EXTREME DECLUTTER - 3 Month Minimalist Journey | Before and After | House Tour | Beginner Minimalist

[@queernarwhal]

As the daughter of a hoarder, I wish my mum had cared enough about us to do what you have done for yourself and your children. Congratulations on real self-reflection, putting in the hard work of change and growth. You are giving your children more than you know.

[@mssuezee6178]

You my dear are amazing 🙏 and your mom was not well, like my sis,she adores her kids. I love your soul because you see the miracle. Blessings to you🙏🙋

[@kaitlyne1870]

That's so heartbreaking that you grew up feeling that way. I'm sure your mom truly did love you. My aunt is also a hoarder, which has always put a huge strain on her's and he'd daughter's relationship. But, from the outside looking in we could tell that my aunt really did love her daughter, she just didn't (and still doesn't) know how to let go of things. She's so terrified that if she gets rid of an item she'll lose the memory attached to it. I'm not saying this to tell you you're wrong to feel the way you do. I just hope it can make you feel better knowing that it wasn't that you weren't loved or that she didn't care. She just didn't know how to do what you needed from her. ❤️

[@gypsypath1]

Katie Rosa This is perfect!

[@lenabruening5942]

I am the child of a hoarder as well, it took me so much work to get to the point I have to make sure I wouldn’t be like my mom, and she still is unwilling to change her lifestyle despite the way it negatively affects our family. I used to hoard as a kid and I’m so grateful I was able to get help. My mom refuses to.

[@km-lw2uc]

Have mercy on your mom

[@katienutt3576]

I don’t even know you, but I’m like so freaking proud of you!!!!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Katie Nutt thank you!!

[@lexysweet2780]

^^ what she said! Just found your channel and I’m excited to see your journey!

[@kaitlyne1870]

@@lexysweet2780 same! That is a huge project you tacked! I'm so proud of all the hard work you did!

[@lisamorice4701]

Me too! Well done you. This was my first video here but I'm pretty impressed. I'm going to watch more that's for sure.

[@jordanwilliams9300]

Me too. I've never seen this channel before, and I'm already amazed!

[@sarahjones5425]

The Messy Minimalist uses the term clutter blindness. It's hard to see the mess if you've been around it for so long. You are doing such a great job!!!!!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Sarah Jones oh I like that! I watch her but hadn’t heard her say that.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

I'm going to remember that about not seeing the mess after a while. Sometimes I look at my living space and imagine I'm seeing it for the first time, as if I was a visitor. That motivates me to clean and clear out.

[@forgivenandredeemed9460]

So true!!!!

[@edennis3202]

@@andrewbrendan1579 It helps to take a photo. I have clutter blindness in the worst way, but taking a photo shows me the undeniable truth.

[@poodlegirl55]

The way I painlessly got rid of a ton of paper clutter a couple years ago was to buy a small, flat basket at Dollar Tree and every evening I would open the big cabinet full of crap and randomly pull out enough to fill the basket. I would sort through it on the couch in the evening and in the morning put what wasn't garbage into my new filing system. I actually started looking forward to the chore!!! Yard by yard life is hard, inch by inch it's a cinch.

[@lauraann7816]

I like everything you said!

[@eileenfuentes6975]

This!

[@ksharpe8137]

That sound doable...gonna try it myself!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

poodlegirl55 that sounds possible!!! I really can’t do it at once because it’s so much.

[@deborahwood1536]

great idea!!!

[@vic70ria]

“It takes the amount of time it needs to take!” Thank you for sharing that message.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

vic70ria indeed! I feel too pressured with a timeline. It takes time to process emotions that come up.

[@MadameMinima]

Yes, it really takes time, decluttering is a marathon and not a sprint. I have been on my minimalist journey for almost 4 years now and I am still not done. But I don't give up, every little step brings me nearer to my goal.

[@terrigb8436]

Oh, do not make your bed ever, it needs to dry out as we perspire in bed with our woman hormones, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it and suggest everyone does.

[@terrigb8436]

Just also forgot to mention, I am starting my decluttering today, I’m in Australia and it is 2.50am now so I will start my path later today and I will take my time yet try and be a bit speedy when I can be, love your honesty

[@MythOfMe]

Terri G B hi Terry, I’m in Australia too and yes, I’ve been on this journey for over a year as it takes time when everyday activities need doing...with a toddler etc 😀🇦🇺🌷

[@cindys4548]

Wow you are doing this by yourself without a "Certified Professional Organizer" and I personally am Soooooo proud of you!!! You go girl!!!

[@RachelStrickland]

When you said "minimal-ish" I felt like we should be friends. 😂

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Rachel Strickland it’s a real thing! That awkward phase between too much and just enough. I am loving this phase.

[@rondadepenbusch8152]

Erica Lucas great job !! Looks great !! Keep it going !!

[@roxanaconception]

Rachel Strickland ,lol. Yes. 😊

[@trinket_x6392]

Right?! 19 seconds in, and I'm like "I feel that in my soul"

[@lisamorice4701]

That's me - striving to be minimal-ish. That will be my perfect sweet spot.

[@jennys9043]

A lot of minimalism “transformation” videos start with homes that are already less cluttered than mine. THANK YOU for keeping it REAL!!!!! Subscribed 😊🙏🏼

[@kathy3178]

You have made a lot of progress in only 3 months! It is a long road but so worth it.

[@staceykersting705]

Yes! 3 months is SO quick! I keep removing layers, filling 1 or 2 shopping bags per week still...was a leaf bag a week at first!

[@stephaniebryantryan2783]

I love your sincerity. It’s a refreshing change from those staging their life. This is real life! Kudos to you and your family.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Stephanie Ryan thank you Stephanie!

[@theretiredlife7185]

When you realised you had two of that game, my heart broke for you and I wanted to givenyou the biggest hug. Thank you for showing us your inspiring jouney. I really appreate it.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Susan B it’s hard to be vulnerable and I’m so glad to have the support.

[@astgoddess]

When there's two, gift one away!

[@pegasusquilts]

I've found quite a few duplicates at my house. Spices, books, sewing patterns, kitchen tools. Even things that I was sad that I'd thought I had given away and was contemplating replacing--again--which would have meant three-- and my friends didn't think I was a clutter bug.

[@TracyAkamine]

I have duplicates of lots of things😞

[@paulaboynton8299]

I love “minimalish”. I’m right there with you. When I started my declutter, I went to two places every week. The landfill and the Salvation Army. That lasted for a year. Then my trips were less often. That was my progress. Slow and steady. It felt so good. I smiled all the way home.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Paula Boynton wonderful!! I’m proud of you!

[@annetnedelec9453]

Great thing, giving them away! It breaks my heart to see people dumping good stuff in the bin. So bad this consumerist society.

[@SouthernMama2five]

So glad you showed up on my home screen. Many people show the results of minimalism. This is minimalism IN PROGRESS...exactly where I am right now. Some days it feels too hard, some days I hear a message like yours and am encouraged to press on. Thanks for sharing your story. 😊

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Beth Caron hi Beth! Welcome!! Minimalism is progress is such a fuzzy phase. I took a bit to settle into that minimalish phase but I’m liking it! What are you working on currently to find your minimalism?

[@lauraflood3573]

Thank-you so much for sharing the real life stuff!!! So inspiring! Congratulations you’ve done an amazing job!

[@miriambolton773]

Lego idea from years of 3 boys playing with Legos. Put out a small blanket to dump the pieces on. They can dump and play in any space. When it's time to pick up, shake the blanket back into the bin or ball up the blanket. No little Legos on the floor to step on in the night. It was wonderful and that is how they played!

[@TiaMat99]

tip for the Lego's: give the boys a sheet they can play on. After they're done playing, they can just pull up the corners, tip everything back into the box.

[@staceykersting705]

Wow! that's very cool!

[@erickanyc8907]

Wow! That is such a cool idea! I'm going to pass this one on to friends and family. Thank you Smart Lady.👏👏💛

[@braileinrose333]

I was just about to comment the exact same thing! Stepping on Legos is the WORST!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

ta vh I’ve decided to take this advice. I’m going to try this!

[@joanklaczek4009]

If the boys play LEGO on top of the sheet, it’s really fun for them to each grab two corners, get all the LEGO in the middle, and then put the whole sheet in a Large Tote. Easy to play again ,they just open the tote and stretch out the blanket.

[@beachcruising4607]

I love how real you are and how strong minded you were to just say I’m sick of this and I’m doing something about it and then sharing it with the world. Amazing job!!!

[@s.eckert2682]

I really like your honesty about your feelings and the state of your house! This is so much more helpful than a "quick" declutter and pretending that that was all one had to do. Life's ups and downs will reflect in the state of a home. But you show how much easier it is to regain order, when there is no clutter and everything has a home. Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring others to follow. Merry Christmas and a great start into the New Year!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

S. Eckert happy new year!

[@99Georgette]

I have been following you on your decluttering journey. While I don’t think that i will ever reach minimalism, i have been encouraged by you to declutter as I was just stressed by all the stuff. I started with my closet, my daughter helped. I immediately halved the amount of clothes and donated them. I think that in 2020 I will reduce again by half. I am moving on to various areas of my house, albeit at a slower pace than you. I did my cookbooks last night, and again, halved immediately. I allowed myself a certain space(small shelf) for cookbooks. If more come in, some have to leave. Thx for sharing your efforts in a honest, real manner.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

99Georgette me too. The idea of minimalism can be subjective. I can’t see myself without tv but I can live with less bowls. Does that make sense? I’m minimalish. 😂

[@robynw6307]

If you only have a couple of recipes in a book that interest you, photocopy those and donate the book. You could get a binder to store the copies in, thus creating one book from many. Much less to find a home for.

[@sandrajohnson9926]

That's a great tip...buy something new, something old has to go!

[@rachaelt3294]

Hi I'm Rachael and I'm a hoarder. Glad I found you. I need to start getting rid of stuff now....

[@EricaLucasLoves]

WithMyHandsAndHeart RachaelTelakowicz hi Rachael!

[@rachaelt3294]

@@EricaLucasLoves I'm the same way that I sometimes find 2 of things. I would buy them and save them for when they were older. Not anymore... We recently cleaned out the entire basement because we had to get all the pipes changed. I realized there was a problem and I've started cleaning and getting rid of so many things. Anything still useful is getting donated. We threw away 10 garbage bags worth of junk... Glad I found your channel to join you on your journey as well. ♡

[@ruthg5116]

The Lego problem easy fix. I put down an old tablecloth and the grand kids play on that, when it's to clean up you simply pick up the table cloth and pour the lego in the storage box. A one minute clean up.

[@edenhouse75]

I love how you're just chatting with a cup of coffee and it's real and not staged x hope you had a fab christmas and I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos in the new year xxx

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Fay Turner happy holidays Fay!!

[@JennyT101]

Not all hoarders look the same. I do think you qualified as a hoarder, but what is important is that you are getting better!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Jenny Jen1010 thank you for the support!

[@amac1153]

Absolutely agree. Seeing all that stuff gave me anxiety, but the sad fact is that so many people live that way and don't see a problem

[@robynw6307]

Hi Erica. It's Christmas Eve evening here in Australia, and today I've binge watched all 11 of your declutter/minimalish videos, even though I've seen all of them before. Intermittently, I've been decluttering and cleaning my kitchen. I find I can't keep at it continuously - the stress and anxiety gets too much. So I pop back to my desktop, unpause, and continue watching you for motivation. You are amazing. I hope you have a fabulous Christmas with your family and I look forward to more motivation in 2020. Cheers.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Robyn Webster oh darling!! It IS overwhelming and stressful. I’m so glad you are taking steps. Your timeline is your timeline. So proud of you!!

[@sarahsuero]

You, my dear, are a powerful woman! I love seeing your courage to deal with your life and what you all co-created. You took yourself on with force ✊🏻. Keep going!

[@moonglow7710]

It's amazing how the definition of messy house changes when we get rid of all the stuff! The house isn't actually messy; it's just lived in. The "messes" can be dealt with in the course of living in the house throughout the day, and with continuing the process of developing habits and systems which is always ongoing due to the progression of life seasons. Great video! Fun to observe your process, progress, thoughts concerning it all.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Moon Glow so right!! It feels messy now that I’ve been intentional for 3 months!

[@terriellenhenninger7938]

At my house he or she who is the last one out of the bed, is responsible for making or straightening the bed. It worked wonders. It is amazing how a made bed in a room that may be cluttered at any level, creates a moment of peace.

[@jackceli1684]

I'm loving the realness of this channel. I have been trying to declutter for a while now and this video made me feel so much better about myself that I'm not alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@sumanbandita]

The most inspiring minimalism video in KZbin

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Suman Bandita ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ResourcefulMama]

I could feel the heaviness when you returned home. I have similar feelings about my house.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

The Rex Fam heaviness is the right word. Are you thinking about changing it?

[@ResourcefulMama]

@@EricaLucasLoves Yes! I NEED to for my sanity. It makes me tired and miserable. That's no way to live. I hold onto stuff that serves no purpose. I'm tired of not wanting to have anyone over.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

The Rex Fam you sound like me! Just fed up! A new year is in front of us. How are you going to start? I’m starting with a paper declutter and a linen closet organization.

[@ResourcefulMama]

@@EricaLucasLoves I think I might tackle the linen closet first. It's not super terrible but I know there is stuff shoved in there that we don't use or need. I really should do accountability videos on my channel but eek, it's so hard to be vulnerable.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

The Rex Fam it really is. Are you on IG? Send me pics. I will help keep you accountable! If you do want to start a channel, I’ve started a Facebook support group for new channels in 2020. Let me know.

[@aurorap.7578]

I am so proud I almost cried and this is the first video of yours I watched. Keep up the good work!

[@pennsylvaniapatti1835]

You should be so proud of yourself! To have such self awareness of your problem and to do something about it shows how strong a woman you are. Well done!

[@michelleelizabeth5268]

You've done an incredible job! You are making a huge impact on how your kids will grow up and what their own relationship to stuff will be. Basement looks amazing!

[@jackieedwards-henry8315]

You’re my new hero, brava! My father was a true hoarder, and his hoarding was accompanied by obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. I had to do an intervention late in his life to prevent his earlier demise (he couldn’t get to the window air conditioners and couldn’t open any windows in the summer and was in danger of having a heat stroke). I am so impressed that you were able to come to this AND turn it around on your own. The difference you have made in your own life and the lives of your family are obvious and inspirational. Thank you for sharing and giving others hope and a beautiful, authentic model.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Jackie Edwards-Henry thank you Jackie!

[@TanjaHermann]

I'm grateful for your honest take on decluttering and showing the pains of the process openly and without staging anything. I started this journey about 14 months ago and while our home is not obviously cluttered, every item I take out and donate seems to bring more peace to our space. I don't miss anything I have gotten rid of, in fact I can't remember the majority of items that I have taken out. I've learned many valuable lessons along the way and your videos had some very good messages also that I took to heart! I wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for your continued minimalishm journey in 2020.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Tanja Hermann that’s great that you don’t miss anything!

[@gabriellemona32]

2⁸ and llllp

[@TourPace]

When you spend more time dealing with your mess than the ones who are supposed to benefit from it. Well done on figuring this out before it was too late.

[@karlaeabryant]

Walking into your own bedroom with a made bed feels lovely. It took me years to be able to do it! I like to leave the bed to air for a bit so I throw the covers back when getting up but I have made it a rule to make my bed the next time I walk into the room, no excuses. It took a while to become a habit but I now really appreciate walking into a calm space at the end of the day.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

karlaeabryant I do love that feeling when I actually make my bed.

[@strwbryzrule6894]

Wow, the clips of definitions you put in the video are eye-openers and describe some of my life. I call myself an "organized" messy person. I HAVE to have access to rooms and my house looks "clean" to a point, but it's doing the cleaning I have problems with. Motivation is my problem. You are a great inspiration!

[@robinbronze9551]

I love how honest and real you are. I really have an issue with paper, and I hate it more than laundry! I am 65 with arthritis in my knees and find that I don’t have the energy I use to, or have a physical limit to decluttering. It’s frustrating. But you are encouraging! Thank you.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Robin Bronze that must be frustrating. Do you have someone to help you?

[@edennis3202]

I'm in exactly the same boat, on every point. The knees, the low energy level, and the paper! I hate paperwork, and I've been running a mail order business for 22 years. I've kept every scrap of documentation since the beginning, and I live in a very small house! I think it's time to start clearing out a lot of the oldest papers, and I began last night. I looked up the current advice on how long to keep documents for tax purposes, and even the IRS doesn't recommend 22 years. Of course, I'll keep copies of tax returns, bank statements, etc., but the mountains of invoices from two decades ago is just a fire hazard at this point. I know that some people make digital copies, but I know that I'll never get that done - if I can't bring myself to file all of it in the first place, there's no way I'll find the time to photograph every piece of paper and download it. We're talking about tens of thousands of pieces of paper. I'm just being realistic.

[@pinkmagicali]

Crap. That definition you showed applies to me as well. It’s a daily struggle to keep on top of stuff. With the levels I’m likely only level 1 but have to work not to get to level 2 or higher. The idea of going higher terrifies me. The issue is that consumerism is such a focus now. In Australia we have a TV called Gruen and another called the Checkout which look into advertising tricks and frankly it’s creepy manipulation. I found a $100+ barbie set next to trash bins today. Took it, cleaned it, and it’s going to charity. Literally nothing wrong with it. Next to it was a working kids cash register. A plastic coin jammed the drawer. I removed the coin, cleaned, also going to charity as I have no kids. I was stunned at the waste. So glad to see you finding the joy that is your library. Maybe donate toys back to them?

[@lindam7518]

I am thankful for those like you who find a good place for the good stuff others would waste. Some child will be happy you cleaned up and donated. I expect they put it beside the trash instead of in it hoping someone who could use it would take it.

[@pinkmagicali]

I hope so but I live in an area full of apartments and have seen almost brand new kids clothes in the trash. This area sadly doesn't go for the culture of re-use/re-purpose. It's so sad and I think it's partially a cultural thing around here. I try because it makes me sad and I know I can be a bit wasteful sometimes too. It's wonderful vids like these that draw my attention to what I'm doing that I need to adjust.

[@clarissepotriquet7451]

You are the most honest person on internet! For me to make my bed, it takes me to wake, shower, dress, make everyone's breakfast, get baby dressed, do hubby's last minute ironing, prepare the day's lunches and bags, and still find a time to make the bed only then to make the bed before we go, as hubby always wakes after me. For the house to look tidy, it takes me to go in each room gather stuff and tidy and wash, load and unload dishwasher and washing machine, today up tables, etc. It's so good to see someone else who isn't perfect and tries and so what good. Thank you!

[@rabczanska]

You committed to do a paper declutter next year. I used 2019 to purge from my very eclectic boho style home of things I did not need, love, or use. I want to make 2020 the year of Paper. That means filing cabinets, boxes of cards, kids art work, photos... then onto the high point of order....a binder with everything for emergency’s death, illness. The step by step binder of life insurance, health insurance, house insurance, bank accounts....Join me and we will do this too. My father at 84 has this “if-then” binder and it would bring me real peace to know that if something happened to me, it’s easy to figure out what to do next. Not being morbid, it’s that feeling of order and peace I want in drawers, shelves and financial papers too.

[@jlw22356]

I moved home before Christmas,actually to a slightly larger flat. But I'm still unpacking and I've realised I have tons of stuff I need to get rid of,so you have inspired me.

[@julies9997]

I'm glad you're trying. It's hard with small kids. Mine are all moved out and I ended up being the storage unit. So, I # the boxes and layed out all the idems out of that # box and took a picture and sent it to the one child and said " what should I get rid of? " then I'd put the keep in boxes. They got rid of lots of things that they didn't know that they still had. LOL

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Julie S good for you!! That is hard for some people.

[@mweinheim7911]

I cam completely relate!!!

[@karenfisher5274]

This is the best example of a hoarding/decluttering documentary I have ever seen, before and after. The dispersed video with commentary truly chronicles your journey as an aspiring minimalist. Other channels need to follow your direction. Please continue your decluttering sessions with us. 👍🏻

[@erickanyc8907]

Wow! you really are doing an incredible job, your home school room is looking really good. Talk about motivational!!!😊 👌

[@staceykersting705]

A huge ah ha moment for me was not bringing more stuff in,,,seems so obvious now! I've been on a financial diet...all I bought in December was dog food, t. paper and food. I even went thru my fridge and meal planned first and went thru my 'pantry cupboard' and made plans to use some of that stuff. Mt grocery bill was surprisingly low!

[@saraann7901]

Amazing progress, don't laugh about what you've done! 3 months is a short amount of time to sort and purge!

[@kellylestrange7753]

What a great transformation in just 3 months! Well done!

[@nurseraine1059]

Very brave...thank you for allowing us to participate in your journey.

[@MR-rw3vc]

I am so happy for you! It was good for me when you said that decluttering takes the amount of time that it is supposed to.

[@reesieleebunch]

Great job! You have inspired me to declutter and minimalize my home. My daughter loves legos and we play build on top of a quilt, sheet, or banket. It makes it so much easier to clean up because you pull up the corners and just pour the legos back into their bucket. I also have put a general rule that if I step on a lego then I get to keep it. I put it in a small bucket in my closet (where all the other toys are in timeout) then after a while i put it back in the big bucket. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Teresa Bunch I laughed! If I step on a lego I get to keep it. 😂

[@denisecarter5117]

Teresa Bunch Good idea playing on a sheet.

[@marieskee22]

First time watcher, and I'm amazed at the progress you have made in only 3 months!!!! You've got a new subscriber!!!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

marieskee22 welcome!!!

[@weeepsalotts723]

I agree, you did a great job and i love how you were real with the mess and your feelings about it. Your kids are cute too. I also subscribed just now.

[@ENOUSSOU]

Clutter house means clutter minds the reason it was so peaceful living in a minimalist house ur mind automatically declutters when there is no distractions

[@EricaLucasLoves]

ENOUSSOU this is so right. My mind is definitely less cluttered.

[@itsmeayana3220]

ENOUSSOU yes

[@I_love_cats360]

Finally...someone real instead of all of these ultraperfect, unrealistic, youtubers!! Great job!

[@Tayamiz]

I love how authentic this is.. And trust me, I'd like my house to look like yours at any "none_staged" moment.. Like u, I decluttered a lot but still have many problem areas, I hope we can solve it soon

Your honesty & openness is really inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

[@lenarobins2480]

My son likes to use those cross stitching thread containers I buy at michaels for $2 each ish for sorting his legos into type for tinier pieces and he likes the sandwich size Tupperware containers u can get at dollar tree for 2 a pack for some slightly bigger that way u can use the tubs for specifically bigger pieces makes their building a little easier and that was an organizing system my son discovered in his own that worked for him. Btw amazing job on your journey you truly are inspiring me to be more pro active on decluttering even more!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Lena Robins great ideas! Legos are so tough to organize.

[@lauraann7816]

Thumbs up to your son! Whoot Whoot 😁

[@sandrajohnson9926]

I am thinking your husband must really appreciate this, as well as the kids. You are one happy proud mama! Thanks for sharing. You are inspiring.

[@catfish9539]

Feel like I've just found my new favourite KZbinr. I guess I must be a hoarder too!! Will definitely be watching more of your videos. Just one thing I would say and I am by no means tidy there is something very satisfying about making your bed if you can and then coming to get in a made bed at night.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Catfish welcome! I want to be the person that makes her bed. 😂

[@frankesmith7305]

Thanks for being real. I realized watching your videos that I needed to decluttering/ minimalize before I could even begin to keep up with my household chores. This helped me feel less stressed about my seeming lack of progress with my goals. All these beginning steps will add up to big awesomeness in the near future. Slow and steady wins the race. Thanks!

[@okorolina]

I absolutely love this video, from start to finish. I want to do this for the next three months. I relate and identity with all this

[@suzyq1865]

I’m so glad I found this channel!

[@thehappinesstree8089]

You have made a HUGE difference in 3 months. I've been following since the beginning. I love you videos, you're so likeable and authentic :-)

[@tinafogarty404]

Just, Wow! So much work done. People who have a life outside the house don't understand how hard it is to keep things orderly when everyone stays home. It's so easy to prioritize while slowly going under. I could feel stress in every cluttered corner. You are now a superhero!

[@simplejoyfilledliving]

Erica, your house looks amazing! You’ve done a fantastic job! And it seems to have made you so happy! ❤️ Your kids are precious!

[@jessicaemilia101]

I gave you a lot of credit for being open enough to another’s opinion that you could be a hoarder, agreeing that you were and slowly finding your way out from stuff to peace. My fiancé and I are having what he calls a ‘decluttering party’ to join in my attempts to get from under the STUFF. I thank him for his openness in supporting me as I thank you.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Jessica Puerta that’s so great to have a supporter! Many have commented that their husbands are not on the same page about decluttering. Glad you have his support!

[@Picalilli28]

Love seeing your house. You’ve had quite a journey, it’s been an inspiring series.

[@elizabethcarr5226]

Super proud of how much you've accomplished!! I also watch The Minimal Mom KZbin channel and she has great inspiration on how to simplify and declutter.

[@Zia_Kristin]

I am so PROUD of you! Your journey has been so inspiring, and I feel like your definition of minimalism is very realistic! This is the best gift that you could ever give to yourself, your husband, and your children. I hope that you are proud of yourself, and happy about the beautiful home that you’ve made. Happy happy holidays to you and your family! Hugs, from Michigan!

[@lorettab687]

Kristin D, you have echoed my sentiments. This is exactly what I was thinking in my head, but you've actually written it - thank you for letting me ride your coattails. Well done, Erica. Merry Christmas from Melbourne, Australia.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Loretta B thank you! ❤️

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Kristin D thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sjfinley8002]

Thank you!!!! I had 4 day per week declutter schedule. But I had started feeling burned out and frustrated after few weeks. So I took few weeks stop. Felt less pressured to get it all done and less anxiety. My aha moment was actually getting out of the shower of all times. I needed another towel just to dry my hair as always. But in that moment I realized I no longer felt joy at having such long hair. For the first time in 2 decades I wanted a physical change. 3 days later I donated 28 inches of hair and my new cut was just touching my shoulders. I felt so odd and yet better..I could connect my hair identity change to my heart change of getting my house in better order. I set up playdates, dinners, get togethers for once a week for rest of month. That was my fire to go again getting the mess under control. I felt like I was brand new from just a hair cut and taking the time to focus on myself before the house just in that small time period. That personal change was the kindle for the fire to change my house. Having friends and family over keeps me motivated.

[@helenr.2184]

Helpful hint from Helen: The last one out of bed has to make the bed. I was always up before my husband, so he made the bed. It takes about three minutes to do this!

[@AMcDub0708]

I just make my side and when my husband gets up he makes his side.

[@koala2464]

Erica, you deserve so many more than 42000 subs. You have been honest, realistic, raw and motivating to all of us who have been following you along the way. Love watching your ‘non-staged’ home. Hopefully the subs will come. Thank you. I’m off to declutter! You and others are changing lives with these informative videos. P.S. I love the change in your voice when you hit the attic and the lock and key. 😂 We all have an ‘attic’, that place you get that sinking feeling, avoid like the plague and never quite get there as it still remains as a dumping ground. That’s where I’m off to. The ‘dark hole’. 😮

[@nyc1cafe246]

Her personality is pretty fun. YOU GO GIRLLL!

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

You are giving such a priceless gift to yourself, your husband , your children and your future. I don’t even know you, but I have happy tears for y’all!!!

[@deb8190]

I'd say you're more of an impulse shopper (the 'hoarder' comes from guilt of throwing out something you spent money on) plus as you said the family not having a culture of cleaning up. 3 children make a lot of mess and it can definitely get overwhelming if not dealt with daily. You teaching them that a natural part of play is cleaning up after is excellent!

[@priscillafrye2951]

I was thinking the same thing. I've only watched part of this one video but so far, I don't see a person freaking out over letting go of things. I think this lady is someone who has fun shopping for stuff (who doesn't?) and doesn't always get around to putting it away (me me me!) but she's taking steps to really improve her life and create a better situation for her kids.

[@angelicapain5331]

I'm a bit of a hoarder and have been slowly decluttering for the last 2yrs. It's such a relief getting things organised. The one area I do struggle with is craft and arty stuff. You are doing awesome. To anyone struggling with keeping things, It's hard to start de cluttering but feels amazing once you do.

[@Dellahpu]

So inspiring, I to struggle with where to start. My husband throws nothing away which stems from his grandmother, I have to catch him away from his desk just to throw away junk mail.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Della Heil that’s a real thing. When one half wants less and one half isn’t ready.

[@loreneknight9755]

Erica...I'm sooo proud of you. You not only reclaimed space, but you have freedom!!! From so many things, cleaning, organizing, touching, moving, dealing with: ALL THE STUFF!! CONGRATULATIONS, you are doing this!!! Yes. Keep on fighting the good fight, sister.

[@private15]

Whoever gets out of bed last should make the bed.!!!! Husbands get with it!!!

[@joycegaylord6472]

We started our marriage with this agreement. Has worked for 31 years. A beautiful bed makes me so relaxed and peaceful.

[@denisetaylor3332]

My husband does it! - not perfect but it gets done! 🤣🤣🙈

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Diane Patt he makes the bed more often than I do. 😂

[@private15]

Denise Taylor perfect is not required. We have to let some stuff ride!

[@private15]

Erica Lucas that’s good. But it should not be a competition just not noticeable as the one out last just does it. You are making such great progress. You should be proud!!

[@NickiHorn78]

I love helping people transform their environments but have found that I can only help so much. I cannot tell a person what to keep or what to get rid of. They have to make those decisions for themselves. I applaud you for identifying that you had a problem and being brave enough to share it as you tackled it. You will inspire others to do the same! Keep up the great work.

[@martaescobar7625]

Sweetie if you lighten the color of the walls, it will feel fresh and less cluttered too. Same color on ceiling and walls throughout even makes it bigger:) Great job!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Marta Escobar this was the awful color when we bought. You are right. Lighter is brighter!! Sounds like a fun project for my hubby this spring.

[@Merrymom24]

You’ve done a great job! I totally get you. (Former hoard-ish homeschool mom turned minimalism.) I’m proud of you. I’d like to give you one piece of advice. Don’t save that paper pile till January or February. It can get out of control so quickly and piles breed piles. Just take 30 minutes and knock it out. You can do it!

[@roxanaconception]

You’re just so darn awesome. You did have quite a lot of stuff. Regardless whether it was “hoarding” or not, I really felt your breakdown anguish when you saw you had the 2 of the same when going through board games. Very much enjoyed this update and pieces previous videos along with the sound that captured the chaos 😄 the cluttered mind, as you put it. But I must say you have come so far. Enjoyed your mood improve, even though you have always been in high spirits throughout it all. You are such an analytical person. You take everything in stride. Love how you got committed to doing such a positive change while your children are still young and they will also be able to learn how to live in this new and improved type of environment that I could see will continue to do so as they get older. Nevertheless, I can see you have been a great example not only in change, but influential in the most positive way to them. Home schooling I feel will be wonderful memories they will have with mom when they are older because of the time that was spent together. Well done! God bless. 🙂💖✝️

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Roxana Concepcion I am analytical! This was an amazing comment. I read it twice!!

[@MyLifeMyExpression]

Girl, you are rocking it. Congratulations. We've moved from a larger home to a small reno and nothing fits. We were clinging to stuff thinking when the reno was finally done we could put it away... But it's been two years, life happened, renovation hasn't. Adjusting to life as it is has to happen now (accepting the small space). You're an inspiration to the start of our decluttering project! Keeping it real. Thank you!

[@aw3276]

Wow. You have done a lot of maintaining the change to your space.

[@SuperBotanica]

this is a successful healing process too - the kids are not overwhelmed anymore - congratulation! few months ago i visited my son with his small family. I was shocked by the full apartment. a room was full of toys and the little 2 year old was totally nervous and overwhelmed. in a few hours i reduced his playground to 3 boxes with his favorite toys. when he came home from kindergarten, he didn't notice that so much was missing. from then on he became calmer and more concentrated.

[@emilierhoads3723]

Great job!! You’ve come a long way in a short time! I’m a homeschool mom too and I love decluttering and consider myself “minimal-ish” too😜 I enjoy the realness of your videos!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Emilie Rhoads I juts love that word. Minimalish!!

[@lenabruening5942]

Your channel is my favorite because you are so real and you actually show your progress on your minimalism journey, rather than a simple before and after. I admire you so much! You’ve come so far. I’m astounded and very happy for you all!

[@barbarap6851]

Erica, you are doing so well! I have been on my journey for 2 years and still going! It's a process. Keep up your good work!

[@lalahdz9553]

Its been a year with alot of resistance from other family that live home with me ☝️👉 means me ,than him...getting to see the effects of decluttering has helped get stuff organized. I clean more because there less to declutter. I cook more because its more organized and clean. My teenagers can clean their rooms in just minutes, without hesitation! They do their own laundry because the laundry room has been cleaned out. My room is a mess. The garage is a mess still. I have let go of some paperwork and I have stopped alot of it from coming in! I sold items, which feels great!

[@renees766]

Lol you are so funny and charming. Thank you for being brave enough to not only share your story but show us your mess! You've got a lot to be proud of, what a great transformation!

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Erica, your comment about not knowing where to start reminded me of a man on "Hoarders" whose house was filled from the basement to the attic three stories above. If I remember right he said, "When you know now what to do, you do nothing". There's something about starting out with making the bed first that is helpful. I read a book about simplifying and the author said that when talked to people while preparing the book what kept being mentioned was to make the bed. Too one can look around and ask, "What is the most immediate need?" --- A favorite saying of mine is, "Take care of the little things and the big things take care of themselves".---I have loads of books that I have read but want to read. I"m keeping an "In" and "Out" list and making sure the list of outgoing books stays larger than the one for incoming books. I have to and will have to use a lot of self-discipline. Ouch!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Andrew Brendan take care of the little things and the big things take care if themselves. ❤️❤️❤️

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Whoops! I had a couple of typos: The man on "Hoarders" said, "When you know *not* what to do, you do nothing". I also should have said that "I have loads of books that I want to clear out but that I want to read first". Update: today I'm putting some books into a Little Free Library in my neighborhood so I can have some more space cleared where I live and so someone else can enjoy the books.---I need to have a New Year's resolution to do more proofreading when I post a comment!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Andrew Brendan yeah!!! The little libraries are sooooo wonderful. You know, my neighborhood needs one. I am going to see if I can do that.

[@elleb2657]

i watch your video's over and over again when i'm feeling stuck in my decluttering journey. You inspire me to push true and make drastic changes in my life. i love that you are real and show the emotions and feelings you go true when you're decluttering. you're doing a great job. Progress over perfection. Little steps and you get there

[@Nini51963]

I really appreciate you , just discovered your channel. I too am a hoarder trying to minimize its very hard. Been doing for years . I’m going to watch all your videos thank you .

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Chanel Crane thank you! Welcome! What is a project you are working on to declutter?

[@Nini51963]

I’m starting again with my clothes but moving them to a spare room /sewing room . I have a son with Autism so I declutter around him . I have to go slow . I love to sew and honestly have a weight fluctuating issue since going through menopause so I hope to loose weight and take pieces in . I have decluttered before but have struggled to find joy . I think that’s why I gathered / hoarded. I also create mentally lol . I’m learning I can still do that without having to own every thing lol. Kon mari helped me dig deep into the why I want to keep things .

[@vncvenus]

I'm a hoarder getting dangerously close to level 2. I've always kept an organized home but after the tragic loss of my husband I haven't cared as much. I've just begun to reclaim my space and get my home back to balance. It's taking me longer than I thought and I've been really hard on myself over it. But watching your video has helped me eelax about it when you said, "it takes as long as it takes". Thank you for showing us your process of decluttering.

[@karenacox8932]

Great job!! A lot more relaxing and peaceful isn’t it!!

[@mollycule2792]

So proud of you, you’re changing your life but also the kid’s life. Be prepared to have to do several rounds of decluttering as you curate what you want your space to be. Don’t let people say rude things in comments. You’re putting your problem out front and center for people to comment/judge and that’s very brave!

[@lisab6437]

This is truly inspiring, what an amazing transformation!

[@Ryder-p3m]

This is exactly what I needed.. I am working toward a declutter home, financial freedom, and not being weighed down by things but the ability to hVe freedom to enjoy eachother

[@melissaluttke3694]

i love your term minimalish i think that sums me up to a T. i think compared to what i did have i am by far on my way to what i see as minimalistic- only having the things we need for now and when we run out we can re purchase ect. there is just no need to have multiples of cleaning supplies or clothes sizes bigger in storage for the kids to grow into. i didn't realise the anxiety and stress that it was giving me either. i do wish we had less but its going to be a long process to find out exactly what that is and with young kids and there needs and interests constantly changing its.going to be a fluid in and out of belongings. but im on the path and making one step forward at a time. ( around 12 months in to my journey, 1 cupboard at a time)

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Melissa Luttke yes! It does cause stress.