The Emotional Stages of Decluttering (& how to LET GO) with Erica Lucas

[@TheMinimalMom]

THANK YOU for watching! You can find a link to our video on Erica's channel about preparing a home to sell & moving in the description! We're also opening The Minimal Mom Private FB Group for this week only: We're starting a 6 Week Decluttering Boot Camp within the group beginning Monday, June 29, so its a great time to join in! Full details, cost & registration here: www.ithinkwecouldbefriends.com/2019/09/29/minimal-mom-private-group/

[@paulacrocker9019]

Oh thank you! I need to declutter about 25 boxes and bins and then I am done (for now) but haven’t been motivated. The timing is perfect!

[@amybair1913]

JuizyzyyYztzytztuzyuzyZ

[@tiffanycrain9849]

I am to the level of sentimental items. I don’t need high school and middle school year books and wouldn’t miss them if they disappeared YET why is it SO hard to throw them in the trash and seem wrong??? Photos, late grandma’s stuff and so on...it’s the emotion of it.

[@poppyseed389]

Wow 9 months is not a lot of time to make such a drastic transformation! Very inspiring!

[@rachellehoogendoorn]

It seems like forever and a blink of the eye. I've been into minimalism food like a year and a half, and probably got rid of over half my things.

[@isobelmcdonald4423]

Hello Dawn, I love your channel and Erica’s. Just starting on my minimalism journey at 68! Didn’t have a lot of clutter until my mum died. 24 years ago!! She was a hoarder and I couldn’t bring myself to throw things out. Ready now with her clutter and what I have accumulated in the meantime! You are an inspiration to me. Thank you. xx

[@CarrieF2]

When I turned 22 I went on a week long missions trip to the DR. i was shocked at the happiness of the simplicity the area I stayed in had. People had next to nothing, barely the essentials, but yet had "everything ". Long story short,I came home frustrated with all I had accumulated throughout my life and started purging like crazy! It feels good to live simple

[@laineygann7713]

Enjoyed this so much. ❤️ For me, when I finally realized this world is temporary and the next is my forever home, I lost my emotional attachment to "stuff" in my life. It was easy and didn't take long. I own things, they don't own me. So, I began gifting my things not absolutely necessary: which was probably 75% of my things. Shifted my focus to loving people, not stuff. I could be considered minimalist, but I think I'm living the way God intended.

[@Julie-rc7wl]

I love that way of thinking! I like to tell myself that everything in life has a season, including my things. If they no longer are being used or enjoyed it's time to pass along for someone else to enjoy. That's good stewardship and spreading the joy around. 😊

[@kimba8387]

Amen!

[@evergrowing23]

Financial and sentimental gift guilt is so real! My family and I struggle with that a lot

[@EricaLucasLoves]

It’s so hard!!

[@lynnsalberg5647]

Me too! I decided to forgive myself and know I’m no longer going to thrift stores looking fo antiques !

[@evergrowing23]

@@lynnsalberg5647 I'm glad you've made peace with it! I am in the middle of getting rid of my stuff so I can downsize the things in my room. I crave simplicity and be able to clean more easily :)

[@SF-ru3lp]

Hi Erica, it helps me to try to name all the feelings (speak out the actual thoughts in words) that are sparked by the item. Then I name the big fear/ need that lies behind what I am feeling. I confess it out to the Lord. This has helped me uncover big 'drivers' in my life, areas of need that became established early on, areas where I didn't know how to turn to the Lord as my Parent/ Provider/ Protector etc. I ask the Lord to bring His help into that area. I will speak out a scripture that comes to mind. You have highlighted a key area here. Don't want text to be too long. Hope this helps. Best regards. G Ire

[@andmelinda]

I was raised by a "maximalist /hoarder". It took me years to understand how to properly organize, clean, declutter, donate, trash, sell, and upcycle items. Flylady got me started about 20 years ago. Since then, it's a constant learning experience. Videos like this inspire me to stay on track!

[@shegoeslightly]

My mother was an organised hoarder! I knew how to clean and organize but it took years after leaving home to learn to let things go.

[@liatori6214]

I was born in 1962. Many of my generations were maximalists. We thrived in the "throw-away-society", all part of the human's Industralization began around 1870. I liked it when you, Dawn, said in one of your videos we should not be to hard on ourself, when we become aware of all that stuff we bought. We are constantly being tempted. These are new times, changes are felt especially these days. Minimalism helps us to adapt. Then we are not being drowned by too many things around us. So we can focus our emotions on that what matters.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Well said!

[@calliefromcanada5898]

I truly agree with downsizing...but cannot go all the way to minimalism. As the world is on lockdown, shortages, and people are loosing their jobs, some of the extras can be stored until needed, exchanged among friends, or bartered. I am thinking that as long as we are purposeful with 'new' stuff coming into our lives...we will achieve the same goal eventually and there will be more funds for the unexpected.

[@liatori6214]

@@calliefromcanada5898 I've learned about minimalism that it is different for everybody. Everyone does what works best for them, giving them the most peace. And you got a point about being aware of these changing times happening right now.❤

[@nataliebutler]

I really like a maximalist aesthetic - not extreme, but definitely not minimalist. On the other hand, I live in a tiny flat so I don't own that much and have let go of a lot of things. I use everything in my kitchen, my clothes fit in one small wardrobe and one chest of drawers, I have little from my childhood etc. I think I have a good balance.

[@liatori6214]

@@nataliebutler You know, I think that is minimalism, when you described your appartment. Your minimalism, the way you like it ❤

[@KJF1617]

Going through decluttering right now. 26 boxes have gone to a charity. Still have lots to go through. My stuff, kids' stuff (they are grown), and boxes of stuff that belonged to my parents and grandparents. Being an only child is not easy.

[@marymartinez8047]

I’ve been on a decluttering journey off and on for a few months. I think sometimes it gets easier....like once I had gone through my entire kitchen it’s easy to look at things as I open a drawer and say “Oh, you can go!” I’ve been slowed down because I’ve been saving things to “sell”, while in reality I neither have the time nor the personality to deal with that. Thanks for sharing today and helping me see I need to work through this.

[@tporters1]

@@CS-ki5uf So true!

[@janesmith572]

l also just found this channel and loving the honesty of peoples comments, l find them equally as interesting. l also don't have the personality to sell, but would happily give away.. l suppose start small, keep going., rest and reflex why you are doing it. Mine is that l don't want my grown children to have to do it when they are grieving. l had to do it for late mother in law and will have to do it for my father who's 94 ( unless l go first ) l gave away a really good exercise bike that has cluttered my little bedroom for over 15 years , it did us both a favour. When l watch hoarders programmes, l feel really sad when they cant get a person to "get it" and the rest of their family are really suffering. It stays in my mind

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

It's great when you get to that point where you don't even care about the money anymore, you just want the stuff GONE!

[@franciegoins5632]

I love both of you! I cared for my dad in my home for 5 years and during that time we paid $200 a month for a storage unit that we started to make room for him after my mom died. I wish I had found these BEFORE we did that. He died in September and i have emptied that unit AND my home. The emotions have been strong and some good and many sad but I feel so good about it now!!!! Thank you both. I feel like you are my best friends who walked through this journey with me.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Together. ❤️❤️❤️

[@michelleprice5945]

Francie, that's awesome you were able to go though the items and work though it. I've been decluttering our home for about a year and my mom passed away in December so I'm just now helping my dad go though items, I'm glad I have the knowledge that I do. I save the pictures but only the ones I know who the people are. my mom kept a lot of things that meant something to her but not to me. the memories we'll always have! we don't need all the stuff. I also feel like Dawn and Erica are my friends! ❤ good luck to you!

[@nancybennani2925]

I

[@gwenvann7279]

My 2 favorite minimalists!! I love that you are collaborating. Great to see and hear the raw newbie perspective plus the wisdom of a long time minimalist together. Awesome!!!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

❤️❤️❤️

[@rachellehoogendoorn]

It's neat to revisit since I now feel I have stronger decluttering muscles

[@marygueldenzoph1230]

Dawn, one of the things you’ve said that helped me so much was, (paraphrasing) keeping that thing in a drawer/closet/storage room/garage isn’t going to put the money back in my wallet. That makes it so much easier to let of the financial guilt. Thank you for that!

[@melissamilnor7823]

I just discovered your channel this summer and it has energized my pandemic personality. I thought I was living simply having worked toward that end many years ago. But it is amazing how things creep back in. I notice that most you tubers are fairly young. I am 73 and wish I could talk to my cohort. If I weren't so tech inept I would start my own channel.. Mildly Minimalist Matriarch or Simplify your 70s!

[@janhansen4128]

I mostly feel relief now as I declutter, obsession to get it done, and then relief when it is done!

[@kaleydc]

I'm so proud of you Erica!! I've been surprised how my emotional attachment to things has changed over time. The first time I went through my whole house it took me 4 months and was no fun. But I gained momentum and got better at realizing what we just didn't need- so the next year when I went through the whole house it took me let than a month and wasn't painful at all!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you!!!

[@danabrown2391]

katydc --Good for you!

I declutter twice a year mainly clothing after cold and warm season, and have a box for donations thru out the year. when full I donate.

[@sweetpea3472]

Your testimony touched me, Kaley. I'm decluttering after being stuck with sentimental stuff and just extra stuff for so long! Complicated processing.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

kaleydc kaley! So inspiring!!

[@noramurphy3242]

I moved to a 300 sq ft studio apartment from an eight room house with a huge attic and large garage. My husband passed away and I had to have a triple heart bypass surgery. I had the guilt of not having time or energy to sell it. But I felt so good when I finally moved to my tiny apartment even though I shed so many tears at the huge house of stuff. I donated, trashed, and gave things to my friends and family. It was the best thing I ever did in my 79 years. I still have some of the sentimental items to deal selling or donating. Living a simple life now. Ya! Ya! Ya!

[@AtoZenLife]

I love this! 😭 I just have to say in regards to selling clutter, even if it takes more time it was WORTH IT for me for very sentimental items - I was able to pass on items from my parents (RIP 😇😇) to people that were absolutely ecstatic to receive them, and it meant so much that meant to me and helped me move forward. ❤️ It definitely helped with both financial guilt and grief guilt!

[@marysimpson8457]

Jumping for joy at this very moment.....my two absolute favorite, must watch, genuine ladies who lead the way in showing all of us how to declutter and live a more minimalistic lifestyle. The seasoned veteran who has gone through the process and is willing to teach, alongside the gal in the trenches cheering us on by revealing her own process for all to see. I can't thank you guys enough.....you both are truly a blessing!!

[@lisav018]

I got started on my minimalist journey as a result of selling our house over 10 years ago. It was a small starter home, less than 1000 sq ft, 1950s ranch, 3 BR, 1 bath, so the rooms were small. We staged the house and packed up most of our stuff and put it in storage in my parents garage. It sold in 1 week, but didn’t close for 3 months because the sellers of the house we were buying required it. In that time we also slowly packed up everything left, and we became used to living with less.

[@kathybullmer8884]

I love both you Dawn and Erica! Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and letting me be on this life journey! I am 61 years old and I homeschool all four of our kids and now homeschooling two of the grandkids. I am also helping with our Church Youth group Ministries. My husband and I have been married for 39 years and so we have both started on the journey of living with less. We declutter almost every week. I set a goal of a area that I want to tackle and boy does it feel GREAT TO HAVE LESS STUFF TO CLEAN!! May God continue to Bless you all!!

[@babss.6918]

Absolutely loving the videos with you and Erica!

[@vzeimen]

I'm definitely not a hoarder and I don't think I want to be a minimalist but I do have a bad habit of purchasing stuff I don't need. Cheap clothes, makeup, this time of year flowers for my yard, etc. etc. etc. Your channel is helping me to draw a line in the sand and stop spending needlessly. I have also made a pact with myself to find something to donate or throw away every single time I go in any of our bedrooms as those are the worst places in my house right now. This is where I'm starting and I'm already feeling like it's just a tiny seed that's going to keep growing. Thanks

[@kimberlymcmurry9338]

I'll be checking out her channel. Minimalism is such a process and looks very different for everyone. My journey started 16 year ago when we moved. I'm still learning and parting with unused/unwanted items.

[@jeanrossi9159]

I have moved numerous times over the past 20 years so I feel like I am in a pretty much constant state of decluttering. I move into a place, buy things that fit well, move again and then get rid of all the things I got for that place and that became a cycle. I am certainly not minimal but I do like to declutter and organize on a regular basis. The last time I moved was 5 months ago. What I am finding now with things that might be more difficult to let go of is to first try to sell them but if they don’t sell in a couple weeks, it is very rewarding to give them away on the Buy Nothing Facebook groups. At least I can see that the item is likely going to a good home where someone will actually use the item and appreciate it. And I can give away one or two items at a time and I don’t have to take it anywhere as the recipient comes to pick up the item. Goodwill and those donation places are good and serve a purpose but you’ll never see your item go to use. Right now I’m working on decluttering my closet so the extra clothing goes to a local woman’s shelter.

[@phaedrarogers2793]

This is real. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I've been decluttering everyday, full time, for about 1 month and boy does your journey and emotional ride hit home with me. Peace and freedom. It's so worth it.

[@karlajohnson6911]

What I like so much about Dawn, Diana and now Erica is that you are real wives and mom's with real problems. You dont try to portray perfectionism is your videos or homes while filming. You ladies are all very relatable and ,very real during this decluttering process. Jesus shines brightly through all 3 of you ladies and its beautiful to see. Dawn, I love all of your videos and the people you choose to have your channel.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

He shines down on you!

[@danabrown2391]

Dawn, you and Erica Lucas and Shannon Torrens are my favorite minimal channels! You are all amazing at actually DOING it, which is more fun to watch than just somebody talking about it! I know we reach a point where the work is done, for the most part and then you either branch out into family life as you and Tom have so successfully done, or you quit posting you tubes as The Messy minimalist did for the most part, (she was the first minimalist I watched and she got me motivated to becomes minimalist, 3 years ago now! I miss her!). And I watch "A Hoarder's Heart" but since she is still a sentimental hoarder, I get frustrated at how little she is able to let go of in many of her videos, but I applaud her to still be working at it! Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing Erica finish her crawl space, attic and shed!

[@rosesaqt]

When the two of you mentioned moving, I was reminded of how I started my shift towards minimalism. My home was very much like Erica's. We had way more stuff than we needed. Due to medical circumstances, we had to move in with my parents who had moved from a 6 bedroom home to a 3 bedroom home 8 years previously. Because of our circumstances, we did not have time to pack and move everything. I told myself, "What would I replace if all this was to burn up in a fire?" I packed up the stuff that I felt was most important (as well as a bunch of boxes of papers because I didn't want anyone to accidentally come across my personal info) and some friends helped me move. When we got to my parents' house, of course there wasn't enough room for all my stuff in the house, so it was unloaded into the "workshop". Over the next few months, as I thought of things we really wanted, I'd go find them in the mess of boxes. Every once in a while, I'll think of something and wonder if it made it in the move and think, "Oh well." Since then, I've been helping my mom reduce the amount of stuff in her already organized home, to make it even more organized. We're not quite as minimal as your family yet, but I hope to get there by the end of this year or next (depending on more circumstances). I LOVE that the two of you are so open about your stories. It is a relief to know there are more people out there like me. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.

[@lynnsalberg5647]

It takes so much time to declutter ! COVID isolation gave me the time to do it . I’m almost done with my whole house . I tell myself yes I paid for this and enjoyed it but now I’m not using it so it goes ! I feel bad I bought too much but better now that I have a neat, peaceful house ! I really think now before I buy something . Thank you !

[@beachprints]

Dawn, your videos have helped me to get unstuck in making progress to declutter. I have always pictured everyone else's home as totally neat and clean compared to ours.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you Dawn! You are amazing!

[@SF-ru3lp]

Thank you Erica for sharing your struggle. Great angle on forgiveness. First time I heard your story. Thank you Dawn. I agree that it is a blessing to 'remove and donate' immediately you realise you don't need an item. I look on all our situations as being part of the "full circle" of the wheel of the Industrial Revolution started in 1850s becoming the consumerism of the 1970s (the mountains of waste plastics being another aspect). We are just saying "No, the Industrial Revolution in it's full development is not blessing me or my family in the way we need. I am going to recalibrate". I regularly remind myself that giving freely brings it's own blessing. It's great when one's spouse is supportive and not judgemental. Lovely colour top on you Dawn. The mid range, warm colours really suit you. Warm regards. Georgina Ire

[@amandab.6815]

I loved this and needed this. I'm excited to check out Erica's channel. And Dawn, I just want to say I appreciate how warm you are in every situation. You are also well spoken and find the right words to explain things that we all feel.

[@nancydickerson7920]

I am so envious of your energy, physical, mental and emotional. You have come so far in such a short time. Congratulations!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you!

[@sweetpea3472]

Erica hit on a key point to "allow" yourself the space, the time, to fully let go of a thing. It's not that it needs to be in a sealed, emotional withdrawal box. But it can be helpful to "see" the thing you're letting go of, until you're really done.

[@theobviousgirl]

Just started watching you and Because of you I was able to find the courage to part ways with a pair of pants I just bauought less than 3 weeks ago because it was the closest to my size that I could find in the store and it was on sale. Because were moving I was able to declutter my clothes that way. And this video was an answer to my kids books that I kepts avoiding to tackle. My kids speak french and so I just put away all their english books. I figured maybe we'll read them someday when it doesn't interfere with their french retention. Now I know what to do with them. Just give them to someone who would actually use them now.

[@dawnsfields]

If I have a problem letting something go I just think how excited someone will be to find the item in a charity store, it makes me smile and the item gets added to the box with ease.

[@amyphoto113]

Thank you so much Dawn & Erica for this video!! I have been watching Dollar tree hauls and DIY videos for months. I have spent hundreds of $$ at Dollar Tree after seeing all the cool things they have bought and made! I have also decluttered a lot in the past and watched many minimalist youtubers. It’s like I can’t decide which side of the fence I should be on!🤦🏻‍♀️ Just a couple days ago I started watching some Joshua Becker videos and then watched a bunch of your videos, Dawn. I have watched Erica a few times too. I was already subscribed to both of you. Today I binged watched Dawn’s videos until I got to this one. This video hit me because I have been going through our “homeschool” closet *again* over the last few days. I’ve been putting stuff to the side that I planned to sell. I almost started to cry when Erica talked about giving hers away in that manner, because it was so touching! I already have given away a bunch, but was going to sell “the good stuff.” There is one expensive set that I will sell, but I’m considering donating the rest. I am so fired up and ready to have an easy to clean house!!

[@jeanneclark6930]

Excellent!!! The reality that THINGS have power over us Is an eye opener …. so we can actually forgive ourselves for throwing someTHING out!!?? Thanks a million for these revelations!

[@jessicakoppers1121]

As a teacher I can relate to the school stuff so much cause its hard not knowing when you will need something - maybe change grades or maybe next year you will use it with that group of kids ... but I am learning to only by what I need and let go of things I am not using

[@iowahart4275]

Thank you so much for sharing Erica’s journey on your channel. She has a new subscriber from me and know who I am going to binge watch next. So inspiring, realistic, relatable!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@danabrown2391]

You are in for a treat! Erica is ruthless and decides quickly what can go! And she's funny!

[@evergrowing23]

Me too! I’m so glad to have discovered her through this channel 🙌

[@dbennett20]

It looks like Erica's couch is levitating in the video.

[@mindymudge7247]

I have to say Thank you to both of you, Dawn and Erica, I love your channels and am so blessed I came across them. You both are so “real” which is what inspires and encourages me to keep on keeping on working on the declutter battle. Clutter has to be the 3rd growth of housework...dishes, laundry and clutter, they never end we just have to deal with them so they don’t overwhelm us.

[@angelacross2216]

This was fun. Watching the seasoned minimalist chat with the prodigy neophyte .

[@iliketocutandpaste]

Thank you for this video. I am trying to work my way through sentimental papers and what not. The struggle is real and it's nice not to be alone :)

[@katecorbisiero6774]

So refreshing to see real mums - gave me hope that I wasn't being a freak with too much stuff that I can't let go of. Many thanks.

[@mourningwarbler]

Great and healing conversation! Don Aslett's CLUTTERS' LAST STAND helped me. He also wrote, IS THERE LIFE AFTER HOUSEKEEPING? and HOW TO CLEAN THE MOOSEHEAD AND OTHER DIFFICULT CLEANING PROJECTS. He speaks of three piles: throw away, give away, emotionally detach (put in boxes and look at later).

[@tonyasilvey9666]

I have followed The Minimal Mom for about a a year and a half and Erica Lucas for about 8 months. I thank you both because I have learned so much from watching you!!!

[@jenmedved1692]

Thanks for this conversation, ladies!

[@hankandgreta]

While getting getting rid of stuff can light up the pain center in the brain, the actual donation of the stuff does the opposite for me. It reminds me that I am fortunate to have so much that I can share that blessing with others through my donation. No guilt at all.

[@annbeth6730]

Love Erica she is so down to earth .Her husband is kind and humble. They show so much love and kindness to their children

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you Ann!!!! ❤️❤️

[@annbeth6730]

@@EricaLucasLoves you dont need to take lots on holiday just being with hubby and kids is enough

[@chandrapate9602]

I love watching you, I get so encouraged to keep going on getting rid of things. Even my husband is getting on board with it.

[@lesleyhubble2976]

I went through my loft a few years ago, and got rid of my daughters pushchair, it made me cry because it brought back so many memories. She was my only child and I was 42 when I had her, so no more babies for me. She’s 17 now but I kept a few thing’s like her first baby grow she wore after I had her, but eventually you have to let things go

[@judyzander3681]

No, Erica, you are NOT alone!! Last fall I had to burn 3 truckloads of stuff, mostly homeschool books, but also some heirlooms, because the rotted in storage. Its tough, and emotional. But so much less stuff I have to deal with!! You are amazing to keep up that kind of momentum!

[@vickileonardson9130]

I have started watching you and also flylady. I am 60 and have always surface cleaned and stuffed everything in closets and drawers. I am getting so motivated to make serious changes. I had fun just cleaning this past weekend. I am very excited about embracing this lifestyle.

[@beckysmith2346]

Two of my favorite KZbinrs. Erica has inspired me to start being “minimal-ish”. And I found this channel through her channel. I live in a two bedroom mobile home full of “stuff” that I am still working on decluttering.

[@janamarek]

I am so happy for this lady and her family! Good for her!

[@elizabethfraser2996]

How sweet that you support other youtubers ! WE are all in this together.

[@amandastone348]

Sometime you need forgiveness, even is someone doesn’t think you need it. Sometimes you need to forgive yourself. That moment really hit me. Thank you ladies for showing this video. It really touched me and I can’t wait to check out Erica’s channel!

[@diananelson327]

I had many boxes in the dining room and the basement waiting to be sold in a garage sale. Finally had a sale end of May. I invited the neighbors to come take whatever they wanted of what was left. We had more fun with giving away things! Ooh! I also sold off a lot of our plastic tubs since I often would store garage sale items in them. No tubs, no pressure to have a garage sale.

[@jenison2985]

I loved this episode, so many of us struggle with this “stuff” I did when my kids were young...now that we’re older and wiser..still learning about letting go. It’s been an ongoing journey and once you start it’s miraculous! Freedom from clutter & stuff!! So happy to follow your channel and learn more about minimalist processes! Thanks so much 🥰🙏fantastic stories!!

[@BackroadMoney]

Yes I have ended a friendship the kicker is she was also my sister. I was raised with the destructive belief that you just have to suck it up and deal with your family. I did for 35 years, then I decided my own little family came first and that included my mental health. One of the best decisions I've ever made but also one of the hardest. Im so proud of you for getting out of that toxic relationship, if you want to talk about it you can email me. Love you

[@wandahernandez5002]

What an inspiration you both are! I homeschooled my kids and, just this month, my youngest (my twins, actually) are done with high school. Imagine all the books, curriculum we have after homeschooling 20 years three kids. Would like to have it go to a good home. Ha,ha,ha!!

[@rover790]

Thank you for doing this interview with Erica. I am awed at what she has achieved.

[@toniisaacsen4987]

Holy cow, my two favorite youtubers together! My day is made! Well, maybe if we could all go out for a cup of coffee, then my day would be made, but today is a bonus watching you two together!

[@cindytaylor235]

My parents were survivors of the Great Depression. My dad especially had great difficulty letting go of things because he might “need them” and not be able to get them again. Going through my parents’ possessions after they passed away was VERY overwhelming physically, as well as emotionally. We had to get the BIGGEST size dumpster brought in which we filled to the top, and dumped three times! Although I have never had a problem letting go of things, it made me so much more aware of how difficult it might be for my kids to deal with our stuff when my husband and I pass away. After dealing with that process, I started purging our house in a major way as well.

[@Nicole-yi2lo]

💡I had a wee epiphany while listening to your wise words: my guilt is exasperated by buying good things to pass on. For example, I’ll spend extra on a hardback book to pass on, but then I do exhaustive mental gymnastics on whom to give it too. Or when my kiddos were younger, I’d splurge on expensive clothes, then rationalize and justify my behavior saying I’d pass them on.

[@oumaclubbe522]

I don’t ever know where to find these links you refer to below?? Love your KZbins. It has changed my life and been such an encouragement. Once you have decided to give something away it brings such joy to know someone else can use it. Love the “can you manage without it?” I am nearly 70. Never too late to learn or to change & improve. Praise God

[@rachelsoto3271]

I absolutely love both of you ladies and your channels. I am an addictions counselor and Erica hit the nail on the head, forgiving yourself even if others don’t think you do. It’s definitely part of the healing process. I’ve embraced minimalism about 2 years ago and everyone’s journey is different. Great job ladies. Keep up the great videos.

[@LVX03]

A long time ago when I was 19 I worked at a donation center and there was a lady who came who’s mom had just passed away a few days prior and she was donating her moms stuff and the normal process is we would just grab the donation stuff and so the customer would be on their way but with her I remember I took out a large bin for her to put everything inside so she can take her time, this women cried as she would add more items to the bin but when she was done almost 2 hours later she thanked me for letting her take her time in sorting everything out, I think this was the first time I saw and understood a little more that it’s the memory we hold onto with certain items and not the item itself

[@allthingsmotherhood3206]

You ladies are awesome and so inspiring! I have only been on my minimalist journey for a couple of months now but I have been donating bins and bins Of stuff a couple of times a week. It’s so crazy how much guilt there was and how hard it was to let go of some sentimental stuff. But now that I’ve gotten my decluttering muscles up I feel more confident in my decisions And our home is a more clean and peaceful place for my family. It’s starting to not even hardly get messy because there aren’t a ton of things to make it messy and I am loving it!

[@juliejackman2649]

My son's toys are what I have a hard time with. He has a ton but always likes a large variety and is very creative and happy with them even though they take up half our little living room. 😵😊

[@jenniferwilliams7]

This was a great video! I started the emotional journey towards minimalism about 6 months ago, after "thinking about it" for a year. My husband doesn't understand why it is so hard for me to declutter and get rid of things. He thinks it should be easy and quick. lol So hearing you talk about the emotional aspect of decluttering makes so much sense to me! I really identified with Erica talking about letting the homeschool books sit on her table for ten days while she processed her emotions. Yes! That is why I am moving slowly. But it is really satisfying when I finally do get things out of my house. I also laughed when you said it actually causes pain when we think about giving something away that we paid money for. Yep. That's me. And because I am going through this hard process, I know that I never want to be in this place again. Thanks for the video.

[@ahoardersheart]

Oh yeah!!! My 2 favorites!!! Hopefully one day I can join in on a video with you two 💖💖

[@TheMinimalMom]

That would be awesome!!

[@ahoardersheart]

The Minimal Mom ❤️🙏🏻❤️ That would be answered prayers!!! God is good 🙌

[@MarielaMerino]

I’d love to collab with them too 💕✨

[@Rintastic7]

I like how you handle your journey on your channel. Its been making my experience a bit easier

[@rebeccadawn16]

Yes 🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️

[@karenh4058]

I enjoyed this. Hopefully, you can have her on your show again sometime to share her progress. I’m subscribing to your channel, Erica.

[@NewMoneyMamaChannel]

How fun to see these two worlds merge together!

[@antiantipoda]

I am in a different point on this journey. My apartment is mostly declutered, mostly well organized. I have a shelf on my closet that is "stuff for sale". Whenever I find something that is not trash, that I don't want or need, I snap a few pictures, upload to an app and put it in the shelf. When it sells I pack it, print the label and take it to the post office. I doesn't take a lot of effort, doesn't make a lot of money, it doesn't sell very fast, but when the money collects on the app I use it to buy something I do need. For instance clothes are old and mostly ratty, so yesterday I bought 5 used blouses on sale on the app for a total of 12 usd (converted from brazilian money).

[@pattipage2180]

I wish I had this knowledge 20 years ago! Out of all the declutter and organizing videos, blogs, books, shows, etc., I have learned more and achieved more in the past 7 days since I watched my first you tube video of you showing how to organize and minimalize your bathroom. I started with my bathroom. It took me 2 mornings before it was completed. But since then I have done my kitchen, front closet, and love, love, love, the results physically and emotionally. I am in the process of my bedroom and that is coming along a bit slower because that is where everyted has been tossed before I started last week lol. Also in a dillemma with the basement storage. Basement is a small basement with laundry, furnace and all the other house hold mechanicals and of course storage bins, shelves, clothing racks etc. I could really use help in the basement department. Please notify me when you do a video on basements. Thanks for changing my life!

[@trinam2503]

Dawn has a video on her basement! Look back thru her video list. It was last summer. :) I'm not sure if Erica has done her crawl space yet. I just came across her recently and havent seen all her decluttering videos yet.

[@joannajohnson696]

Yes. I agree! No more storage units! RIght now I have to declutter my living room. Like the Minimal Mom, we have a construction project to do which is our living room flooring. We have lived here a year and we have to replace the SUBFLOOR. My husband works in construction & he comes home too tired to get it done. WE have no living room furniture and I wanted to at least clean up the moving bins and dust before Thanksgiving. I will have to do this project myself. I am not looking forward to it.

[@elcehl]

Great video Dawn, Thank You. I can relate, retired military now. I really wish I had minimal living with all my moves!!!! I am working on it now, outer onion was easy. Now down to the rest has been difficult, the sentimental and money guilt is so true ( the hardest). You are so right , keep doing a good job, it helps us " get there". 🙏

[@TheAtWhatCostBlog]

I started in much the same way, we are headed out on vacation in the next few weeks and I am bound and determined to come home to a clean house! Minimalism has helped tremendously with having the confidence that we actually will! You and Erica have both been such an inspiration! 🥰

[@stephanie.treanor]

This was fabulous, Dawn and Erica! I love these collaborations!

[@suzierankin2751]

I watch both of your channels. You are both so awesome! Keep up the good work. You are very inspirational!

[@Katy_living_simply]

Amazing Collab!!! I relate to you Dawn because of your practicality and "systematic simplicity" (best way i can describe it) in the process... but sometimes there's stuff that you just have to battle the emotions and really change your thought process and that's where Erica shines. I love to see her openness and vulnerability... combined with your ruthless attitude is AMAZING! We were raised minimalists and after 30 years I am still learning alot from you ladies... having kids is a different ballgame for sure😅

[@MarielaMerino]

Love both your channels. You two motivate me to keep creating content on my own 🙌🏼😁🌻

[@jodyvandyke8771]

this short video must have touched a nerve.....still dropping tears

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

What synchronicity. Erica appeared as a suggestion weeks ago and I've watched 3 of her videos, including the home school supplies declutter. I have to stop with the videos and do more decluttering. I did 2 cabinets while this played. TY!

[@heathercheatham2598]

Thanks for the collaboration! Both videos have been excellent! The emotions of decluttering have been something I’ve seen my mom go through which inspired my own journey that kicked into high gear in January. My mom went through her house she lived in as a maximalist for 42 years and I had no idea that she kept literally everything from our childhood (3 kids born in the 80s). So in 2019 June she had an estate sale and got rid of the rest of the stuff and basically had 25% of the stuff she had before and moved into a bigger house but is still going through stuff. It’s amazing how much you accumulate when you don’t stay on top of and go through stuff. So I’ve been determined not to follow in her footsteps- found you and Erica earlier this year which has helped me tremendously to Move towards minimalism.

[@marie-heleneberriet9200]

So happy to see you togheter ! Thank you

[@tiffanywalker4841]

Erica, I can see that you really want the best experience for your kids with all of the engaging homeschool products you had (and have) for them. I have a garage with lots of those items and my kids started regular school 5 years ago! Congratulations on how far you have come with minimalism! Praying that I get as far as you and Dawn have. I have started with not letting new things in the house unless they are aligned with my purpose and going through the mail daily or at least weekly.

[@leanneb6622]

Love you both. You break things down into manageable tasks and inspire us to keep going. I have moved twice and now will never bring anything I dont need.

[@Sweetgotham]

As an early sub of Erica's who went back and has watched her whole journey- she's been really inspiring!

[@anitah.7906]

Great video! I struggle decluttering homeschooling material and kids toys/clothes. So much easier to declutter my own things! When your budget is tight it's not like you can go out and repurchase whenever... That's why it's hard, although I have decluttered more and more each time... learning!

[@Living4601]

Love this collab. Two of the most relatable You-tubers ❤️

[@trubyboo4072]

Ahhh yes, the homeschool stuff. Its soooo hard to part with it. Curriculum is so expensive. Definitely a difficult area.

[@justinewhite-hadley3138]

So REAL-the pain of letting go of damaged items hurts too. I had boxes in a storage area that Mice got into. I was sick with grief and heartbreak. But trying to salvage things were not realistic, especially because we were in middle of a last minute move. I hope and pray to be brave, feel the pain and to move on. It's the hugest struggle I have right now.....

[@justinewhite-hadley3138]

@@CS-ki5uf thank you so much. I appreciate the kind words and any ideas to help. I will remember this.

[@lauraheyman2011]

I just got rid of a bunch of stuff, and put a lot by the road, because thinking of selling things was almost more overwhelming than getting it out of my house.

[@faiths8385]

Thank you , you ladies are my 2 favorite channels . ❤️❤️