. I agree we all need to go through things more than once.

[@CalmVibesVee]

Marissa Mandeville i agree Marissa. Im watching all of these at once. Inspirational for momentum in my next clear out session. I just did one but gearing up for another layer. Its enjoyable to see others on a path of freedom of possessions. Keep going everyone!

[@autumngreenleaf3390]

I also like to keep opened containers of 'condiments' on the shelf instead of the fridge. It seems as though they are fine being stored that way, but so many people tell me they will go bad quickly. So I'm glad to see that. One thing I've been doing. I don't count my belongings but still want to have a sense of how much I own. I started making a list, room by room, of everything I remember that lives in those rooms. I then look over the list and put an * by anything I think should leave. It's great to see how many more things I can get out of my life beyond the first few passes of declutterinig. What is first on the list to go, or the thing to go today as you've mentioned, is cleaning out the drawer that has a bunch of bags in it. Bags for storage, bags for presents, bags for carrying. I'm then going to move all the first aide supplies into the drawer so it all will be in one place. Bam!

[@verucasalt4535]

What I like to do is separate all the items of food like cereals, condiments, baking items, etc that are almost empty or that I want to use up because I don't enjoy them as much, and put them in a basket on display so that I'll remember to use them before they expire. I hate wasting food and if I don't like it I shouldn't have bought it and it teaches me a lesson about wasting money.

[@AWanderingEye]

I have a couple of organizing ideas that might work...re: spices/condiments 1. try moving all those sauces, marmite to lowest shelf and putting your spices on top on a turntable (lazy susan). 2. this refers to putting things you use anyway in a less convenient spot and putting things you want to use in the most convenient spot. If you make it easy and basically in your face, you will increase awareness and will probably use it. 3. peanut butter: make a couple batches of peanutbutter cookies, most recipes need about a cup of peanutbutter and you can give the cookies away, store them in freezer and of course, eat them with your tea. Alternatively, just start using peanutbutter in sauces, smoothies, etc.

[@SamGreenslyfox]

Makeup brush storage? Cotton pads or balls? Or dried potpourri for fall. Or even some pine cones and lights for autumnal decor in those jars?

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Awww I love all of these ideas! I've already got a jar for my makeup brushes, but thinking of making the other into some kind of candle holder or decoration!

[@carolinah6472]

A pair of earrings, a ring, a basket and a broken food processor. Even if I have been decluttering during the last three years, I still find things to donate! I guess that you "train your detachment" to material possesions during the process of becoming a minimalist:).

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Exactly, it is so easier for me to get rid of things now!

[@CalmVibesVee]

Madeleine Olivia each time we do it we are practicing or a workout - getting stronger. Each time we clear out we are rewarded with peace & clarity and that positive outcome fuels the momentum for the next clear out.

[@janetlynne4783]

Thank you for these videos. I'm a beginner and have a LOT of decluttering to do. I have been choosing at least one item every day to trash or donate. It often ends up being more but I do at least one item. Slow progress is better than no progress. Today I've gotten rid of a bunch of sample lipsticks that were given to me that I almost never use. Also a couple of other lipsticks that I'm just not fond of anymore. I have also chosen a big eagle creek backpack that's been sitting in my closet for years and years. It's a good quality item but I haven't used it in ages and I have others that are smaller and more convenient for me. I'll take it to the second hand shop and I hope it finds a new home with someone who can use it more.

[@camilaacevedo7784]

Hi! I started watching your vlogs like two days ago and I can't stop watching them! I like how honest you are and the things you share are so inspiring :) Greeting from Uruguay! Camila

[@HooLyKeKyy]

Getting rid of a bunch of tea that I hate and a bunch of mugs, not trowing it out but putting it in te common area of the student house so it will hopefully get some good use! You mentioned tea and I was like YEAH GONNA SORT THAT OUT

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Haha that's a perfect idea to put it in the student area, someone will definitely use it! This has also reminded me to go make myself a cup of tea!

[@HooLyKeKyy]

Madeleine Olivia Mmm yes now I want tea too haha!

[@brendahughes1847]

HooLyKeKyy me3 😅

[@fairyoddgamer]

I'm getting rid of a couple of jumpers, a blanket, a dress and a set of old colouring pencils! Feels so good even to be getting rid of a few items, loving minimalism!

[@SaintOsburg]

A tsp Spoon of marmite stirred into soups and stews is really nice it adds a nice richness,. it is good way to use up the marmite without wasting it, and i don't even like Marmite on its own. Love your videos :)

[@LaMaisonRainbow]

I got this candy dispenser for christmas that has literally never worked and just uses up space in my cupboard. Its time to get rid of it :D

[@succulentworm9351]

YAY FOR YOU!!

[@nunyabeesly6839]

I just went through my knives, forks, and spoons yesterday. I left 10 of each in the drawer and donated the rest. I swear I don't know where all of those extras came from. today it's extra plates and coffe mugs. The coffee mugs are going to be my biggest challenge yet. My daughter and I are the only ones who drink hot tea and coffee but we have so many mugs. Wish me luck and have an awesome day.

[@sommerbostick7522]

I always get inspired to get rid of stuff after watching your minimalism videos. After the last one I went through my bathroom and closet and got rid of a ton of stuff! It felt great. Need to think about what I'm going to get rid of, or go through, today.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I'm glad! Happy I have helped you declutter!

[@luhsea]

I sometimes use leftover jars as candle holders, or if you make any of your own beauty or cleaning products you can store them in there (provided you have lids)

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I love the idea of a candle holder, it'll be so pretty! Thank you! I haven't got lids for these, but have some other jars reserved for the cleaning/beauty products!

[@nessbowify]

Doing one thing a day is a great idea. I've been doing a gradual clear-out, alternating between clearing out one drawer or cupboard, listing one item online to sell and taking one bag to the thrift store. It's actually going really well because I don't feel as overwhelmed by the process. Today I'm getting rid of a hideous red/orange lipstick that was a gift which looks terrible on me but I still have because I feel guilty getting rid of it.

[@bizarreindividual6108]

I am moving in a few months so watching your videos I have went threw my bathroom and got rid of 70 % of my stuff in there. donated what I could. My hall closets I got rid of almost everything 90 % I haven't even gone in it for a year. I made myself get ride of two boxes of clothes. don't get me wrong I still have so much but it's a start and I got rid of a box of movies and books. that was hard for me. I sold a lot of furniture. so now it will be easier for me to move this time. thank you so much for your help. now to work on my health lol

[@blueollis]

I always find designating a day to clearing out or organising my space to be much more beneficial than doing odd bits here and there. That way you get immediate gratification and it spurs you on to keep on top of it. Doing odd bits here and there can lead to frustration and you don't get that instant feeling of clear space afterwards. Saying that it may work well for some people so whatever gets you to a clearer, calmer, more productive space... do it! :)

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Yeah I love designating a day to clear out best, but I think getting rid of one thing every day is a great reminder for me to stay on top of things!

[@notthatjones6026]

Thank you for the inspiration! I'm jumping into my kitchen again this evening, I haven't done a proper purge in a few months.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Awesome, hope it was a success!

[@jessicagalbraith9322]

Going to finally get rid of some random mugs that are never used

[@christinedunn-bradshaw3054]

I just found you! I'll be sure to do a binge watching all your minimalist videos soon!

[@CamilaNels]

You can use the marmite for broth and peanut butter for stir fry sauces or with frozen bananas for nice-cream! Hope it helps with the usage, haha. In my house we go through both like water, but I do see the struggle! haha :)

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I totally forgot you could use marmite for broth so this is a great idea! And unfortunately I don't like peanut butter which is why there is so much left. If I liked it it would be gone within a week or two for sure haha

[@tammimarie]

Have you heard of the challenge where you get rid of one thing the first day, two the second and so on for a month. You can do it faster than a month though by doing multiple days at once. I loved it.

[@andreakissinger2165]

I add a couple tablespoons of peanut butter to my smoothies. It goes great with bananas and some cocoa powder. Also, that jar would look cute covered in twine or hemp.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I have had so many great suggestions for peanut butter but I should have mentioned I don't like it! Which is why there is so much haha. And that is such a cute idea!

[@TheLadyPrefers2Save]

The utensils and silverware are the worst, aren't they? I parred down once and yet they seemed to creep back up. What I ended up doing is donating everything but what we use weekly; three of each piece of silverware and three bamboo cooking tools, hand mixer, etc. I found I was keeping things "in case" company came over. I then purchased compostable bamboo silverware, kept in the back of a drawer in case company pops over. I love your videos, thank you for the inspiration!

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Yeah I dont get how it happens! There were so many random forks I don't even know where they came from! Sounds like you have the perfect set up!

[@spenx09]

A desk and chair I have had for more than 20 years!!

[@raisapinkkis58]

Inspired by your video I just got rid of an old pair of fabric scissors. And now I want to get rid of more stuff! I really like to declutter/purge.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

It is addictive!

[@succulentworm9351]

I got rid of most of my earrings, most of my necklaces/bracelets and 3 of my 5 perfume bottles!! Thanks for inspiring me!!

[@faerth5471]

You could use those jars to hold pencils/pens, makeup brushes, etc. I also make my own baby carrots by just cutting up regular sized carrots and putting them in a jar of water with some lemon juice. Store-bought baby carrots use a lot of chemicals to keep them fresh and you can't buy them without plastic! Gross! You could also use jars for small portions of leftovers, like soups or homemade sauces, etc. Or even put a couple dog treats in there and keep it in your car maybe, so you've got some for the road? That's about all I can think of off the top of my head, hope that helps :)

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I had no idea this was how baby carrots were made, I just thought they were small carrots! Love all of these ideas, so creative, thank you!

[@faerth5471]

Me too! I found out about it recently and it blew my mind haha and thanks, you might be able to find a few more ideas on pinterest too :)

[@LauraTorresSWEETGRASS]

do you have a video for living with someone who is not a minimalist? My partner loves to "collect" things...

[@MissGinger1123]

Do you ever find that you get rid of things and then later wish you had them or need to repurchase? I still think its worth it but I have moved a few times in the last few years and there have only been a few items I can think back and wished I had kept.

[@ZafarSami65]

I want to get rid of my procrastination. But can't be bothered today. Perhaps tomorrow then...

[@AF-ke9by]

Right now, I am going to sleep, but tomorrow I will be going through 4 boxes of DVDs and a bag of CDs, software discs, etc.. I set them by my desk earlier today for this specific purpose. Looking forward to it too! I really enjoy the relief I experience from releasing material objects! Yesterday, I made one large garbage bag of trash, and one large garbage bag of sell/donate. I'm dreading the storage closet... but that is coming! LOL

[@AWanderingEye]

I have a ton of rare vhs tapes which I made a list of then boxed a month ago. Today I am thinking I am only going to keep the extremely rare ones and set the rest free at Goodwill. Have to do it soon as they may stop accepting vhs!

[@mrsadept]

oooooh, thanks for the inspiration.......... this week I'm going to have to purge the spices cupboard. :o) ha ha - I'm also going to part with that knife block. Love that advice: one item a day. :o)

[@lauradelafamiliacano2351]

tose hydrangeas are really beautifull. thanks for the video, is so inspiring to me!!

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I'm looking at them now, they're so beautiful! And so happy to hear Laura!

[@WhimsyApples]

Hi! I am not sure if you have answered this question in/on any other video but what should I do if my mum won't let me get rid of things. I have lots of bags of clothing that I do not wear and as I try to get rid of them, my mum puts them back in my room and says I need to keep them. This goes with other items as well, such as shoes, makeup, etc.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I would take them with me to the charity shop and just do it myself or do it under the radar! You decide what you do with your life girl!

[@lalanicolexx]

where did you get those jars? love them! are they weck jars?

[@maikenmilter4381]

Would love to hear more about the travelling! Sounds exciting :O

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Got lots of travel plans for the future. Might talk about it another video but next year we're planning on going to Thailand :D

[@maikenmilter4381]

Oh great. Looking forward to hearing about it. ^_^ Chiang Mai? Just a guess lol.

[@mimibatman2787]

old coffee can be used to get rid of bad odours. love your videos!

[@b.n_coaching]

It was not boring at all! I was looking for some motivation cleaning video to get me started! And it worked! Thanks a lot! :) Xx.

[@JulieDeuxFois]

all those condiments opened and not refrigerated!!

[@chrisschross666]

what are you doing with the stuff you want to get rid of? are you selling them (ebay etc.) or donating them?

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Donating them to a charity shop! Nothing I've got rid of in my kitchen is worth anything on ebay. I do sell clothes that are branded on ebay however!

[@LifeinLithuania]

I ate something out of a big aluminum can last night and I didn't want to throw it out and this video gave me the idea to put our large utensils in it and it worked out perfectly! We used to have them in a huge old ugly plastic jar and they look so much better now :) also I'm getting rid of some DVDs, puzzles, and shoes today

[@MadeleineOlivia]

That is such a cute idea, I want to do this with a tin! I feel like it would look so cool!

[@charlenebrissette3348]

Ai've had to remove the strings from my pyjamas too cause my cat thinks they are for him to play with too.

[@ojyochan]

I like the lack of fringe!

[@Blankphotograph5799]

Madeleine Olivia coffee isn't bad for you.

[@julie-laurebernard3278]

I also have 2 crazy kittens here^^ I'm getting rid of a pair of shoes (well, donating them)!

[@verucasalt4535]

Frankie is so cute! ^_^ I have no drawstrings on any of my pj pants because of my cat, Bob. He's pulled them all out.

[@laisalmeida2228]

I'm getting rid of a lot of out of date cosmetics and medicine that I was holding to with the though that I will need it someday

[@Mariak82]

We have 2 crazy cats, lol. I am getting rid of 2 drink bottles that we got the kids in the summer holidays for school packed lunches and guess what??? they leak! they have been sitting around for a few weeks left there so they are going. :)

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Oh no! What a shame, I remember the horrific moment at school when your water bottle had leaked all over your school books!

[@arelis1108]

New to minimalist, need to get rid of so much but it's so hard 😭😭😭

[@CalmVibesVee]

ARELIS it will get easier each time you practice it. Like a workout - you get stronger each time. Your goal will become more clear : )

[@brendahughes1847]

Haha I always like to keep the jars. Me too.

[@shea542]

You could store hankies in the jar beside your bed for when you have the sniffles 🙂

[@MadeleineOlivia]

This is so adorable and makes me wish I had hankies to store in a jar for when I had the sniffles!

[@fiebirkegaardandersen484]

Like to hear your thoughts 👍🏻 What is your favorite tea?

[@lilizzle95]

got rid of 10 sets of underwear (I'm a lingerie addict) 🎉 three pairs of shoes, two handbags and a whole blue ikea bag of clothes all in the last three days 🎉🎉🎉

[@rachellee483]

put peanut butter in your smoothies. it tastes awesome 😀

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Unfortunately I don't like peanut butter. I feel like it makes me an incomplete vegan lol

[@rachellee483]

Yehhh it kinda does 😂 i feel like im not a complete vegan cuz i hate kale! ITS SO BITTER AND GROSS! 😝

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Rachel Lee Oh my gosh I feel you, I am NOT aboard the kale train

[@jeannebowes2898]

Love your brows!

[@Blankphotograph5799]

What is marmite?

[@audragormley241]

You look like lily Collins with your hair up. Think it suits you! Hehe anyways , great video ! Xoxo

[@funkyearrings]

Send me the booja booja truffles!!! I absolutely love them but they're soo expensive!!

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Unfortunately they have perished in the bin haha. And yes they are very expensive, I wouldn't buy them myself, but will happily accept them as a gift!

[@Storminight00]

2 plastic Walmart sacks full of makeup, clothes I can't wear anymore, a trash bag full of my son's clothes he no longer wears, and I'm working on getting things together to sell.

[@OTHERVERSETCG]

Does she respond to comments ??

[@MadeleineOlivia]

No

[@OTHERVERSETCG]

Do you vlog ??

[@MadeleineOlivia]

No!!

[@OTHERVERSETCG]

definitely start vlogging. what is holding you back ??

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I just couldn't, I'm super camera shy!

[@shivanismith]

I'm getting rid of a pair of maracas

[@foilhead1]

I have a a bag and a box sitting by my door that needs to go to the donation shop and I'm going to put it in my car so I remember to drop it off.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Awesome! I need to do the same!

[@brendahughes1847]

2 bottles of fumes and 2 pcs. Of necklace

[@elder7293]

You are so sweet and really lovely to watch. Also you are very beautiful you look even more stunning without make up x

[@Westlake72]

I've got 2 Squeezes Marmites!!! Has everyone???

[@jeannebowes2898]

Just recycle the jars. Not very pretty like the rest of your home is!

[@lushbunn]

Our trunk is full of stuff to donate. Still finding stuff.