Erica, I knew the moment you started to breakdown, your just physically tired of dragging boxes out, and doing the work, mentally I think you have developed a decluttering muscle, and your ok ridding yourself of clutter. You have worked soooo hard, and you have done it by yourself, with the kids and dog at your side. I’m so,proud of you, keep on going your almost at the finish line Congrats on the move xo PS the crawl space is making it harder too, crawling around isn’t fun
You must be so pleased that you’d started your decluttering journey before you found out you were moving. Imagine how you would have felt if you’d still had all those boxes in your basement. You’ve come so far! This is just the last little hurdle to overcome before you move. You can do it!! x
I love how open and transparent you are. Thank you for being so genuine and honest and not acting like it's all easy breezy. Thank you for always showing us it's a process. I can't express how much I relate to looking at so much stuff and being so overwhelmed. I can't express how grateful I am to you for these videos. Thank you so much for opening yourself up so transparently. Know you have touched and helped at least one person. Thank you.
Minimalism and decluttering aside - Erica Lucas is a military spouse. During this time, her husband is away alot and she's having to do ALL of this on her own - care for children and pets, cooking, cleaning, finances, gardening, decluttering, make 99% of the decisions...everything. It's hard to explain - she's living like a single parent but she's not a single parent. That is tiring, no matter how emotionally strong a person may be. And then add a world pandemic to the mix. I think Erica Lucas is inspiring, and I'm grateful she started a youtube channel.
Erica, I started watching you when you started this journey last year. I've followed your emotional and honest journey to minimalism from day one. I love your videos, they are my absolute favourites. I look out for them each week. You are doing an amazing job and I really wish I could come and help you. Your excitement when you find treasures and relocate them into your home is wonderful. Keep up the good work you are doing a fantastic job. Xxx
Perhaps if you took 5 or 6 boxes out at a time you could declutter/sort in a more comfortable space. That way you have a small goal, you feel accomplished when you get through all the boxes and you don't see the rest of them until you declutter again.
I was thinking the same thing. Grab a certain number of boxes, bins, bags, whatnot each day and sort them in the house. The crawl space is kind of dark and depressing and that atmosphere may be adding to your feeling of being overwhelmed.
I agree. Get out of the crawl space and put on some relaxing music. Breathe in some fresh air while going through the boxes. Before she knows it, she probably would be going through half the soace
I've thought this too. She did so much work in that room where the crawl space entrance is. I would have emptied the crawl space completely and only used it to store the keep items. Every time I'd see the pile in the room I'd be motivated to get it out of my living space!
What do you think about emptying the crawl space out and doing the sorting in the basement and then just putting back into the crawl space what will move with you? Trying to do it in a confined space with no natural light and not being able to get to the stuff in the back seems like it makes it a bigger challenge. It might be that there are many boxes that you barely need to look through and could be out of the way and out of your head. The sentimental items and your husband’s stuff can be addressed later
I was thinking that vaguely before, and at the very start of this video I though if she could take the lid off this space and get at it properly it would be done. I know because we have an attic space and I need help to get things in and out and if I could do it all myself it would be done.
My husband and I recently pcs'd he is in the air force and we moved across the country from South Carolina to California. We chose to have the AF move our things, and while in transit the truck that was carrying all of our stuff caught on fire. We lost everything. Neither of us care about our super comfy couch or the TV it's the little sentimental items that hurt. While it has been difficult dealing with this and the pandemic, I feel like me and my husband have both really learned we are ok living with less. My goal when re buying our household is to stick with the essentials and to really thoughtfully consider each piece we bring in. It's funny I have still managed to declutter some of the stuff we brought with us, just a few clothing items that I don't feel are flattering or particular comfortable. I didn't think I would but I still enjoy watching your declutter videos and I am excited for your move!
I’m sorry for your losses - the sentimental ones. I grew up poor so never had much things and at 46 with husband having a good job, I still don’t buy things because I can. I’ve gotten rid of a lot of things (children’s toys/books and clothes) and most of the stuff is his, he’s a hoarder. The only things that are sentimental right now is a dozen of letters from my great aunt and some photographs.
I love how one aspect of ones life starts to change all other aspects! Just think about how you started to declutter, then debt then health, and who know what is next. You will end up a minimalist, richer, calmer, healtier... good for you!!
Look at it as going shopping in your crawl space, when you find quality things switch them out with tired stuff you don’t really notice anymore, redesign your house with the stuff you definitely want to keep, the sentimental stuff, instead of feeling guilty about storing it or donating it, or saving stuff for a special occasion, every day is a special occasion. Those ceramic items go well in your kitchen, it’s shopping without the expense, keep going, you got this 💕
Military wives are heroes too!!! I can’t imagine the stress- lack of time with hubby, 3 kids, homeschooling, decluttering, preparing to move & the crazy virus!!! You are doing great- you continue to inspire me! A health coach was a great idea! 1/2 of My basement remains to be cleared out😑. I also have crawl spaces and I often think of someone else could just haul the stuff out that would really help to motivate me, but knowing I have to do it myself stops me from getting into it sometimes. When is your big move? You are so wise to tackle this before the move!
Erica~ my heart goes out to you as you feel the pressure to declutter for the move. I stopped the video in the middle to type this so maybe this comment won't be helpful but....... even though you have a clean basement, I would completely empty the crawl space. Working and moving in there is not easy and slows the process down. It is kind of like trying to make bread with one hand tied behind your back.... you could do it but it would be slower and more frustrating. That way also if you want your husband to look at a pile of things all he has to do is walk down into the basement and have a quick 5 min look and can help you make a decision on the most difficult stuff. Also~ for me it would be depressing to be in a space like that with no sunlight and not being able to freely interact with the kiddos etc. a few Years ago we moved from USA to Australia and so I do understand the pressure of moving. Thanks for your videos they are enjoyable to watch. Oh and my suggestion above is just that and no more.... I'm not tying to be pushy. ❤️katie
Anyone else feel like she should have her kids help her pull EVERYTHING out into the family room and then sit out there and sort one box a day and put a few clear plastic totes back in there of long term storage stuff?
Oh my goodness your daughter is just the cutest little lady. And ranger is adorable!! Thank you for sharing your vulnerability with us. You are so real. ❤️
My husband works a lot of hours too. But I find when we do these kinds of things together it IS quality time. It is very needed for both of our well-being. We get it done so much faster and we learn together. We become playful and tease each other about things that we may have been kept for too many years. Then afterwards we get to spend time together feeling so much closer and accomplished. Making time for what is important for each of us is important. He knows how much better I feel getting those kinds of things done even through he struggles more with letting go of things. Just a different perspective to share with you.
"Everything in here is trash, and I'm going to go through and decide what to keep" you've been saying it for months but this is the first time it clicked for me! What a difference that perspective makes! Thank you so much for taking us with you on this journey, your sincerity touches my heart.
You've done so well decluttering the rest of the house. This crawl space in a physically hard space to work in. You'll feel so free once it is empty and you can move to your new home, without the excess oppressive possessions.
You have achieved so much already! You can now think of decorating your home and all, using stuff you already had too. Just keep in mind: It doesn't need to be perfect, don't push yourself so much.
Sometimes you just have to let yourself feel the feelings, cry the tears, pout a bit, and then move on with work. It's all part of the process of any work worth doing
I completely understand! We are military and are selling or donating 80% or more of our stuff to live in an rv with our 4 kids for the next several years to pay off debt and buy land. I’m so overwhelmed I don’t know where to start. You can do this!!! And when you make that move and get your household goods weighed you need to do a video comparing your weights before and after minimalism! It will astound you I know it will! It’s hard not to beat yourself up but you are doing awesome!!!
Your “I’m looking too big” is what I have to remind myself Baby steps. I know you recorded and posted this quite a while ago but glad you pushed through and hung in there. Thanks for sharing the good the bad and the tears. 😀
You are GREAT at giving yourself therapy and talking yourself through problems and difficult emotions! It’s like in those decluttering shows where there’s a therapist alongside the person who knows just what to say and just what to ask to get the person through the moment (and the next moment, and the next, etc.). Plus, you are teaching us all how to do it! Thanks! ❤️
Erica, I couldn't even go into that crawl space - it is so claustrophobic - no wonder you feel overwhelmed! I admire your perseverance. You can do this, you've transformed the rest of your house, your budget, your paperwork ... You can do this! Bravo in advance☺
The stress of an upcoming move totally adds to the overwhelm of trying to declutter! I agree with the commenter who suggested that you have your kids pull boxes out for you! My thoughts exactly! Then you can go through things in an upright position! Make it a fun game with them!
Erica, thank you for your service. Many people don't understand how the spouses and kids ALSO serve, in moving, flexing, being apart for lengthy periods, etc.--all to accommodate the serviceman' (or servicewoman's) career. These families endure a lot of hardship to prop up servicemen. Thank you and your kids for that, from the bottom of my heart.
Wow. What if you had given in to that fleeting moment of feeling overwhelmed? You would have felt worse and worse as the day went on and would have been defeated. Instead, you did pushups and cleaned out so much more! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Way to go!
When I am overwhelmed as I strive to possess less, I think of you. You remind me that I will come out on the other side. Just keep going. The benefits are worth it.
Kathrine Kruse best person to start with - but you’re growing so much, you’ll have so much experience and things you tried and found out that will really help you and will help others. Thank you for sharing your journey
I love that you are so real...that’s what truly motivates me. Some of the “declutter” videos out there are just bleh...fully made up 25 year olds taking 30 minutes to clean out their makeup brushes. That’s not what I need at this stage of my life. I’m a USMC wife with just way too much of everything! You have helped guide me through all the tough decisions involved in this whole process. Thank you!💗
Every single person who declutters has these moments. Thank you for showing the reality of what excess can make us feel once we "see the light" of our priorities. Though its sad to see you have those painful overwhelmed feelings, theyre not wrong and you dont have to be ashamed. You are not alone. ❤
Don’t keep crawling into the crawl space. Just direct the kids to the areas you still need to address and have them shove stuff out for you to deal with. You’re taking everything you touch out anyways and I think the claustrophobia of the ceiling height and the amount of things is bringing on more stress than you need to be dealing with right now. Also out of curiosity if you’re moving soon why are you hanging up more things that you’ll just have to pack?
Makes sense to use it immediately, hang it and see if she really still likes it enough to move it. Then it will get packed with the rest of the room, not in a random storage box destined for another crawl space.
Happy Friday Erica. God will give you the strength to finish what you started. Keep up the good work. Little by little. You're doing great. I'm so proud of you. God bless your marriage and family
I've dealt with a hubby with limited time too and projects that I couldn't move forward on without him. Something that worked for us was to break the project down and do it in little chunks of time rather than waiting for a large chunk of time which never seemed to come. What if you pull out two or three boxes depending on the size and put them in that room outside of the crawl space (your homeschool room?). You could go through them and pull out anything that is yours and deal with that stuff yourself then just leave the stuff in the boxes that your husband needs to make decisions on. Because you would be there putting things in keep or save for him, all he would need to do is make decisions. You would essentially be his hands and feet. You could do a couple of boxes in 20 minutes or so probably. Then do the same thing the next evening, and the next evening, and so on whenever he has a little bit of home time. This would save him time by not having to go into the crawl space and figure out what to work on. Then with you doing the legwork work and getting the items to a donate pile, or back into bins to save, his time would be really well used and you could move forward with this project. This would probably be so much better than to wait until moving time, UNLESS he has a couple of weeks off when you move. If that's the case, I would just go through the boxes myself and take care of my own things and wait on his stuff and try not to stress over it. Just my thoughts... Thought I'd offer them since I've been in a really similar situation and we were able to find a solution. You're doing great!! :-)
Erica You are a very sincere and honest human being. You are you. It has been 3 years for me and some things have to wait. Sometimes we are not ready to let go of certain things. You have to understand that you do what you can for your peace of mind. Believe me there are many of us who empathize and have been in your shoes. God Bless you
Your honesty about your emotions is very helpful. Sometimes these videos make the process look so easy, when the reality can be much harder than it looks. Especially, the getting started part. I love how your voice gets cheerful as you make progress and as you find a few happy, surprise treasures. I also love how you admit to asking for help with a coach. So inspiring, so relatable! Your priorities are spot on (yourself, time with your husband, and your children). The more you declutter, the easier to keep these priorities - you/I/we can do it and thank you for sharing! 😊💕
Don't get discouraged and overwhelmed. You are absolutely right about starting small. Just go thru so much each day. You've already made so much progress. I have to declutter my basement and my garage. They are 2 big projects.
Hi Erica, thank you for going through individual items with us, that helps me more than doubletime music declutter videos! And for not editing out the raw emotion! If you don’t get through it all: the “junk” is boxed and ready to move, go through it in the new place once out of lockdown - we need to be kind to ourselves in this time because it messes with your head! I recommend you watch your crawl space declutter #1 (see how far you’ve come!) and Clutter Clarity’s ‘seminars’ on youtube, especially for sentimental items. Xx
Erica! Stop torturing yourself. I wouldn't want to declutter in a crawlspace either. Take everything out and sort it out in the sun room where you can do it faster. Make better decisions and move things about. No one would find motivation in a dark dingy dungeon. Clean it out and then ONLY PUT BACK what you need. Having things out in your space will make you tackle it. Especially having thr motivation of little ones trying to get into all your things.😁
I've taken a break from decluttering because I was not ready for the emotional baggage ... thank you for posting this video and motivating me to get started ... thank u for being you ... hope u have lots of free time w hubby this weekend!!!
I think this time in the world adds to the emotions. We can relate! Since most of our donation places are closed, I've been taking things to the end of our driveway with a free sign and everything is gone so far! Go back to the basics three bins, sort to keep, donate or trash. Look how far you've come👍
It will be so awesome for you to move with so much less stuff! And then to unpack and set up house with only what you need - amazing. You have come SO far and the biggest part is already done. You got this, Erica!!
I started watching you since the beginning and I love your videos. Im usually not into this Type of videos, but your channel just makes me so happy, you are such a nice and genuine person! Love from Bulgaria! ❤️
I like the way you show the entire process of going through the clutter & speak about your thought process. Most people don't do that; just show before & after. Inspires me to take action. I stored tons of stuff in apartment basement lockers for 2 yrs which was how long it took me to stage my apt to sell. Then I moved and carted all the stuff from storage to the new apt. Been here 3 yrs & still haven't gone through all the junk, proving I don't need it yet it's so daunting to tackle. Storing stuff in basement resulted in moths and silverfish to appear in new apt. Never storing stuff again. Found you via minimal mom; you are delightful and real.
Erica, this is the very reason that I love watching your process. You Don't have it together and that's completely ok... and the truth is NONE of us does and that Is why perhaps you have so many of us anxious to see you through your journey. I need your transparency and it has been the one thing that makes me keep on one step at a time going through my path to decluttering. The mounting frustration, every stressing of moving boxes around from one space to the next hoping that I will go through it in a timing manner and think today is that day then tomorrow comes and it's still there!! I scream again in my agony. yes, some boxes will be emptied but then there is ten more right behind that... I'm so tired but then I turn you on to work along with me and I regain some strength!! a push, a blast of energy to help me move forward as if to say this is just one hurdle and while they're most likely to be more that's ok we are going to get through it together!! You Inspire! keep it up! Thank You
Hi Erica, just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your decluttering journey and with such honesty. I too am on a declutter journey and also doing this alone. have recently come across your videos and am so thankful for them. You are so inspiring and everyone I hit a plateau I watch your videos and get back on track. I can relate so much to what you experience and feel like not alone in this. I understand and know you have been through every emotion but what I love most is your humour and self talk. I find that is also what gets me by. Thank you and very best wishes 😀
What if you drag out 5 boxes at a time and go through them outside of the crawl space. You might feel better being able to stand up and have some good light where you are. Also, remember how good it feels not to have all the extra things. It’s ok to let go! Those things have just been sitting in your crawl space.. ask yourself “would I buy this again if I were out shopping?!” The answer is usually going to be “no” and you can let yourself get rid of it! :) I know it’s hard doing it alone. Just give yourself some grace.
I am amazed at your fortitude working in that space. I think I would pull everything out, then fall over it, and struggle to work around it, until it was all gone.
It’s really good that you don’t just get emotional, but you stop and question “why am I feeling like this?” It’s so important to not just feel these feelings but to also explore them as well. You’ve been doing an amazing job. Not just in decluttering but in embracing this personal growth journey. Moving is always stressful, even when you’re in the pre-move phase of sorting everything out in advance. Be kind to yourself and know that you’ll be soooo glad for all the hard work you’ve done when moving day comes and you don’t have to take all that stuff with you. :)
Whoohoo! We're in the crawlspace - yay! I've been looking forward to this so much. Though, I do feel for you, and I do would have been daunted and I wouldn't have handled it as well as you. Go you!
Such a hard time to be preparing for a move. I’m sorry for the additional stress and urgency this brings to your process of decluttering. As I watched I just thought of how far you’ve come in these short months and how all the work you’ve already put in to free your life from extra stuff will be a blessing to you during and on the other side of this move. The areas you have left will be challenging. I would have to haul out all the stuff to the adjoining room to have good clarity of thought and momentum in my decisions. Dark cramped spaces quickly overwhelm me. Keep at it, but be kind to yourself. This is a lot of stressors you’re facing all at once. Cheering you on!
I wanted to say i absolutely love your declutter videos, they are so motivational! And thank you for showing your genuine self including breakdowns, i think this really helps to feel connected as all the "perfectly cut and edited" videos make it seem like everyone got everything figured out except me. Also, in terms of health i found for me the most important thing about moving is that it's fun. For me push ups aren't fun, but dancing is, so i do different kinds of dances, also hula hoop and some other things. Try to find something you really like and staying healthy will be a fun and easy task :) also drink lots of (unsweetened) tea or water, your health professional probably already told you but cutting off soft drinks makes a huge difference. Good luck and thank you so much for your videos! :)
I love how real this video is. I can imagine the exact same thing happening when I eventually convince my mum to tackle her house.... My parents have magazines from the 80s, notebooks of my grandmas (who passed away 8 years ago), clothes she hasn't worn or fit into in 10+ years, plus I don't even want to know what else!
You should be so proud of the fact that you've built up those decluttering muscles and while it's still overwhelming due to the time constraint right now, you have the skills to make decisions. Keep up the work 1 box at a time. If you aren't able to finish before your move, remind yourself of all the boxes that have left your home that you won't be taking to the next home. You've got this!!
You are doing Fabulous!!! I was in tears yesterday after 18 months of decluttering an inherited house. I’m on the last 3 areas and I lost it! But got through it and everything else is small now, 15 minute tasks (many of them). I truly hope your feeling lighter today after all that. Thank you for sharing! Anything you get done is great!
When I was decluttering and I needed his opinion, I would set it all aside for him to review real quick when he got home from work. It would take like 5 mins for him to say yes or no.
Thank you so much for your honesty Erica. I love that you have your crappy moments on screen and don't edit them out. I'm at the beginning of this journey and seeing someone with such honesty and integrity going through the same actually heartens me on my own journey. Huge hugs xx
You have the best decluttering videos. I like that you share your thought process as you go through each box. Plus really appreciate your vulnerability and willingness to share your thoughts and emotions as you go through the decluttering process. I can relate so much. Thank you!!
I love your minimalist journey videos. It’s nice to not feel alone in the overwhelm and trying to get it figured out. You are so real and even watching you almost break down, I feel that and relate to it and it is inspiring to watch you push through. Even though this time the break was more about family and less about the stuff I can feel that too. I follow your channel because I decided to keep the positive strong influences in my life-and you are one of them! Good luck on the move! It’s an awesome motivator to get rid of the junk you don’t need. Less stuff makes it easier and sometimes cheaper to move. :) hang in there! You’re amazing!
I love this video. Not even really just the process but hurts how honest you are. You’re clearly very resilient and still trying to progress yourself even in the face of struggle and it’s admiration. It’s therefore such a joy to see you accomplish and have happiness with your family. I wish you all the best.
Just beware of what you put your stuff on or in, I do boxes only. One lady put out a table with a free sign taped to it. People took all the stuff before she knew it and someone drove by and saw the table with a free sign on it and took her table lol.
I love you! Thank you for being a normal, minimalist, vlogger. You give me hope, inspiration, guidance, and you keep me in good humor. You are the best.
Erica you're such a blessing. I so understand not having your honey around enough and being very careful how you spend your time with him. I do want to encourage you both that the time going through some things together can still be fun. He can better understand your journey and you can grow as a couple. It would be good for your kids to see you together going through the process too. It can be relationship building.
I have been decluttering since the start of lockdown as I still have boxes from when I moved nearly 3 years ago. I was so over it last week and didn't want to open another box. I took a week's break and feel so much better about restarting it this week.
It must be hectic to try to fit in decluttering with everything else, now with a deadline on the horizon. I believe in you! The crawl space has improved so much, I'll be so satisfied to see it finished, I can't even imagine how relieved you'll feel. Keep up the good work!
Yes. It's too much. It's hard, Erica. It's exhausting. It's wearying. Ok, now look @ it as a paramedic arriving to a patient...calm, slow, steady. You've done such an amazing job. Start small. Do what you can. Don't worry about your husband's stuff. Start with what you know. One box @ a time. Your going to be ok!!!
Oh my goodness!! This is why I love RUclips!! I came to your channel a little less than a year ago a (about the time you moved) and watching this video just shows how far you have come with your mental awareness!! Congratulations on your huge amount of growth!!
I think you should do a box a day….no matter the size, just one, but everyday, it really would help you getting less emotianal and would take just few minutes love from Italy and hey…. it doesn't take hours to cook italian meals or we all would starve :)
We adore you Erica and you have helped me SO MUCH on my own journey towards minimal-ish-ism! You’re a huge inspiration and you’re so relatable. Be gentle with yourself. Looking forward to hearing about your move!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I love how you process things out loud, sometimes you just have to hear yourself say it to make sense of it all. My husband works lots of hours as well, sometimes when I’m cleaning or decluttering and I come across items that I’m not sure about or that belong to him, I will leave a few things out so that when he is home he can see them and make a quick decision about them.
Keep up the good work Erica, you got this. You inspired me to clean out my basement which held 22 years of family life. I too am prepping for a move and downsizing. Thanks for helping me through this I couldn't do it without you!!
I’m proud to say I know exactly what is in our storage locker in our apartment building. Camping gear, a box of xmas decor, a box of bf’s jerseys/random shoes and some of bf’s electronics.
Even I felt disheartened when you made that pan shot of the entire crawl space. I understand how much you don’t want to move the clutter across the country but if you need to that is okay! I admire you so much for even facing all this.
This is what sucks about most big projects...the effing grind! The only thing to do is keep chipping away at it box by box and eventually, it will be done. My husband is in the Air Force and we move around every couple of years too (in the UK right now and headed to Germany or Japan next!). It took me three years to finally rid our house of all the things we didn't need or use. Now that we're finished (with the occasional decluttering a couple times a year to make sure we're not ever going to get to that position again), it really helps when it comes to buying new things...you're more conscience what you bring into the home. For me, if I don't know EXACTLY where it's going to go or it isn't on my master list of future things to buy, the answer is always NO. Keep it up, you're doing GREAT!
Erica, I really feel you. It‘s ok to be overwhelmed from time to time! You have come so far already and it is so brave of you to share your journey in such an honest and heartfelt way. My partner and I have only moved in together four years ago and we sometimes struggle to declutter. So I always turn to you for motivation. Thank you for all your inspiration!
New subscriber, came over from The Minimal Mom, been binging your videos! So inspiring, thx for keeping it REAL! You’re doing great! So nice to see an actual messy home, not staged, then watch your real process! You’re a huge help, ty ☮️💟🙏🏻
I am SO PROUD of you for letting us get a peek at your vulnerability. You hit the nail on the head when you said it's not about the stuff---- it never is!
Isn't it surprising how thing evoke emotion. But just one box out gives great satisfaction. Well done you have a big job and you're smashing it bit by bit. Proud of you girl. Hope you keep videoing when you have moved. Thank you take care. Xx
I love your raw and real and honest emotions!! You are inspiring so many people who are trying to de clutter and take control back of their life from “stuff”, keep going!! You are incredible! We would totally be friends!!!💗🙏🏼💗
Great to break it down to small goals . You are right not to carry it with you, because you’ll have to deal with it eventually and it may be damaged by then. I admire your determination.
Erice I just love you! I love that you are real and raw. If I knew you in real life, I would want to be your friend! You inspire me to declutter and want to live with less. I also seem to do it alone with 3 kids (13, 9, 2) at my side. My husband recently retired from the Army National Guar, and works ridiculous with his civilian job. Our last move was difficult. Movers didn’t pack like they had previously. Multiple rooms were packed together. That adds its own challenges. Pair that with cutting square footage in 1/3 and being in a temporary home. I dont even want to touch those boxes we have lived without. YOU make me want to! YOU inspire me to! Thank you for sharing your story and being vulnerable with the world!❤️
You are such an inspiration. So thankfull to be part of this journey. Showing your vulnerability is a true strength. You are doing a great job and such a wonderful realisation you miss your husband, due to limited time. Hope you can chat with him about this, just to give yourself some emotional space. Big hug!
I’m so proud of you! I can relate to the anxiety and depression that come from the clutter. I’m loving with so much of it as well. We moved three years ago and have never unpacked the boxes in the garage.... it’s a 2.5 car garage full.....
A place like that I'd drag out and stare out. In the crawl space, not seen. In the living room-can't avoid. Here's the thing about life. We get so upset about things that don't matter - like the clutter. We hang on. Until we lose something that really is important. If I could do it all over...I'm not a clutter bunny, but what was there would have been tossed. Without a thought. Good luck to you. You've come a long way. You're doing great.
Really enjoy seeing the crawl space get more and more cleared out! You are doing a great job!👍🏻 Just think how amazing it will be to set up your new house with just the things you live and use! Whoo hoo!🎉🎉🎉🌸🌺🌷🌹
I hear you! I’m a single mum and I have recently moved. Due to Covid19 I couldn’t donate the things I wanted to get rid of and now I am unpacking I am getting overwhelmed with all the stuff! I thought I had done a pretty good job of decluttering before Covid19 but still so much to get rid of! Keep going you’re doing a great job! I’m really enjoying watching your channel!
![DECLUTTER Before the Move [Part 2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qUNOcmBuqtw/mqdefault.jpg)
![DECLUTTER Before the Move [Part 2]](/img/tr.png)
![EXTREME DECLUTTER || Minimalist Journey Continues in the Attic [Part 2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n04MwEEAOlM/mqdefault.jpg)
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Erica, I knew the moment you started to breakdown, your just physically tired of dragging boxes out, and doing the work, mentally I think you have developed a decluttering muscle, and your ok ridding yourself of clutter.
You have worked soooo hard, and you have done it by yourself, with the kids and dog at your side. I’m so,proud of you, keep on going your almost at the finish line
Congrats on the move xo
PS the crawl space is making it harder too, crawling around isn’t fun
Christine Doran THANK YOU ❤️
I agree, she has become such a pro!
Crawling around isn't fun😂I'd be sore the next day
You have come so far in your journey. Don’t get disheartened. Your doing great.
You must be so pleased that you’d started your decluttering journey before you found out you were moving. Imagine how you would have felt if you’d still had all those boxes in your basement. You’ve come so far! This is just the last little hurdle to overcome before you move. You can do it!! x
Wow that is really helpful! I didn’t even think back. You are right!! My mindset is so different. Thanks!
I love how open and transparent you are. Thank you for being so genuine and honest and not acting like it's all easy breezy. Thank you for always showing us it's a process. I can't express how much I relate to looking at so much stuff and being so overwhelmed. I can't express how grateful I am to you for these videos. Thank you so much for opening yourself up so transparently. Know you have touched and helped at least one person. Thank you.
Minimalism and decluttering aside - Erica Lucas is a military spouse. During this time, her husband is away alot and she's having to do ALL of this on her own - care for children and pets, cooking, cleaning, finances, gardening, decluttering, make 99% of the decisions...everything. It's hard to explain - she's living like a single parent but she's not a single parent. That is tiring, no matter how emotionally strong a person may be. And then add a world pandemic to the mix. I think Erica Lucas is inspiring, and I'm grateful she started a youtube channel.
Erica, I started watching you when you started this journey last year. I've followed your emotional and honest journey to minimalism from day one. I love your videos, they are my absolute favourites. I look out for them each week. You are doing an amazing job and I really wish I could come and help you. Your excitement when you find treasures and relocate them into your home is wonderful. Keep up the good work you are doing a fantastic job. Xxx
kazzab65 thank you!!
Perhaps if you took 5 or 6 boxes out at a time you could declutter/sort in a more comfortable space. That way you have a small goal, you feel accomplished when you get through all the boxes and you don't see the rest of them until you declutter again.
I was thinking the same thing. Grab a certain number of boxes, bins, bags, whatnot each day and sort them in the house. The crawl space is kind of dark and depressing and that atmosphere may be adding to your feeling of being overwhelmed.
I agree. Get out of the crawl space and put on some relaxing music. Breathe in some fresh air while going through the boxes. Before she knows it, she probably would be going through half the soace
I've thought this too. She did so much work in that room where the crawl space entrance is. I would have emptied the crawl space completely and only used it to store the keep items. Every time I'd see the pile in the room I'd be motivated to get it out of my living space!
I agree, I would be too overwhelmed in the small space with all my stuff. I would pull some out and only put back what I was keeping.
Not only that,you can’t keep an eye on the kids and the dog would drive me nuts!
What do you think about emptying the crawl space out and doing the sorting in the basement and then just putting back into the crawl space what will move with you? Trying to do it in a confined space with no natural light and not being able to get to the stuff in the back seems like it makes it a bigger challenge. It might be that there are many boxes that you barely need to look through and could be out of the way and out of your head.
The sentimental items and your husband’s stuff can be addressed later
I was thinking that vaguely before, and at the very start of this video I though if she could take the lid off this space and get at it properly it would be done. I know because we have an attic space and I need help to get things in and out and if I could do it all myself it would be done.
Sweetheart the space is too small to work in. Big Hug my dear friend!
Susan Honkoski it is!!!! I should drag out.
or even better take it outside in the back yard . where it is better for you to see everything for what its worth.
My husband and I recently pcs'd he is in the air force and we moved across the country from South Carolina to California. We chose to have the AF move our things, and while in transit the truck that was carrying all of our stuff caught on fire. We lost everything. Neither of us care about our super comfy couch or the TV it's the little sentimental items that hurt. While it has been difficult dealing with this and the pandemic, I feel like me and my husband have both really learned we are ok living with less. My goal when re buying our household is to stick with the essentials and to really thoughtfully consider each piece we bring in. It's funny I have still managed to declutter some of the stuff we brought with us, just a few clothing items that I don't feel are flattering or particular comfortable. I didn't think I would but I still enjoy watching your declutter videos and I am excited for your move!
I’m sorry for your losses - the sentimental ones. I grew up poor so never had much things and at 46 with husband having a good job, I still don’t buy things because I can. I’ve gotten rid of a lot of things (children’s toys/books and clothes) and most of the stuff is his, he’s a hoarder. The only things that are sentimental right now is a dozen of letters from my great aunt and some photographs.
Thank you for your service! I’m sorry you lost everything. How challenging to start all over!
I love how one aspect of ones life starts to change all other aspects! Just think about how you started to declutter, then debt then health, and who know what is next. You will end up a minimalist, richer, calmer, healtier... good for you!!
Look at it as going shopping in your crawl space, when you find quality things switch them out with tired stuff you don’t really notice anymore, redesign your house with the stuff you definitely want to keep, the sentimental stuff, instead of feeling guilty about storing it or donating it, or saving stuff for a special occasion, every day is a special occasion. Those ceramic items go well in your kitchen, it’s shopping without the expense, keep going, you got this 💕
Imagine how far you have come!?!? Imagine the move, if you hadn’t done all the work you have done!?! Give yourself grace!!!
Military wives are heroes too!!! I can’t imagine the stress- lack of time with hubby, 3 kids, homeschooling, decluttering, preparing to move & the crazy virus!!! You are doing great- you continue to inspire me! A health coach was a great idea! 1/2 of My basement remains to be cleared out😑. I also have crawl spaces and I often think of someone else could just haul the stuff out that would really help to motivate me, but knowing I have to do it myself stops me from getting into it sometimes.
When is your big move? You are so wise to tackle this before the move!
Yes! The idea of dragging all that out alone is debilitating. We move in 7 ish weeks. Ugh.
Erica Lucas 😳oh Honey, 7 weeks! You are going to be busy non stop! I am praying for you & your family!
Erica~ my heart goes out to you as you feel the pressure to declutter for the move. I stopped the video in the middle to type this so maybe this comment won't be helpful but.......
even though you have a clean basement, I would completely empty the crawl space. Working and moving in there is not easy and slows the process down. It is kind of like trying to make bread with one hand tied behind your back.... you could do it but it would be slower and more frustrating. That way also if you want your husband to look at a pile of things all he has to do is walk down into the basement and have a quick 5 min look and can help you make a decision on the most difficult stuff.
Also~ for me it would be depressing to be in a space like that with no sunlight and not being able to freely interact with the kiddos etc.
a few Years ago we moved from USA to Australia and so I do understand the pressure of moving.
Thanks for your videos they are enjoyable to watch.
Oh and my suggestion above is just that and no more.... I'm not tying to be pushy.
❤️katie
Anyone else feel like she should have her kids help her pull EVERYTHING out into the family room and then sit out there and sort one box a day and put a few clear plastic totes back in there of long term storage stuff?
everyone has their own path. This is hers.
@@InPerfectOrder I just hate her being stuck in that crawl space!!
Oh my goodness your daughter is just the cutest little lady. And ranger is adorable!!
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability with us. You are so real. ❤️
My husband works a lot of hours too. But I find when we do these kinds of things together it IS quality time. It is very needed for both of our well-being. We get it done so much faster and we learn together. We become playful and tease each other about things that we may have been kept for too many years. Then afterwards we get to spend time together feeling so much closer and accomplished. Making time for what is important for each of us is important. He knows how much better I feel getting those kinds of things done even through he struggles more with letting go of things. Just a different perspective to share with you.
I agree with this! Doing it together doesn't mean you lose that special time. It means that you feel more supported AND you spend time together.
You could do the commentary afterwards, once he's back at work.
"Everything in here is trash, and I'm going to go through and decide what to keep" you've been saying it for months but this is the first time it clicked for me! What a difference that perspective makes! Thank you so much for taking us with you on this journey, your sincerity touches my heart.
Decide what to keep. Ask why. Let go of the rest!
Love how you keep it really. The fact you show emotion and talk to us, I now pretend I have an audience and talk my way through it as well.
You've done so well decluttering the rest of the house. This crawl space in a physically hard space to work in. You'll feel so free once it is empty and you can move to your new home, without the excess oppressive possessions.
You have achieved so much already! You can now think of decorating your home and all, using stuff you already had too. Just keep in mind: It doesn't need to be perfect, don't push yourself so much.
Sometimes you just have to let yourself feel the feelings, cry the tears, pout a bit, and then move on with work. It's all part of the process of any work worth doing
I completely understand! We are military and are selling or donating 80% or more of our stuff to live in an rv with our 4 kids for the next several years to pay off debt and buy land. I’m so overwhelmed I don’t know where to start. You can do this!!! And when you make that move and get your household goods weighed you need to do a video comparing your weights before and after minimalism! It will astound you I know it will! It’s hard not to beat yourself up but you are doing awesome!!!
I would love to see the weigh ticket too!
Your “I’m looking too big” is what I have to remind myself Baby steps. I know you recorded and posted this quite a while ago but glad you pushed through and hung in there. Thanks for sharing the good the bad and the tears. 😀
You are GREAT at giving yourself therapy and talking yourself through problems and difficult emotions! It’s like in those decluttering shows where there’s a therapist alongside the person who knows just what to say and just what to ask to get the person through the moment (and the next moment, and the next, etc.). Plus, you are teaching us all how to do it! Thanks! ❤️
Erica, I couldn't even go into that crawl space - it is so claustrophobic - no wonder you feel overwhelmed! I admire your perseverance. You can do this, you've transformed the rest of your house, your budget, your paperwork ... You can do this! Bravo in advance☺
The stress of an upcoming move totally adds to the overwhelm of trying to declutter! I agree with the commenter who suggested that you have your kids pull boxes out for you! My thoughts exactly! Then you can go through things in an upright position! Make it a fun game with them!
Erica, thank you for your service. Many people don't understand how the spouses and kids ALSO serve, in moving, flexing, being apart for lengthy periods, etc.--all to accommodate the serviceman' (or servicewoman's) career. These families endure a lot of hardship to prop up servicemen. Thank you and your kids for that, from the bottom of my heart.
Wow. What if you had given in to that fleeting moment of feeling overwhelmed? You would have felt worse and worse as the day went on and would have been defeated. Instead, you did pushups and cleaned out so much more! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Way to go!
When I am overwhelmed as I strive to possess less, I think of you. You remind me that I will come out on the other side. Just keep going. The benefits are worth it.
One day she is gonna be a life coach 💃🏼
Ha thanks! I need to get my life in order first. I’m my own client. LOL
Kathrine Kruse best person to start with - but you’re growing so much, you’ll have so much experience and things you tried and found out that will really help you and will help others. Thank you for sharing your journey
I doubt it! She has a long way to go
Naturally Gifted I do, indeed! So much to learn still. :)
I love that you are so real...that’s what truly motivates me. Some of the “declutter” videos out there are just bleh...fully made up 25 year olds taking 30 minutes to clean out their makeup brushes. That’s not what I need at this stage of my life. I’m a USMC wife with just way too much of everything! You have helped guide me through all the tough decisions involved in this whole process. Thank you!💗
Every single person who declutters has these moments. Thank you for showing the reality of what excess can make us feel once we "see the light" of our priorities. Though its sad to see you have those painful overwhelmed feelings, theyre not wrong and you dont have to be ashamed. You are not alone. ❤
Throughout this process I have very rarely seen your husband. You seem to have gone this journey on your own. Keep going Erica you are so strong
Thank you for showing your de-cluttering as you are going through it instead of doing a time-lapse video.
That's what makes your videos so great!
It makes my heart happy to see you not only take things out but actually immediately find a special home for. Your doing better than you think hun
Don’t keep crawling into the crawl space. Just direct the kids to the areas you still need to address and have them shove stuff out for you to deal with. You’re taking everything you touch out anyways and I think the claustrophobia of the ceiling height and the amount of things is bringing on more stress than you need to be dealing with right now. Also out of curiosity if you’re moving soon why are you hanging up more things that you’ll just have to pack?
Makes sense to use it immediately, hang it and see if she really still likes it enough to move it. Then it will get packed with the rest of the room, not in a random storage box destined for another crawl space.
We move in 2 months and I was trying to make it a little more cozy for the time we still have left.
Happy Friday Erica. God will give you the strength to finish what you started. Keep up the good work. Little by little. You're doing great. I'm so proud of you. God bless your marriage and family
I've dealt with a hubby with limited time too and projects that I couldn't move forward on without him. Something that worked for us was to break the project down and do it in little chunks of time rather than waiting for a large chunk of time which never seemed to come. What if you pull out two or three boxes depending on the size and put them in that room outside of the crawl space (your homeschool room?). You could go through them and pull out anything that is yours and deal with that stuff yourself then just leave the stuff in the boxes that your husband needs to make decisions on. Because you would be there putting things in keep or save for him, all he would need to do is make decisions. You would essentially be his hands and feet. You could do a couple of boxes in 20 minutes or so probably. Then do the same thing the next evening, and the next evening, and so on whenever he has a little bit of home time. This would save him time by not having to go into the crawl space and figure out what to work on. Then with you doing the legwork work and getting the items to a donate pile, or back into bins to save, his time would be really well used and you could move forward with this project. This would probably be so much better than to wait until moving time, UNLESS he has a couple of weeks off when you move. If that's the case, I would just go through the boxes myself and take care of my own things and wait on his stuff and try not to stress over it. Just my thoughts... Thought I'd offer them since I've been in a really similar situation and we were able to find a solution. You're doing great!! :-)
Erica You are a very sincere and honest human being. You are you. It has been 3 years for me and some things have to wait. Sometimes we are not ready to let go of certain things. You have to understand that you do what you can for your peace of mind. Believe me there are many of us who empathize and have been in your shoes. God Bless you
Your honesty about your emotions is very helpful. Sometimes these videos make the process look so easy, when the reality can be much harder than it looks. Especially, the getting started part. I love how your voice gets cheerful as you make progress and as you find a few happy, surprise treasures. I also love how you admit to asking for help with a coach. So inspiring, so relatable! Your priorities are spot on (yourself, time with your husband, and your children). The more you declutter, the easier to keep these priorities - you/I/we can do it and thank you for sharing! 😊💕
I loved your push-ups. Ever single one was a step towards a healthy self.
You’re kids are so fun. Our kids would totally get along.
I wanted to reach through the video and give you a hug! You are doing an AMAZING job! We’re all cheering you on! 🙌🏻💪🏼❤️
Don't get discouraged and overwhelmed. You are absolutely right about starting small. Just go thru so much each day. You've already made so much progress. I have to declutter my basement and my garage. They are 2 big projects.
Hi Erica, thank you for going through individual items with us, that helps me more than doubletime music declutter videos! And for not editing out the raw emotion! If you don’t get through it all: the “junk” is boxed and ready to move, go through it in the new place once out of lockdown - we need to be kind to ourselves in this time because it messes with your head! I recommend you watch your crawl space declutter #1 (see how far you’ve come!) and Clutter Clarity’s ‘seminars’ on youtube, especially for sentimental items. Xx
Erica! Stop torturing yourself. I wouldn't want to declutter in a crawlspace either. Take everything out and sort it out in the sun room where you can do it faster. Make better decisions and move things about. No one would find motivation in a dark dingy dungeon. Clean it out and then ONLY PUT BACK what you need. Having things out in your space will make you tackle it. Especially having thr motivation of little ones trying to get into all your things.😁
I've taken a break from decluttering because I was not ready for the emotional baggage ... thank you for posting this video and motivating me to get started ... thank u for being you ... hope u have lots of free time w hubby this weekend!!!
I think this time in the world adds to the emotions. We can relate! Since most of our donation places are closed, I've been taking things to the end of our driveway with a free sign and everything is gone so far! Go back to the basics three bins, sort to keep, donate or trash. Look how far you've come👍
It will be so awesome for you to move with so much less stuff! And then to unpack and set up house with only what you need - amazing. You have come SO far and the biggest part is already done. You got this, Erica!!
I started watching you since the beginning and I love your videos. Im usually not into this Type of videos, but your channel just makes me so happy, you are such a nice and genuine person! Love from Bulgaria! ❤️
I like the way you show the entire process of going through the clutter & speak about your thought process. Most people don't do that; just show before & after. Inspires me to take action. I stored tons of stuff in apartment basement lockers for 2 yrs which was how long it took me to stage my apt to sell. Then I moved and carted all the stuff from storage to the new apt. Been here 3 yrs & still haven't gone through all the junk, proving I don't need it yet it's so daunting to tackle. Storing stuff in basement resulted in moths and silverfish to appear in new apt. Never storing stuff again. Found you via minimal mom; you are delightful and real.
Erica, this is the very reason that I love watching your process. You Don't have it together and that's completely ok... and the truth is NONE of us does and that Is why perhaps you have so many of us anxious to see you through your journey. I need your transparency and it has been the one thing that makes me keep on one step at a time going through my path to decluttering. The mounting frustration, every stressing of moving boxes around from one space to the next hoping that I will go through it in a timing manner and think today is that day then tomorrow comes and it's still there!! I scream again in my agony. yes, some boxes will be emptied but then there is ten more right behind that... I'm so tired but then I turn you on to work along with me and I regain some strength!! a push, a blast of energy to help me move forward as if to say this is just one hurdle and while they're most likely to be more that's ok we are going to get through it together!!
You Inspire! keep it up!
Thank You
Hi Erica, just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your decluttering journey and with such honesty. I too am on a declutter journey and also doing this alone. have recently come across your videos and am so thankful for them. You are so inspiring and everyone I hit a plateau I watch your videos and get back on track. I can relate so much to what you experience and feel like not alone in this. I understand and know you have been through every emotion but what I love most is your humour and self talk. I find that is also what gets me by. Thank you and very best wishes 😀
What if you drag out 5 boxes at a time and go through them outside of the crawl space. You might feel better being able to stand up and have some good light where you are. Also, remember how good it feels not to have all the extra things. It’s ok to let go! Those things have just been sitting in your crawl space.. ask yourself “would I buy this again if I were out shopping?!” The answer is usually going to be “no” and you can let yourself get rid of it! :) I know it’s hard doing it alone. Just give yourself some grace.
I am amazed at your fortitude working in that space. I think I would pull everything out, then fall over it, and struggle to work around it, until it was all gone.
Me too.
Thank you for being real with this process .... It makes it seem more ... Possible
It’s really good that you don’t just get emotional, but you stop and question “why am I feeling like this?” It’s so important to not just feel these feelings but to also explore them as well.
You’ve been doing an amazing job. Not just in decluttering but in embracing this personal growth journey. Moving is always stressful, even when you’re in the pre-move phase of sorting everything out in advance. Be kind to yourself and know that you’ll be soooo glad for all the hard work you’ve done when moving day comes and you don’t have to take all that stuff with you. :)
It breaks my heart, knowing that you were going through this while Andy was away for so long.
You have come so so far, you are an inspiration.
Whoohoo! We're in the crawlspace - yay! I've been looking forward to this so much. Though, I do feel for you, and I do would have been daunted and I wouldn't have handled it as well as you. Go you!
Such a hard time to be preparing for a move. I’m sorry for the additional stress and urgency this brings to your process of decluttering. As I watched I just thought of how far you’ve come in these short months and how all the work you’ve already put in to free your life from extra stuff will be a blessing to you during and on the other side of this move. The areas you have left will be challenging. I would have to haul out all the stuff to the adjoining room to have good clarity of thought and momentum in my decisions. Dark cramped spaces quickly overwhelm me. Keep at it, but be kind to yourself. This is a lot of stressors you’re facing all at once. Cheering you on!
I wanted to say i absolutely love your declutter videos, they are so motivational! And thank you for showing your genuine self including breakdowns, i think this really helps to feel connected as all the "perfectly cut and edited" videos make it seem like everyone got everything figured out except me. Also, in terms of health i found for me the most important thing about moving is that it's fun. For me push ups aren't fun, but dancing is, so i do different kinds of dances, also hula hoop and some other things. Try to find something you really like and staying healthy will be a fun and easy task :) also drink lots of (unsweetened) tea or water, your health professional probably already told you but cutting off soft drinks makes a huge difference. Good luck and thank you so much for your videos! :)
I love how real this video is. I can imagine the exact same thing happening when I eventually convince my mum to tackle her house.... My parents have magazines from the 80s, notebooks of my grandmas (who passed away 8 years ago), clothes she hasn't worn or fit into in 10+ years, plus I don't even want to know what else!
You should be so proud of the fact that you've built up those decluttering muscles and while it's still overwhelming due to the time constraint right now, you have the skills to make decisions. Keep up the work 1 box at a time. If you aren't able to finish before your move, remind yourself of all the boxes that have left your home that you won't be taking to the next home. You've got this!!
You are doing Fabulous!!! I was in tears yesterday after 18 months of decluttering an inherited house. I’m on the last 3 areas and I lost it! But got through it and everything else is small now, 15 minute tasks (many of them). I truly hope your feeling lighter today after all that. Thank you for sharing! Anything you get done is great!
When I was decluttering and I needed his opinion, I would set it all aside for him to review real quick when he got home from work. It would take like 5 mins for him to say yes or no.
Thank you so much for your honesty Erica. I love that you have your crappy moments on screen and don't edit them out. I'm at the beginning of this journey and seeing someone with such honesty and integrity going through the same actually heartens me on my own journey. Huge hugs xx
You have the best decluttering videos. I like that you share your thought process as you go through each box. Plus really appreciate your vulnerability and willingness to share your thoughts and emotions as you go through the decluttering process. I can relate so much. Thank you!!
I love your minimalist journey videos. It’s nice to not feel alone in the overwhelm and trying to get it figured out. You are so real and even watching you almost break down, I feel that and relate to it and it is inspiring to watch you push through. Even though this time the break was more about family and less about the stuff I can feel that too. I follow your channel because I decided to keep the positive strong influences in my life-and you are one of them! Good luck on the move! It’s an awesome motivator to get rid of the junk you don’t need. Less stuff makes it easier and sometimes cheaper to move. :) hang in there! You’re amazing!
I love this video. Not even really just the process but hurts how honest you are. You’re clearly very resilient and still trying to progress yourself even in the face of struggle and it’s admiration. It’s therefore such a joy to see you accomplish and have happiness with your family. I wish you all the best.
People in my town are having "free" garage sales. They just put the stuff by the street and post a pic in Facebook groups and it magically goes away.
I've been doing that without posting the pics. LOL!
Heck. Imma do that
I've thought of doing that too- sounds great!
Just beware of what you put your stuff on or in, I do boxes only. One lady put out a table with a free sign taped to it. People took all the stuff before she knew it and someone drove by and saw the table with a free sign on it and took her table lol.
@@poodlegirl55 oh yes! I once had a table out BUT I put a sign on it that table is NOT free, please leave, and it stayed.😊
I love you! Thank you for being a normal, minimalist, vlogger. You give me hope, inspiration, guidance, and you keep me in good humor. You are the best.
Erica you're such a blessing. I so understand not having your honey around enough and being very careful how you spend your time with him. I do want to encourage you both that the time going through some things together can still be fun. He can better understand your journey and you can grow as a couple. It would be good for your kids to see you together going through the process too. It can be relationship building.
I have been decluttering since the start of lockdown as I still have boxes from when I moved nearly 3 years ago. I was so over it last week and didn't want to open another box. I took a week's break and feel so much better about restarting it this week.
Great idea! Taking breaks is so important.
It must be hectic to try to fit in decluttering with everything else, now with a deadline on the horizon. I believe in you! The crawl space has improved so much, I'll be so satisfied to see it finished, I can't even imagine how relieved you'll feel. Keep up the good work!
Yes. It's too much. It's hard, Erica. It's exhausting. It's wearying. Ok, now look @ it as a paramedic arriving to a patient...calm, slow, steady. You've done such an amazing job. Start small. Do what you can. Don't worry about your husband's stuff. Start with what you know. One box @ a time. Your going to be ok!!!
I’ve Cried twice this week - kinda freaking out my hubby- no real reason I can pin point - just the craziness of life right now!!
Oh my goodness!! This is why I love RUclips!! I came to your channel a little less than a year ago a (about the time you moved) and watching this video just shows how far you have come with your mental awareness!! Congratulations on your huge amount of growth!!
I think you should do a box a day….no matter the size, just one, but everyday, it really would help you getting less emotianal and would take just few minutes
love from Italy and hey…. it doesn't take hours to cook italian meals or we all would starve :)
We adore you Erica and you have helped me SO MUCH on my own journey towards minimal-ish-ism! You’re a huge inspiration and you’re so relatable. Be gentle with yourself. Looking forward to hearing about your move!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I love how you process things out loud, sometimes you just have to hear yourself say it to make sense of it all. My husband works lots of hours as well, sometimes when I’m cleaning or decluttering and I come across items that I’m not sure about or that belong to him, I will leave a few things out so that when he is home he can see them and make a quick decision about them.
Keep up the good work Erica, you got this. You inspired me to clean out my basement which held 22 years of family life. I too am prepping for a move and downsizing. Thanks for helping me through this I couldn't do it without you!!
You have your head on straight! So proud of you! Your priorities are right. Keep the steady path. My heart is with you.❤️
I’m proud to say I know exactly what is in our storage locker in our apartment building. Camping gear, a box of xmas decor, a box of bf’s jerseys/random shoes and some of bf’s electronics.
Even I felt disheartened when you made that pan shot of the entire crawl space. I understand how much you don’t want to move the clutter across the country but if you need to that is okay! I admire you so much for even facing all this.
This is what sucks about most big projects...the effing grind! The only thing to do is keep chipping away at it box by box and eventually, it will be done. My husband is in the Air Force and we move around every couple of years too (in the UK right now and headed to Germany or Japan next!). It took me three years to finally rid our house of all the things we didn't need or use. Now that we're finished (with the occasional decluttering a couple times a year to make sure we're not ever going to get to that position again), it really helps when it comes to buying new things...you're more conscience what you bring into the home. For me, if I don't know EXACTLY where it's going to go or it isn't on my master list of future things to buy, the answer is always NO. Keep it up, you're doing GREAT!
Erica, I really feel you. It‘s ok to be overwhelmed from time to time! You have come so far already and it is so brave of you to share your journey in such an honest and heartfelt way. My partner and I have only moved in together four years ago and we sometimes struggle to declutter. So I always turn to you for motivation. Thank you for all your inspiration!
New subscriber, came over from The Minimal Mom, been binging your videos! So inspiring, thx for keeping it REAL! You’re doing great! So nice to see an actual messy home, not staged, then watch your real process! You’re a huge help, ty ☮️💟🙏🏻
Welcome Sue! Happy to have you here.
I am SO PROUD of you for letting us get a peek at your vulnerability. You hit the nail on the head when you said it's not about the stuff---- it never is!
Isn't it surprising how thing evoke emotion. But just one box out gives great satisfaction. Well done you have a big job and you're smashing it bit by bit. Proud of you girl. Hope you keep videoing when you have moved. Thank you take care. Xx
I love your raw and real and honest emotions!! You are inspiring so many people who are trying to de clutter and take control back of their life from “stuff”, keep going!! You are incredible! We would totally be friends!!!💗🙏🏼💗
Great to break it down to small goals . You are right not to carry it with you, because you’ll have to deal with it eventually and it may be damaged by then. I admire your determination.
Erice I just love you! I love that you are real and raw. If I knew you in real life, I would want to be your friend! You inspire me to declutter and want to live with less. I also seem to do it alone with 3 kids (13, 9, 2) at my side. My husband recently retired from the Army National Guar, and works ridiculous with his civilian job.
Our last move was difficult. Movers didn’t pack like they had previously. Multiple rooms were packed together. That adds its own challenges. Pair that with cutting square footage in 1/3 and being in a temporary home. I dont even want to touch those boxes we have lived without.
YOU make me want to! YOU inspire me to!
Thank you for sharing your story and being vulnerable with the world!❤️
You are such an inspiration. So thankfull to be part of this journey. Showing your vulnerability is a true strength. You are doing a great job and such a wonderful realisation you miss your husband, due to limited time. Hope you can chat with him about this, just to give yourself some emotional space. Big hug!
I’m so proud of you! I can relate to the anxiety and depression that come from the clutter. I’m loving with so much of it as well. We moved three years ago and have never unpacked the boxes in the garage.... it’s a 2.5 car garage full.....
A place like that I'd drag out and stare out. In the crawl space, not seen. In the living room-can't avoid. Here's the thing about life. We get so upset about things that don't matter - like the clutter. We hang on. Until we lose something that really is important. If I could do it all over...I'm not a clutter bunny, but what was there would have been tossed. Without a thought. Good luck to you. You've come a long way. You're doing great.
I applaud you Erica!! You are a rockstar for yourself and your family. In in sharing yourself with us you are our rockstar too. Thank you!!
Really enjoy seeing the crawl space get more and more cleared out! You are doing a great job!👍🏻 Just think how amazing it will be to set up your new house with just the things you live and use! Whoo hoo!🎉🎉🎉🌸🌺🌷🌹
I hear you! I’m a single mum and I have recently moved. Due to Covid19 I couldn’t donate the things I wanted to get rid of and now I am unpacking I am getting overwhelmed with all the stuff! I thought I had done a pretty good job of decluttering before Covid19 but still so much to get rid of! Keep going you’re doing a great job! I’m really enjoying watching your channel!
Thank you to you and your husband for serving our country! 💖