Declutter the Attic + My 5 Important Things at the Center of Simple Living

[@debnelson3979]

I am constantly amazed at how patient your hubby is! He's a keeper for sure! You two work well together. Always love your videos.

[@roxanaconception]

I agree..💖

[@janicejettsitter2097]

I totally agree. I go through a majority of our house alone. But my husband is very good at letting go of things. I admire how easily he can declutter his things. I agonize over many of my decisions.

[@babsngabs9739]

You looked like a huge weight was lifted off your shoulders when he said the attic was done. It looked like an entire range of emotions went through you as you said "it's done". I thought for a second that you might sit down and cry! Congratulations!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

It felt weird when he said it!

[@vzeimen]

That's exactly what I was thinking. I myself have so many emotions with watching this journey. I feel so sad that you had this load on you for so long, even without realizing how big it was but I'm so proud that you see it now and can get out from under it. I love how you and your husband are so supportive of each other. I hope at some point, you have a big celebration of your huge accomplishments.

[@elisabethjohannes7391]

I like that minimalism isn‘t a goal in itself for you but a way to reach a more meaningful life for yourself and your family.

[@n.w.2061]

Thank you! I am on a similar journey than you are. But I am completely unreligous. Thank you for sharing your videos in such a way that also people who were raised unreligous or not christian can participate and relate! I feel like simplifying and everything that comes with it can be for everyone and always does good for the person and I dont think it does neccessarily relate to a specific religion. My values are mostly the same as most religions preach but I am sure that i can do good in this world without doing it in the name of a church! I feel like you respect that and I wish more people would understand that and try to make the world a better place together instead just fighting over wich church is better. Greetings from Germany :)

[@taraa3456]

Yes, agreed!

[@Anikai88]

Once more it's astonishing how much you've already decluttered and still there is a good amount left. But the attic is done, bravo, you can finally clear that from your to-do list! Also: mystery box declutter! Woohoo!

[@roxanaconception]

Yes!! Totally looking forward to that!

[@sharontercero7579]

Can't wait till the mystery box opening, should be fun.

[@annetteweston6954]

I STILL can not believe how much stuff you actually had...well done getting it all sorted

[@NdnUrbanCat]

Prayer & Gratitude = Contentment.

[@roxanaconception]

That’s right. I agree!!

[@hayleechapman1218]

I just heard this same message this weekend during a religious convention. Very encouraging!!!

[@liatori6214]

It is said everything happens for a reason and that GOD watches over us. You started your minimalism journey nearly 1 year ago. You had come to a crossroad in life and you chose CHANGE. You did not know where it would leave you, if at all anywhere. You must have felt fear and frustrations, but also a new horizon began to show. Now 1 year later, our world is not the same anymore. It is a historical time, a very difficult time. When I watch your videos I feel like the timing for your change was exactly when it was supposed to happen. People follow you on KZbin and maybe some in dire need of a change themselves. I am sure you are helping folks, just like GOD wants it. Please continue, you are doing a beautiful job ❤

[@camillemccraw]

honestly. i know you are disappointed in the fiberglass issue and will probably have to repurchase some items, but i look at the bright side of this: it’s decluttered! now that you have recognized your spending habits, you will be more inclined to not purchase something if you don’t truly need it. you can live without it and see how it goes. also, if it’s already in the attic, do you really need it? besides a few sentimental items being gone,you will move on and hopefully you will keep the memories instead! also, i think taking a picture of the item helps too, if it’s sentimental.

[@ZORA2008]

Great! 👏

[@sonnenblume9528]

So smart and true!

[@wiblick]

Endlessly fascinating about what is 'normal' in other countries. In Dublin, Ireland we have 3 trash bins (that are collected) - they are collected fortnightly and you pay for collection - one regular trash, one mixed recycling (not glass) and one compost.... each one only gets collected very 2 weeks. Anything else you need to bring to the dump or find another way to dispose of it.... For a declutter like this we would have to rent a skip at about 500 euro.

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

Where I live in the USA, first the state of Ohio and then Kentucky the city pays for the trash pickup (which is covered by your city taxes though some cities make you pay a company directly instead) we are provided 1 bin for regular trash and 1 bin for mixed recycling. Some places limit the extra bags and boxes you can put out weekly but my city would let me line the whole curb if I wanted to as long as it isn’t big stuff like mattresses or appliances. For those you have to call the trash company and make arrangements. Most companies that deliver your new mattress or appliance will take your old one if you ask. Trash is picked up weekly. You are allowed to set it out after 5pm the day before pick up and supposed to bring the trash bins back to your house the night of pickup but I’ve never seen that enforced. Most people don’t abuse it. If your neighbor forgets to bring their cans back you either ignore it or help them by pulling it up to their house from the street. The trash cans are usually big covered plastic totes on two back wheels that you tilt back to roll to the curb, but some cities make you buy your own trash cans.

[@tooziefaloozie]

I'm in Wales. Tbh, I'm lucky if the bin men empty my bin properly 😅😅

[@madzabinga8382]

Yes, here in my city the garbage and recycle truck drivers don't get out of the trucks. The trucks have automated bin lifts. We can only fill the bins and they would just leave anything else stacked around it. But, we have a great bin system. One trash, recycling, green compost waste, and a glass can.

[@liatori6214]

When my German husband came to visit me in Virginia about 12 years ago, he could not believe how much and what all kind of trash I could leave at the curb site and that trash pickup would be twice a week. In France and also Germany trash pickup is once a week, alternating regular trash with recycable items (blue bin for paper, yellow bin for plastic, brown bin for compost). Everything else has to go to the nearest recycling center, including construction waste. There might be an additional cost for special trash. There is though one yearly bulk garbage disposal per household free of charge, for instance furniture, household items - by appointment, leave it at the curb site, they pick it up. Germany is even stricter with their rules. When we arrived here in Germany and was given a trash bin from the city, I could not believe the size of it. Maybe 1/4 of the American size! Then I looked inside of the bin and was shocked. Since there are only 2 persons in our household they put a false bottom inside the bin, adjusting it's size to the amount of people in the home. Remember, regular trash is only picked up every 2 weeks. That way they force people to use recycling bins. Also, the trash company scannes the regular trash bins and there is an extra charge if one had the trash bin out more than 24 times per year. The city is calculating that most families will go on yearly vacations. For additional trash one can buy special trash bags from the trash company. No other trash bag will be picked up. What an adjustment!

[@madzabinga8382]

@@liatori6214 Woah! That is a serious regulation of trash. How interesting! And to think in some countries there is absolutely no trash pick up, and streets are literally filled with it and shanty towns are built on top of it. In other areas, ocean's are choked with it. There is probably a good movie documentary to made, or has been made, in all this trash comparison, and the overall environmental impact.

[@ritatharp5238]

Once again Erica, thank YOU for sharing your incredible journey with all of us. "It's not how much money you make, it's how much you keep!" Best advice I ever got. 🙂

[@johannabjorkell4226]

So fellow work-in-progress minimalist here (recovering maximalist). I’ve found after this 3 year-long journey that I and my family is on that what I have been looking for all along is systems that work. Not methods in themselves. What has been working for me is: - minimalism and essentialism - Dave Ramsey’s baby steps and financial independence (FI/RE) - Intermittent Fasting (Delay, Don’t Deny by Gin Stephens) A health system with the side effect of weight loss which further simplifies our lives, saves money and has had major health improvements along with tons of other non-scale victories (NSVs). Oh and 30 lbs lost. Cannot recommend it enough. 💕

[@minnesotagal507]

One room at a time , one box at a time, you are getting to that finish line.

[@ginnyjanisse1220]

Looking forward t the mystery box video. We had quite a few mystery boxes the last time we moved.

[@leeg066]

My family is motivated to continue our journey towards financial peace, veganism and minimalism because of your videos. Thank you for sharing this adventure with us. Please tell Andy thank you for his service in the Navy. And Erica, thank you for supporting your man and being such a responsible mom and wife. Best Regards, MM3/SS LHG.

[@leyrotis]

I'm not a coax cable kind of girl 😂😂😂

[@danabrown2391]

One more big hurdle done for you! You will never have to go in that attic again! I'm really looking forward to see what you uncover when you open the mystery boxes!

[@marlenejohnston4854]

WOW!!! I have never seen so many plastic bins in one household. You are doing so well. Congratulations.

[@amys3079]

Excited to see the mystery box declutter. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@AW-zv3es]

This is such huge accomplishment. CONGRATULATIONS. I hope the "trash" was split into true trash and recycling. Part of zero waste and helping the environment is to dispose of those things that are no longer good/useful the right way. In MD/DC/VA, there are yellow or white or blue clothing and shoe recycling bins in strip mall parking lots. You can also put old sheets, towels etc in them and they willed be recycled.

[@LI22IEEE]

I just love you ♥️ we have the same 5 goals, and I think that's why I enjoy your videos so much. My husband is AD Army. He's been in 8 years, we've been married almost 7 years. I just feel like every time I watch a video, I'm watching my own life. I'm grateful for your videos. ♥️

[@kathynolan1966]

You must be so relieved to declutter so much stuff

[@robinduke3184]

“We can turn this ship around.” Indeed. Great music choice! It’s so satisfying to see a storage area completely empty. I think it clicks the same part of my brain that likes to see the vacuum lines on a cleaning video. 🤣

[@pmgandco6322]

When I moved into my new house, I purposed to not store anything in my attic. I installed Elfa shelving system in my garage and it houses items that I don’t want in my home.

[@2ksbill724]

Love your priorities . Everyone should look at their priorities. We waste so much time on things that don't really matter to us. Great job!

[@catharinabra]

Well done with the attic-declutter Erica and Andy! It’s lovely to see the two of you work together on different decluttering projects, you seem so happy together 😊 Looking forward to the mysterybox video

[@ANNtique]

Can’t wait for the mystery box decluttering! Must be such a relief to have the attic done!

[@lkreinmiller-author]

Hugs for all the inspiration, humor, and love.

[@jom9489]

Erica, I really look forward to your videos, and your journey has been such an inspiration to me! Just today, I threw out a dollie that my mom made for me many decades ago out of a baby blanket. It was not really a "source of joy". Instead, over the decades, it became something more obligatory that I "should" keep the longer I DID keep it. What I have realized as a result of watching you and Minimal Mom is that I don't need to have that doll to have the memory of it. The question of (paraphrasing) "Can I replace this quickly, easily, and cheaply if I ever need to?" has also helped me quite a bit. Keep your videos coming! Thank you!

[@familycarr398]

My mom had a rocking chair just like that. As soon as I saw yours, I got a lump in my throat and teary. I wish I had been blessed with it after she passed. Great work!

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

Looking forward to your mystery unboxings! After too many years Decluttering over and over while making wimpy decisions, I realized if it isn’t holiday decorations then if I am putting the item in storage or the basement (at the time mine was unfinished) that I might as well throw the item away or donate it because I’m basically saying I’m really never going to use this item no matter my good intentions.

[@jenniferwright8355]

Exactly. That was a lie I used to tell myself - I will use it later. Nope. Now if I am not using it, or don't want to see it out, it is going.

[@whatgwenloves]

Just wanted to say I really appreciate how detailed and organized your description box is! I know that takes time to do and may go unnoticed by some. But I really enjoy the effort you put into it!!

[@susanholland6828]

Wow. 👍👍What a year you have had. Congratulations and stand proud!!❣️👍🇺🇸☮️✝️❤️❤️❤️ love watching you. Going you from Dawn the Minimal mom ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Roos_Loves_Parrots]

Welcome to the minimalists 😁 I think your top 5 is something you also have to deal with if you are going to minimize. In any case, this is also my top 5 I'm watching your old videos again because I missed a few. What a beautiful person you are. How honest and sincere and eager to learn.

[@lisagavin3402]

Love your videos, Erica! Thanks for sharing and inspiring! Glad you're husband is back and you're all back together! Thanks for your service Andy! Love how you guys treat Ranger like one of the kids 😊

[@lorihogg6604]

So exciting to see the progress you have made over the last several months. It is great that Andy could help,push through the last bit in attic and crawl space. I'm sure he is so appreciative to all the work done beforehand. I've enjoyed that you have filmed the real time, real life of decluttering. It has been great to see your journey. I have decluttered significantly, but will be going through a 2nd round in the Fall. Thanks Erica!

[@lindasullivan8745]

Getting this attic done is an end to a hard journey that you forced upon yourself and what do you know it’s freed you more than you could have imagined...way to go Andy for the support he is giving you threw this time...tell him he’s my new second bestie...Erica your a superstar...xx

[@dirgniflesuoh7950]

Mystery box declutter, I love that!

[@burkey1168]

I’m so pleased as you move forward, you & as a family you will spend all these hours wasted on sorting out your stuff, you can spend all that future time focusing on your five priorities & not on stuff.Welcome to the slow simple club.😀

[@taesspochkah]

Ahh I wish these episodes would never end. But thank god that attic is done😂

[@AtoZenLife]

What happened to the penguin btw? 🐧 Did you end up keeping or tossing that guy?

[@elizabethcallihan9971]

I have been wondering the same thing. I even went back and watched it again and it looked like the penguin had been in a box, so I was hoping she could keep it!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Oh! I forgot to mention! He went to the trash. My mom took him out. It was her mom’s and when I mentioned fiberglass and she walked it outside to the trash.

[@AtoZenLife]

Erica Lucas Safety is the most important thing! Big hugs, glad you are finding it so easy now! 🤗

[@julsmorgan78]

Oh dear. I LOLd at your Mum! Did she give you that particular look that says you’re insane but I love you anyway as she did it? I actually visualised my mother doing exactly that as I read the comment!

[@marissamarie5095]

I’m so happy you had help! I kept thinking “wow she needs help!!” You guys Rock!!! Great job

[@micheleferguson2847]

Well done to you both all the work pays off. Less is definitely better.

[@melm9487]

You are amazing!! Both of you 💕 after watching this Video I am inspired to go home and start DECLUTTERiNG our junk. It will probably take a good year just for the house and basement. I love your 5 benefits of doing this. Can’t wait for videos of the new house and delivery of your things now Vs past!

[@kristinakalas8100]

Erica, I'm just so happy for you! I can't wait to see the next chapter. If you're looking for video ideas this fall after you are done with the move & you decompress, I'd love to hear more about your plans for family spirituality & faith. Selfishly, I'd also love some tips on home schooling a preschooler. Many of us have now been forced into home schooling because of Covid-19 & I would welcome some guidance.

[@makingithome8493]

I love this so much. I LOVE the 5 things you’re focusing on and I LOVE you so much for sharing all this with us and bringing us on your journey! Love you Erica!! 💟💟💟

[@makingithome8493]

Also Great Job Andy for being an awesome support getting right to work when you got back from the ship and getting this done! You guys ROCK!!

[@pameladay2732]

Thanks so much for helping me put in words what I am trying accomplish!

[@amandab.6815]

Oh my gosh, you are my soul sister. When you were going over your 5 new goals/priorities, I was like YES!! We are on the journey for all of those things right now too 💜

[@erinvosbury7993]

Erica, just loving your journey!

[@AtHomeWithJill]

Can’t wait for the mystery box declutter!

[@emilyharrison1340]

I love love love your videos! I’ve watched them all. I enjoy your optimism and joyful personality. You have the fruit of the spirit and it shines through. God bless you and the family and congratulations on the move!

[@julieschmidt5081]

So excited for you guys and so incredibly proud of all your hard work.

[@tinasowell7786]

The music is so appropriate for this video. Great job guys

[@jeannebowes2898]

Cannot wait to see you unpack!

[@mandarn80]

I just love your channel, the journey you have been on, your growth, your relationship with your family... Thank you for sharing so much with us. As an Air Force wife, I relate to you in so many ways. I have three kids, my hubs is gone a lot, we move every 2-3 years, I am an emotional spender, but have gotten so much better. I am also trying to improve multiple aspects of my life. My relationship with God, my health, finances, etc. I love you Erica!!! Keep up the great work!!

[@Teak1111]

If you have an air compressor just blow off that rocking chair to get any left over particles. It is such a special memory, I'm so happy you were able to save it!

[@angelacross2216]

Feels good just watching.

[@mariealbuquerque9519]

I’ve watched you from beginning & I’m constantly amazed how much stuff you had. You still have more than I have in my 2300 sq ft house :My problem is paper on desk & anything flat. I struggle with that. Congratulations 🍾🎉🎊

[@susancook3360]

My got Lucas! So much stuff!

[@Xyz-ud9be]

Im soo happy for you! Bringing life in order. Hello from Germany

[@springbird21]

Y’all are truly amazing! I’m 74 & am trying to do what y’all are doing! Haha... y’all are both so strong! (Am pretty strong too). I love the music that you play in the videos; makes me want to cry, in a good way,,, thank you , Erica & Andy, you really do inspire me...

[@cellocello1762]

Love the list of priorities! I found the same things becoming more and more important during my declutter journey. Decluttering frees your mind to what’s really important in life, even when you don’t set out to find these things when you start decluttering.

[@CG-gm8fe]

Having more time for spiritual life and Bible study is the best part of minimising....praise the Lord.

[@jennifersosebee8761]

Congratulations! I know you wanted to hug Andy when he said it’s done, but glad u didn’t because of the insulation. 👍🏻😁😉

[@kaytexfolkart3412]

All that stuff!, I’m sure you’re so glad the attic is done -- and you don’t want to keep it all!! Congrats!

[@lisalivingmybestlife9707]

💗💗💗 yes mystery box video!

[@corinawohlfert1787]

You help me so much! Showing and talking about how much time you have been doing this. Not making it seem like one quick day or week, helps me not get discouraged! THANK YOU FOR BEING WONDERFUL!

[@CH-yk1op]

I haven’t read all the comments but in case anyone is reading this later- it seems like this is a perfect project for 1800got junk. I heard about it on a slob comes clean podcast & I think minimal mom. It’s like 200-300, they pull everything out & you point at what you don’t want & they haul it away. For something like this where most is trash I think it would be well worth it. Unless the safety issue means they couldn’t do it...

[@lesmess.]

Unpacking after a PCS is always like Christmas. Never know any treasures await!

[@debbiford]

Hi Erica :) My family has been on a declutter journey since June/July last year so much of what we have been through has been very similar to your own family journey. We have reached a point now where we are what I would consider to be a family of minamalists but not the extreme naked homes variety! We still have toys and belongings but no 'stuff'. The mindset of my kids has been altered during this period for the better. Following your journey towards living with less has been great as like you I have been the main declutterer of the household and sometimes its tough! Our lives are so much better now. What we have now in our home is loved and justifiable. I just want to say thank you for sharing your ups and downs of what can be a bumpy old road! x

[@rachelcharney4964]

Can you hear me cheering you on! You guys are ROCKSTARS!

[@connieverbeck1110]

Thx for sharing. What a relief for you guys!! Would love an update on mama duck and babies. Have they left yet?

[@EricaLucasLoves]

It’s sad. 8 of her 9 babies were gone when we got here. The 9th died later on the day we moved in. I suppose they were attacked. :(

[@LeaSonnenscheinTrier]

@@EricaLucasLoves oh no! So sad!

[@AtHomeWithJill]

You got so much done!!!! And getting rid of almost as much as your keeping is always a good feeling haha

[@jeannebowes2898]

Everytime I moved, I always decluttered as I unpacked as well as before. Much future happiness in your new lovely home!

[@AndyLucas363]

We have had this goal with every single move. We’d get a good start and then get distracted. Boxes would get shoved in the corner along with our best intentions. It got to the point where we had 80 or 90 boxes just waiting for the next move. We’re not finished yet, but I’d guess we’re down to 20 or so boxes. Very manageable.

[@jeannebowes2898]

Andrew Lucas Hurrah. You are going to love Annapolis!

[@diananelson327]

Really enjoyed this video. You are doing great! Family is more important than things. Blessings to the both of you and your children!

[@MrsApril-kx9wt]

So happy to see that spirituality is one of your 5! 😊 ❤️ Colossians 3:2

[@rosettagrey2851]

Excited to see the mystery box declutter. The space that suburban American homes have always astonishes me. I guess I'm lucky in a way that in a moderate European house, I don't even have half the storage space you did in the old house, haha. It must be such a relief to get the attic done and I'm happy you're keeping the chair, it's beautiful.

[@julsmorgan78]

rosetta grey there’s an interesting short doco on yourube somewhere called “a cluttered life middleclass abundance” that one of the Universities did a study on. Really interesting .

[@rosettagrey2851]

@@julsmorgan78 I saw the thumbnail of that but never watched! Thanks for reminding, I'll check it again.

[@roxanaconception]

Really love the Simple Living Focus list. ✝️💖🙋🏻‍♀️ Love the entire family dynamic. Truly Inspirational

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Congratulations, Erica and Andy!---Good idea to discard those coveralls after the attic was cleared out.---Your song choice for the video was ideal for your life and with it's maritime connection!---Erica, you took me by surprise. I would have thought your 34 not 44!-

[@andrewbrendan1579]

I have no idea where those lines through the text came from!

[@xylindria9077]

At least you were moved fairly close by allowing for the extra time to clear out the house with out having the movers move all the things you don’t want. When you first mentioned the idea of “coming back to finish” I thought it was a bit overwhelming to have to somehow get back thinking you’d be across country. So yay for the extra time. Think of all the family time you’ll have later by this adventure today? We are rooting for you!

[@deniseg6880]

I love your simple living focus ❤️. Those are all things we’ve been working towards too!

[@faiths8385]

❤️❤️❤️ I have found these same things in simple living 🙏🙌

[@msjp3751]

Appreciated and liked the 5 priorities you shared. I’m in the midst of decluttering too and your priorities really do change or some get stronger.

[@hannahpierce6871]

You guys are amazing. You have so much progress to be proud of. I see your efforts. Thank you for sharing this journey.

[@zoekerr3932]

Wow. All that and the stuff before...good job. I cannot wait to do mine. Unfortunatley lockdown has thrown a few curve balls and at present am unable to do anything. Pain is a .......! Lol z x

[@jillneer7305]

Amen to simplicity!!!!

[@TheMonikutes]

It's amazing how you're changing your life from all angles! Financial, health, material, relationships - going at all of it so hard, I can barely imagine (slow and gradual changes work best for me, personally) - but you're like a force of nature, it's amazing! YAY for mystery boxes, so exciting! Also, may I add that your blouse is fitting you so differently now, fantastic job!

[@moniquefuselier7711]

So glad that the attic is done!!!! I know that whole situation was very upsetting to you.

[@joannedebenedetto8431]

So much more benefits of decluttting. Good luck. You're definitely on the right path.

[@margiemccarthy6761]

Andy and Erica, good for you. What an amazing journey you are on!

[@susanhenshaw639]

So glad you guys got the attic all done. Coveralls, boots, gloves, hat were a good choice 👍 deciding to wear a cloth mask and then no mask, not so good. Here the N95 would have been really useful 😷 Love your top 5 priority choices 💝✝️🙏

[@lorstahl2388]

The new house is going to echo with all the open space. Well done. I have enjoyed watching your transformation. Keep learning and growing and sharing, girl!

[@serenitynoworganisingvanco370]

I'm so excited for the mystery box declutter!

[@cingold1468]

Been watching your channel for a while, but this video...I just love it & it has started me on my journey-with the right purpose. Thank you!

[@kariw788]

Good choice of music- it fits well.

[@whit7862]

Yay, the attic is done! Great job! I am inspired. But also you help me realize I don't actually have as much as it feels like I do!

[@pattiwilliams9144]

Is it crazy that Im so excited for the mystery box declutter?!?! Because Im so EXCITED!!! hahaha You guys are awesome!! Much love from Kentucky!!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Us too!

[@mandywinter6490]

I have been on the declaring Journey going on two years now I am trying to just live simple and enjoy what I have rather than collecting stuff I don't love this has been really hard for me as I come from a really long line of Hoarders and I truly thought it wasn't that bad but I start to be so I decided to stop put myself in the light of I don't want to leave this for my son like my grandfather did for my mother so I am living simple happy and worrying about health rather than crap I would rather be able to get around my house healthy then to be surrounded by clutter

[@kaycee625]

I love your new focus! God bless you and your lovely family.

[@jerilyn-ourhomeschooltable]

Mystery Box declutter sounds fun!!!! ♥️👍🏻 Good job! You're so close to being out!