I "decluttered" yesterday by unsubcribing to emails and vlogs that no longer applied to the season we are in. Erica, staying here tho! Your talks are so inspiring to keep me decluttering my life and things!
I need to get to the point of only taking two items from the library - I still take an armful home and then I get hit with fines when I inevitably go overtime. : (
Sock solution I discovered for us. All white socks that are the same style. That way you don't have to match the socks because they're all the same. And depending on shoe sizes, multiple kids can wear the same socks 🤷🏼♀️
@@agh10620 my husband also does all black socks! He did choose ankle socks and a longer style (crew?), But it really does make finding socks easier haha.
Logically, I would say stop buying first but Realistically, I didn’t embrace minimalish living until I started Decluttering and it smacked me in the face just how much money I wasted and how much extra I had in my home.
And the worst part was realizing that all that *money* that was wasted on silly unnecessary things was once *time* that you invested making that money. Such an eye opening and freeing revelation!
First question to ask yourself when decluttering is Do I really want to dust or care for this item for the rest of my life? That question changed the game for me. So long knick knacks that were given as gifts!
Erica, I think you started the right way because you had to learn what you were spending on. When we are spenders we don't realize we are out of control. When you started you found multiples and that made you realize what you were doing and you wanted to stop. Anyway I think you are terrific and you are doing great.
When I started to purge our belongings it was out of survival. We held onto everything before that. I was ready to down size but my husband wasn’t. So I patiently waited for both of us to be on the same page. With 11 kids it was so overwhelming to manage everything. Even the boxes you have in storage. You have that one kid that’s looking for something and opens every box and throws it all over the basement. The time has finally come to purge our house. I cannot even count the garbage bags worth of stuff we donated. I wish I had kept track. I believe that my husband loves the fact that I become a minimalist because the house is so less stressful. The kids have their Lego play area, but the rest of the house takes maybe five minutes to quickly pick up and it looks good. My husband is seeing the benefit to our family being minimalist. It was really hard at first. It was overwhelming. It was difficult to let some things go. Now I look for things to donate. If one of my teens throws their stuff on the living room floor...I just look at them 🤨 and say do you really want to do that. 😋 You may never see it again. 🤪 Ha ha... I’m loving the purging and I look forward to it now. P.S. I don’t touch the kids bedrooms. That’s their area⚠️
I started with economy and then when we were moving we did a declutter and sold or gave away a lot of stuff which made me realize we had too much. It felt so good to live in a house ready to sell and I wanted that feeling in our new house as well... I think it’s hard to stop the influx of things 😬 but we’re trying to bring home less.
I think that the reducing your buying is great... but I think one knows more about that by decluttering.. you know at the amount of money you’ve spent that you are now decluttering. I find that as I went thru the declutter I realized the money I didn’t need to spend... but it was the decluttering was made me more aware of the unnecessary spending ...
One does lead the other. If you're fed up by stuff and you start rage purging then you realize how much money you wasted and decide to stop the extra spending. Or if you have a thought you might want to start decluttering your stuff then I'd agree that one should stop the extra buying first and then began to clear things out.
I started decluttering using the FlyLady 27 Fling Boogie and made great progress, but then Marie Kondo’s first book came out and I amazed myself with how much I let go. For a while after that, I could barely walk into a big box store without being disgusted by the excess. I needed to go through the process to realize that I needed to spend more intentionally, but I think it’s different for everyone.
Thanks, as always, for sharing what you’ve learned on your journey. I think I’ve always been a bit of a minimalist, due to growing up with a father who had hoarding tendencies, but there are some areas of my life I’ve found that could use some decluttering through your channel. Although we’ve never met, you’ve become a regular part of my life and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you share.
I disagree with not letting someone de clutter first, instead finding your values first, Erica. I think the journey of de cluttering makes you better aware of your values. The literally hands on approach. When you are in a mess, you cannot find true value. You need a clear(er) visions first. So a cleaner environment. So starting with de cluttering, just like you did, is a very very intuitive and well done strategy.
On a somewhat related note, I found 150 tea lights scattered around the downstairs cupboards. 150. Anybody know how many BTUs of heat I can get out of that this winter? 😜😂
I really enjoy our little chats Erica. I just scheduled the final payment on one of my credit cards (I don't mind saying I'm a little giddy!) 2 more to go!! Woohoo!🎉
You should be very pleased with where you are. In the beginning I was here with you and you have definitely come a long way! Great job...you have worked so hard and at first you were doing it all alone.
Our Christmas decorations now after decluttering a few years ago are a couple of Nativity scene Christmas cards that I use all year round as bookmarks and place on the shelf in December and a potted Poinsettia plant that stays in the dining room all year round by the window. I think of those lovely things we gave away and happy that they are now lighting up someone else's Christmas.
There's a quote about not all progress is physical and that applies here. The inner work preceeds the physical declutter. Let us not forget that admist all the physical stuff. Perhaps also, a disconnect is experienced when the physical decluttering is done apart from/without the inner work... to quesiton and examine your values and needs. To sit with and know yourself not seeking to avoid or numb the self...
Watching realistic videos like this is so helpful. It makes me believe its actually achievable by mortals. I have seen other decluttering videos by people who didn't seem to have any clutter in the first place. 😕
I love how you don’t put pressure on what is a lifetime journey, not a definite end date. Finding your “WHY”, and as you said sticking to your values is the first step. I’ve decluttered over the years, and felt I was finally done. Well... last week I realized I had way too many extra hangers. I need some to air dry clothes, but I got rid of over 20! I also donated some dresses because working from home now I don’t need as many corporate clothes as I used to. Adapting to lifestyle changes! BTW, wash the socks in a laundry bag 😁
For the Tupperware issue, I cleaned out and got rid of all my old Rubbermaid containers. Bought new ones where the lid stacks on the bottom, easy find I think they are called. When washed, the lids are stacked on the bottom and containers stack inside one another in top of the lids that lock into each other. Game changer! No more missing lids!.
I'm so excited to declutter too! I just moved into a new apartment, and we have a private room in the basement, the previous renters left a bunch of stuff in there. I was so happy to clean and declutter!
I’m looking forward to going through Xmas decor I have an what I don’t or won’t use this year will get donated. I have nearly 40 years of Xmas decor plus items that were my parents since they have passed. Being artistic makes my minimalism more difficult but I’m working through that too. Thanks for all your inspiration!
I would have to agree. It wasn't until I started tackling my finances that I started tackling my clutter. Once I minimized my debt, credit cards, and spending, I decided to start focusing on my belongings. I sold, or got rid of, more than half of my things when I was on the tail end of my debt, and it helped me get through it. The minimalism-ish lifestyle has helped me regain control of my life, and it's awesome! Thanks for another great video
I love your honesty. I am one of those people who loves decluttering. We are as you so aptly put it, minimalish. Like you in some areas we are very minimalist and in other areas, not so much.
The very 1st steps was when my husband and I moved to another state to a smaller home with a major pay decrease. That's an extreme, I know lol. From packing, to not being able to shop anymore it was a transition to say the least. It started this process in a very small way. Then thankfully Marie Kondo was getting popular (this was Dec 2 years ago) so videos on youtube of Minimalism and "50 things I don't buy anymore" started popping up. I finally watched one out of curiosity and I felt like I got to know and was able to process Minimalism in video for 3 weeks. I feel the step right before action was mentally processing my "why" or reason. I watched hours of video in and during this process. I am also a go with gusto person so I spent hours a day doing it. I was tired of excess and seeing stuff that I didn't use or enjoy. I also don't want a lot of stuff. That is what Minimalism looks like for me. Getting down to the reasoning and appreciating the rules that made sense but enjoying the full freedom that there was no way to go wrong on this journey is the reason I believe it's been a success and life changer for me without stress. I love how how this looks different for all of us :)
I wanted to add that i don't think Marie Kondo is Minimalist but from her popularity at that time Minimalist videos and those not buying anymore videos popped up. I only ended up watching one thing from Marie Kondo- how to fold clothing. I also only finally watched The Minimalists half way through that year. I followed the videos of people who shared their experiences and applied what applied to me.
I pin socks together with large safety pins. In drawer, pull out one sock you get the pair. I put the pin on the bureau and when ready to wash Repin them as a pair. Now when laundry is done pairs stay together. Another option is get several pairs in same style and color they can mix and match.
My spending has never been an issue thankfully however the tendency my mother handed to me was to hold onto everything never change things never get rid of things etc so i had to relearn how to be and exist with things. Thankfully it was far easier for me to nip those habits in the bud but for my mother its extremely hard to rip out roots that have cemented for decades.
Yes. I grew up with 'spend very little but throw nothing away' it took decades but the house is pretty clutterred now. Mother finally did declutter some work stuff 10 yrs after retirement, and is finally ready to get rid of a lot more. I cant wait to help her and get rid of a lot of the partial crockery sets and unused best dishes and... just so much stuff!
Minimalism is a mindset. In my opinion it is a routine that matters first and is the best start. Having a routine in the mornings (or whenever one gets up). Getting dressed, making the bed. Daily cleaning schedule, plan for laundry etc. It helps framing the daily living. And then declutter and everything else one wants to do to live "lighter".
💐 I always enjoy your talks! 😊. You are an amazing person! As you were talking, the thought came to me that your husband, being in the army, must be an expert in basic organization. I, in my own home, like to have things under the surface as in drawers, cupboards etc., super minimalistic and organized, but on the surface I love beautiful decorating and coziness. Years ago I read what I believe is one of THE most entertaining and funny books on organized and minimalistic thinking ever! It’s “CLUTTERS LAST STAND” by Don Aslett. It will absolutely change your thinking and helped me tremendously! Keep up your fantastic quest. You are doing GREAT!!! 😊❤️👍👏🌸
I bought all 3 of his books so long ago,(maybe 15-20 years?) and wore them out literally rereading them so much. But when I got into French style decor, I started buying things again until I discovered minimalism 3 years ago, which is more than just decluttering and now I am a cosy minimalist, I have some decor on end tables, but not lots of extras waiting in cupboards, except some Christmas in two bins.
I really enjoyed Clutter’s Last Stand. It is hilarious but so true. It is the only book I regretted decluttering and repurchased it when I found it at a Library sale.
I love this video! You are so wise and gentle in all of this. I firmly believe evaluating and knowing the "why" of it all makes the decluttering easier. Thank you! Please keep it coming.
For the sock problem. Start buying all the same colour a colour for each kid. Or white with a coloured stripe then they all go with each other. 😃 my friend does this. I haven’t yet as I’m not on the ball enough. Haha but it sounds great.
Erica, thrift shopping is such a great way to get what you need without spending a lot. Second hand shopping is my first choice when wanting to buy something. I recently bought a brand new custom made sofa on FBMP for $80!!! I sold my dining table on there and paid for a new table on great sale because I couldn’t find what I wanted second hand.
You are so realistic and fun. I too am Minimalish and have been most of my 40 years of marriage. Done a lot of decluttering lately as I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and it makes less work. Also when we retire we are downsizing to one bedroom so we can afford holiday in Florida a Every year with my Sister. Keep up the good work. Stay safe and well.
I think a great first step is to stop bringing in more stuff. I tell people I gave up “recreational shopping.” It’s a game changer because when to just go to the mall or craft store it’s a pretty sure deal that you will come home with something. I do shop but it’s more intentional. It doesn’t mean I don’t go off course but now it isn’t such a big deal because it’s occasional. ❤️❤️
I found a pair of dirty socks and underwear in my kid’s book once! 😱🙈😂 Thank you SO MUCH for showing your IRL messy house! Keeping it real here, folks!
I'm still in the thick of trying to get minimal-ish. My journey started like this: LOTS OF RU-vid MOTIVATION ON EACH OF THESE 4. I DID RESEARCH FIRST😄 1)only clothing that fit and I loved 2)getting debt free (halfway there!) 3)thinking about purchases from a standpoint of their intended shelf life and experience versus stuff 4)decluttering Obviously these weren't isolated. They overlapped
I put up our Christmas tree early. Like you, excited with the prospect of decluttering the excess decorations and ornaments. Success. I'll have one less box to put away in the new year.
Nice improvement on the quality and editing with this video! I think focusing on that (even if there's a bit less quantity)...will help your channel grow faster! I started following you somewhere near the beginning of your decluttering journey...and have seen all of those videos! Great job!! 😉🎉🎉
I agree with you that a first good step is to stop buying unnecessary things and bringing them into your house. Sometimes, you need to do a bit of decluttering to give you the motivation to stop buying.
I think minimalism is a mindset not a look however an organised clean and curated home often has a certain look and feel & decluttering and minimalism often bring about that look. Which can be annoying when people think you only have one of everything and its all modern monochrome lol however im also glad theres certain looks associated with decluttering and minimalism like kon marie for example because it gives you something to aspire too and also know what you like what you dont and you can pick and choose what works for you before committing and have that goal actually visualised in front of you makes it worth the fight.
Thanks for keeping it real with the current status of your house! Love your realistic, humble approach to advice giving. Happy Thanksgiving to the Lucas Clan! P.S. Andy cracks me up!
I agree, stop buying first! Unless someone is either wealthy or a recovering hoarder and wants to just do a giant purge and donate everything. That pause in incoming stuff can help take stock of what you do have and give the opportunity to use up things you already have/be less wasteful. I almost made a game out of it at first. Like, how many of each thing do I have (dental floss or pens, for example), and how long will it last before spending more money? Then, once it's all gone, buying less and keeping things simple/minimal from there on out. I did do a big donation purge of some certain categories though, like clothing that didn't fit and reference books from my former career.
Creating a picture of what you want your life and space to be is essential before you start to declutter, but know that the vision may well be changed and refined in the process. Progress, not perfection, give yourself grace, and accept what comes to your life as you go. Happiness can never be over-rated...seek it, work at it, do not feel apologetic about prioritizing happiness for yourself and your family. Live the life YOU want with the people you love.
Great video😊... Yes minimalism is different for everyone and is ongoing...and is definitely a tool to make life simpler and stress free(er)! And you are so right.. Decluttering becomes more fun, the more and longer you do it! ... I am on round 3 of my stuff... Since starting my decluttering journey in January 2017 when my husband moved out... Finally I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and feel I can breath again. Except digital clutter.. Which is planned for spring 2021. .. That I left until after all the rest... Then I will tackle photos first and make year albums for the kids... Then lastly do the rest of the digital clutter and declutter my office and computers at work... Which will probably be done in 2022.... As a single working mum I now give myself realist time goals so I don't feel under pressure and get disappointed and discouraged when things take longer because "life gets in the way" !
I still need to box up my Halloween decor and I was excited to decorate a little early for Christmas but I still havn´t. The halloween stuff is at least piled in one spot at least.
I'm not a minimalist and I'm not going to be one but I've enjoyed watching your journey you're doing a good job you have a beautiful and wonderful family stay safe and God bless you all
Frankly, I think if you visited Europe you would find that most homes here are already minimalish. I lived in the US for 14 years and found the excess there absurd. Seeing how many folks can't use their two car garages full with stuff but STILL pay good money to rent extra storage space somewhere just BLEW MY MIND!
I find it harder to think clearly when there is clutter around me, so I need to start with decluttering. I tackle the deep thinking and evaluating more serenely and with better results after some of the clutter is gone. Everyone is different in this regard, I suspect, but decluttering first is what works for me. :D
I gained clarity on my values through the decluttering process. I don't know if, at the beginning, I would have had sincere, personal answers to how I want to spend my time and money. Edit: I'm also still very much in the process of both decluttering and clarifying my values!
declutter Christmas Decoration? How is that even possible? and how many boxes of them? I am looking forward to how you do it. I do enjoy watching you and your family. thank you for sharing your experiences.
There's "my" Erica! Just a content suggestion: I think consumerism/hoardingishness is a form of depression - as most addictions are. You've danced around that... but I think you'd have great things to say more directly - and I don't see others doing it, much. No one would judge you. You're often alone with the kids, unhappy with your body, comparatively isolated (homeschooling), etc. I'd have wanted to hit Target with a vengeance too.
The socks! I have 6 children and I hate socks! I have a medium large size tote full of unmatched socks. Inside are gallon ziplock bags labeled for each person. I get it down twice/ month and dump out bags to look for matches. I always find a lot. Occasionally I do a purge, but I hate socks.
I swear socks have some strange reverse magnetism to them when it comes time to sorting... the matching pairs always end up so far apart and difficult to find! I find it challenging just doing it for me... for 6 children you must be a super-woman! That's amazing!
I watched this all the way through-went to select next video and it only shows that I watched it half way. I´ve been noticing that for over month on other stuff I watch too-sometimes not showing I watched but couple minutes. So I hope the stats are correct for your views if this happens to other ppl.
Me after milimalish i walk into shop. Like something, but does it match with my waredrobe. Maybe. Do i need it. NO. Do i want to spend the money. NO. I walk out of store.
Socks: I bought 3 weeks worth of socks and all black and all same style. 1 week's worth of white socks. Socks no longer an issue. I have a laundry mesh bag I out my socks in and when it get full, I wash the bag of socks.
