DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING the Dining Room!

Join me as I declutter and organize the dining room! I work through getting stuck organizing items in our house and talk through it!
#decluttering #declutter #simpleliving #slowliving #intentionalliving
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// SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO
toy bins:
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tablecloth:
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// MORE VIDEOS
★ Decluttering One Space at a Time: Dining Room ★
• Decluttering and Organ...
★ Decluttering our Bedroom Together! ★
• Decluttering Our Bedro...
★ Declutter My Closet with Me ★
• Emotional CLEANING OUT...
★ VIDEO: 5 Ways I Slow Down My Week ★
• 5 Ways I Slow Down Eve...
★ VIDEO: 15 Ways Simple Living Change My Life ★
• 15 Ways Simple Living ...
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Simple Living
Decluttering is part of simple living for me. Living with less stuff makes life simpler in our house. However, simple living does not mean easy living. Simple living is about uncomplicating parts of your life. By decluttering, choosing your enough, and focusing intentionally on what matters most to you, a life of slow and simple living is possible.
Slow Living
A slow living lifestyle is sometimes perceived as an antidote to the effects of that fast paced life. Slow living is about balancing the things you want to do WITH the speed of life. Slowing down and embracing slow living is not about getting the same amount of things done at a slower pace. Rather, slow and simple living is about finding balance and living better in our fast paced world.
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The Benefits of Simple Living BLOGS:
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Article: I Said Yes to Clutter!
Read and Follow Me on Medium:
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Hello! I'm Erica Lucas. On this channel, I share videos about making life simple one day at a time. Obstructive, massive, problem-level clutter overwhelmed me... until I decluttered thousands of items, created open space in our home, and found free time as a minimalist! In my fourth year of minimalism, I am now bridging into simple living, slow living, and sharing a few easy tips to get started! 2023 is about finding joy in simple living for our family of five.
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[@Madiannereid]

Your little “you’re over complicating it” pep talk to yourself sent me! So relatable.

[@laurent4809]

Not that you need some strangers approval on the internet, but I just wanted to say I’m proud of you! ❤ You have been beaten up by life recently! I just wanted to give you a big hug and say, “way to go, friend!!” You are showing others what it looks like to slowly get your feet back under you, and I think that’s amazing! Keep going.

[@sanjalisnjic7271]

11:20 "I can do hard things, I can do hard things, I can do hard things..." 😂 This was so great! I like how you've processed everything aloud, and it is great to see how once you start organising/decluttirng new possibilities open up. That happens to me as well.

[@lesliemichael2878]

I love that as a mantra! I'm going to start saying it out loud to myself when it's time to go to the gym in the morning, or when I have to put gas in my car when it's really cold outside, etc.

[@mslil65]

I love how you explain how you work through things.

[@ChristianAnneSmith]

Me too!

[@catherineross7776]

Be gentle with yourself Erica. Sometimes life is just hard. We love you. x

[@tanyajohnston8262]

I have lost 4 brothers, a sister, a sister in law and both parents. Sentimental items are the most difficult to get rid of especially when I don’t have a family member who wants it. I have, however, got to the place where I realized don’t need all the stuff for memories. Pictures, journaling memories and a few small keep sakes, like a watch, ring, necklace etc. or small jewelry case, just small items that I can have out where I see it or wear it, are what I now keep. No clutter and lots of memories 😊

[@pamelasorensen8748]

I wish you the best and so much happiness. That is a lot of loss.

[@amandabartell1502]

The console table looks great in the bedroom, balances the art. The ADHD tip about leaving the dirt was spot on, once you go off plan it's easy to spiral completely off track and end up totally overwhelmed x

[@ArtfulRe]

I feel this so much lol. Great tip

[@claudih-offtrack]

I love how you articulate your thinking process. I often stumble over similar question and observing you and how you solve it provides nice impulses ❤❤❤

[@michellemarcisz7059]

Grief is extraordinary. It has its own timeline. The important thing is forward motion. Kudos to you, for continuing on. I know, you know this. But my advice, is to clear a space. The next day, keep that 1 space clear and if possible build on that. You know this. You’ve done it before. Maybe in a year, or 2 or 3, you can teach at the virtual conference how to Organize after Grief. Because that is definitely a topic unto itself. Anyone that has dealt with it, knows this. 💕

[@johnwolfe2616]

Sue Wolfe- I have been impressed with Dana K White's decluttering process. It might be of help as you ponder some of what to do with the items you have. She talks about the container being the limit on what you keep, which has helped me immensely. Keep on plugging along, Erica! ❤️❤️❤️

[@JaneH3675]

Yes absolutely! Miss Dana helped me a bunch in learning the process.

[@beckyharding6571]

Also a huge Dana fan! I love the fact I walk away having made progress and not an extra pile to sort (plus the steps I get in 😆).

[@tammycaballero9856]

Those checklists for the kids are great! You do so much for your family that I really admire. Homeschooling, cooking, growing, decluttering, crafting, creating and learning while taking care of everything and still having a KZbin channel! You are doing great things even through a lot of heartache. Thanks for your channel, I love it.

[@Diniecita]

I love the table in your room. When you put the plant on it I said, “done! Say you are done.” And you did. I would put a charging station on it because I need somewhere for my kids to charge stuff at night away from them.

[@DBanksofKC]

That sounds like a good idea, and I think there is an outlet right there.

[@ritathainey-clement8222]

Very nice with the table there!! VERY nice!! 😀

[@paigemarcantel3943]

The table looks great there!!!

[@cjs1440]

Erica, add a curtain or a folding screen to the diningroom/school room entry to fully separate the 2 spaces and it will create extra "wall space". U can move all the shelving from the dining room into the school room. Things hanging in the windows can move into the school room windows or "new wall space". The front and sides of your desk is also "wall space" to put shelves against. You will be left with just the pretty cedar chest/buffet in the dining room, fully reclaimed!! 😊 U go girl!!

[@eastonmartin5342]

This would be such a good way for the kids to decompress from school space to meal time with family!

[@cjs1440]

@@eastonmartin5342 yes, my thoughts exactly!

[@sburwell75]

You work through the stress so well by talking it out.

[@madelainetallent3065]

Hi Erica! We mount our legacy board games on a shelf with a lip. They didn’t fit in our linen/coat closet with the rest of our games, they look nice, and we play them way more than we ever did when we were ‘hiding’ them.

[@DBanksofKC]

That sounds like a great idea! Like a "plate" shelf. Maybe on the wall above the cabinet/shelves where you keep other games.

[@ChristianAnneSmith]

Above ideas sounds better than the one I was thinking of, but I’ll share it anyway. It occurred to me that you could put the game shelf on risers. Then you could slide the much bigger board games underneath that space that would be created on the board game shelf. Not sure if this idea would work or not. It might become a tripping hazard if they stick out.

[@helpmetosleep]

like a "picture ledge"

[@laurabonnette8375]

Came here to suggest the same thing. You are doing great Erica!

[@lindalawrence5975]

Erica, excellent video. I love how you reasoned through solving the problem of where to store things. I need to start doing that. Thanks for this video! Take care. Cookie in Mandeville Louisiana

[@kristinakalas8100]

Erica, you made such great progress! I know you homeschool & it’s tough, but I think the whole family would benefit from clear windows, especially with neurodiversity in the family. Let the light & nature shine through. (Maybe hang a cork board & rotate the art weekly, if you feel the need to display it?) I think all of you will feel better! Food for thought. 😉

[@debbieray7563]

Great job! I really enjoy your videos for the motivation, and I am learning from you about making decluttering and reorganizing decisions. God Bless You!

[@Nat073]

A thought for that checklist binder. Maybe put in some tabs with each kids names so they can easily find their section of the binder. And put your oldests section in the back since he’s more organized and doesn’t need it as much.

[@MikeyDonna]

Set the Heart Leaf Philodendron plant in the pretty flowered bowl. That will look nice. Donna

[@faithdenis6746]

Great suggestion!

[@Saforra99]

Those checklists are great!! so cool :)

[@jennyjenkins877]

Really good job... so many helpful nuggets: - I can do hard things (repeat as many times as necessary 😆) - Work smarter, not harder - Name the stress, name the calm, name the solution P.S. I love where you put the table that started it all!

[@fianorian]

I love that there was a moment where everything stopped, while the thought process happened. Sometimes we need to just power through, and sometimes we need to stop and think.

[@conniesmith3922]

Erica, you did a wonderful job on your dining room! Good job. ❤️❤️❤️

[@laurac56]

I really enjoy you talking through the operation. Most organizing/minimizing videos show the before and after with nothing about the process. Please continue doing this.

[@dianamarsden4985]

I like watching the questions you ask yourself about where to put things. The questions and the follow up questions made so much sense to me. I wrote them down to follow as I reset my bedroom. Thank you

[@cherylpeters8466]

so proud of you

[@lorriewittig9066]

IT IS good! IT IS better. Great process and outcome! Now have a coffee!

[@cherylcoolidge8249]

Good job Erica!!

[@lynettemunson7953]

Thank you!

[@dianestone5801]

I like the way you think and talk things through in order to organize rooms. 😊

[@melodymccracken5317]

I enjoy how you walk us through your processing and decision-making! I also loved seeing the checklists you have for your kids. I recently made our kids checklists like this for their morning and evening routines and responsibilities, but I also love the “Get out the Door” checklists you shared! Thank you. 😊

[@barbaraweber3084]

I'm so happy you're back with videos and back at the fight for calm organization.

[@rlkunkle1]

Board Game suggestion: resealable bags for cards, game pieces attach to gameboard and file. or put game board in picture frame and attach game pieces to the back of frame and hang up.

[@Kattenma]

We love our yotos, my kids listen every day!

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

Good job!

[@JustMaritza]

Excellent video. Love how you process out loud to figure out what to proceed next or where to put something as well as keeping focus on one task at a time so you actually get it done. ❤

[@sheilaadams7438]

Good Job👍

[@lizdrummond4086]

It’s great to have your videos back Erica, I’ve missed them!

[@mariahwilson6505]

You are a wise woman Erica. I have adopted many of your questions in my own work/walk through clutter and life 😊. Thank you!

[@nancycosgrove4005]

Hi Erica- isn’t it amazing how once we start the momentum keeps us going? Good for you! 1 step at a time -progress not perfection💕

[@conniefreeman3943]

You give me so much motivation I’m 59 years old live in a studio apartment and watching you helps me get thru a lot of my stuff

[@susanschmidt2252]

Grief/clutter/life/ADHD “I’m ok!” 😂

[@beckysmith2346]

I can’t me home from watching my grandson with little stuff I need to throw away in my pocket. 😂

[@EreIGo]

For the games - maybe a shelf with a lip to store them vertically on the wall, as a piece of art! I find vertical reduces flat spaces, and those games have such sentimental and current emotional value that they deserve to be seen on display! If the shelves are low enough, kiddos can still access them. Love your content!! Thanks for taking us on a think aloud as you went through the process!

[@sandramooso9400]

Hi Erica, if it was me I would take the table in the dining room with the 2 plants (the one you added the Halloween books to) put it in the school room as a centralized place for the 3 reading systems. The plants could go somewhere else.

[@Caseyd1966]

Have you thought about putting all of your board games in the hall closet? When you want to play a game, you walk into the closet to pick one out. That's what we do

[@marlenetaylor3767]

I love seeing your determination and that you are voicing your process…super helpful!!

[@debraturner9433]

The table looks good underneath the pictures with the plant on it. Well done!

[@shearrermadness]

Love the way you talk through the decision process. Just a thought, the binder in the front for the kids, have you thought about dividers and each kid has a tab vs flipping through while binder?

[@susanaustin4809]

The undiagnosed ADHD is a real thing. I also fall in that line. “Stay focused… stay focused” is my thing when working on a project. 😀

[@jackieo2403]

Great job! I can't believe how well you manage all that you do. I always get the feeling that you have too much stuff- too many options but now as I watch you working I get it. You being a visual organizer with multiple kids, homeschooling (and all the stuff that requires) and a lot of "things" (all the options) no wonder it feels like a constant process. You manage your feelings and thought well. Thank you for processing it out loud for us. You are amazing! Table in bedroom looks perfect. Hopefully not another flat surface for stuff (that is my biggest issue. I"m forever setting stuff down "just for a minute"!)

[@danabrown2391]

Your doing a great job just tackling one space at a time. What I notice is how how crowed and hectic the window area look with both window displaying artwork. Could you reduce it down to one string in one window and put a new rule in place that the kids can only have one picture up at a time. When they make another picture the last one has to come down to be either thrown away or but in a SHALLOW bin in their bedrooms to be saved for a while. When its full they have to eliminate th excess. Also could the plant stand be moved to the empty wall without depriving the plants from light?

[@Kate.West.]

Do you think that part of the difficulty is that your home school stuff is spread over multiple rooms? Maybe you could line the walls in the school room with tall shelves so that you can fit everything in there in easy to access bins? The kids could go in any room to do school, but all the “stuff” for school is in one place. Also it would act as a container…. When the room is full, then no more school stuff. Also then when your not doing school your not looking at school stuff, so you have separation.

[@shirleyrankin-zf6nv]

Totally agree with this kids stuff doesn’t have to be in every rm in the house.should all be contained in one rm .children can go get it from there then take it back. When it’s all together you can see how much you have .If it doesn’t fit in one rm then you have too much

[@JaneH3675]

I agree. Each room should be defined as to what space they are. 1 single area as school room would be helpful. I like your comment.

[@JaneH3675]

@@shirleyrankin-zf6nv I agree 👍

[@jeanettekvinlaug2772]

I have seen someone put the big boards for boardgames on the wall like a pickture (without frames.) They fasten it with åickture hanging welcro. The pieces is in a pretty fabric bag on a hook next to it. I am impressed you have the bandwidth and energy to organize now. And it is so nice to see you do it and still take care of yourself. ❤

[@shirleyrankin-zf6nv]

That is a great idea

[@StellaClare29]

OMG I love the thinking music! Haha thanks for thinking through your processes with us! 😊

[@juliemix3373]

Erica, the " self coaching " as you were carrying the table up the stairs, is a tactic I also use. Too funny! This was such a wonderful vlog today. The diningroom is looking so much better; but also functioning better. Cheers

[@roxanes43]

I love your real life talking-through revelations! Looked for you in the Get Organized HQ virtual event this week and was sad to not see you listed in the schedule because your message is so relatable, even to those of us beyond child raising. Must be the ADHD element 😁 Anyways, wanted you to know how much you make in impact 🤗

[@arlenev3818]

Just so appreciate your transparency & your kind spirit; sharing your thought processes aloud is so helpful & encouraging. So very sorry for your losses... may His Grace continue to abound to you & your precious family❤

[@leezasims9959]

Great job......well done slowing your thinking down and slowly and simply solving it and finding solutions

[@maryfindley434]

Put all the board games in the hall closet. That would clear even more clutter from the dining room❤

[@barbaravoneitzen7367]

Maybe display your moms games and all, where you can honor her memory, possibly a shelf on the wall ,or the shelf unit you took upstairs, or bring it back to the dining room. Or just hang the games ( like a painting )so you can see them. Hope this helps. Love to you and your family

[@cheriebee]

It's been a while since I have watched your channel, I love that you are still holding it together! My mom passed away last month and I'm busy emptying her place and of course that means mine will also need to be done. Needed a little inspiration!

[@katelarter]

Your videos are very impressive - love catching up on what you are doing.

[@Elizabeth-tn3su]

Dirt… add it to the list. 😃 made me giggle because that’s what I tell myself. I actually had a few giggles throughout this video. Good job clearing out the room. I’m going too o apply that to my master bedroom. I have a few corners with stuff that goes elsewhere. Thank you for sharing teaching and motivating me!!

[@helenhartley6904]

I'd put the learning things Yodo, etc, on library shelves, in labelled bins. Or the toy shelf. I like to zone areas and/or activities and keep similar things together. Great work making your dining room pretty again!

[@simone9623]

Hello Erica, you did it. I can sometimes procrastinate when I am overwhelmed. But the most of the time we make the task bigger in our heads than it is. I thought maybe you can put the big boardgames in de hallway closet. You can make card with a picture of the cames and put these at the boardgame closet so every one see them so you don't forget them.And maybe you can put something at the sides of the play side table in the living room (wood or fabric or so) so when you walk in to the room, you do look directly in de busy clear bins. I love your video's thank you for being you. Greets Simone

[@13tharticleoffaith]

Re: Yoto- you can make a card from any podcast! That could eliminate the need for your old phone in the mix! We have a Yoto and love it!

[@bria2596]

Yes. Finding home for things is my primary problem. I too have learned that I can do hard things. Thanks so very much!

[@rowboat8343]

10:00 I hear your washing machine! We have the same brand lol . Tricked me for a sec until I remembered my washing machine is not currently going 😂

[@keelienne]

Wow Erica, the checklists are an amazing idea! 💜 I have some Ideas for the toy shelve! Could you consolidate leap frog and the new thing in one bin? That way the top wouldn’t look so crowded. Next I‘d get clear containers WITH LIDS!! Also calms down the looks of it. If you tried that and don’t like it: cut paper to the matching size, let the kids draw something they connect with each device, and glue it inside the box, painted side showing outwards of course 😂 I learn so much from you, maybe with this try I can give something back to you. A warm hug from Europe 🤗

[@keelienne]

And maybe for the big games? Make sure the boxes don’t open, with rubber band or Velcro, or put them in a bag. Than they can be stored between the game shelves and the wall maybe? Or get them a box too and let them live where they are, but contained? You could also take the games out of their boxes and put them into ziplock bags, if that way they fit into the game shelves?

[@SharonKBM]

Wow, you got so much done! The dining room looks great. I also like the table in your bedroom. I would put a small lamp or flameless candle on it. It will make the room feel cozy as you get ready in the morning or to go to bed this winter. ❤

[@mandolynrain01]

For the bigger board games if they can hang on the wall without being aesthetically frustrating that's a great place

[@shadegarden7375]

😃👏🏻👏🏻 “I can do hard things!!”

[@RadCenter]

I love watching you work through your decluttering process. I can almost see the wheels turning in your brain as you make each decision. Suggestion for the two large board games: The Scrabble game would probably fit under the board game shelf unit. And the Monopoly board could be displayed vertically on a floating ledge on the wall above the board games. That way all the games would be together, and the beautiful Monopoly board would be in a location where it would remind you of your stepdad.

[@pamb.7152]

What a great job! Love the table you moved into your bedroom. I think a lamp and maybe a candle added to the plant on table would look nice. Could you possibly get a large armoire or cabinet with doors, place it on large wall in dining room and put your art supplies and games inside, this would get rid of any visual clutter and would feel as a true dining room.

[@jennyksslr]

I appreciate you so much for sharing the process. Because, it shows me how to work through it. 💗

[@angelaolha7531]

The console looks pretty on your room, but I’m wondering if you could make it fit in the school room and put the turn-in bin and books on it in there?

[@vickimontgomery5271]

I love the narrow table in your bedroom under the pictures!

[@rebeccam1027]

You’re the master of thinking/talking it through, Erica!! 💪🏻🏆🎉 I was thinking shelving in the front closet would help, and you have it! When did you move that there? That’s great 😁

[@aprilsunflower7440]

I like the plant on that shelf. I also have to make it a point not to fill each space 🙃. Fun/ helpful video. TFS 😊

[@susanspringall8603]

I love your processing out loud. I need to hear your voice in my head as I work on my decluttering.

[@Diniecita]

I am taking a HUGE haul to the thrift store. I hope that someone else can use those things. I just need them gone. Its just too much for me. And I am buying less and less junk.

[@healthylifeingredients6211]

Erica. I just had to tell you, that shirt is stunning on you.... the neckline, the sleeves and the material. It lays beautifully on you. I used to teach Sp Ed and watching you teach kids at various grades literally makes my head cave in. I don't know how you do it ! You'd make an excellent teacher once your kids leave the nest. I feel ya on the empty space. I decided when my girls leave for good (when I'm a true empty nester not just away for college ), I'm going to empty their rooms and go in there and sit on the floor and enjoy the bareness LOL! Have a GREAT day!

[@margaretmarks6685]

Im new to your channel. I love your process! It seems to me that you have a room dedicated to the children already. Set that room up to hold all their toys, books etc. If you need to find a table, some comfortable chairs, a bookshelf, cork board.... whatever, make that the room that they know their things are in. The dinning room can be more of a whole family space. They can take the item from the room and take it back when they're done. You have children's things all over the house. I like the little table upstairs. A small lamp would be nice there. Or find another container for the small audio toys and put that beautiful China bowl on your little table upstairs wit a plant or flowers. I'll be watching! You're doing great! See you later! 😊❤

[@sulmaoropeza7848]

Love the checklist binder at the entrance.

[@monicacreates]

Loved hearing or thought process.I had a lot of orginazing to do last week because of changing furniture and it´s so hard having to make all those decisions about where to out everything 😥

[@ksk881]

I felt like I was watching myself talk my way through the “whys” of decluttering/organizing. I’m not good at making room layouts on paper, so I move things around as I’m talking my plans out loud. Thanks for your videos. I love them.

[@sonjasolaris23]

Hey Erica, I am so impressed about your good spirit! Whenever I collect things to put them away later the laundry basket which I use for collecting is ocupied for weeks. I am just not able to finish. Especially with a toddler. What I do instead is bringing every items to it's place right away. It surely takes longer but I can stop any time and there is progress may it be little and the laundry basket is empty and useable. Have a lovely evening!

[@sarahhare9512]

Great improvement, it looks so tidy! 🎉

[@lindamusser7370]

That table looks lovely there! This motivates me. My dining room is a mess! I love to see you declutter and organize!

[@hollymuehleisen1779]

Could you find a way to display the games on the wall? They could be art until you are ready to play. Maybe a shelf with a lip so they could rest at an angle? Thanks for talking things through, that's one of the reasons I really enjoy your videos! Helps me figure out things out too.

[@patriciaalldred1036]

Really like the console table in the bedroom. Good Idea❤

[@gelukkig1357]

Such a good video. Thank you❤

[@marielchan5147]

You are doing such an amazing job with your kids! I am at the tail end of homeschooling. We have graduated two girls from high school and now we have a 10th and 12th grader (still homeschooling). Embrace the process. I remember back those days, school stuff every where- kitchen table? I just had to chuckle. My OCD- that went out the window. Now that we are at the tail end- our home has cleared up. The younger kids books and activities have gone on to bless other families. We still have many puzzle boxes (those thousand pieces now)- which we store inside a coffee table. Still have lots of games (monopoly, Life, Settlers of Catan, etc)- those now are in a bookshelf (just for games) in the living area- it's where the kids and their friends gather to play games. Big hugs to you.. time does fly!

[@deborahderosa4987]

I put seasonal books in a cute basket where we see them. Love the table there. Loved listening to you thinking through the stressor.

[@bethstratton3391]

Brilliant job Erica. Keeping going you are doing fantastically well. I loved that you talked yourself and your viewers through the whole process of where to put things and what the problems were in the first place with the space. I think the console table looks perfect in that space in your bedroom with the picture frames above. Just have to watch it doesn’t become a dumping ground for clutter or a ‘deal with things later’ space, as all flat surfaces tend to become.

[@ritathainey-clement8222]

I just phoned you today and I’ve been watching you for hours. I think you’re terrific and I gree with everything I’ve seen you do so far. I think you’re my new favorite Carrie

[@ritathainey-clement8222]

I don’t know where “Carrie” came from and I FOUND you today - I did not phone you today. Lol