Declutter with Us! Letting Go of 75% of Video Games! || Another Basement Unpack + Declutter!

[@sherriepiechowski4556]

This was just shocking to me that Andy let go of so many things he THOUGHT he treasured. When in reality,he came to a logical solution (in the end) that he wasn’t as attached to the items as he imagined. I wish my husband would let go of his massive collections. I don’t even know Andy but I am proud of what he accomplished and I am so happy for him and your kids that they can share in this fun of gaming with him now.

[@catharinabra]

Yes, I do think this Mari Kondo method in one area was key in this case. Well done, everyone!

[@megan2176]

I think sometimes one of the main hurdles to decluttering is fear of someone else making the decision for us, so we cling tightly to things. But when we eventually think rationally and realistically about it, we come to the decision ourselves to let things go. I love how Erica always let Andy make decisions about his own things, leaving his bins for him to get to in his own time. Very considerate 😊

[@johnandkitty]

I agree! Well done, you two! And your kids were awesome helpers. Yes, it took a day of so many decisions, but you'll never have to process these items again. Thank you for showing the thought process. This will be helpful to lots of people.

[@tashainjena]

So much patience letting the kids help. 😀 It's so easy to get it done faster without the kids, but letting them help makes them feel accomplished.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Ooooh we had to set them up as game testers so we could make some progress 😂😂❤️

[@tashainjena]

@@EricaLucasLoves Whatever works. They still got to 'help'!

[@juliemix3373]

Erica, you are one genius woman. I love your negotiation skills. Andy did a great job. Having the kids help was so good to see. Making a master list of everything. Figuring everything out. This was so satisfying to watch. I don't have children. I never played video games, but I loved this up-load. Thanks Cheers

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Slow and steady wins the race!

[@juliecombs462]

Great job, Andy! You can sell game systems on ebay listed as "parts only" too. I sold a SNES console for $50 for parts only.

[@suedefringe]

Came here to say this !! Some one may need the case from this game for example.

[@mycircusmymonkeys7867]

YESSSSS PARTS sometimes sell better then systems!! especially that dream cast!!!

[@Amandahugginkizz]

I've sold an iPad box for 25 dollars on ebay. Parts sell

[@ashleymckee1140]

There are vintage game stores everywhere if you wanted to donate them somewhere. My husband loves vintage games and we often find gems there. Sometimes even the damaged consoles help them when they need specific parts for repairs.

[@angelaolha7531]

I am continually impressed and touched by the amount of respect you all show toward each other, including your children.

[@Chrissyhappy]

That was a win win. Because Andy decluttered fantastical well, you sorted the bedroom tv for downstairs and he now has all his remaining systems downstairs. Talk about negotiating and being kind to each other. Wonderful to witness. ❤😊

[@AtoZenLife]

Wow, 16 different gaming systems! This was so exciting to watch - good job, Andy. 😆

[@kimpatience6505]

The whole family did a great job assisting Andy! Andy's decluttering muscles are starting to bulge! Also a great way to teach the kids how to declutter, recycle and sell items! The kids now have new games to play too! A big win for the entire family!

[@nancycosgrove4005]

I always like how thoughtful and patient Andy is while decluttering and with the kids- well done🙂

[@fianorian]

There's a lot to be said for actually settling down and looking at stuff, rather than just saying, "That's a box of stuff I want to keep". There's nearly always something that can be let go of. Great job, guys.

[@angelacross2216]

Five more totes cleared! By the time you’re ready to move it’s going to be so much easier….and cheaper. Well done everyone.

[@deannaw9657]

You have set such a great example for your family and Andy has worked right along side you. He actually just decluttered his fantasy self!! He seems to gravitate to organization already, but my guess is that your example has encouraged him to think minimally. Nice job, everyone!!

[@RebeccaWife1Mom4]

Great Job, Andy! The way you guys included the kids was fantastic! Erica, the way you support (not push) him throughout his decluttering journey is beautiful to witness. 💛

[@marieskee22]

Good work, Andy!!!! That was awesome!!!! Also, this was a very Marie Kondo-ish way of processing this. Get ALL the items and see what you have and don't have. Then pair down from there. You guys and your kids make a great team!

[@DipityS]

I'm so so pleased we're getting to Andy's passions and getting them out of the box and into the home to use and enjoy as a family and for him alone! The cherry on top was that it was a family activity - with Dad teaching the little ones to listen to him and carry out their tasks - and mum using her experience and skills to guide everything. The cream on top of that was seeing the kids sit down to enjoy their Dad's passions, which was only that day still tucked uselessly into a box doing no one any good. It's just so satisfying and was lovely to watch, thank you. (I love the 'patiently' waiting kiddies 😂)

[@amandab.6815]

So proud of Andy! Now he can actually play the ones he really likes with the kids without all the confusion and clutter!

[@Color_in_Gray]

This was such a joy to watch. I just love how respectful you all are with each other and how well you work together.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you!

[@emmayeager5864]

You've done such a good job of prioritizing decluttering your own stuff and letting Andy come to decluttering his stuff at his own pace. 👏

[@socalgal7830]

It's impressive how well your family works together. Lucas team - STRONG!

[@claudiarice8123]

So Proud of You Andy!! And allowing the kids to help and be involved was great!

[@plantsbythemoon9049]

Great example of bringing everything together to evaluate. Love that you let Andy make the decisions even though I'm sure you had inner turmoil at first. I also applaud Andy for being considerate of you and all of your hard work to declutter and maintain your living space. It was great to see you guys process this together and include the kiddos. Great job!!

[@StillWatersASMR]

I REALLY appreciated this video. I love how you're making sure to make space in your home for things that are important to each of you individually. It's so easy if one person isn't interested to not prioritise it which is unfair on the other party. Also really interesting the transition in his thoughts on what he wanted to keep.

[@TheMonikutes]

It's amazing how much easier it is to make decisions, once you can confidently say: here are ALL of the items in one pile, now I will organize them. Good job, Andy. Also, Erika, thank you for giving the time it took you in the end. It's always more than you hope for, but at the same time, less than what you dread it will take!

[@kimpilkey3189]

What a great job Andy did of rethinking this collection. I have to say I was skeptical that he would get rid of anything...sorry Andy!! :p What a great declutter....so freeing :) I too would suggest looking for a local store that buys systems and games. You may not get the same amount of money as selling them yourself but it is less time consuming.

[@ruthturkington1736]

Erica, it was a pleasure to watch how you handled this declutter and your kind words and tone through it all!

[@stephanierobinson7525]

I’m from Minnesota. We have a place called Game Stop , they buy games and systems for a great price. There might be a place like that in your area.

[@shearrermadness]

We have that same store where I live. I agree to take there.

[@JlNXED]

I wouldn’t recommend game stop at all, I could’ve gotten hundreds from my games even with membership they offer very little less than $20 for valuable games, some offered cents that I know people would buy like new, also old games there’s collectors and people that have setups that play all those old ones that would pay for it

[@shannonmccann3814]

Game stop does not give a good deal when they buy from you.

[@anxiousqueen7705]

@@JlNXED it’s more the convenience! The fact is it can take more personal time to sell them for more money!

[@katia_g213]

I'd be shocked if they didn't have five in the area. Those are everywhere!

[@connieverbeck1110]

What a sweet video. Way to go, Andy!! 👍

[@sandramooso9400]

Andy really gets the reason for keeping what you use and enjoy. Nice job!

[@sonyachavez2018]

So proud of Andy’s accomplishment. My grown son has many consoles and games, wish I could get him to go through his.

[@sarafederbush3522]

As a frequent video game player and frequent watcher of your channel I was nervous about this day eventually coming. This was handeled SO WELL!!! When looking to sell this stuff remember to try Game Stop or Used/Vintage Video Game stores. I didn't know Used Video Game stores were a thing until about a year ago, there are 3 within a few miles of my house and I had no idea!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Wow I will look around!

[@hannahv2757]

@@EricaLucasLoves Definitely look for used game stores, would be so much easier for Andy just to drop them all off and get a lump sum! Here in Australia we have EB games which sells new and used systems and games. I'm sure you must have something similar!

[@casn3424]

Congratulations to your husband on his decluttering! I absolutely want my husband to listen to this video to inspire him. Thanks a lot! 🤩

[@marythomas6543]

The Lucas family does it again! Well done, everyone!!🎉❤️

[@karenstairs8273]

That was a huge accomplishment!!! Keeping what you and the children will use and enjoy!!

[@r.p.9829]

Proud he accomplished this process but even prouder how you talked to him ,understood him and helped with the process...love the team work I see in this marriage...

[@lauraminny148]

wow, you all did amazing! and thank you for being so honest mentioning it took 6 hours! my husband doesn't have the time nor the will to go through his books and uni notes, that's his "collection" that he needs to go through, he says...20 years later, still getting dust in the office in piles of mismatching cardboard boxes...they even moved with us 😔

[@honeywerehomeblogMegan]

You were so patient & such a good cheerleader! What a big job! Way to go!

[@lenarobins2480]

Awesome accomplishment- 75% of a sentimental category for the non minimalish hubby is huge!! I hope he's proud of himself too! :-)

[@jennyjenkins877]

Astounding work, Andy! After peeling 3/4 of that onion, he's starting to appear minimalish! In my experience, there has never been an instance when decluttering felt like time wasted (especially when items can be sold) so, even though it took the entire day, I bet the whole family is happier for it. As a viewer, I can tell you it was very satisfying to watch everyone work together and see how much was accomplished. This is possibly my favourite declutter yet and gives us hope for husbands everywhere! 💪🏻

[@patriciaalldred1036]

This is a terrific approach to decluttering. I’m sure Andy’s participation and your interviewing style will motivate others to tackle there own stock pile. Win Win!

[@christine1373]

This is great with the whole family working together! You and Andy work so well together and you are so respectful of his “stuff” and hobbies. It’s great to see Andy so excited about the purging, organizing, and storage! You’re also showing your kids that you can work together. I recently sold my husbands PlayStation 2 for $160 on FBM!

[@jennaalce4016]

Love your practical videos, showing real life examples of decluttering in your family.

[@katiec2772]

You handle this so much better than I do. I struggle with so much of my husband's things he wants to keep but never uses

[@Joshua24-15Home]

Well Done Andy! And! Erica, I notice your clear bins in your family room are working for your 'Bee' style of organizing! another 'Well Done' to you! I (a minimalist) went through my master bedroom (again) because Iast week I painted and did a wallpaper 'feature wall'. OMGoodness! I filled the back of my car with donations (and some recycling) It's amazing how 'stuff' creeps into our homes and our lives!

[@ikrobiee]

Wow, Andy did amazing. Seeing everything and what was worth keeping made it a lot easier. So proud of him as a fellow gamer!

[@caitlinbures4802]

Looks who’s decluttering muscles are getting bigger!!! Great job Andy! Enjoy gaming with your kiddos! 😁

[@lorishepard]

You are so inspiring. I am now going back and watching your old videos - what an amazing journey! Thank YOU for being so open and honest. You are helping and inspiring others.

[@Dgootee]

I love how you two had the kids involved, I love that you let your husband decide what to do with his stuff instead of being a stereotypical angry wife that forces her husband to get rid of stuff. I really love the whole working together. It’s awesome he was able to go through his games so now he and the kids can enjoy the two systems that were packed away.

[@yvettep2608]

The way that you approach the things you have been storing in the basement is fantastic. It has changed the way i think about the things i keep. Things aren't for storing indefinitely but for using and if they are important enough to keep then I should find a way to bring them out of storage - amazing mind shift for me! Thank you for another great video demonstrating this!

[@danaandcompany9636]

Great job, Andy! For me, once I get everything in one place I’m usually overwhelmed and not sure why I’ve kept all of it. I’m suspecting Andy has some of these same feelings. I’m impressed with your new attitude! 👍🏼

[@mommamoore]

this was fabulous! i love you you guys verbalize and think through each item/system. it all makes sense in the end

[@sharjo52]

Excellent video! I never knew their were so many game systems! Glad Andy let go of so many,not enough time to do so many game when you have little kids! I am sure father and kids will enjoy the game together!

[@kariw788]

A mom who can make decluttering FUN!

[@bonitaquandt4862]

Well done, Lucas family! I was hoping the WII would stay. I enjoyed that system, and I know your family will enjoy it too!

[@wonderingsanna]

Oooohhh Erica! I just love that you say that you don´t want toy guns in your house ❤. My siblings and I grew up with not even having waterguns since our mother was so against weapons and violence. I think is such a good statement to set when it commes to that kind of "toys". Same with the "violent games", a really well and responsible way to go. Andy did a good job with all those systems, he saved the oppertunity to play and have fun with the kids and got rid of the "burden" of having alot of unused stuffed piled in storage boxes taking up space in both mind and basement. 👍 And one more thing, you are glowing today, really glowing .😊 Summer suits you so well.

[@julianeelter8159]

I've been following along for so long and it really makes me happy that you can now use what you've decided to keep, Andy! :) I have so many "parts only" collections of hobbies and they've become aspirational only, rather than actually fulfilling in my life... so I might have to spend a day doing the same thing very soon.

[@irenehinojosa6629]

It pays to go through all your stuff because unless you do you never know whether it was worth storing. Way to go Andy - great lesson for everyone.

[@goster4070]

That's a good job you did there, Andy! I'm not a gamer, but the selection you kept seems very logical to me. Have a good week!

[@RebelAlliance42]

This collection is impressive!! PLEEEEAAASE DON'T MAKE HIM GET RID OF ANY OF IT!! HE WILL ALWAYS REGRET IT!! Oh my heart bleeds for the PlayStations and X Boxes! But what an awesome accomplishment for Andy to be free from the mental clutter of those misfit parts, good job Andy, that must've been hard despite your cool disposition!

[@michelleneuman579]

Erica, your patience is amazing! Great job! That had to feel so good!

[@Toasttttttttt]

As a gamer who also owns quite a few retro consoles, this was not as painful to watch as I thought it might be! Great job 😁 I didn't realize Andy also had some non-functional/incomplete consoles, your approach made a lot of sense

[@EricaLucasLoves]

He thought it might have been painful too! But the reality of setting them all up took over

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Which retro games do you have??

[@johnandkitty]

I think sometimes the fear is more painful than the actual sorting process.

[@susancook3360]

Great episode with the family. Satisfying for me you, especially when you all enjoy the process together . Thanks

[@alexisquinn2784]

Excellent and specific content with time and methods. Very helpful and instructive. Thank you guys.

[@antoinettehigh586]

AMAZING JOB! Great point of how long this project took - it is so important to remember that these things take time...along with the great benefits...👏👏👏

[@jennylhenry78]

Great job Andy! This was huge! Keeping 4 and getting rid of 12?! I would have thought it would be the other way around. 🙌🏻

[@sarahkoltz8017]

I love watching videos with both of you. In most of these cases, I'm your husband. Seeing his thought process sometimes helps me see how I can improve my own. I always want to hang on to stuff!

[@margaretgray595]

Loved this video. Well done Andy and the children really enjoyed helping. Erica you are so patient. Xx

[@larkendelvie]

Kudos to Andy. For me the hardest part is having a game I love but can't get the machine to work. It's all about the games and/or experiences.

[@katieebendick2631]

The clear bins with no lids seem to be working out great for you!

[@keyisme1356]

How funny that this video came out this week. Found myself at the mall, and they had a store where you could buy parts, games, consoles, or attachments of all the old game consoles. I had a couple things I wanted to add to our Wii setup. My kids are finally old enough to play! I had no idea that there were even 16+ types of game consoles. I grew up playing computer games. I never had a console. The Wii is the only console my husband owns. I almost sold it... a few times (with his permission)... in the past, but I'm glad I didn't. I think playing Wii games is a better use of time for my kids, than watching KZbin kids! And I appreciate that the Wii doesn't require internet in order to play it! It's getting so hard to do anything without the internet!

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

This came from such a positive perspective. You knew gaming was important in your husband‘s life and to set things up for your husband and kids to actually use the items instead of having them boxed for an indefinite period of time. It was great to see Andy access his belongings to see what works for him now in this stage of life and what was purely for nostalgia but not enough that it needed to stay in his life and in the basement indefinitely.

[@loiscampbell3510]

Awesome job, Everyone!! Not an easy job for sure. I love you guys!

[@nanjonkokan9057]

Erica, I have watched a ton of your videos and have really enjoyed watching you and your family change and grow! You have transformed your life by becoming intentionally minimallish!! Love how your whole family has gotten onboard! ❤️

[@dstephenson6144]

My husband said that Andy deserves a medal!!! (My non-minimalist, sentimental husband!)‼️

[@EricaLucasLoves]

We are working on the second step this week. Getting it sold!

[@dstephenson6144]

@@EricaLucasLoves love it! AND you help Andy in a very supportive way and he responds to that!👏🏻👏🏻

[@zabmcauley5647]

@@EricaLucasLoves Would love to hear how the selling goes. 🙂

[@EricaLucasLoves]

@@zabmcauley5647 can do!

[@vzeimen]

At the end of the day, this is a lot like having too many partially done craft projects that you don't have time for and in likelihood will not finish or work on EVER again. It's just too much to keep and inventory and manage in relation to how often they are used or the sentimental value they have. So glad Andy did this. Seven hours is nothing compared to how much he learned about himself, what he wants now for himself and his kids and where he is in this stage of life. Each time we go through stuff we're a little more enlightened. I've been going through a home office closet of stuff I thought just needed organizing and I got rid of a whole carload of stuff from one small closet. Still am having a hard time parting with all my music CDs which is just crazy.

[@kathleencremmins286]

Bravo! Inspiration. The biggest thing is to take everything out to go through... piecemeal does not work ...you have to commit the time...but accomplished and in the future, if you don't want any of the kept games, how fast the downsizing will be...don't think of time used as wasted...think of future freed up. Always inspired by your journey. The kids were so cute and excited...great family time will be enjoyed.

[@kamloopscruiser874]

Wow Andy & Erica! Way to go you two, and the helpers!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@kathiebaldwin6169]

Good job! Excellent illustration of "adulting" too.

[@pinadelmonico]

Oh My God!! That’s a lot of devices & games!!😂😂 nice work to all of u!!🙏🏻🥰

[@manyhats3846]

Andy & Erica, you both must have been exhausted! It would take a whole day if not more for that job! You both make a great team! Even including the children into it! Your children are so well behaved! You can tell they are really close to the both of you! It was a huge endevor, but now it is done! Freedom, clarity! A win outcome! I hope you can get some $ out of the things you are not keeping! Andy had a fantasy that he realized was not too logical. He acknowledged it, and found freedom! Congratulations Andy!🥳

[@amma7244]

Really impressive. What wonderful modeling for your kids. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@mohammadabuqubu7079]

Thank you for the simple yet inspirational video.

[@pppetra]

Such a nice easy to do inventory and decisions.. And what a great job done,cause many feelings and a lot of memories are tired to those consoles and their prime time being played.

[@paigecollier1062]

I can’t wait to hear the difference in moving this time around!

[@lorenet.2182]

Game Stop is good for resale and there is one in Annapolis. Great job Andy.

[@jeannebowes2898]

Great going, Andy!!!

[@edfitzgerald6626]

SO INPRESED with you're teamwork ,GREAT JOB!!!!

[@monaminchau4798]

Nice approach to paring things down - very helpful! 👍

[@kaseyjondahl7979]

for the keep games that have discs, you could get some cheap zip up CD cases and then they would take up way less space. that's what I did for our games and DVDs. it's been wonderful.

[@susanchevrier9288]

Excellent job both of you! One of your very best videos.

[@rachelemazza8623]

CONGRATS! What a great video with all hands on deck! Even more so because you checked off so many boxes: decluttered, organized, re-birthed, sold, recycled!

[@christined2495]

The family that purges together stays together 😀😀😀😃 This was a BIG accomplishment on Andy’s part.. Erica I got to hand it to you, you really let your famiLy decide what to do with their possessions, I’m not as good as you are in that area, I kind of get to involved in their declutter assignment, in other words I am a bit controlling 🤨

[@EricaLucasLoves]

I have to bite my tongue.

[@kariw788]

I love how supportive you guys are, all working together as a family and getting along as you work on a project together, not seeming to get stressed but staying positive ❤️

[@EricaLucasLoves]

@@kariw788 thank you!

[@YvetteODowd]

Nostalgia clutter: the stuff we keep because we remember it being really important to us in the past. It sparks memories but is not memorable itself. Andy has shared his passion with the kids and doesn't have to keep the clutter anymore. Parents often imagine sharing their childhood experiences with their children but- as a mother and grandmother - we are not going to replicate those experiences because they were of their time. We can share the stories without keeping all the stuff.

[@clairevimalaanderson2860]

This was very inspiring! Thank-you for sharing the process! Everyone working together and so much good came from it! Wow!

[@AmyMarks]

Wow - I am SO impressed with how much he let go. I hope this helps you actually enjoy the stuff you've kept!

[@luzking9487]

Your missing the “Atari” :) WOW! That was a tough decision to let go. Did great. Talking it through made sense on “ why” not to keep them. Blessings

[@CL-mn1yq]

Love! Wow. The way you guys interact with your children and each other 😍 My brothers have prob this many systems but never play. They get it from my dad who kept his ATARI. This gives me hope. Send 🙏😆

[@terryruiz7417]

Thanks for giving actual time all this took. That helps to have that information. And, good for Andy! A big step!

[@joaniekleiner3624]

Well done, Andy !!!

[@3geesplay236]

My husband is big into older video games. He is part of a Facebook group called Nintendo over 30’s club and it has been a handy way of selling stuff he’s ready to let go of.