I keep coming back to the word "easier." I want to make my apartment easier to clean, and I want everything in it to be easier to find and put my hands on when I need it. And though this may sound strange to younger people, "dread" is a word that pops into my head a lot when decluttering. Having helped cleaned out the homes of several departed relatives, I dread what people will think of me when I die and someone has to clean out my attic. I'm trying to get it in shape so I can die in peace (which hopefully won't happen for a long time).
Wonderful idea. the author of Swedish Death Cleaning also says don't get rid of something you genuinely love if the only reason you would let it go is so a relative won't judge you after your death! Everyone is going to have a weird dildo or two they leave behind and that's life. The main issue is the sheer amount :)
My word would be "enough" I enough clothes, shoes, hair products, skincare, etc. This will help me avoid over purchase. I start doing no shopping month and it's really help me appreciate and use up what I already have.at home.
Mines are not words but phrases. “When everything matters, nothing does” and “nothing changes if nothing changes”. Love them both so much I want them engraved into my house somewhere 🤣
Guilt. I started a school in an impoverished country. A friend held an auction party with all of his friends. We brought all of the gifts we were given but never used. The items we brought could be bid for and used by another guest. We got rid of stuff. We got stuff we might actually use. We also got rid of the guilt knowing that the funds raised at that party would help others. We raised a lot of funds for the school that night. People felt good about their decluttering.
My idea of my space has always been calm and cozy. This includes open space, minimal things on the wall and not buying “trendy” decor. I’ve never had the same decor things as every other person. Same goes for my wardrobe and my jewellery.
My new favourite word is Lagom the Swedish word for enough, just the right amount, etc. Minimalism seems too unattainable for me but I can aim for having enough.
•Thank you for helping me reframe thoughts... I'm understanding better that I have been saying "Yes" to piles of paper, magazines, newspaper clippings, recipes, little paper notes, etc....for years!!. •The last several months, I am saying "NO" to comparing myself to others & to myself. I am organized on other areas of my life & areas around the house. Previously I would say to myself, "How can you be so organized in the kitchen, or this closet, but you can't/don't/won't organize these piles & boxes of papers downstairs?" •What I started asking myself was, "How do you keep the kitchen organized? What makes it easy to put things back in their 'spot'?" •Lightbulb moment came when my answer was..."those things (spice jars, plates, drinking glasses, spatulas, etc.) ALL have a designated place to be. I use them, wash them, put them back in their "spot". Easy peasy. •The papers are piles, or loose, or in boxes, in baskets, etc. Not organized, not being used, not being read.. just there. Realizing this new direction has helped relieve stress surrounding this issue. •Just writing out this comment has helped. This community is great. Thanks everybody. 😊
Yesss this is so good. I also ask myself the same thing about easy to maintain areas. Then I’m reminded that the reason why the other spots are hard to maintain is because I don’t use/need want that stuff!! If I only owned my organized areas, I would own everything I actually need! I wouldn’t miss anything else! My downfall is the kids stuff. It’s not mine!
Freedom and future. Me and my husband started going the minimalish route in 2018 (before that time I "might" had a small shopping addiction). And in the last years we've been able to pay of any debt, bought cheap but reliable cars and were able to put down a payment for our own house in 2020. Prior to the move I thought we had decluttered about 30% of our stuff. But during the move it looked like our rented house had attained some " Undetectable Extension Charm" from the movie " Harry Potter". The stream of stuff seemed never ending... Our goal now is to keep up with what we're doing; decluttering, saving, investing, make our house more self sufficient. To make sure that in the future we're less depended of our job while not clotting up the house with stuff. (And maybe buy a boat even though we know that it a horrible financial decision but it is also a dream). P.S. I'am a non English speaker so sorry for any grammar mistakes.
I agree with “why” and “no”. Another one is “Really?” Like, thinking I could save this for some situation… but then I ask myself: Really? Will that *really* happen? Is it *really* worth dealing with it until that possibility?
My two words that help me when I am struggling are LESS and BETTER (credit to Dana at a Slob Comes Clean) these words help me when I'm not achieving perfect, I can ALWAYS have LESS and I can make it BETTER! 😊
Better is good 😉 is another Dana t shirt which I feel deeply. If all I do is stack the dishes, or even put 1 thing in the bin coz I'm just feeling really blah, it's OK because it is a tiny bit better. Or maybe I clean and declutter half the table coz I need that space to sew. And then I leave the sewing machine out mid project BUT I put the cloth scraps and snack wrapper in the bin, put away items I no longer need and organise the rest into a neat pile, it is enough, it is progress, it IS better.
My word is peace. I want everything in my home to help great an atmosphere of peace. Less clutter means more peace of mind. I connected with your word “no.” I’ve been telling myself “no” when out at the stores which is really saying “yes” to more money in my pocket and stopping clutter from entering my space in the first place. Thank you for sharing!
“What is my plan?” When it comes to things to create with and to use, I ask myself, “What is my plan for this?” If I have a plan, great. If I feel like it’s worth the energy to come up with a plan in the next month or so, great. If I get the “ugh!” feeling, then it’s easier to let go of. This is how I got rid of tons of on-sale acrylic yarn, knitting needles (I don’t have the patience or attention span for anything beyond a scarf!), my stand mixer (stopped eating baked goods-don’t need it anymore), a gazillion really gorgeous rubber stamps (I create art myself. Why not plan to sharpen my own art skills and not use other people’s art to create cards, etc.?). Same with books. What is my plan for this book? Do I plan on re-reading it? Do I plan on using it for reference? I got rid of two thirds of my library this way. I also unloaded a quarter of my craft supplies.
My first word is Don't...don't go into Target, don't browse on Amazon, don't buy the stuff. My second word, in case the first one doesn't work, is Return. I broke the first word yesterday buy going into Target (instead of ordering only what I needed and doing drive up), browsing, and buying. Today I used my second word and returned a $79 sheet set that I really liked because I have 2 perfectly good sheets sets at home. It was purchased strictly on impulse. Sometimes I just gotta do what I gotta do to fix what I already did! 😄
I've recently focused on how to SIMPLIFY. Along with decluttering material possessions, this has included making small changes like relocating things to be closest to where they are used most often, meal planning more intentionally (and "shopping" my pantry & freezer more consistently), and getting life documents better organized. All of these things just make things a little easier and daily processes a bit more efficient for us.
I remember your journey Erica… it’s simply amazing in 3 years. For me the box/space method really work… I love too many stuff to decide, so now I need to narrow down to keeping only truely the best. Use the best, wear the best daily of what I have rather than keeping them for special occasions.
LOVE. I always ask "do I love this?" Somethings I keep have no "need" or "use" in my life. But if Iove it, it stays. If I don't love it, why is it taking up space? Why is something I don't love on display? Decluttering is about making room, and making the things I love a priority. I want people I love to come over and feel comfortable, I want things I love to be easily accessible, and sometimes easily seen. i also ask if the love I have for it is in the object or in my mind. Especially when it comes to sentimental things, do I love it because it reminds me of my mother? Or do I just love my mother and that memories in me.
I love how you talked about changing “why” from a word that created guilt into one that encourages and propels you forward! That’s what your journey has been all about and I love it! 💜
Peaceful. Everybody always comments that my home is peaceful and cozy. I have anxiety and too much stuff makes me anxious so I keep things that are comforting and meaningful right now in my station of life. I am retired at 70 and help my daughter with homeschooling and care for my granddaughter so there are toys and learning supplies all in their place and purged as she outgrows them.
I also don't have words in my home decor anymore. It doesn't matter how nice the sentiment is, I subconsciously read it whenever I walk by and it interrupts my train of thought.
No is my word now. Especially when I'm out shopping and see something cute or that I want to buy. I just say no - no, you don't need this; no, you don't have room for this; no, you don't have the money for this. Most of the time it works! Lol
I learnt along time ago from a great book called "when all of heaven is silent" so i cannot claim this beautiful insight, but asking why is often necessary but asking " What Next" gets things moving. xxx
My word would be "grace". Our family have had a rough year; Covid and subsequent health issues, family bereavement and other issues. I am in Britain and we have a small house. I learnt to show grace to my husband when he brought home a whole load of stuff from my MiL's house. I showed grace to my daughter when she returned from university with another whole load of stuff. I show grace to myself on the days when I can't keep up with the housework, or deal with the clutter. I live in the grace of God and know the relationships within the house are more important than the fact it isn't perfect.
Erica, this was another exceptional video -your way of thinking through things with calm and lots of logic has been such an influence. By far my favorite RUclips channel. Also such an inspiration when it comes to homeschooling -your kids are so lucky to have you as their mother and teacher. I feel like you are my friend -I think all of us watching probably do!
Every year I pick a word for the year. This year my word is : Choice. I choose to learn better Spanish. I choose to save my money instead of spend it. I choose to put myself first. Working pretty good so far in some ways, and not in others. But I choose to focus on what I feel is important in my season of life and can rotate what I choose to work on.
"I want..." I want a peaceful evening. I want my eyes to feel restful in my home. I want space. I want to dream. I want to live. If it's in the way of any of the good I wants it goes. It's like you stagnate and forget what you really want sometimes cause everything is "important" or "useful". Plus life just exhausting you. For me anyway.
My word is How. I do think Why and How can be used interchangeably. For instance, Why do I have this? Why should I keep this? Could be asked with How did I get here? How do I change this? I’m saying How. I really do think a few words could get us to the same place. I love your channel. I like the minimalist-ish approach, but I love the modeling you do of a human being aware of self and others. I appreciate your parenting model and relationships model. Good job. We all need encouragement constantly in this world about real value. The value of humans and the responsibility we all have to choose to be loving and tolerant of each other’s paths, dreams, limitations, goals. Thank you Erica.
I with there was a Transcript of this so I could read it over & over again! I"ll have to watch with the closed Captions on & write it all down myself. This is one of the most powerful dcluttering videos I've seen in my 45 years of decluttering.
Trash give away transformed my life. But equally huge is like with like. When I finally got sick and tired of having to move 10 things to get to what I want, THEN I started me decluttering journey. Thanks to you it has been very productive!!
I keep hearing the words "live" + "lighter" as I move forward with meaningful intentionality and greater self-kindness. Thank you for sharing your journey and the mindshifts that are guiding you! It's so deeply helpful and encouraging to me as you share how you are growing, learning, and moving forward!
My son is a Wolf scout, too! There's a Catholic version of the Duty to God emblem. The book was very educational to us both and the medal is very nice! I always remind myself that if something is shoved in a box and forgotten, then what is the point of keeping it? Exceptions are documents I'm obligated to keep, or holiday decor.
Great video with a simple straightforward message. My word for right now is ‘lighter’ anything that made a space in my house feel heavy is gone and I want to keep it that way. So, if I gravitate towards a space and it bothers me then I make a choice to make it feel lighter in my mind by cleaning it, decluttering it, illuminating it or decorating it. The other word is ‘everyday’ as I say to myself everyday I can do something to make a difference in my space, even if that is just picking up a bit of rubbish and throwing it in the bin or wiping one window or putting something away.
I think my mantra is enough, what I thought was necessary no longer matters. Anything in my house has to tell a story and be meaningful. Things I have are corralled in a break front or a bookcase, tabletops are cleared and areas are opened to move around in. Love the word why it makes me stop an actually decide if something is worthy to buy or not. Another great video!
My words would probably be peace, calm, and no. And to me, peace and calm are both the same and not. Because teenagers and boys…their peace is not necessarily my peace, but we can work together so we all have a good level of peace in our home. PS: your hair is looking amazing!!! I love it. Your channel has given me so much hope & inspiration 💚
I found my word!!! I had to come back to this video hours after watching to write this: CONNECTION. It’s my word for everything these days. Does this thing CONNECT me to my loved ones, to my own personality, to my desired lifestyle, my longings to be in nature, to the things that make me smile when I imagine doing them. What do I need to feel truly relaxed when my loved ones are around and to be able to really see them and hear them.
Or how about the word IMAGINE. Literally take the time to IMAGINE. Use our powerful brain as the image-engine it’s made to be, project movies in your head like virtual reality of what your relationships would look and feel like if your stuff wasn’t in the way. I think the more we dwell/imagine/meditate on it the more we can see the physical stuff piled up as less valuable.
One phrase that helps me is "Just because I can doesn't mean I will." It helps me to go above and beyond obvious limits. Like even if I still have space doesn't mean I can just squeeze every ounce of it. I would often have this mental image of a singer with a high range of voice but she doesn't use her highest pitch the entire time singing. Just because she can doesn't mean she will.
As someone who went to primary and highschool in a country where this education is free, it is unbelievable (!!!) what amount of work parents have to go through homeschooling their kids on their OWN. Huuuge respect to you all! (I assume they choose homeschooling to save money but I could be wrong. I don't know anything about school systems in America, if they are free or not.)
I think my most powerful single word is Time. I’m decluttering in order to spend less time cleaning and being a caretaker of stuff plus I would like to spend more Time with my children, who are 5 and 2.5. I’ve connected more to your word Keep, as in what to keep and hopefully give myself permission to get rid of the rest. It’s complicated, however, because we’re a multi-generational household and my Mum-in-Law has a lot of boxed up things from her house (some of which are hugely emotional items because they belonged to her Mum)
We are so similar in a lot of ways. To me it was strangely, like looking in a mirror, because my husband tells me a lot of times why do you say why so much?! Also, all of your decluttering. I lost like 80 pounds and did a lot of decluttering clothes and other items, because I was on a roll. Thanks for all the helpful tips that you give!Thanks for making me not feel like I’m alone in this journey.
I love that word KEEP!!! That makes sense to me now in my life!!! I just decided to get rid of half of my clothes today and it makes me feel so happy 🎉🎉🎉. I have learned that I only wear certain clothes, so I got rid of the rest!!!!!!
The depth with which you explained “why” I find helpful. I’ve been working on No and yes for years (since therapy!) and learned the keep one from kon Mari but I had not heard the WHY before. I do ask why in the negative but asking why and listing to the hidden yes or maybe more in depth reasons….I think that may be very helpful! Thank you!
Catching up with you again, Erica, literally! I watched your videos as an inspiration three years ago, when my own minimalist journey started. My main word probably at that time was 'true', as in: is the reason for having/keeping certain things true to my Self? Or is it to please other people's expectations?! Additionally, another word was 'light', as in living/travelling light, instead of weighed down by stuff/ideas /expectations. Since then, I have (and had to) let go of many, many items, ideas, places and people (most devastating my parents!) and literally went on a two year journey on my bike, which was a huge mind shift relating minimalism and travelling lightly! Lately, I rediscovered your channel and was thoroughly amazed about your own huge shift in life by living at another place! What work you've put into that! Congratulations, Erica!!! I, myself, got settled for the time being, still figuring out what I really, really want to 'keep' aka what I want back into my life after living two years out of three bike bags. And the word that I use most these days is 'release' as in releasing the idea of needing. It's, as you mentioned in one of your videos, an ongoing process!
Burden - It's taking up space in my mind and house. Erica, I thank you for sharing your thought process when you talk through personal decluttering moments. Things you share are relatable "ah-ha" moments and provide us with mental tools to tackle our own situations. Appreciate you!
Love those 3 words & your reasoning for them. I also use the word "simple" to keep areas uncluttered, routines manageable, and a less chaotic lifestyle.
In the beginning of my decluttering it was obvious I needed to let go of a lot of possessions so ‘no’ would have been the most applicable to me then. Now I am simplifying even further, past where I thought I would go and ‘why’ is very applicable now. Things have to have a very good why in order to stay in my life/ home. I am having to go further than I thought to get that feeling that I was searching for in my home. Peace, calm, ease. But it’s starting to feel wonderful! Another fantastic video Erica. I think you are amazing! ❤️
This was very helpful - it is hard to pick one word - my two would be why and keep. I also think deciding what to keep is a great mindshift - love this approach !
Your channel is so real and refreshing. I ‘be been trying to find ways to declutter but only see the photos of perfect/immaculate homes with unrealistic outcomes. The word “no” resígnates with me (too overwhelming/tired).I saw a video on Swedish Death Cleaning and have been trying the mantra “You can’t take it with you” but the “no” is keeping me back.
I keep my cookbooks on my kitchen counter so when I make my meal plan menus for the week I pick 1 recipe from my cookbooks to use. Doing this reminds me to make use of my cookbooks.
"A place for everything and everything in it's place." Dotosvoedky "Progress not perfection" The Secret Slob I'm in nesting mode, which has propelled me to declutter since the first trimester knowing it would be physically difficult toward the end. I have the guest room and pantry left. Just need to keep going. Taking baby steps helps increase motivation and productivity, like tackling a manageable bin of random items or table surface. You showed this process quite well in the video.
I agree that decluttering is a shift in lifestyle. I’ve been working on it for over 4 years. This weekend I will declutter my cedar chest. In 2018 I started with my desk and the garage. I work nights, so I’m going a little slowly, setting small goals. I make regular trips to the landfill and to the Salvation Army. I also pretend I’m moving into a smaller house. So I say to myself, I can’t take this item with me to where I’m going. I don’t think I have one word, just that phrase, I can’t take this with me to a smaller house.
At the moment my word is RENT. Everything in my home now has to pay me rent, either by looking pretty or being useful. I don't accept any other currency.
When I was doing my ruthless total purge declutter a few years ago after my husband died, my most useful words were, "maybe = no." If I couldn't say a definite yes to keeping something, it went out. Maybe, one day, if/when I, were not good enough reasons to keep a thing. So what stayed were the things that we definitely used, needed or wanted. It has freed up so much space in our house and mental space for me.
❤️❤️ Praying for you! I just got rid of my senior high school yearbook 😂 Kept a few pictures and ditched the rest! My word is: Worthwhile. Is what I'm keeping worthwhile for what life I want to have?
Mine is a phrase. My whole life I've always had this more laid back attitude, like someone is going to take care of my stuff for me. Not just physical clutter, but really anything That needs to be done that I don't feel like doing. So I tell myself, YOU are the 'someone else'. That pile of clean laundry sitting on the chair because I haven't put it away yet? No one is going to magically put it away for me. I am the someone else who is going to take care of this mess.
@@EricaLucasLoves oh for sure! It definitely made this last military move way easier, I got rid of so much 🤣 I didn’t realize how much reassuring I was looking for by getting all this decor with positive words on them, after a while the words just disappear and lose their meaning.
@@lorenawilliams4229 that is some deep understanding! I wonder if that’s how I’m feeling as well. I wanted a “home sweet home” and now I actually have it. I don’t need the sign to convince of that.
Yes,keep is good word, useful,donate. I am on this journey with you from the beginning. I have got rid of a lot more to go. I think about I don’t want to leave this stuff to my kids.
I keep getting back to the words less chaos. I stopped decluttering because life got busy and then I started seeing myself buying more again and the house just seemed to get so full. Every fall right before birthdays and Christmas start again in our house I usually feel the urge to purge- definitely feeling it even more this year as we have decided to make a goal to move again next year(ish depending on the market) and in order to do that we have to make it better here first and save more money and just have less chaos in all areas.
Great video thank you. Chaos is a significant word and mum - when I actually started this journey to make room for a new chapter in life and becoming a mum. I love the body book you showed but couldn’t catch the details, please can you share? Love the amazing body pics and how fun you made the activity!
I think the word that comes up for me after doing an initial declutter of my home and planning to go back around with a fine-toothed comb is NOW. Living in the here and NOW is a big one. Asking myself what I can do NOW (in the way of decluttering, cleaning, meal prep, etc.) that will save me from having to do it later. Do it NOW and don't put it off. Would I use/eat/wear this right NOW if the conditions were perfect for it? Do I need this stuff for my life as it is and as I am NOW? I left my job that was too physically demanding... what NOW?
Yes! I don’t want to pack and move that much stuff again so I have to keep that in mind when I’m dealing with things Iike office and craft supplies that I don’t use as often as I once did. Some areas will always be more challenging to pack, like the kitchen because I prefer glass and ceramics over plastic, which means I have to find other ways to streamline.
My word is FUTURE. Our daughter has Down Syndrome. I always ask "Do I want her to have to deal with this stuff in the FUTURE?" Just asking this question helps my husband and me declutter.
I saw a video, and I can't remmwbe where it was where they talked about home decor with words. How the words made our brains stop and read them because that's what we've been taught. So the words became clutter and didn't allow our brains to remain calm. All the home decor with all that writing makes homes feel cluttered and unrestful to the human brain.
While I generally say “why” less now ( as per previous comment that sent too soon), I do still say while paper-decluttering. Paper is my housekeeping downfall ! Haha !! I need to say why now , to cultivate better awareness of my “why” for decluttering. I’d say I need to write out a Mission Statement. But then, more paper or digital clutter ? Hmmm … might be useful to clarify that though. Great job on the home schooling !! You are a dedicated, conscientious Mom!!
I think mine is why and also where. Why do I really need it and where will I put it. This works well with husband when out too why and where usually remind him we have to make room for it plus do we really need it. Works most of the time I do hate cluttered work tops. Thank you for your videos they are great. Xx
I think *Stuff* when I declutter to put it in one word. I normally think "It is just stuff" putting it in a proper perspective that works for me. It doesn't hold a full memory, it's not so very important- it is just an item. If I think "but this is special to me" then I keep it and know I have to make space for it so *Where?* is the next word. Where an item lives in my home now settles the matter for me because I have to have a space for it that works so I can always find it. I just let something go that held a few memories and was beautiful but not using it and not having a space for it- it had to go. *Children* is another word. Would my child use it if I don't or if I want to hold onto it for future would my children even want it later on or will it be a burden for them to get rid of? A lot of things that interest me don't interest my children so that settles the matter most of the time.
We have a friend who is a hoarder. He hoarded so much that the town tore his house down. I was giving him some items in a bag that had a big tear down the side. He said he would bring it back to me because "this could be useful!" That was an eye opening moment for me. Now I think to myself "this could be useful", but am I using it? If it was so useful, I surely would be using it. This helps me get rid of lots of unused stuff that COULD BE useful, but actually is not.
Thanks, Erica ! Well done ! WHY is still my most prevalent decluttering word. Yepp ! I exasperatedly scold myself with it sometimes while decluttering !! Less so now though. I’ve made progress & just keep going.,
I keep coming back to the word "easier." I want to make my apartment easier to clean, and I want everything in it to be easier to find and put my hands on when I need it. And though this may sound strange to younger people, "dread" is a word that pops into my head a lot when decluttering. Having helped cleaned out the homes of several departed relatives, I dread what people will think of me when I die and someone has to clean out my attic. I'm trying to get it in shape so I can die in peace (which hopefully won't happen for a long time).
That's called Swedish death cleaning. It's a very considerate approach to downsizing to minimize stress for loved ones.
Wonderful idea. the author of Swedish Death Cleaning also says don't get rid of something you genuinely love if the only reason you would let it go is so a relative won't judge you after your death! Everyone is going to have a weird dildo or two they leave behind and that's life. The main issue is the sheer amount :)
My word would be "enough" I enough clothes, shoes, hair products, skincare, etc. This will help me avoid over purchase. I start doing no shopping month and it's really help me appreciate and use up what I already have.at home.
Mines are not words but phrases. “When everything matters, nothing does” and “nothing changes if nothing changes”. Love them both so much I want them engraved into my house somewhere 🤣
Nothing changes if nothing change help me to loose over 15kg… this is true of life indeed.
Excuse me for pointing this out but mine is plural without adding "s".
Guilt. I started a school in an impoverished country. A friend held an auction party with all of his friends. We brought all of the gifts we were given but never used. The items we brought could be bid for and used by another guest. We got rid of stuff. We got stuff we might actually use. We also got rid of the guilt knowing that the funds raised at that party would help others. We raised a lot of funds for the school that night. People felt good about their decluttering.
My idea of my space has always been calm and cozy. This includes open space, minimal things on the wall and not buying “trendy” decor. I’ve never had the same decor things as every other person. Same goes for my wardrobe and my jewellery.
"Progress"...my word that keeps me going. Remembering what Dana K White has said, that each item I let go of was progress.
My new favourite word is Lagom the Swedish word for enough, just the right amount, etc. Minimalism seems too unattainable for me but I can aim for having enough.
Yes! I love the word minimalish for this same reason.
*love* this word! Thanks for sharing it with us here!
•Thank you for helping me reframe thoughts... I'm understanding better that I have been saying "Yes" to piles of paper, magazines, newspaper clippings, recipes, little paper notes, etc....for years!!.
•The last several months, I am saying "NO" to comparing myself to others & to myself. I am organized on other areas of my life & areas around the house. Previously I would say to myself, "How can you be so organized in the kitchen, or this closet, but you can't/don't/won't organize these piles & boxes of papers downstairs?"
•What I started asking myself was, "How do you keep the kitchen organized? What makes it easy to put things back in their 'spot'?"
•Lightbulb moment came when my answer was..."those things (spice jars, plates, drinking glasses, spatulas, etc.) ALL have a designated place to be. I use them, wash them, put them back in their "spot". Easy peasy.
•The papers are piles, or loose, or in boxes, in baskets, etc. Not organized, not being used, not being read.. just there.
Realizing this new direction has helped relieve stress surrounding this issue.
•Just writing out this comment has helped. This community is great. Thanks everybody. 😊
Yesss this is so good. I also ask myself the same thing about easy to maintain areas. Then I’m reminded that the reason why the other spots are hard to maintain is because I don’t use/need want that stuff!! If I only owned my organized areas, I would own everything I actually need! I wouldn’t miss anything else!
My downfall is the kids stuff. It’s not mine!
This is so great!!! Let’s say NO to paper piles together! That’s one for me too!
I loved when your daughter ran in and did a few cartwheels. Even that would not have been possible with the clutter a few years ago. Way to go!
Open space is amazing! She asked for a gymnastics bar in that room. 😂😂😂
Yes!! @ 12:05 What an inspiring journey, Erica! Thank you for sharing with us ✨
Calm is my word. The fewer items I have in my home the more calm I become 🧘♀️🙏💗
Great video, Erica... thank you 😚💕
Same here; the word calm.
Freedom and future. Me and my husband started going the minimalish route in 2018 (before that time I "might" had a small shopping addiction). And in the last years we've been able to pay of any debt, bought cheap but reliable cars and were able to put down a payment for our own house in 2020. Prior to the move I thought we had decluttered about 30% of our stuff. But during the move it looked like our rented house had attained some " Undetectable Extension Charm" from the movie " Harry Potter".
The stream of stuff seemed never ending...
Our goal now is to keep up with what we're doing; decluttering, saving, investing, make our house more self sufficient.
To make sure that in the future we're less depended of our job while not clotting up the house with stuff.
(And maybe buy a boat even though we know that it a horrible financial decision but it is also a dream).
P.S. I'am a non English speaker so sorry for any grammar mistakes.
You referenced Harry Potter, so your comment is perfect automatically! 😍
I agree with “why” and “no”. Another one is “Really?” Like, thinking I could save this for some situation… but then I ask myself: Really? Will that *really* happen? Is it *really* worth dealing with it until that possibility?
My two words that help me when I am struggling are LESS and BETTER (credit to Dana at a Slob Comes Clean) these words help me when I'm not achieving perfect, I can ALWAYS have LESS and I can make it BETTER! 😊
LESS and BETTER! ❤️
Better is good 😉 is another Dana t shirt which I feel deeply. If all I do is stack the dishes, or even put 1 thing in the bin coz I'm just feeling really blah, it's OK because it is a tiny bit better. Or maybe I clean and declutter half the table coz I need that space to sew. And then I leave the sewing machine out mid project BUT I put the cloth scraps and snack wrapper in the bin, put away items I no longer need and organise the rest into a neat pile, it is enough, it is progress, it IS better.
@@greatauntlizbethg9137 one day at a time!
My word is peace. I want everything in my home to help great an atmosphere of peace. Less clutter means more peace of mind. I connected with your word “no.” I’ve been telling myself “no” when out at the stores which is really saying “yes” to more money in my pocket and stopping clutter from entering my space in the first place. Thank you for sharing!
"My word is peace." is such a powerful sentence! Thank you for sharing!
This is a powerful word!
“What is my plan?” When it comes to things to create with and to use, I ask myself, “What is my plan for this?” If I have a plan, great. If I feel like it’s worth the energy to come up with a plan in the next month or so, great. If I get the “ugh!” feeling, then it’s easier to let go of. This is how I got rid of tons of on-sale acrylic yarn, knitting needles (I don’t have the patience or attention span for anything beyond a scarf!), my stand mixer (stopped eating baked goods-don’t need it anymore), a gazillion really gorgeous rubber stamps (I create art myself. Why not plan to sharpen my own art skills and not use other people’s art to create cards, etc.?). Same with books. What is my plan for this book? Do I plan on re-reading it? Do I plan on using it for reference? I got rid of two thirds of my library this way. I also unloaded a quarter of my craft supplies.
Those craft supplies are hard. Well done!
Love this 💕
🧡
My first word is Don't...don't go into Target, don't browse on Amazon, don't buy the stuff. My second word, in case the first one doesn't work, is Return. I broke the first word yesterday buy going into Target (instead of ordering only what I needed and doing drive up), browsing, and buying.
Today I used my second word and returned a $79 sheet set that I really liked because I have 2 perfectly good sheets sets at home. It was purchased strictly on impulse. Sometimes I just gotta do what I gotta do to fix what I already did! 😄
"Keep" is so powerful and positive. I love your hair, I love your kids, I love your dog, I love your channel.
Thanks!!!
I've recently focused on how to SIMPLIFY. Along with decluttering material possessions, this has included making small changes like relocating things to be closest to where they are used most often, meal planning more intentionally (and "shopping" my pantry & freezer more consistently), and getting life documents better organized. All of these things just make things a little easier and daily processes a bit more efficient for us.
I remember your journey Erica… it’s simply amazing in 3 years. For me the box/space method really work… I love too many stuff to decide, so now I need to narrow down to keeping only truely the best. Use the best, wear the best daily of what I have rather than keeping them for special occasions.
LOVE. I always ask "do I love this?" Somethings I keep have no "need" or "use" in my life. But if Iove it, it stays. If I don't love it, why is it taking up space? Why is something I don't love on display? Decluttering is about making room, and making the things I love a priority. I want people I love to come over and feel comfortable, I want things I love to be easily accessible, and sometimes easily seen. i also ask if the love I have for it is in the object or in my mind. Especially when it comes to sentimental things, do I love it because it reminds me of my mother? Or do I just love my mother and that memories in me.
Oh that’s a good one. Do I love it or do I love the memory of mom? Hugs.
I love how you talked about changing “why” from a word that created guilt into one that encourages and propels you forward! That’s what your journey has been all about and I love it! 💜
Peaceful. Everybody always comments that my home is peaceful and cozy. I have anxiety and too much stuff makes me anxious so I keep things that are comforting and meaningful right now in my station of life. I am retired at 70 and help my daughter with homeschooling and care for my granddaughter so there are toys and learning supplies all in their place and purged as she outgrows them.
I also don't have words in my home decor anymore. It doesn't matter how nice the sentiment is, I subconsciously read it whenever I walk by and it interrupts my train of thought.
Great video.....and I am very impressed w/ the "walking on hands" and cartwheel at the end, wow! Looking forward to how you organize the board games.
Me too! Especially the cartwheel - something I could never do.
She’s so strong. She’s working on handstand push ups today.
I like how it just happened with absolutely no reference to it.
@@greatauntlizbethg9137 it’s all day thing here 😂
No is my word now. Especially when I'm out shopping and see something cute or that I want to buy. I just say no - no, you don't need this; no, you don't have room for this; no, you don't have the money for this.
Most of the time it works! Lol
My word is "donate." The stuff that has been leaving my home is amazing.
I learnt along time ago from a great book called "when all of heaven is silent" so i cannot claim this beautiful insight, but asking why is often necessary but asking " What Next" gets things moving. xxx
What next?
That is great! Thank you.
My word would be "grace". Our family have had a rough year; Covid and subsequent health issues, family bereavement and other issues. I am in Britain and we have a small house. I learnt to show grace to my husband when he brought home a whole load of stuff from my MiL's house. I showed grace to my daughter when she returned from university with another whole load of stuff. I show grace to myself on the days when I can't keep up with the housework, or deal with the clutter. I live in the grace of God and know the relationships within the house are more important than the fact it isn't perfect.
With that mindset your home will be a wonderful place to be no matter what it looks like❤️ sorry you have had a tough time though xx
Erica, this was another exceptional video -your way of thinking through things with calm and lots of logic has been such an influence. By far my favorite RUclips channel. Also such an inspiration when it comes to homeschooling -your kids are so lucky to have you as their mother and teacher. I feel like you are my friend -I think all of us watching probably do!
Thanks Bonnie!
Every year I pick a word for the year. This year my word is : Choice. I choose to learn better Spanish. I choose to save my money instead of spend it. I choose to put myself first. Working pretty good so far in some ways, and not in others. But I choose to focus on what I feel is important in my season of life and can rotate what I choose to work on.
Ohhhh that is good.
"I want..." I want a peaceful evening. I want my eyes to feel restful in my home. I want space. I want to dream. I want to live. If it's in the way of any of the good I wants it goes. It's like you stagnate and forget what you really want sometimes cause everything is "important" or "useful". Plus life just exhausting you. For me anyway.
My word is How. I do think Why and How can be used interchangeably. For instance, Why do I have this? Why should I keep this? Could be asked with How did I get here? How do I change this? I’m saying How. I really do think a few words could get us to the same place.
I love your channel. I like the minimalist-ish approach, but I love the modeling you do of a human being aware of self and others. I appreciate your parenting model and relationships model. Good job. We all need encouragement constantly in this world about real value.
The value of humans and the responsibility we all have to choose to be loving and tolerant of each other’s paths, dreams, limitations, goals. Thank you Erica.
I with there was a Transcript of this so I could read it over & over again! I"ll have to watch with the closed Captions on & write it all down myself. This is one of the most powerful dcluttering videos I've seen in my 45 years of decluttering.
I might be able to make that for you. Will you send me an email with this request?
@@EricaLucasLoves Sure! In Just a minute, have to open that program again. Thanks!
When I open the description box down at the bottom it says show transcript and there’s a full transcript.
@@LynsAlteredArts great!!!
Trash give away transformed my life. But equally huge is like with like. When I finally got sick and tired of having to move 10 things to get to what I want, THEN I started me decluttering journey. Thanks to you it has been very productive!!
"My own sense of self" is my mantra these days. Helps a lot with a lot.
I keep hearing the words "live" + "lighter" as I move forward with meaningful intentionality and greater self-kindness. Thank you for sharing your journey and the mindshifts that are guiding you! It's so deeply helpful and encouraging to me as you share how you are growing, learning, and moving forward!
My son is a Wolf scout, too! There's a Catholic version of the Duty to God emblem. The book was very educational to us both and the medal is very nice!
I always remind myself that if something is shoved in a box and forgotten, then what is the point of keeping it? Exceptions are documents I'm obligated to keep, or holiday decor.
Great video with a simple straightforward message. My word for right now is ‘lighter’ anything that made a space in my house feel heavy is gone and I want to keep it that way. So, if I gravitate towards a space and it bothers me then I make a choice to make it feel lighter in my mind by cleaning it, decluttering it, illuminating it or decorating it. The other word is ‘everyday’ as I say to myself everyday I can do something to make a difference in my space, even if that is just picking up a bit of rubbish and throwing it in the bin or wiping one window or putting something away.
I think my mantra is enough, what I thought was necessary no longer matters. Anything in my house has to tell a story and be meaningful. Things I have are corralled in a break front or a bookcase, tabletops are cleared and areas are opened to move around in. Love the word why it makes me stop an actually decide if something is worthy to buy or not. Another great video!
Peace and freedom is mine words. To declutter gives me both. It is so wonderful. 🧡
My words would probably be peace, calm, and no.
And to me, peace and calm are both the same and not. Because teenagers and boys…their peace is not necessarily my peace, but we can work together so we all have a good level of peace in our home.
PS: your hair is looking amazing!!! I love it. Your channel has given me so much hope & inspiration 💚
Oh their peace is not my peace. Those words helped me this morning v
I found my word!!! I had to come back to this video hours after watching to write this: CONNECTION. It’s my word for everything these days. Does this thing CONNECT me to my loved ones, to my own personality, to my desired lifestyle, my longings to be in nature, to the things that make me smile when I imagine doing them. What do I need to feel truly relaxed when my loved ones are around and to be able to really see them and hear them.
Or how about the word IMAGINE. Literally take the time to IMAGINE. Use our powerful brain as the image-engine it’s made to be, project movies in your head like virtual reality of what your relationships would look and feel like if your stuff wasn’t in the way. I think the more we dwell/imagine/meditate on it the more we can see the physical stuff piled up as less valuable.
Definitely the word NO just stuck with me when you said I’m saying no to my kids and yes to clutter. This is so me right now. And it breaks my heart.
It is hard to see what you want when you are neck deep. Hang in there!
@@EricaLucasLoves yes absolutely! Thank you for keeping me going!
@@laurarysedorph7200 one day at a time!
I like a phrase, rather than a single word, that I spotted on a mobile phone wallpaper from simplehappyzen
“If it’s not a clear yes, it’s a nope”
One phrase that helps me is "Just because I can doesn't mean I will." It helps me to go above and beyond obvious limits. Like even if I still have space doesn't mean I can just squeeze every ounce of it. I would often have this mental image of a singer with a high range of voice but she doesn't use her highest pitch the entire time singing. Just because she can doesn't mean she will.
As someone who went to primary and highschool in a country where this education is free, it is unbelievable (!!!) what amount of work parents have to go through homeschooling their kids on their OWN. Huuuge respect to you all! (I assume they choose homeschooling to save money but I could be wrong. I don't know anything about school systems in America, if they are free or not.)
Oh not at all. It can be expensive to homeschool. We homeschool for many reasons but saving money is not one.
@@EricaLucasLoves so true, all of the supplies and everything. I agree with you. Wow, hats off. That is really hard work you are doing bravo!
I think my most powerful single word is Time. I’m decluttering in order to spend less time cleaning and being a caretaker of stuff plus I would like to spend more Time with my children, who are 5 and 2.5.
I’ve connected more to your word Keep, as in what to keep and hopefully give myself permission to get rid of the rest.
It’s complicated, however, because we’re a multi-generational household and my Mum-in-Law has a lot of boxed up things from her house (some of which are hugely emotional items because they belonged to her Mum)
@@johill1174 Thank you so much xx
I wish you well, too, as you continue to peel the layers of the decluttering onion xx
We are so similar in a lot of ways. To me it was strangely, like looking in a mirror, because my husband tells me a lot of times why do you say why so much?! Also, all of your decluttering. I lost like 80 pounds and did a lot of decluttering clothes and other items, because I was on a roll. Thanks for all the helpful tips that you give!Thanks for making me not feel like I’m alone in this journey.
Congrats! Decluttering clothes after that weight loss must have felt great
@@EricaLucasLoves , yes ma’am, I do.
I love that word KEEP!!! That makes sense to me now in my life!!! I just decided to get rid of half of my clothes today and it makes me feel so happy 🎉🎉🎉. I have learned that I only wear certain clothes, so I got rid of the rest!!!!!!
My word is PREPARED. I would love to be prepared to leave town or to go to an event to have company,etc. Lack of clutter helps me do these things
The depth with which you explained “why” I find helpful. I’ve been working on No and yes for years (since therapy!) and learned the keep one from kon Mari but I had not heard the WHY before. I do ask why in the negative but asking why and listing to the hidden yes or maybe more in depth reasons….I think that may be very helpful! Thank you!
Catching up with you again, Erica, literally! I watched your videos as an inspiration three years ago, when my own minimalist journey started. My main word probably at that time was 'true', as in: is the reason for having/keeping certain things true to my Self? Or is it to please other people's expectations?!
Additionally, another word was 'light', as in living/travelling light, instead of weighed down by stuff/ideas /expectations.
Since then, I have (and had to) let go of many, many items, ideas, places and people (most devastating my parents!) and literally went on a two year journey on my bike, which was a huge mind shift relating minimalism and travelling lightly!
Lately, I rediscovered your channel and was thoroughly amazed about your own huge shift in life by living at another place! What work you've put into that! Congratulations, Erica!!!
I, myself, got settled for the time being, still figuring out what I really, really want to 'keep' aka what I want back into my life after living two years out of three bike bags. And the word that I use most these days is 'release' as in releasing the idea of needing.
It's, as you mentioned in one of your videos, an ongoing process!
Burden - It's taking up space in my mind and house. Erica, I thank you for sharing your thought process when you talk through personal decluttering moments. Things you share are relatable "ah-ha" moments and provide us with mental tools to tackle our own situations. Appreciate you!
No is the most empowering word in the human language, it requires no explanation and will free you from so much.
Love those 3 words & your reasoning for them. I also use the word "simple" to keep areas uncluttered, routines manageable, and a less chaotic lifestyle.
In the beginning of my decluttering it was obvious I needed to let go of a lot of possessions so ‘no’ would have been the most applicable to me then. Now I am simplifying even further, past where I thought I would go and ‘why’ is very applicable now. Things have to have a very good why in order to stay in my life/ home. I am having to go further than I thought to get that feeling that I was searching for in my home. Peace, calm, ease. But it’s starting to feel wonderful!
Another fantastic video Erica. I think you are amazing! ❤️
I like how you use “no” to think about what you’re saying “yes” to. I am going to try paying attention to what I’m saying “yes” to doing.
This was very helpful - it is hard to pick one word - my two would be why and keep. I also think deciding what to keep is a great mindshift - love this approach !
I like the ideas of words and power. I keep my cookbooks on shelves in our “library” because I just like reading them and very rarely using them. 🤭
Cookbooks are my nemesis right now 😂😂😂
Your channel is so real and refreshing. I ‘be been trying to find ways to declutter but only see the photos of perfect/immaculate homes with unrealistic outcomes. The word “no” resígnates with me (too overwhelming/tired).I saw a video on Swedish Death Cleaning and have been trying the mantra “You can’t take it with you” but the “no” is keeping me back.
Gymnastics in the background was super fun :)
I decided on streamline for this year, it made it easier to declutter feeling that I was making time and energy for good stuff to flow in.
I’ve decluttered everything but sentimental. I think WHY is resonating with me. Why do I feel SO attached to these things? Work in progress 😁
I keep my cookbooks on my kitchen counter so when I make my meal plan menus for the week I pick 1 recipe from my cookbooks to use. Doing this reminds me to make use of my cookbooks.
I use the word “no” and “thank you” when offered items I know I do not need.
"A place for everything and everything in it's place." Dotosvoedky
"Progress not perfection" The Secret Slob
I'm in nesting mode, which has propelled me to declutter since the first trimester knowing it would be physically difficult toward the end. I have the guest room and pantry left. Just need to keep going. Taking baby steps helps increase motivation and productivity, like tackling a manageable bin of random items or table surface. You showed this process quite well in the video.
I agree that decluttering is a shift in lifestyle. I’ve been working on it for over 4 years. This weekend I will declutter my cedar chest. In 2018 I started with my desk and the garage. I work nights, so I’m going a little slowly, setting small goals. I make regular trips to the landfill and to the Salvation Army. I also pretend I’m moving into a smaller house. So I say to myself, I can’t take this item with me to where I’m going. I don’t think I have one word, just that phrase, I can’t take this with me to a smaller house.
The cook books!🤣🤣. Your expressions were hilarious!
At the moment my word is RENT. Everything in my home now has to pay me rent, either by looking pretty or being useful. I don't accept any other currency.
Love this way of looking at things (in my house)!
Love this!
When I was doing my ruthless total purge declutter a few years ago after my husband died, my most useful words were, "maybe = no."
If I couldn't say a definite yes to keeping something, it went out. Maybe, one day, if/when I, were not good enough reasons to keep a thing. So what stayed were the things that we definitely used, needed or wanted.
It has freed up so much space in our house and mental space for me.
I am so sorry for your loss. I like how you saw deeply enough to know yourself. Maybe = no.
PEACE, FREEDOM, PRIORITY are my three words
❤️❤️ Praying for you! I just got rid of my senior high school yearbook 😂 Kept a few pictures and ditched the rest!
My word is: Worthwhile. Is what I'm keeping worthwhile for what life I want to have?
love "keep". thanks for this video, Erica :)
Mine is a phrase. My whole life I've always had this more laid back attitude, like someone is going to take care of my stuff for me. Not just physical clutter, but really anything That needs to be done that I don't feel like doing.
So I tell myself, YOU are the 'someone else'.
That pile of clean laundry sitting on the chair because I haven't put it away yet? No one is going to magically put it away for me. I am the someone else who is going to take care of this mess.
I purged 90% of my decor with words too 😁
It’s funny the things that phase out.
@@EricaLucasLoves oh for sure! It definitely made this last military move way easier, I got rid of so much 🤣 I didn’t realize how much reassuring I was looking for by getting all this decor with positive words on them, after a while the words just disappear and lose their meaning.
@@lorenawilliams4229 that is some deep understanding! I wonder if that’s how I’m feeling as well. I wanted a “home sweet home” and now I actually have it. I don’t need the sign to convince of that.
@@EricaLucasLoves exactly!!!
@@lorenawilliams4229 quite a profound feeling. Thanks for this!
I really love your channel. It helps me so much on my decluttering journey. Thanks!
Yes,keep is good word, useful,donate. I am on this journey with you from the beginning. I have got rid of a lot more to go. I think about I don’t want to leave this stuff to my kids.
I keep getting back to the words less chaos. I stopped decluttering because life got busy and then I started seeing myself buying more again and the house just seemed to get so full. Every fall right before birthdays and Christmas start again in our house I usually feel the urge to purge- definitely feeling it even more this year as we have decided to make a goal to move again next year(ish depending on the market) and in order to do that we have to make it better here first and save more money and just have less chaos in all areas.
No has been my favorite word in all aspects of life since I was 16 and I’m now 39!
FREEDOM! And every little bit helps.
Awesome advice. Thank you 😊
Keep, definitely resonates and is helping me see what really matters. Thank you for the help😊
Great video thank you. Chaos is a significant word and mum - when I actually started this journey to make room for a new chapter in life and becoming a mum. I love the body book you showed but couldn’t catch the details, please can you share? Love the amazing body pics and how fun you made the activity!
Oh sorry! I try to include links but forgot. Here you go! amzn.to/3Kcg4dU
@@EricaLucasLoves not at all, didn’t expect it. Seems like it’s a US resource and I’m in UK but thanks so much for taking the time to reply. 😊
@@denisemarie9191 it’s a fun way to teach the human body.
I think the word that comes up for me after doing an initial declutter of my home and planning to go back around with a fine-toothed comb is NOW.
Living in the here and NOW is a big one.
Asking myself what I can do NOW (in the way of decluttering, cleaning, meal prep, etc.) that will save me from having to do it later.
Do it NOW and don't put it off.
Would I use/eat/wear this right NOW if the conditions were perfect for it?
Do I need this stuff for my life as it is and as I am NOW?
I left my job that was too physically demanding... what NOW?
I’m always thinking, “I don’t want to move it again.” So, I think of “space”.
Yes! I don’t want to pack and move that much stuff again so I have to keep that in mind when I’m dealing with things Iike office and craft supplies that I don’t use as often as I once did. Some areas will always be more challenging to pack, like the kitchen because I prefer glass and ceramics over plastic, which means I have to find other ways to streamline.
My word is FUTURE. Our daughter has Down Syndrome. I always ask "Do I want her to have to deal with this stuff in the FUTURE?" Just asking this question helps my husband and me declutter.
I saw a video, and I can't remmwbe where it was where they talked about home decor with words. How the words made our brains stop and read them because that's what we've been taught. So the words became clutter and didn't allow our brains to remain calm. All the home decor with all that writing makes homes feel cluttered and unrestful to the human brain.
While I generally say “why” less now ( as per previous comment that sent too soon), I do still say while paper-decluttering. Paper is my housekeeping downfall ! Haha !! I need to say why now , to cultivate better awareness of my “why” for decluttering. I’d say I need to write out a Mission Statement. But then, more paper or digital clutter ? Hmmm … might be useful to clarify that though.
Great job on the home schooling !! You are a dedicated, conscientious Mom!!
Ooo..’if I am saying no..what am I saying YES to’…thank you🙏🏼
Peace. I want peace within our home for my husband and myself. I want to relax as I walk through my home. I want my routines to bring peace to my day.
I think mine is why and also where. Why do I really need it and where will I put it. This works well with husband when out too why and where usually remind him we have to make room for it plus do we really need it. Works most of the time I do hate cluttered work tops. Thank you for your videos they are great. Xx
Keep is mine, it’s also what made it easier for me to let go
Second time watching this one. So helpful. ❤
You can use WHY as a positive, WHY am I decluttering? To keep you on track
My two words. "GEEZ" and "WHY" often used together. 🙃
Mine was keep. I think now I can make more decluttering progress!
I think *Stuff* when I declutter to put it in one word. I normally think "It is just stuff" putting it in a proper perspective that works for me. It doesn't hold a full memory, it's not so very important- it is just an item. If I think "but this is special to me" then I keep it and know I have to make space for it so *Where?* is the next word. Where an item lives in my home now settles the matter for me because I have to have a space for it that works so I can always find it. I just let something go that held a few memories and was beautiful but not using it and not having a space for it- it had to go. *Children* is another word. Would my child use it if I don't or if I want to hold onto it for future would my children even want it later on or will it be a burden for them to get rid of? A lot of things that interest me don't interest my children so that settles the matter most of the time.
We have a friend who is a hoarder. He hoarded so much that the town tore his house down. I was giving him some items in a bag that had a big tear down the side. He said he would bring it back to me because "this could be useful!" That was an eye opening moment for me. Now I think to myself "this could be useful", but am I using it? If it was so useful, I surely would be using it. This helps me get rid of lots of unused stuff that COULD BE useful, but actually is not.
Thanks, Erica ! Well done ! WHY is still my most prevalent decluttering word. Yepp ! I exasperatedly scold myself with it sometimes while decluttering !! Less so now though. I’ve made progress & just keep going.,
Me trying to guess the words at the intro...
Thankyou, conmarie style came to mind, immediately followed by [insert ur fav expletive here]