DECLUTTER Before the Move [Part 3]

[@Julie-rc7wl]

You speak so kindly to one another through all this process. It says so much about you both. I love seeing that and I love that you guys have each other. ❤️

[@toniisaacsen4987]

Anyone else feel completely gratified when the crawl space was empty...and we had nothing to do with It? Great job Erica! Now go buy some more Cheerios! 😆

[@mothersuperior6751]

You both picked up that blue wedge. Looked at the camera saying “what is this” hilarious.

[@AndyLucas363]

I still don’t know what it was for.

[@mehart01]

I think it might be a yoga wedge (not sure of the proper name) meant for hand supported poses. It eases the stress on your wrists.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

winner!!!

[@ahoardersheart]

Yesssss girl, cheering you on for the Declutter 🌟🌟🌟 Your children are absolutely adorable!!!

[@Mar10la]

Yay, I'm so happy you follow her as well 😄 I have been thinking Erica's channel could be inspiring for you (not that you need it much, lol) 😊 You're both knocking it out of the park!

[@ahoardersheart]

Mariola we all are inspiring to each other with our encouragement 💖✨💖✨ We are stronger together!!!

[@Mar10la]

@@ahoardersheart So true! You both have been to me as well 🤗

[@jessicagoodwin3408]

Yay! I'm glad you found her @ahoardersheart ! She has great views on decluttering!

[@joeseatat]

Hey! It's hoarder's heart. I literally have you qeued up next!

[@robinduke3184]

Y’all are killin it, girl!!! Something I’m taking away from this particular video is, you didn’t add stress to yourself by trying to sell things if you didn’t want or need to sell it. You just donated and blessed someone. You kicked the guilt to the curb and I love it. 🎉

[@reneea7811]

Yes! Thank you for showing us that! We are moving too and I've realized that I want less clutter more quickly than I want to recoupe a fraction of what that stuff cost me. Thinking "I should sell that stuff" just increases my anxiety and guilt. Reminding my self that "should" is a judgy four-letter word that's empty of grace also helps too 😉

[@AndyLucas363]

We decided to only sell things that we can reasonably expect to get at least $20 for. The little things, while they might sell, just aren’t worth our time or effort.

[@kathyharris1277]

WELL DONE YOU GUYS!!! Erica, you are an OUTSTANDING individual!! All you've done while your husband was deployed!! 😲 Sooo many hats you've worn & wear, wife, mother, teacher, 'declutterer.' In the words of Little Richard, "Good Golly Miss Molly!!!!" 👍❤🌞

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

"I want to be the person that makes........ I am not the person who makes." Real moment for me.

[@Raxx777]

I remember how overwhelmed you were your very first vid on decluttering that space- this must have been very statisfying for you. thanks for sharing- PS Ranger was so cute puttering around there.

[@clairekurdelak2913]

I’ve been watching all your videos, from oldest to newest, and I’m realizing, this house with the crawl space, which was “never really home” to Andy, was where you managed on your own with the three little kids while he was away so much! It is understandable that so many of the boxes from the last move were never opened. I am so happy for you in all the progress you have made!

[@sonniecampbell1788]

SO satisfying seeing empty crawl space!!! APPLAUSE APPLAUSE!!!!!

[@angelamelville67]

You have both done so so well together, and donated so much stuff. As a hoarder who's trying my hardest to de-clutter, you've really made me think I can do it, even though I'm on my own and have chronic fatigue syndrome and depression, I can do it in small amounts. Ive already got rid of so much during the lockdown, but felt I hadn't done enough. But in reality I have done loads. Thank you for sharing your journey with us ❤🇬🇧

[@liatori6214]

"I wanted to be that person, that would make raviolis. But I am not". Lessons I learned for myself too.

[@poodlegirl55]

And truth be told frozen don't taste different and if she ever actually hankered to make some she could just roll out dough, cut with a knife and crimp with a fork. No machine needed.

[@ruthlloyd1163]

poodlegirl55 absolute truth 😂👍🏻

[@reneea7811]

Hi Erica!!! There's actually a fanshy minimalism term for "that person" - it's called your "fantasy self" (aka: the person you would like to be, hope to be, or want to be again). Tossing everything you've bought for your fantasy self (hobby items, kitchen gadgets, fashion experiments, etc) is an AWESOME method for decluttering your life! Thank you so much for your vids... I'm learning so much, enjoying your journey, and cheering you on!!!

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

Ikr! Theres so many fantasy self items that sometimes you dont even realise are fantasy self items until youve reached a certain self awareness & point in your decluttering journey! I think its not so much always fantasy self either but also letting go of the past self and realising you cant do the same things you did for example motorbiking and being like im no longer this person i loved that chapter but for now it has to be closed since realistically my future self wont be needing or wanting that for at least 10 or 20 years or if ever. I love watching other people declutter for this reason because it gives me strength to continue with the harder later stages of it all with renewed clarity 😊😊😊

[@reneea7811]

@@EmmaAppleBerry Sometimes you don't even realize fantasy self items until you've reached a certain self awareness... and let go of the past. Excellent insights, Emma!

[@locleen]

Loved the “I wanted to be the person who makes homemade ravioli, but I’m not.” So true for a huge percentage of stuff kept over the years!

[@louisaseapy6117]

I love how the dog keeps checking on you. Doggy seems to be asking, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

[@LaDonnaMills]

I almost cried when you turned that light off in the empty crawl space!!! What a tremendous accomplishment on your journey to minimalism!!!

[@annhardesty1696]

Thank you for the amount of items you donated, instead of trashing.

[@amandab.6815]

Your husband is doing so good! Usually its hard for people to make quick decisions and let go of things when they first start, but he is a champ!

[@dawnsfields]

Ah yes, I remember my own “ going to make homemade pasta “ phase ... made it once and kept the darn pasta machine for a decade! We all live and learn.

[@leeannalmanza3182]

maybe you could put a wood plank as a ramp so the baby ducks can escape the pool?

[@lorenet.2182]

good idea. neighbors have had to refill their pool twice this year $$$$. Shocking didn't work as planned.

[@rusaka4009]

or put some small boxes or something similar on stairs, so they have more but lower stairs to climb

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Yes.. Those ducks need to get out asap.. They need food! And the deep pool won't provide them with any.. Or if not a ramp.. Use a pool net and box.. Catch in net and drop in a box on the pool floor.. Then carry them in the box out of the pool.. You can't lift the net out of pool.. To high.. They might fall out!

[@Mar10la]

Good idea! Those ducklings need to get out asap, because they're possibly not getting enough nutrition in there

[@pamelamorrisonn]

Ya😀😀

[@embee5605]

I seriously love that your kid said, "Because it might be good for dance parties." This is the mark of a truly creative child and how we role at my house. :)

[@tinekejoldersma]

Oh my, girl, you did it! It's empty. Bringing back that U-haul is the only problem? Tsssss. Are you getting those ducks out? They need food that's not in that pool. Your kids are doing great considering you move their school/home/playground. You and Andy are a good team.

[@lenarobins2480]

Lots of kudos to you donating organizing bins, I think that's my biggest struggle is containers, I'm afraid to let go of containers until I have my decluttering everything else paired down and things situated how I like because I dont want to buy them twice.

[@dianneknowles645]

Wow!! That was so satisfying seeing your empty crawl space!! I’m soooo impressed with all you’ve done. I love how you speak to and about Andy. It’s so respectful and loving! Can’t wait to see the set up of the new house!! Exciting!🎉🎉🎉

[@thebiggshomesteadkitchen]

I cheered for you when the lady box came out of the crawl space!! Yay!!

[@pilady737]

Great progress Well done. So glad to see your effort rewarded.Best wishes for your simple enjoyable life.Enjoy some time just for you each day and keep that self looked after so you can care for others.

[@wyoag12]

THE CRAWL SPACE IS EMPTY!!!! Wahoo!!! You guys are awesome!

[@burkey1168]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Fabulous Job-The Crawl Space is done.What a weight has been lifted from your shoulders 🥳🎉😀

[@jennylhenry78]

A job well done Erica (and Andy)! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 What an amazing husband who came in like a knight in shinning armor and blew through that crawl space. 💪🏻

[@sarahjones5425]

The crawl space is empty. Congratulations 👏! Cheering you guys on!

[@stephaniechesser902]

Awesome job 👍🏻 no more crawl space

[@robynw6307]

Can't believe how much driving you must be doing during this move. Fuel costs thru the roof, I bet. What an amazing husband you have Erica. He is so supportive of the journey you have been on, and so willing to "catch up" with you. Lucas family, you rock.

[@susanhonkoski7706]

Hi Erica, I have been with you every step of the way. I got a tear when I saw the empty crawl space also I so admire your relationship with your wonderful husband. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us!!!

[@laurennoel5176]

I deeply admire the way you and Andy communicate with each other with such respect. That's something you just don't see a whole lot of these days. You guys are couple goals! You've both done SUCH an amazing job on this journey! Cheering your family on, so happy for your progress! ❤ PS I love how you and Andy are both book lovers and you can see the light in your eyes when you talk about books you love. As a fellow book lover, i always feel happy when I find such kindred spirits ❤

[@bmoremom8458]

Empty crawl space Yahoo! I can see how it’s a perfect trap for storing all those things we think we need or are too anxious to let go.

[@poodlegirl55]

Anyone else hoping she never has a crawl space again??

[@MrsApril-kx9wt]

Erica you amaze and inspire me! I am 48 with a husband and 3 kids at home and started my decluttering journey around the first of this year. Almost done with top floor of house (besides hubbys things 😉)You have accomplished sooo much while managing kids,a household, home schooling , and a KZbin channel!!! AND preparing for a move while helping hubby transition back into home life after deployment!!!😮🤩💪🏆 So happy to see the great teamwork y’all have and how Andy is all In decluttering with you. 😍GOALS!!!

[@TheAtWhatCostBlog]

Wooo hooooo! What a beautiful empty space! Nice job!

[@makola1970]

This is lovely - it's true allow the children to choose what they keep. It's such a traumatic thing moving as a child. Having familiar things at the new place is very comforting. My grown up son has a lot of transformers from his childhood too! I was so happy to see them! Also if u put some wood or something the ducklings to climb on they'll be able to get out. The mother duck probably wants to take them grazing

[@jennieadlam6005]

Erica you gave done an amazing job. You should be super proud of yourself xx

[@lisaannbrown904]

I love that you say his path can be his- so true. It’s what makes a marriage work

[@alexysgonzales748]

You have done so much work! I'm happy to see that your husband dived in when he came home too. Great job!! Thanks for bringing us along with you! I like playing your videos as I clean, the REALNESS is very motivating.

[@juniperberry5261]

You are doing so well decluttering and donating. Enjoying these very much xx

[@pattik8335]

You've done an AMAZING job! Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration!

[@annw1395]

The "before" video of the crawl space was daunting enough, but we couldn't tell how terrifyingly enormous that crawl space was!! Congratulations! Sweet victory!

[@ibraidhair]

What an accomplishment! I was overwhelmed just by looking at the number of boxes you had under there! I'm so thankful we had drastically downsized before moving. We were completely unpacked and settled in less than 2 weeks. Ah-mazing!

[@susieq2334]

You and Andy are doing an awesome job raising sweet and well rounded children(and Ranger)💖Blessings to your all🙂

[@pamelatorres6725]

You guys have done an amazing job! Moving is stressful and decluttering and raising small children is enough to stress the best of people out. I really like how you two are still being sweet to one another even when you are thrown another curve ball such as the air conditioner in your new place isn’t working. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you and for being so motivating.

[@sandywlaschin3878]

You have been my inspiration for decluttering after our renovation. Thankfully my kids are older and on board and helpful. Still trying to see if my husband sees the light. I like how you mentioned it is Andy’s choice

[@iceman3195]

I got such a thrill of anticipation when Andy pulled that desk out! 🙌🙌🙌 well done Erica, you’ve smashed out a seemingly impossible task almost single-handedly!!!

[@Hopefulheart007]

It's amazing how much stuff fit in that crawl space and it's great that you were able to declutter it all.

[@junecornish6049]

Hi Erica,I have been watching your decluttering journey from the start,you have done such a marvellous job. Just wanted to wish you,Andy and your children good luck and lots of love in your new home.xx

[@marilynrafla6628]

It's great that you are giving Andy the space to decide what he wants to be regarding simple living. That yellow thing is an infant carseat insert so newborns don't feel wobbly.

[@laurieg6416]

Wow, Erica, you guys are doing an amazing job! Not only the decluttering, but not forcing it on others in the family. What did the trick when my kids were young was, a month before Christmas and birthdays, I told them they needed to donate/throw out toys to make room if they wanted new toys. (Our house is tiny, only so much room for stuff.) Their "treasures" suddenly became less valuable to them. They were so ruthless, a few times I pulled something out of the pile and tucked It away because I still treasured it. (I still have the stuffed Peter Rabbit, though my youngest is 32!) It was especially funny when they started selling things to their friends. They remain canny salesmen and negotiaters! 😂

[@katieevans6614]

Watching this was a great way to start my day! Your kids are so sweet and adorable, I was laughing nonstop in the beginning scene. Now I know why our dance parties never seem to be complete :)

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Obviously missing a checkerboard lol

[@momof6931]

I thought it was soooo cute!

[@naomiquinlivan905]

I thought it was sweet when the little one brought Olaf for his sister to love.

[@megan2176]

Love that Andy kept his childhood Transformers!! They're more than meets the eye, after all. ;) My husband thought the line was "Morgan eats the pie" when he was a kid! :)

[@23Jesa]

I can’t believe it’s empty! I’m so proud of you!! Great job!! Love from Germany!!

[@deborahph6223]

You should be so pleased with yourself - what a difference !!! Well done 👍

[@sarahvandekendelaere8761]

Dear Erica! What a job! Whoot whoot! Such a relief to see all the stuff in the crawlspace go... I imagine you feel much lighter and happier! You're not the same person I started watching all those months ago. You've grown so much in so many ways. You inspire me ❤️❤️❤️

[@pennybentley5125]

Yous are doing a great job ! I love how your Dog 🐕 is always with you watching and makes sure your ok 🥰💐

[@lourlopezsk]

I cannot believe how happy I am to see the crawl space empty 😂 We're all happy for you and your family for this new beginning, Erica ❤

[@cbigg_8844]

Congrats on an empty crawl space!! Major accomplishment! I think it's great that you and Andy are respecting each other's ideas. He's trying it out and you're giving him the space to do it (or not). Good luck with the move and get those baby ducks out!

[@jacquelinepetersen9061]

great job letting go of things. Now fresh start at the new house. Happy for your family

[@marissamarie5095]

I have been following your since you started this journey and emptying and going through the basement and crawl space before you moved again has to feel amazing!! I’m over here so freaking excited for you!!! You did it!!!

[@Cherylsgirls]

Wow, wow, wow...the amount of stuff you crammed in that crawl space! But better yet, the amount of stuff you’ve gone through and decluttered! It must feel SO GOOD!! It’s great that you won’t be taking it all to the new house.

[@alisonallen7545]

Great job decluttering! Also, thank you for sharing the importance of taking care of ones self. If we don't take care of ourselves, no one else will. :)

[@jenl576]

Yay! Every bit of your progress has moved you in the right direction, even if you dont finish it all before you move, you have still come so far! Don't let perfect be the enemy of good!

[@reneea7811]

That's great encouragement Jen! I couldn't have said it better ☺

[@evatoon984]

You have done an amazing job Erica!!! That kind of job is emotional and overwhelming, and you are sticking to it! Great job 👏🏼👏🏼💪🏼 can’t wait to see your new place! Ps would love to see more on your health fitness journey

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Smart woman delegating the crawl space to the younger folks. 😉

[@simplejoyfilledliving]

I have loved seeing Andy home with you! Thanks for the motivation to continue purging and packing!

[@stowie5790]

Doing the before and after of the crawl space was so awesome!! I remember your first video showing the crawl space and you did not know where to start. You give so much hope and inspiration to the rest of us! I’m not a ravioli making person either!

[@yoyokjo]

Well done Erica!! That before shot of the crawl space- wow!! So proud of you- taking it piece by piece!! Inspiring!!!

[@eliaazcarate9918]

Omg is shocking to see it finally empty, soooooo satisfying.🤗🤗🤗🤗👍👍👍

[@eliaazcarate9918]

Great job!

[@kellybarrett1561]

I cheered when you took the last thing out of the crawl space!!

[@HomerStay]

Érica!!!! You are amazing!!! The crawl space was sooooo full. 👏👏👏you are so inspiring.

[@ruthellender4626]

That empty crawl space feels so good was cheering you on!

[@tammiledford5104]

Watching this video....I am very proud of your husband for actually taking the time to go through his items & getting rid of things. I am a minimalist as well & getting the family on board in your journey is not always an easy one. People often do not understand or misunderstand what minimalism is. Tell your hubby I said “Way to go!” 🙂

[@madeleinesvensson-m3y]

You two! Doing so good together! I am happy to see that your husband is decluttering with such joy beside you! Can’t wait to see your new house and following along this journey!

[@kaytexfolkart3412]

Donuts are so important when trying to decide what toys to keep!😀. Y’all have done great on the crawl space-- and Andy is decluttering too! A new plan forward! Oh no! No Cheerios!,,,,

[@mwcmwc8768]

You and Andy are an amazing team!

[@ansievicente]

You did it! Whoop whoop!

[@rebeccaadams6741]

Andy is 5 months younger 😂😂😂😂 you cracked me up with that 🤣

[@pompom2025]

I'm 3 months older than my husband and he enjoyed a little too much telling people when I turned 30 and also at 40 that I was older than him. Maybe I can use the excuse like Erika that he is younger when I don't want to fo something 😆

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

@@pompom2025 tell him to respect his elders 😂😂😂 or youth before beauty when he tells you to go first at something.

[@pompom2025]

@@EmmaAppleBerry yes!! 😆

[@amandastone348]

Oh my gosh I just seen this part and it has me cracking up too!!

[@beckysmith2346]

I’m two years older than my husband so he says I robbed the cradle. 😂 We met one our late twenties.

[@carolynoquinn1638]

You guys did so Great! He's getting better at donating. As you say, if it's been in crawl space for 2.5 yrs, and you haven't missed it.....

[@KnottyMaker]

Oh I so felt you when you said you wanted to be the person that made homemade ravioli, but you aren't the person to make homemade ravioli!! In my journey, that is one thing I've had to realize and admit. Yes, this could be fun, and yeah I would love to be a certain person, but I'm not and I'm ok with that. :) You've done amazing!

[@tammyobryant7216]

Decluttering is such a greatttt feeling to help others with stuff you don't even use ....

[@chichi8931]

Yes, but I also feel for the money wasted on things they did buy but did not use. How to deal with this kind od feelings?

[@beckysmith2346]

She addresses feeling guilt about spending in some of her earlier videos.

[@britniewing4012]

Wow, you should be so proud of yourself. You worked so hard and are growing as a person! Great job!

[@loreneknight9755]

Yeah Erica...your NOT stressed!!! What a wonderful journey your on. You ARE doing it...& that is AMAZING ❤️. Keep on fighting the good fight 💪

[@1207susant]

I know this is physically exhausting! Good job.

[@wwpajerocat7292]

Well done for finally finishing the crawlspace! You must feel so relieved to be done with it as it created so much stress for you at the start of your journey! Keep at it and good luck for your move

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

Aww i love Andys clips and decluttering process! Seriously appreciate him filming that for us! (& you of course for always being awesome)

[@annarchydeclutteranddesign413]

Kudos to Andy for being able to let go his skill saw, and a De Walt, at that! There's an even greater societal expectation on using a skill saw for men, than there is on us women to make raviolis! And being able to donate his guitar amp shows an impressive amount of maturity, too. A worthy partner for such an impressive woman. God bless you both.

[@brendajordan9989]

U r such a great Mom and it shows in your children. Your whole family is adorable 🥰

[@Lantanana]

Erica, I think becoming a minimalist is similar to a larva becoming butterfly. It takes time. Your journey reminds me of mine. I moved a year ago. I had way way too much stuff, and did a lot of downsizing while packing for the move. However, I arrived with way to much stuff. I require assistance to unpack and organize. I have the most wonderful lady in the world helping me a few hours a week. A year later we are STILL unpacking and downsizing and organizing, but now I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. I can only let go of so much each week.... lol. Within a few months, my house will be perfect for the first time in years. I will be able to get to everything I own, and will therefore be able to use and enjoy my stuff! I see you are having to take the last bit of stuff with you. Keep up your good work of unpacking and downsizing when you get to your new location! You will reach the finish line eventually! I am looking forward to your unpacking adventure in your new house!

[@corinnestauffiger5693]

I really was relived myself to see that space finally empty! Good luck for the move! You both did a great job!

[@lauriedunn6198]

Thank you for taking the time to include us in the process during such a busy time! We cannot avoid all stress. You have visibly become calm during this journey and you demonstrate a sense of joy now that Andy is home that was missing before. So much work done

[@lindamaglione7189]

The ducks are adorable....what a great welcome to a new home! You are so smart to not try to push through to get everything done at once; sets one up for regret and much stress. Good for you! Will say a prayer for a smooth move for you.

[@designedlife2984]

You did an amazing job this round. Kudos to Andy who is jumping right into minimalism, and also at how quickly he can make decisions. Love that you included your children in the process as well. 🤗 I can definitely relate to the idea of the "fantasy" self and wanting to go the extra mile for loved ones. However, the minimalist journey actually lends itself to the true quality family time. 💯 I can also relate to listening more to your mind and body. It can be particularly challenging as a caregiver. Wishing you and your family a smooth move and much joy in your new "home".P.S. the baby ducks were precious and I'd try to offer them an exit ramp ASAP!!😊👍💗🏠🦆

[@rosalbabee1987]

Erica... a lot of times I can’t look because you keep so much, BUT I am rooting for you!!Minimalism in house and life is a great, life changing attitude. Good luck in your new home from Texas!

[@elizabethbrundagemediajour150]

Always stressful when downsizing and making a major move. You are working at your own pace to keep the stress level down and enjoy some happy family time.

[@regdesousa9763]

Love it that Erica keeps it real ..I can relate to her .. We are a retired military family and what I miss the most about being active is the moves !!It forced us to declutter at every move !!So I have to be mindful about decluttering so I don’t accumulate.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Oh that's so true. We haven't moved in 2.5 years and I'm feeling IT lol

[@fionawhelan522]

Only at 4mins in and already crying, hearing you speak about Andy just makes me happy😅

[@iowahart4275]

I love watching how well you and your husband are working together on this. You’re such an amazing team ❤️ you definitely have a keeper!! ☺️