The Use It Up Decluttering Challenge | Seven Days of Simple

[@kathryngarcia8800]

As adamant as I tried to be with co-workers this year & in years past (I do not want gifts because I have everything I need!) I get tons of gift cards. I gave them away (my hairdresser, a waitress in a restaurant I frequent, etc).....I ask people to give to charity but they won't, so I give the gift cards to people in need or who have had a tough year!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad to hear that someone else gives away gift cards too! That's wonderful, Kathryn!

[@katiethomas5889]

I put it down as people love to spoil someone else. And have them actually open a gift, even if it is just a card. I love the idea of regifting them!

[@Cazzie4ever]

My husband gets a lot of Dunkin Donuts cards. I don't want the calories, so I'll walk in and give it to someone on line who looks poor. They're so grateful, it warms my heart more than a coffee and doughnut would.

[@tarat26]

I do exactly the same. I give them to others who would appreciate them and be able to use them. It does make a difference to others and makes the giver feel good as well.

[@y.peffle2802]

I only give gift cards when cash is not an option (like teachers) and only to wawa which is a convient store where you can also get gas.... just about everyone can use gas!

[@DuvaLH3]

LOVE the idea of going to the store and giving someone your gift card.

[@bunnyboo6295]

I do things like that if I'm not going to use. Most the time it's coupons

[@rachels9598]

I love this idea too!! Give a stranger a little surprise!!

[@RadCenter]

While cleaning out my attic, I came across a whole carton of partially used packs of paper party ware-plates, cups, napkins, etc. None of the leftovers would supply enough matching pieces to host another party, so I decided to use them for my regular meals until they are gone. I'm almost finished with the Christmas-themed ones and will start the Valentine's and St. Patrick's Day ones soon!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's a great idea, Nancy!

[@RadCenter]

PS I donated any unopened packages of paperware to a local church to use for their coffee hour. They couldn't use any of the opened packages.

[@angelalopez2003]

I love this! I have been guilty of not finishing shampoos, conditioners, or body washes... You mentioned using items for different purposes; I discovered that shampoo and body wash actually work great as a tub and sink cleaner! It seems counter-intuitive, but they melt soap residue. I also use these items to clean makeup brushes. Conditioners work very nicely as shaving cream. From now on, I'm going to buy these items and use them up before repurchasing. This whole pandemic has made me realize, there are so many more important things to worry about than how my hair smells😆

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

It is so exciting to discover alternative uses for our products!

[@lalahdz9553]

My teenager daughter hardly ever finishes her bottles. I use them up. I havent had to buy any. It has opened her eyes how much it adds up to.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I also use unworthy shampoos to clean my toilet. No need to use the designated toilet chemicals every time.

[@andeeanko7079]

I use shampoos and body washes to hand wash delicates and even in the washing machine if I'm out of laundry detergent. Good for cleaning out kitty litter boxes, too.

[@angelalopez2003]

@@andeeanko7079 I do that too! I'll have to tell my daughter about the kitty litter box thing☺

[@Shiryone]

This is a great challenge. I've been trying to use up some "unnatural" cleaning products that I inherited from my son who joined the Navy, when he cleaned out his apartment. I'm using them sparingly and carefully, rather than just throwing them away, because we have no recycle center nearby for these types of chemicals.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's a great way to use them up with the options you have!

[@amandakarlsson4343]

This is such a good way to slowly incorporate a declutter as you live mindset 😀 I've been doing it for a couple of years now, and I feel so successful every time I use up an item!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's awesome, Amanda!

[@damnbro_idc]

Today I found a can of peaches, some lady fingers and I had two egg yolks left over from yesterday after making nougat. I made peach custard and poured them on the lady fingers and pureed some of the peaches to serve along. Tasted great! Would have missed out on it if I didn't check the very back of the cabins

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Glad you found them!

[@rachels9598]

Love your creative solution! I do the same thing with stray ingredients. I don't throw stuff away if I can help it.

[@karenlaskowskicahlanes7129]

I agree! Using up items, especially toiletries, is so fulfilling! I have one gift card that I've had for nearly a year. It's for a chain of restaurants my husband and I don't tend to frequent. I'm going to give that one away.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great idea, Karen!

[@mirelladlima5278]

it's a good idea to take up the challenge to declutter and free space for more space in the new year as well as use things that are almost finished to say clear up and make room like in the refrigerator, attic, garage and in all corners of the home. It is so amusing how we collect so many things but rarely use all of them. Passing these items off to charity or as gifts for someone who might really have a need for the item is a great idea. The word "challenge" motivates me to really give it a go and give away stuff like others could really use and benefit from. Tks🤗🙏

[@susanrobinson408]

Wonderful tips!! I wrote them all down and will be implementing them in this, my year of simplifying!! Also added books and magazines to this list!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad to hear this, Susan!

[@FantaFaraday]

Use it up is the stage I'm on in my minimalism journey, ha. It helps my budget to be creative with what I have and result in less to move in a few months since I already know I'm not renewing my lease. And I certainly don't have unused gift cards laying around. I know people who do and I can't even imagine. Glad you're sharing to message to use what you have!

[@bunnyboo6295]

I have unused movie but not stepping foot in a pandemic.

[@rosehernandez5313]

I'm going to use up as much of my yarn I've accumulated over the past years. It's great to not buy anything unless I really need it. Blessings!

[@lorisiccia5914]

Same. Been making scarves and have a tiny round loom so I made a couple baby toques and a throw pillow cover..which ended up being too small for one i indended it for but filled it with folded fleece fabric. Could work as a bag if i left onr end open and added a strap but this one was a pillow cover. Used up 2 balls of yarn... and 2balls of yarn used for each scarf made. No more incoming crafty supplies. Intending on starting to use these instead of waiting for that project i didn't have all the pieces or time for.

[@damnbro_idc]

Well, my parents were stocking up because of covid and I am just going through the fridge, freezer and pantry and make all possible bean salads.

[@s.torres242]

We have taken on the motto...do what you can with what you have...absolutely amazing how creative you can be.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I love that!

[@rebacarmack8335]

You must watch Prepper Princess?

[@s.torres242]

@@rebacarmack8335 nope never heard of her/it...got the idea from a poster.

[@kerrycox9872]

I have a ton of gift cards. I’m going to use. For January, I will use them for my food budget. I’ll see how far into February I can use them. This will actually be fun, in addition to doing the use it up challenge. It definitely could last 2 months, I have Applebee’s, ShopRite, Whole Foods, Starbucks, Target, Panera, wow, what a great idea.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's a great way to use them up, Kerry!

[@bunnyboo6295]

um from the sound of it you were planning on just doing nothing with them. LOL we all need to eat get what you need see how many times you can use the same one no reason if there is a high amount on card to buy things you don't need and will spoil.

[@debbienorris4343]

My use up items are usually bath items like shampoo, etc. The small hotel version I always donate to my church before Christmas for bags given to the homeless. Unused canned goods that haven’t expired I donate to our food pantry at church.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's fantastic, Debbie!

[@CitrouilleCitron]

I'm in holidays : it's the perfect week for declutering ! Love from France

[@mitzi.chadbourne]

I have a few small packets of lotion I've had far too long and actually started using them recently. Not sure what I was saving them for, but they're getting used up now. I am also going through some craft supplies and items and using some of them up. I have a bunch of onesies I bought to decorate and post online, so I am finally going to do that. They may not be super fancy like I was going to do before, but I am using them up along with vinyl.

[@suzy1676]

Blessing someone else is such a great idea 💡

[@amandarussell6298]

I am going to use up beauty products - especially bath and body products and skincare - I have enough to last at least through 2022

[@Cazzie4ever]

If I don't like a certain shampoo, I use it up as body wash. works great.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's a great idea!

[@kristingreen7589]

Last summer at a hotel at the shore, I received 2 gift certificates to an ice cream shop for 2 free cones. I walked up to the shop and handed them to a family waiting on line. They were thrilled and I felt so good! I will definitely be doing that again.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's awesome, Kristin!

[@arpitamukherjee9800]

Use it up challenge is a great one indeed! Last 2 weeks I have been practising the same. Spices, snacks and hygiene products...no expense for 2 weeks yet all needs met.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's great, Arpita!

[@mariamurray2267]

I’ve been doing this for a couple months I preparation for some life changes ... now I know what it’s called!! Enjoyed this!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Maria!

[@francinehogsett3065]

Great advice….hope you had a wonderful holiday 🎄😊❤️

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Francine!

[@LeenaCruz]

I'm going to try the art supplies, make up and fridge categories :D

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

This is a great idea! I haven’t seen this reminder in any of my decluttering videos. I am trying to use up our small jar of relish. When I googled “recipes using relish,“ all I got were recipes on how to make it. I guess I should start using it in tartar sauce. We don’t eat burgers, and my husband doesn’t like it. It’s one of those ingredients I bought for one recipe that we really didn’t like afterwards. Hubby is going to use up the last quarter cup of vegetarian. bacon bits. Mostly, it’s small jars of Asian condiments. Usually I go through these just before we clean our refrigerator for Passover, but this is a good time too. I really appreciate your ideas. I making sure to support you while watching the ads under three minutes. So far, I watched two in this video. Hoping you and your hubby have a wonderful 2022

[@debbienorris4343]

Not sure what kind of relish you have but we use sweet relish in deviled eggs,

[@shirleymitchell8564]

I use relish in tuna, chicken or ham salad.

[@simplelifemaripay]

I really love watching your videos. So inspiring 👍👍👍❤️❤️

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much!

[@26laf]

We bought excess food at the beginning of 2020 and I'm still working through it. I think I'll get some of it together for a food pantry.

[@MsSarahJam]

That's a great idea, but I hope it's all within the 'best before' date though. Good luck!

[@FlyingEagleAM]

What a great idea! Will help me with no spend January.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You can do it, Angie!

[@DemetriPanici]

Really good idea! Merry Christmas!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks, Demetri! You too!

[@heidilopez-felix8105]

Love the gift card ideas 💡

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Heidi!

[@CamirrasKitchen]

i was jus talking with my mom about using up food in the kitchen. i do recipe vides so i tend to buy groceries in excess for recipes, even though it me and hubby. when not filming i try to ot buy anything but a few fresh groceries so i can use up stuff in the kitchen.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great plan, Camirra!

[@AttnBusyMoms]

Clear and helpful video! I’m been working on my home office this week.. it’s a little harder to work wirh “Stuff” I think! I need a whole video on paper! I would also say donate books and magazines to the library. I love gift cards cards but hardly get them for myself. If one gets close to the expiration date you can also sell them online for a discount.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Those are all great ideas!

[@tgayer1]

I’m going to try to use up what’s in my fridge and freezer...mainly the stuff that’s been there for a while.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great plan!

[@effinxrightt]

I cleaned out all my old art and craft supplies and gave them to my niece and nephews for home crafts. My brother said the kids loved them lol.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's awesome! I'm glad they are enjoying them!

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Great ideas!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Melinda!

[@Sapientiam]

I had a bottle of vinegar wine that's used for sauce and pot with amongst other lentils that I had in the closet forever. It's never been used and I have no intention to use it so I just made an ad for it to be given away. Someone will come and collect it tomorrow morning. I like when it's that effective and when someone else may use what I'm not going to use myself.

[@tenzinkunsang162]

I love your videos,me too using up everything before buying anything new…giving away what I will not use….I have decluttered alot

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's wonderful, Tenzin!

[@susandamerow2336]

The use up makeup/toilette challenge... I had a LOT of small bottles of lotions I collected - hotels, etc. This year I took a systematic approach - a small refillable pot (not bottle) style container - and emptied first one bottle into it - used it up, then the next - used it up, into this same container. It worked! The last of them that were unopened, I donated to a charity collection for the homeless around Thanksgiving. I am continuing to do this with my larger bottles, filling the container and using it up until each is gone. Who knew such a simple process could be so effective?!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's a great idea, Susan!

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Great idea to Google recipes with an ingredient! I have red curry paste that’s been sitting there. I am thrilled that I found a recipe for soup with it yesterday. But I’d like more recipes with it. Very clever.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's awesome, Judy! I'm sure you'll make more amazing things!

[@MsDoglover02]

A friend shared a recipe with me for Harvest Popcorn which was is a savory flavor that I gave for Christmas and am continuing to make. I'm able to use up corn kernels I've had in a jar and cashew pieces I wanted to use up so it's been a win-win.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's a great idea, Lynne!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Thanks Sarah wonderful ideas. ❤My is products to use up like shampoo and conditioner.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you for being here, Cathy!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I’ve been using up perfumes. One is kind of sentimental - a gift from my late mom. But it’s getting old and I want to enjoy it before it goes bad (it does happen). I have a few more to finish up after this one.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you for sharing!

[@yogamalayalamasha]

👍

[@stephanieblakley3549]

I just started working full time again so making lunches and dinners seems like a huge hassle. decided to look in the pantry for crock pot ideas. I was able to make vegetarian chili & rice & veggies which has lasted me all week for my meals! I’m going to try to use up all my pantry & fridge items before moving at the end of April which will help with the move & save me some $$$ 😁

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That chili sounds delicious! Great plan, Stephanie!

[@cabbagecrosby1993]

I have the same wall art from IKEA! Also, thanks for this video. :)

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's awesome!

[@AttnBusyMoms]

I was wondering where to get that! Thank you! 😄

[@katywillett2590]

I used to drag around a wallet full of gift cards... that had change left for balances. After all, you don't just throw 50 cents away. Best suggestion ever - as you checkout, if there is some miniscule amount left on the gift card... just pass card to next person in line. Money not wasted and you aren't carrying around a pile of plastic for the next store trip.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Sometimes I give a gift card with a small amount left on it to the clerk. They’re always surprised and sometimes suggest I want to hold on to it. 😂

[@LowBuyLuxLife]

I use up skincare on my body. It’s the best! It’s like a special treat for my entire body and it gets used :)

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Love this, Heather!

[@sandrafromscotland]

💙 Thanks Sarah. I've found using things up and streamlining helps in many ways. To continue your win, win, win I find it simpler when ordering groceries, simpler to put items away, easier to see when it's a good price, simpler to make a place for them and simpler to make decisions. Then ultimately leads to less to use up 😂 Freezer veg clear out equals one pot soup for me! Donate to get the space 👍 Jake 😆 Sarah the gift fairy pay it forward 💙😉

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad to hear it, Sandra!

[@tgayer1]

When I was under employed for several years, I got really good at using things up because I didn’t have any extra pennies. I still practice some of those habits, like cutting a tube of handcream in half so I can dig out the last bits. I do the same with a tube of toothpaste! Back then I would even scrape out all the little extra bits of anti-perspirant in a solid tube, put it in a container, and then rub it on with my fingers! I got 3-4 extra uses for each of those.

[@caitlinkirby399]

I’m currently working on using up beauty products and non sustainable items like paper towels. I want to switch to unpaper towels and whatever else I can. Your video definitely gave me some more ideas, thank you!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad it could help, Caitlin!

[@AMcDub0708]

Aren’t “unpaper towels” just rags? How are they different?

[@lysannelynn]

I love the pay it forward idea 😊 Luckily my family knows I don’t like to get stuf, so I get Netflix / Spotify giftcards. It always feels like I can listen to music and watch movies for free thanks to their wonderful gifts 🎁

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's awesome!

[@jennyhughes6597]

I'm going with use it up for my art supplies. And I have a goal of not buying any art supplies in 2022!!!!!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's a great goal, Jenny!

[@jennyhughes6597]

@@AbundantlyMinimal Thanks Sarah!!❤❤

[@marythomas6543]

❤️

[@vickiehooper4829]

I'm looking for your first 2 videos in this series. Please help.

[@denisebaca1111]

Great ideas. Going put these ideas in action. Thanks. Saw you on Simple Happy Zen with Vera. Smiles.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Denise! Welcome to the channel!

[@justmo2023]

😍

[@cassandrapapakyritsis]

Oooh, lots of random body care and mists to use up, aswell as candles that are like 1/3-1/2 used up. Time to finish and purge those

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great idea, Cassandra!

[@autumnsmart664]

I find using toiletries up so difficult. It takes me about a year to get through shampoos etc and 2 years for skincare

[@bettywinslow6387]

How about candles? We have SO MANY!

[@christineanthony1310]

I have an excessive amount of candles and incense. I've been committed to burning them daily to use them up

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great plan, Christine!

[@Saforra99]

That's great! You could also decide to re-gift and/or donate some as well :)

[@michelleneuman579]

I don't give gift cards anymore because its a waste of my $ if the person doesn't use it. I know there is a crazy dollar amount of unused gift cards. I always use mine fairly quickly.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Makes perfect sense, Michelle!

[@leoren2685]

Opened personal care products are NOT welcome at most shelters I know. Unhygienic and there is now way to store or control how long things have been there, expired items, etc. Someone dumped mini soaps on a group I know and the soap went mouldy in storage and they do not accept such things any more. Please don't try to dump these things on shelters or put in bags in goodwill thinking they will be used by someone. Most will just be trashed (and certainly will be at Goodwill. Save them the hassle and trash it yourself if you're not going to find a new home for it or use it up yourself. Better to find a friend who wants it or have an exchange at work to swap things you don't want to use up.

[@c.b.c.club986]

Are you kidding not a single comment on DONATING unopened or even opened products!? Food Banks, Women’s Shelters… this is clueless

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Actually, she suggested that in the video several times. No need for folks to repeat it here.

[@tonyahenry4167]

Seems more like common sense

[@_chimera_]

That's a very bad idea. Your body is not a garbage bin to throw away whatever leftovers. If one is on a certain food protocol and for instance is off carbs then eating your rainy day beans and canned chicken is a terrible idea leading to obesity. Cleaning up the body comes before cleaning up the fridge or any other concerns. Bad advice. Absolutely ridiculous OK for eating like a pig essentially...whatever is out there. People, resist these kind of advice. Eat clean and work out. Minimalism is directly against being a slave to things.

[@Saforra99]

@hybrid green First of all, she started off by saying: Here are some ideas, take what you want to try out + leave the rest. And secondly, I don't think she way implying we should use our bodies as garbage bins. I agree with you that that is not a helpful or healthy way to do things. HOWEVER if the food is something you *would* normally or even occasionally eat, then go ahead! Here's her friendly reminder that doing so will help you declutter so that things are not burdening you down. And of course if you have special dietary restrictions or goals then this would be a suggestion to ignore or adapt more specifically/intentionally. Overall I wouldn't say this was generally bad advice, but I agree that having the various nuances in mind can be helpful. And, of course, fueling and using your body in healthy ways is too!

[@Cazzie4ever]

I think you missed her point... completely. Canned chicken? I wouldn't give that to my cat.

[@Saforra99]

@@Cazzie4ever I prefer to see it as: She was focusing on the nutritional value of the specific food examples and I was focusing on the overarching principle of using up food we have. I don't buy canned chicken either, but I like the idea of clearing out by using up (instead of wasting) if possible. :)