The audio is unbalanced in this video. I have since bought editing software to make videos better. Hope you enjoy this series! ❤️

@KMF3

4 жыл бұрын

Get rid of the music is horrible

@stinaljungstrom8691

4 жыл бұрын

So nice that you share your thoughts and a true image of a home with kids and clutter, before and after. Such a great work! I am happy for you all. I really get inspired to tidy up even more in my own home when I see films like this. 😊

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Stina Ljungström thank you!

@watchwoman16

4 жыл бұрын

How do you let go of kid artwork? It’s SO HARD?!

@tracysteveday5551

4 жыл бұрын

what kind of editing software are you using

To anyone who wants to start a BIG declutter like this. KEEP IN MIND that the feelings of stress/angst will get worse before it gets better when decluttering. Because TO BE ABLE TO DECLUTTER all the stuff needs to come out from their hiding place. And that will make more of a mess! But don't lose hope! Knowing that it will become worse before it gets better (and till WILL BECOME BETTER) may bring you some sense of comfort.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

YES!! I felt like the mess WAS getting worse!! Once I felt my mind shift to a simpler lifestyle, the clutter was easier to deal with.

@aranyanifox4375

4 жыл бұрын

OMG, this is the first time I read someone address this specifically - I have been trying to declutter huge amounts of furniture, clothes, books etc that we brought with us when we moved from the bigger flat, and after my daughter moved out 4 years aho, there are piles of her old stuff everywhere too. Living alone for 4 years now, I am constantly trying to declutter radically, but whenever I manage to break through this strange feeling of being paralyzed and overwhelmed because of this mess, I start, I move things, I throw lots of things out, and after a day's work I feel extatically happy and motivated, and absolutely ready to proceed on the next day. And EACH day after starting to declutter, I get depressed, tired, overwhelmed and hopeless, I cry and lose faith that will ever be free of this stuff, even though I actually managed to make a visible change the day before! Sometimes I even get sick with flu - like symptoms, only without the flu, I just lie in bed, exhausted, and feel abandoned, sad and hopeless. It is as whenever I move the furniture and dispose of some clutter, all the negative emotions and the negative energy accumulated in them gets released as well, and it just suffocates my resolve and prevents the progress. I have noticed this pattern ages ago and it never changes, I have tried to talk to and motivate myself out of it when it overwhelmes me, I have even tried to "cheat" it into doing the work in smaller, quick pushes so "it" wouldn't "notice" that I am decluttering - but nothing helps. I am still living in mess, trying and crying, and I lost all hope that I will be able to overcome this regular, post-declutter emotional tsunami and finally have a nice and tidy place to live in. What is this phenomenon, why does it happen and how can I finally free myself of it and proceed with the work for a couple of days, until I am finished? Any suggestions and thoughts are more than welcome!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

This 100%! I have been having body aches and nausea. I thinks it’s like a toxic release!!!

@Pppr-yf2hu

4 жыл бұрын

I wish I had known this before I started to declutter. hubby has said we have to much stuff. those words give me stress. I have now started to see progress. We choose to just give it away. the stress of selling is worse.

@birgip.m.1236

4 жыл бұрын

@@aranyanifox4375 I feel the same.

It's actually refreshing to actually see someone being accountable for their homes being chaotic and out of control! Pat yourself on the back! You go girl! Organizing is much easier once you've cleared out the clutter first. 👍🏾💐

@brandy627

4 жыл бұрын

I can relate to this big-time problem. It starts out being a sentimental issue, and before you know it you are out of control. Going to thrift stores, garage sales, yard sales, estate sales, department stores, and let's not forget about buy one get one. It all adds up in our homes. I have given a lot away but still hasn't put a dent in my home. At times I feel like I am suffocating. I am at the point that I need professional help.

@helpmetosleep

4 жыл бұрын

Right, and honestly you never know what tomorrow may bring. Take control while you can.

@claragaiser2184

3 жыл бұрын

@@helpmetosleep iiii8viii9h

Donate supplies to family homeless shelters. The kids will really appreciate having something to do.

@chrisamies2141

4 жыл бұрын

I have done just this a few days ago. Amazing how much art supplies one accumulates here and there. Paper, also. Really just need some paper, some brushes, some pencils, some acrylic paint. And tubs for water!

@bethc8809

4 жыл бұрын

Donate things you would be happy to buy. Chewed writing tools or those without erasers are garbage. Broken crayons still color, but no child is happy to receive them. THANKS for reminding us of those in need! I spent time in a women's shelter and in a mental ward, and markers and crayons got a lot of us through it!!!

You could offer your toys, books and homeschool supplies to local preschools, after school programs or your children’s hospital. When my kids were in preschool their preschool was always happy to take things I was getting rid of and also one of my kids had pneumonia and was in the hospital when he was little and I ask if they took donations for their play area, they said they were always in need of gently used items. It’s worth a phone call to a few of these places. That way maybe you won’t have to throw your things away. Best of luck.😊

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

The children’s hospital! Oh my stars. I going to donate all the new toys that we have not touched. Yes!

@riverrun1616

4 жыл бұрын

Or 1800 got junk? They will sort it out and donate donateables....yes it costs money but time is money and it will be less stress...

Donate to public schools, find teachers who will need them or other homeschooling parents .... By the way awesome job.

Erica Lucas I have been following your journey to declutter and become more organized since the very beginning. I have begun rewatching your progress as motivation for me to get started again. Following you step by step with all of your thoughts, anxieties, triumphs and tears has helped me (and others) to want to follow in your footsteps. You are an inspiration for us as we try to conquer our over abundance of the things we have acquired over the years. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Blessings on you and your family for sharing these videos. Barb

@EricaLucasLoves

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for being here with me!

Your candor and accountability is to be commended. You are rocking this!!

The Minimal Mom on KZread is the best channel to help you to declutter and she teaches you on how to deal with all of the craziness.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

I subscribe to her! She is very good! I’m trying to figure out kitchen stuff that we don’t use daily. I don’t have cabinet space but want to keep the mixer, serving platters, etc.

@Deemce

4 жыл бұрын

I love the Minimal Mom, Joshua Becker and FlyLady method. I think their method work for me as they weren’t a natural born organizer or tidy people before.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dewi! I will check them out!

@bethanyatkinson6944

4 жыл бұрын

It's true! She's the best

@jennylhenry78

4 жыл бұрын

The Minimal Mom is the best! Super practical advice for decluttering. I really like the idea to take out as much as you can from the kitchen and set the things aside. And if you don't seek them out after X time then you know it's okay to donate. For all those extra things you need but don't use often (platters and things for having guests) then it makes sense to store them elsewhere from the kitchen, like the basement.

Now THIS is a declutter!! You did so well! Be proud of the progress you're making 😃🎉 this step is mentally and physically and emotionally exhausting, yet you took right off! 🙉🎉

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Natalie! Have you gone through a big declutter? Love your encouraging words. 🤗

@nataliewood3095

4 жыл бұрын

@@EricaLucasLoves A few years ago I was the first one to start decluttering in my house, mainly for anxiety reasons, and since then my mom has decluttered a lot too! Also when I was getting married I had to pair down pretty much everything I owned because I was moving to Korea with my husband (he's Korean 😆 hence Korea). It was a little easier knowing ~ eventually ~ I could replace something, but in the end I left with 2 suitcases! And now nothing's at my mom's house 😱 before starting the decluttering process a few years ago I couldn't have done that! It's very difficult and brings up a lot of emotions- I remember crying just looking at everything. But you totally blazed through all that! So much progress in such a small time!!! Good job!

I love watching people starting their minimalism journey! It’s like this light bulb turns on and you realize what have I been thinking?! It sounds like you may have already heard of Joshua Becker based on the definition of minimalism you gave. He is a great example! I’ve been following him and other you tubers for inspiration. Just remember it took you more than a few days to accumulate all that stuff so it’s going to take more than a few days to get rid of it. I use a combination of decluttering by room and by category. I too struggle with throwing stuff away. What I’ve realized is that item was destined to be trash eventually as soon as it was produced whether I bought it or not. The biggest thing we can do is change our buying habits. Let’s keep more of our own money as opposed to making other people rich buying stuff we don’t need! Keep up the great work!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this! I’ve been reading a bit about the topic. I recently cried when we came home. The switch has happened for me and I’m still dealing with the junk. I’m processing a lot of guilt.

@ronda176

4 жыл бұрын

Trust me you are not alone. We can’t change the past. All we can do is learn from it and move on. None of us are perfect. My weakness is watching shop with me and haul videos and seeing cute stuff I think I need. I used to coupon but realized it was causing me to over buy so I have stopped that. I’ve been slowly decluttering for months now. It can be very overwhelming at first but if you stick with it and take things at your own pace I think you’ll find it gets easier. Especially when you really start to see and feel the difference it’s making.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

I have been thinking about your comments today. I’ve been trying to let go of the guilt of spending the money. It’s paralyzing me right now.

@esseamae1898

4 жыл бұрын

@@EricaLucasLoves the money's already gone - send it back into the universe and vow to shop smarter and trust the universe will provide when you need something. I've been studying minimalism for 10 years, jumping in the deep end like this woman is, is such a great way to see the difference.

@HulaShack1

4 жыл бұрын

Homeschool Happens I felt like crying watching you do this because I am so proud of you starting this journey! I am in the same boat and it is suffocating to look at all the junk we have acquired! You are amazing and such an inspiration! Thank you!!!

Love seeing a decluttering video that's actually a house that needs decluttering. I too have boxes and boxes of stuff and have had that feeling where you just need someone to tell you what to do with it and where to start.

Oh girl, I feel your pain! My new house was a peaceful sanctuary until I really moved my stuff over. And I only moved stuff I thought I wanted! Got rid of everything else. It took me 10 months to go through it all, in part because I was frequently discouraged. Now my garage, spare room, and most of my dining room are full of boxes. My house doesn't have room for all this stuff! Time to purge again. And that's how I ended up watching this video. :)

I love watching other people declutter. But I can relate to you the most. I love that you talk about your thoughts 😘 Keep going on! 🙂

Vacation was also the 'ahah" moment for me when I realized how easy it was to live in a hotel room with a kitchenet. Happy and Free. We had everything we needed which was very little. May house was full of hundreds and hundreds of items I did not need or even use.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

It was so freeing to be in vacation with so few things.

@johnmonk66

4 жыл бұрын

That is actually one of the biggest secrets of minimalism. Remind people how they pack 2 suitcases and go to a hotel, how free they feel, how they sometimes wish they could win the lotto and live in hotels.... If you follow minimalism, your apartment is a lot like that hotel, and you always feel good coming home to it.

@Ashley-yv9gb

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnmonk66 I have always had an obsession with staying at hotels

It's so interesting seeing you say 'I don't know how to do this' and you totally did it all and now we are all looking to you for inspiration! I love how real you are and everything isn't white and grey. That you can be minimalish and colourful!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! The journey has been life changing.

I'm so impressed with your journey! You're being honest to us and yourself and you're being ruthless... The progress is starting to show! You're on your way, I'm looking forward to seeing the end in sight very soon! Xx

It’s great to see a de cluttering vid that is what some of my rooms look like. Thanks for the encouragement and thanks for acknowledging that getting rid of the stuff is very time consuming as well.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

It was hard to show the reality but I’m so glad I kept it tea life!

You are not alone. One day at a time. Don’t be hard on yourself.

🌸This is a true picture of the process! Finding a place to put the things we keep while still sorting through the stuff and figuring out where to take the donations, filling our vehicles and driving the stuff away, and stock piling the things we don’t want but aren’t sure where to take, and having garage sales, AND all the while cooking, cleaning , kids....life! 🌸I’m a homeschool mom who just graduated my youngest (I homeschooled my 3 children), so now I have graduated too! It’s bitter sweet! Bravo to you for doing this while your kiddos are little- you will all benefit immensely! I so wish I had.... I have just started so I’m doing it along side you! I have gifted hundreds books already! I really wish I had just borrowed as much from the library as possible and not purchased soooo many books! But you understand- we homeschoolers love books and want to teach our kids EVERYTHING! 🌸I just subscribed- I’m walking this road too- I’m praying for you! 🌸I have wanted to do this for awhile but the catalyst that got me moving was taking care of my elderly mom , who has saved everything throughout her 85 years! I do not want my kids to go through what I’m going through! I was trying to declutter her house at the same time that I do mine😜, yeah, that’s nuts! So I basically minimized her main areas, kitchen, living room ,& bedroom, all the extra stuff was put in boxes into her basement and spare room and garage. It’s much easier to care for her & her home without fighting the stuff! We will deal with her stored stuff after I finish my home. I felt I needed to feel in control in my own home first.....kinda like putting my oxygen mask on first! Any way, long comment🙂! All I can say is Bravo 👏 , don’t stop, you will be so glad you didn’t! You tube is great for accountability.....🤔maybe I should start a channel😉

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Bravo to you for homeschooling your 3!!!!!

You did amazing for a first time minimiser! But the blthing is, once you see one area beautifully decluttered, you just want to chuck everything out! 😁 I have been on my journey for nearly 2 years and am still throwing out. The biggest obstacle, I've found is to find storage space for the donations. Once you have minimised your stuff in your playroom, it will be much easier to find a home for the stuff you want to keep. I vowed not to get in my car without loading the trunk with donations to drop off. In no time, everything was gone! The best feeling in the world! And now I have time and space for the things I love. Good luck! It's not easy, but very worth all the hours you put in.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks for this! It’s nice to know that it was a process for others.

Thank you for the encouragement. As a fellow homeschooler & striving minimalist, the struggle is real. Very much appreciate your sharing. I donate to charities, shelters, women's shelters, pregnancy care centres, libraries, other homeschoolers, little lending libraries, etc... you'll discover fun ways to give away your excess that brings joy. You can even start a mercari account for things you think you'd like to sell. (If you want to store them til they sell).

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Striving Minimalist! I LOVE that expression!

I can’t wait to watch the rest of this series!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Video 2 will be out soon. I thought I'd be able to do it all in one video but it's SO MUCH!

@sotolila14

4 жыл бұрын

I wish we could declutter together...I guess am gonna watch more of your videos as I go room by room 🤩new sub here🤗

Its a proven fact that if children grow up in a 'tidy' atmosphere they grow up happier., so kids dont have to have tons and tons of stuff...... but if they do encourage the whole family to tidy up... a place for everything, everything in its place!!! Youve got a good heart that comes through. Dont get down and fed up as its just 'stuff'... donate what you no longer use/ need.

Hello there, thank you for sharing your mess with the world (believe me, you're not alone!)! While you take responsibility for all of your stuff, I have to tell you one thing: You wanted to do it right. You wanted to be prepared and do your job, homeschooling, well. It got out of hand, but you meant well! Don't forget that. You are a good person and all of this doesn't make you less of a good person. We all have our load to carry, yours just manifested visually. Keep going, you are working on it, which is more than most people do! Greetings from Luxembourg!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

That was so nice to read!!❤️

@pennykennedy4915

4 жыл бұрын

Erica Lucas - Hello! I love you already! We Declutter in the same way, but you are better at it than me! I just retired from 35 years as an educator and I totally get it! I did donate, sell and purge so much of my teaching materials! But, your sentiments about finding a place for items you’re keeping are so true! I think I should video myself, so I can actually see how on task I am! This process takes me forever, but I know there will be an end to it! I found you on @MinimalMom today! 🙏🏼🥰 I am taking an Uncluttering Course online with Joshua Becker @becomingminimalist that has been such a good launching place for me. I am far from being a minimalist, but thank you for the encouragement!

When we moved this last time, I purged all of our homeschool stuff and blessed new homeshcoolers and others with loads of stuff. I held 3 yard sales and got rid of a lot of stuff. Funny thing is our kids are all out of school and now we have grand-kids. LOL I kept two bins of supplies for the kiddos and some children's classics. Good for you! Taking control back!!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome!! I have started giving to other homeschool families at our co-op. Felt great!!

I'm a survivor of severe Domestic Violence. When I was able to ESCAPE my abuser, I had to madly throw everything in boxes and RUN. That was 9 YEARS AGO! !😱! I have CPTSD from the abuse. It was nearly impossible to UNPACK boxes after moving out. FOUR MOVES & NINE YEARS LATER, I'm ready to open those boxes and pray I won't have nightmares after seeing things in them from the past, of those PAINFUL years! I'd love to know someone who could come help me but doubt that will ever happen. I need someone like this channel, where I can come to get help. I'm impressed with your candor and openness about your life and doing something about it. I would love to hear from anyone who's suffering from the same CPTSD/ PTSD with boxes, clutter and issues of being STUCK! I REALLY APPRECIATED when you said you were so overwhelmed you couldn't do anything about it! If anyone relates to my problem or if you/ Erika can comment with suggestions, please... let's get going on this, together! ❣️🥰👍

@ihatehandles111

Ай бұрын

Did you do it?

Maybe you could give some of your excess generic school supplies to a local school for the more disadvantaged students. I'm sure the school would appreciate your generosity.

@edennis3202

4 жыл бұрын

That's assuming that there are such things where she lives. Outside of large cities, you'd usually be looking for those places in vain. My town has no "school for the disadvantaged" or homeless shelters (we don't have any homeless). I didn't even know there was such a thing as a school for the disadvantaged.

You worked so hard! It looks so great! I'm trying to bring less in which is hard for a recovering thrift store lover. But I found we bought so much that we didn't really use anyway. I donated stacks & stacks of stuff earlier this year too!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

I have had a surprising emotional response during this process. I stared at the stacks to donate and cried. Money spent with good intentions but money gone.

I had to come back to this. You are such a wonderful mother. I know you’ve minimalized these things, but your love for them and providing things for them to enjoy is an inspiration to me.❤️

Keep going..u can do it... I home schooled my 3 kids also and had to go thrpugh 6 or 7 decluttering cycles. Believe me ..you will feel so light afterwards

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Arifa, thanks for commenting! You make me feel better! It’s a learning process

THANK YOU for all the love and support on this video series! I appreciate every single comment. Thank you for making me aware of the music-voice-audio imbalance - I'm working on correcting that in all future videos.

@Lara-hy9ff

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Erica, you've come such a long way in your video and audio skills. Your house has come such a long way since this video. Most importantly you have come a long way, you look happier, lighter and far less stressed. Congratulations on making such a positive change in your life.

"I'm fed up and I'm going to do something about it" This was me three weeks ago and I haven't stopped decluttering since. Buying for future years was one of my weaknesses, too. I still have a long way to go but I can already see the benefits and a glimpse of how I want my house to look. Amazing video and thank you for sharing it! I can't wait to watch more! Subscribed!

You are amazing!!! The fact that you did tackle everything and didn't get overwhelmed is truly inspiring

We had two floods one in March and then in june. everything we tried to save we put in dry bedrooms and garage and it was alooot. It stressed me out to realize all we had and didn't need or use. Well no joke so far it's been atleast 5 big bags of toys bye bye, over 8 black bags of trash and like 10 big bags donations.. the goal is in a few months to b done it's time and mental consuming to do this but it will b worth it! I will b following ur journey!! U did so much it motivated me even more and I like that u point out what the issue was. Thanks! 🤗

Yes! Paying it forward is a blessing to others! ❤️

I always find it so much easier to help other people declutter than to actually face my own house. You did a great job!!

It’s great that you are doing this now. I wish I had done this when my children were small. The clutter added stress and overwhelmed me. I passed that mood onto my children. Keeping less creates a feeling of peace and allows you more time to focus on family and things you love to do.

Oh my goodness! I so understand what you’re going through! I get very anxious and overwhelmed. The guilt and regrets are so real. I have 15 years of my kids stuff to go with my oldest going to college at the end of the year. I’ve been dealing with this burden for so long. I have developed routines to stay on track with “A better life with Kat”,(used to be a Flylady mentor) The Secret Slob, Diane in Denmark, and the Minimal Mom which I see you follow. The support group on You Tube is so helpful in staying motivated. Thanks for sharing and I really appreciate you sharing how long things take you! Keep it up- your doing awesome!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

I love the secret slob!! I use some of her tips.

Please donate to another family, a public school, or goodwill, whatever. You don’t have time to sell. Just accept all of it as sunken cost and move on. Please limit what’s going into landfill! Good job!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

I don’t feel like I have the time to sell the small things. Donate is the way to go. I’ve been trashing things that aren’t donate-able.

@bradvincent2586

4 жыл бұрын

Landfills are amazing innovations to protect the environment and people’s health. What is so bad about burying trash? Someone has yet to explain this to me

@elizabeth1703

4 жыл бұрын

what people don't realize is that donating something unsellable doesnt mean it avoids the landfill. If it doesn't sell in a small amount of time the second hand stores send them to third world countries or send them to the landfill anyway. Very often whats sent to third world countries is burned.

@abbeygrantham1191

4 жыл бұрын

@@bradvincent2586 Yes and a lot of times if people have to make arrangements and phone calls etc. to donate their stuff it keeps them from doing anything. It is great to donate but I don't see shaming people for throwing stuff away or for not donating it. If they keep it that doesn't solve anyone elses problems. Yes there are a few people out there who could use things but truthfully 9 times out of 10 nobody else wants more stuff either.

@MatrixDownload5150

4 жыл бұрын

Kim Baker frankly I have found a lot better f household items, education materials and other items I need and I felt blessed! I found a Coach pair of shoes unworn receptor attached for over $130 and got for $30! I picked up a $300 purse identical to my mother’s mine $15! I moved with boxes, a duffle bag and kids Illinois to California furnished whole home with beautiful items! I thank everyone who ever did donate! Schools also need materials because of severe budget cuts especially stuff that they can give to kids who need extra supplies or materials! I have given unopened craft supplies, office supplies and so much stuff that I didn’t think would be wanted and it was! Check two places and after donate or toss no guilt!

Just found your channel. You are the most real and relatable mom I’ve seen on here. I too feel overwhelmed and stress with the amount of “ stuff “ we’ve accumulated. Started my own small purge over the weekend prior to finding these videos. I think I can do better. Seeing your progress makes me want to do more. Letting go of the stuff is freeing in itself, it’s the organizing of what’s left I struggle with. Especially when no one in the house puts anything back where it belongs. Super frustrating. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to show all of us random strangers your process and your progress. I look forward to making my way through your other videos to see how far you’ve come.

Wow! I've been watching your videos for almost 2 years! I decided to go back and remember where you started. Thank you so much for bringing us along on your journey and helping us with ours! ❤

I went through this same thing about 3 years ago. We moved out of the home we had lived in for 7 years and had to put a lot of our things into storage. We were moving into a camper for a couple of months till we could get into our new house. We lived in the new house a couple of months maybe closer to a year before bring the things from the storage unit. I realized how I had lived so long without all of the things. So as I started to unpack the totes I was actually taking a lot of totes out of the house that still had everything in them, Cause I didnt need it. Salvation army and goodwill got huge donations that month. I dove head first into minimalizing. Three years later I am learning to maintain my home. Not always perfect. But I love living with less! Also, my home is set of for minimal living. I do not have a lot of places to store things. I have space for what we need and no extras.

We remodeled the house 2 years ago and I did a massive declutter then. I need to do another. Thanks for the motivation. 😊

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Becky, it's been such an experience to purge. It feels good and it's also emotional.

We’re just starting our journey toward living with less materials. I’ve always mentally connected my children’s happiness to things, and so I didn’t want to be the bad mom who neglected to buy them stuff. I can see now that it’s actually hard for them to even enjoy what they have when there’s too much of it. They’re stressed out too, because they can’t find things or because it’s hard to find that inner peace when your environment is chaotic.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Less is more! I am on the path and only just now am feeling the living with less affect after minimizing the kids clothes. Feels good!

Way to go! As a fellow homeschooler of 23 years, I can relate! I'm also a professional home organizer and give you an A+ for what you did without any help :-) I encourage my clients who have the temptation to buy too many things in advance, that we live in the USA where there are thrift stores, dollar store or sales available all the time. We don't need to store up so much stuff because it takes time to manage all of that stuff. Now that you've decluttered, you have more time to do the things that you love to do and creates a peace and order in your home.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Tiffany Anderson thank you Tiffany! With 23 years of experience, what is some of your best homeschool advice?

@tiffanyanderson6271

4 жыл бұрын

@@EricaLucasLoves Take one year at a time. Adjust to the educational needs of each kiddo even if that means not homeschooling them (private or public school). Create a "love to learn" any time of the day not just with academics but throughout the day in whatever you're doing like cleaning, cooking, exploring etc. indoor and outdoor. Take time away from the kids to recharge. Plan out each day then Pray, Pray, Pray! And fill the house with lots of laughter!

Thank you for sharing! My house is like yours and I’m so over it but don’t know how to do it without losing my mind! You rock!

I am rewatching this series as I make a run at minimalish myself. Thank you so much for your vulnerability and honesty in sharing. You help me.

We are all guilty of having to much stuff!! I find clutter stressful so I keep to the rule if I haven't used it in 6months it's got to go. Well done for making a start on decluttering 😊

Thank you for sharing this video! We moved to a home with far less storage and my big storage cabinet did not make it through this last move. I’ve been on a minimalistic journey for a few years but this is finally the time we truly take control of the clutter and reclaim our space! Grateful for the inspiration!!!

I feel the same way about my stuff - good on you - you're a legend and it is inspiring me x

I've just started decluttering and want to work towards minimalism. I've watched quite a few videos and your beginner decluttering videos are by far the best and most honest I've seen. You've done so well that it's really inspired me to go further.

Looking back at where you came from is just amazing because you are so much stronger now. You've also realized since this that habits have a huge amount to do with it. Great job with this, so glad you pushed through that difficult time in your life and got to the other side.

Cheers on you! I bet the way you feel has improved a lot and you are more practical and connected to your family now. Hope you enjoy and learn a lot from this. Hugs!

I’ve come back to this first video after watching the majority of your decluttering journey. (I think you were a few weeks into it when your videos got recommended) Can you even believe how well you did and how far you’ve come?! Wow 👏🏼🇬🇧

As an OG subscriber to your channel, i decided to rewatch this video, and it is SHOCKING to revisit how far you have come. Well done!!!

It gives me flashbacks to January. We were supposed to go on vacation and instead were asymptomatic positives and didn’t get to go and quarantined instead. That afternoon I was so angry bc I needed that break SO. BAD. The next day I channeled that anger and spent the next 10 days decluttering like CRAZY since we were stuck in the house. Later on my husband hauled off so many truckloads to the dump or charity. It gave me a jump start like I couldn’t have dreamed of, and although it was sad at the time, I now am beyond grateful for it!!!

Awesome job! So glad to see you completely get rid of stuff and not just....Moving it around. I homeschooled 2 from pre-K to graduation. You let the library hold most of the books, etc.

Yes..I am so glad you shared This. This is me in every way. Teacher with an entire garage full of supplies for all the grades I taught.. Ran a home preschool so have so much of every single thing..kids have more than they could EVER want or need. It is just so overwhelming to know where to start. And where to put things in the meantime.. It feels like drowning-every day, over and over. I have been purging and purging but I get stuck at the phase if getting it physically out of the house. I feel compelled to sell it, or donate to a needy family, and then finally get rid of the rest to goodwill. But getting it to actual leave the house?? That is what keeps me stuck!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

I was getting stuck there too! Then so many commented on ways to get over that hurdle... get it right out into your car and drop it off on your next time running errands. Or go and donate it right away. Make the effort to get it out rather than trying to figure out how/when to get it out. It really did help me!

Watching this again after a year and you have evolved so much! a massive congrats and a big thank you for sharing and inspiring us to do the same. I’ve decluttered so much over the last six months.

Yes! I need to finish my house for this move and your motivating me!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Moving is always a good reason to purge!

When you put "I did this to myself" on the screen (During Dinosaur box) I burst into tears! We all have thought processes that get us to justify what we do. YOU are Brave! You are doing right by your family!!! I am PROUD of you!!! We have seasons. Keep It up! Love From MN, Lynel

I’ve been working on my bad habits too and putting things away has been my biggest struggle. It’s also been my greatest reward. I’m constantly amazed with myself when I go to the place where something should be, and it’s actually there lol Now to get the fam on board!

Oh wow, watching you sure brings back the memories. I home schooled also, and had LOTS of stuff. You're doing great. It will take a while, but you are getting there. Big smile.

Way to go, be so very proud of yourself for recognizing the need to make some changes. I would donate to others be it goodwill or similar or to other homeschooling groups in your area. Take care- I am starting the same process very soon in my house it’s a daunting task but it will also help each of us. 👏👏👏👏👏

Good for you, that you organizing everything....Les has magic on us....... To help with overspending I left finesse to my husband.....and trusting him when he says: " we don't need that for now....." ......

What I have love the most during this journey is your honesty. I am so proud of you! You inspire me so much! Thank you for being brave and sharing with us!

Pay it forward and remember you can do this. So proud of you!!!

Its OKAY to just throw things away! In the long run worrying about where you are going to get rid of it will delay the process of decluttering. Truly. If you don't need it - just get rid of it. The MOST important thing is making better choices for the future and NOT make the same mistakes again. It took me over a year to declutter. Its a process of finding what we actually use and what we don't. I was always thinking I will use it for the next kid....The next kid came and I still didn't use it. I stored it for so long - for what??? You will not regret decluttering! I wish I could come help you! The Minimal Mom has been a great reference! She's great!Saw this quote yesterday that I loved. Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful William Morris

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Having gone through it a year now, what do you wish you had known then?

In my cleaning routine I do a normal clean of the room I am in for the day. I then do a few minutes of an extra task. Week 1 dust ceiling fans/tops of walls, week 2 spots on windows and walls, week 3 move things to vacuum and week 4 is declutter week. That way I do it every month and it doesn’t get overwhelming. I am at the maintenance phase of decluttering so that may not work for you right now.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

I like that! I try that for the daily cleaning too but it doesn’t work for me. I think I have to get to the maintenance phase.

I love this video. My parents gave me so much stuff I did not know how to start either. I found The minimal Mom videos and she mentioned you. I have loved both your videos. I was hanging on to so much stuff because it was a gift. No more I am taking charge of my clutter. Thank you.

I know what you have gone through because l am also now decluttering my home..Good on you for changing your lifestyle

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

I didn’t even realize it would be a lifestyle change when I started. I am so glad I am on this journey because I needed it and didn’t know it!

I found you through Minimal Mom and I enjoy you the most because you are so real, sincere and relatable, you have helped me look at things differently, I'm inspired, encouraged and motivated, love your sense of humor, best of luck on your journey and your channel, you put a voice to my thoughts and feelings, God bless.

You go woman. Glad your doing it. I have been through this not wanting to clean nor organizing my apartment. Now that me and my son moved i finally decluttered a lot. Mainly donated my sons things that he doesnt use anymore. If i were you and most of the school supplies i would donate to local schools. Some teachers tend to use their own money for supplies if their school doesn't have enough money for it. You did so good at decluttering. Proud of you mama. Woohoo.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I have a local teacher who is a friend. She just got the job and I can load her up!

A couple of observations if I may. 1.It looks like you have enough homeschool supplies for an entire elementary school. 2. If you had most of the money spent on the stuff you’d have a great college fund already. 3. Time spent shopping for all that stuff could be used for a million different constructive things. I am not trying to be mean but sometimes we all need an honest reality check from an outsider. Good luck on your journey.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jane. Yes these are my realizations now and what I’m trying to work through.

I get you so much with trying to get rid of things and not knowing how. I wish someone would come and help too 👏

I think we need to be very gentle and understanding with this kind of declutter. The key to it is remembering that you bought all the stuff to solve a problem. We all make mistakes and addressing the problem without spending money is learning a new skill. Well done.

The kids have an art room .. AND a play room!??! ummm .. wow!

you did an awesome job!!! be proud of yourself b/c you did that on your own.. a lot of work, but you did it!!! congrats! I'm sure there's a lot of us that still have to do what you just accomplished. yes, I'm one of them.

Wow what a difference!!! Bet you're loving it

Thank you for these videoes, I love how genuine you are, I love how you are cleaning and speaking. It keeps me company while I am...today it's the craftroom, sewing room, painting, etc. It's a very busy room.

It’s so amazing to look back at these beginning videos and see how far you’ve come! You’ve done amazing Erica! Can you come help me?! 😜

Thank you thank thank you. Giving me someone to watch go thru this. I'm so inspired!!!

Thank you for letting me know im not the only one that gets SUPER STRESSED by things not in use or clutter. I have the same problem of how to let go .... i can go through stuff but then i have the sell pile that never gets posted or sold then the donate that will sit til i have time to do donation run which in return gets mixed back into our stuff to keep.

I just did a clean out of old office supplies....much more open space now. I shreaded several old magazines that I probably would have rescued out of my garbage. So hard to let items go but worth it to regain my self worth! Thanks for your video.

Your doing awesome so proud of you!!! Homeschooling in the past I realized that my kids just needed the curriculum and not all the extras. I just packed up our books as they are in public this year as I am doing some self care that's 20yrs over due to deal with my childhood issues. Clutter is hard to do because it does pull up things from the past.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

The extras did become an issue. I’m sorry you are going through something right now but glad you are facing it strong. :) ❤️

Very impressed with your determined attitude! You are realistic, willing to acknowledge your part in the problem- that is majorly important! A good steward-- that's what I see. Keep it up!

You are funny. Glad I found your channel and can't wait for more videos to come. Decluttering is an extensive process, time consuming in the beginning. The fact that you have the right mindset, the willingness and hopefully the stamina, it's a sign that you are going to tremendously enjoy the results. Way to go!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching! yes.... stamina might be a challenge. lol

Baby steps honey!!!! Don’t get frustrated.....just little by little! 🤓 You are doing a great job!

The first 10 seconds of your video made my heart beat really fast. I don't know why I'm watching this when I know mess and dirt gives me anxiety. I'm proud of you though. You are strong. Thank you for sharing this with us xx

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Stick with me!!! These comments keep me at it. I WILL share the positive results along the way and you WILL see the cleaned and cleared parts!!

@aaliyahsashabrookes7952

4 жыл бұрын

@@EricaLucasLoves Your personality is absolutely lovely. Love from the UK, 🇬🇧

I am READY to begin this too. I always admire seeing youtubers with such clean, simple backgrounds. Especially if they decorate and create their own style. I hate rolling around in mess. My plan is the stuff that is useable will be put in a box labeled, "FREE" and put outside so if anyone is interested they can grab it

I remember the first time I watched this video. You have come so far since this video. I have come so far too. This helped me get threw my stuff. I feel so much better now. Thank you.

Amazing job! It’s so difficult to undertake everything alone. I wish I could help you, I love helping others organize their spaces. Good for you taking this on. You’ll feel so much better afterwards. I love that you have amazing intentions for your children, homeschooling them is a wonderful!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks April! I needed a positive boost this morning!!

This video is super inspiring to me. I desperately need to do this! After our move two years ago everything from storage ended up in our garage and laundry/storage area. It’s driving me NUTS!!! It seriously puts me in a bad mood sometimes because I feel overwhelmed by it.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Yes! Bad mood is right!!!

I feel your struggle, I'm decluttering all the time it's amazing how much a family can accumulate!!! Soldier on...

I am looking forward to your Journey !!! Love from Germany 💕

I have learned a lot by watching Dawn on the Minimal Mom. Love her videos...they have helped me to organize and get rid of things I was holding onto, that were sentimental. I am not a hoarder and neither is my husband. He always said, if you don't use it in 6 months you don't need it. I have started using that philosophy, after 47 years. I am getting ready to downsize and watching minimalism videos have helped me in this journey.

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Pat Blough Dawn is sooooo good!

@EricaLucasLoves

4 жыл бұрын

Pat Blough I’ve binge watched her lately.

I know what you mean. I have a craft building that has things in it. That I use to do crafts then my daddy got sick & I had to quit doing crafts then after he die I just didn't get back to it. So then I started back put things in the bedroom & just got back to much. I'm going to go through it & get it to Goodwill.

I love how real you've been with your declutter process

Thanks for sharing your journey, great song too! Thanks for the inspiration