UNPACKING BOXES + DECLUTTERING

[@reneea7811]

Erica, THESE particular decluttering videos - the ones where you unpack boxes, make decisions outloud, then get rid of tons of stuff - are the ones I REALLY enjoy. More of these please!!!

[@lucindapick2986]

Organizing tip: Once a sheet set is folded, place it inside one of the pillow cases. Then each pillowcase in your linen closet will be a set, ready for use. Love your videos! You're going to be so much better prepared when you move into your next home.

[@jemma50]

Yes, I do this. Works great! :)

[@stefaniehoover994]

I just started doing this. It works great!!

[@mjcarr2011]

This is what I have done for 4 years and it has been so helpful!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

I do that too!

[@melm9487]

Just think, 4 boxes a day and you would be done in 15 days! Go Erica!🥇🏆🥇

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Well! That’s a great way to think!

[@tinekejoldersma]

@@EricaLucasLoves And never going to happen as you got a life XD

[@bearlycountry2406]

@@tinekejoldersma 4 boxes a day is totally doable, please don’t be so rude and discouraging.

[@tinekejoldersma]

@@bearlycountry2406 I guess you never consider yourself rude by responding this way? Your sense of humor is lacking, dear.

[@momof2momof2]

10 boxes a day would be even better

[@MissCrazygirlie]

Yes another decluttering video! Super motivation for me! My mum and I are currently decluttering the attic. We found bills from 1904 😅

[@EricaLucasLoves]

That actually cool!!

[@3llenzinha]

I hope paid bills 🤣

[@ohthankg-dforthebourgeoisi9800]

Oh wow! That’s cool!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

@@3llenzinha 😂😂😂

[@jessicagoodwin3408]

What I've learned from you..... Don't get a moving company to pack your stuff 😃☺️😃☺️

[@jemma50]

I know, right?! I hope Erica and Andy reported that moving company, because that's just wrong!!! It doesn't matter who's paying them, you or the Navy, it's wrong to use up all that paper and boxes and it also makes the unpacking much more of a chore than it should be.

[@carolynturnerclark9287]

We were active duty AF for 28 years, we had plenty of mover drama but this is the worst I have ever seen. I have had them pack a living plant and a bag of trash, lol.

[@jemma50]

@@carolynturnerclark9287 Wow! That's really not good! :O

[@megan2176]

Your wedding dress is gorgeous!! The swoopiness at the waist, and the half sleeves! Just gorgeous!! And gorgeous bride too! And groom! Gorgeousness all around! :)

[@samanthajohnson2690]

I know it seems like a lot left to de-clutter, but look how far you have come in a year. Be proud of yourself , you have changed your lives for the better.

[@karenarmstrong7495]

Every time I watch one of your unpacking videos two things occur to me 1. I'm surprised that you still have so many boxes and 2. I can't believe I watch someone unpack for 15 minutes. It seems like it should be so boring😉 However, your expression when you find a treasure is just priceless! Your videos are just so real and in the moment. I love how you are figuring it out as you go. Your patience with your kids is also pretty amazing. I feel like I've found a new friend so just want to say thank you and keep it up!

[@shonapape4451]

I love watching your unboxing videos, so satisfying when you empty a few more. Only 2 boxes a day and you would be finished in a month, if you can manage more than 2 you will finish even sooner. Then you will all be able to actually use the space in the basement. Just think all of the items that you are decluttering now have probably made many house moves with you, but they won’t be going with you to your next home - all that stuff will be gone for good, how great is that?! You are doing a great job!

[@terriellenhenninger7938]

You are doing so great! You are bringing such a blessing to your children. I grew up in a overly stuffed/ hoarder type home and the psychological affect it had on me. Not being able to have friends over. Not able to enjoy some normal childhood activities. I swore when I had my own home I would never be embarrassed to have someone over. I natural personality tends towards minimalism, so proud of you. You are a joy. Remember a home should feel clean enough to be comfortable, and dirty enough to feel the love.

[@ivonafiri9269]

I have a similer childhood. I am completly opposite from my mother. I hate clutter and love minimalisam. But married a maximalist 🤔

[@AZHITW]

A hold over from my childhood, my mom's house wasn't a hoarder situation, but for some reason nothing had a home, things would just get put away where ever the last person who used it decided it should go. So when you needed something it was a 2 hour search, and the most notable item always misplaced were the scissors. So now, I have scissors in every drawer in the house, you need scissors open any drawer and there it is. :)

[@Mar10la]

Here we say: a house clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to live in :)

[@amara560]

@@AZHITW That is the true feeling of luxury. For me it's hair ties all over the house.

[@andreawalker7138]

I enjoy your unpacking videos for some weird reason. And, it might seem like a lot of boxes left, but we all know they are not full 😆. You'll be able to get through them in no time.

[@amandarussell6298]

I love the “ I’m so tired of stuff “ - right with you !

[@lindamaglione7189]

You have become a woman on a mission! I see less and less frustration in each new video and it is clear how far you have come getting control of things. Love the unpacking videos and pick up things I can apply in my own home with nearly every one.

[@ambertarver1364]

Oh Erica! In a military wife, moving from Idaho to New York in 3 weeks. I’m enjoying you watching you unbox and set up your house and PURGING! I’m planning to go minimalist when we get settled. You give me such hope! But it also gives me a lot of anxiety at the same time. I’m going to go soak in the tub and relax and drink and think of a game plan. 😬

[@erins3147]

I’m way more into these videos than I should be 😆

[@intentionallycreatingmylif2281]

I love your sons enthusiasm to help and his excitement for ‘new’clothes. Also that he recognises when he is tired and instead of cajoling him to continue, you agree that Decluttering is hard. Great life lesson. 👏👏👏

[@gapeach51170]

Maybe you should look into Legacybox.com for converting those VHS tapes to CD so you can actually enjoy them again...I bet your kids would get a kick out of seeing you in a play when you were 8 :)

[@LetterLadyZ]

I was going to suggest she digitize them. Especially before the tape deteriorates to the point where you can’t save them anymore!

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

NOOOO LEGACY BOX IS A SCAM DONT RECCOMEND IT! 😱😱😱

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

8 came across a gadget online that letts u jook ur video olayer to ur computer so u can copy them over yourself. Have not bought yet so i cant say how welk it works

[@reneea7811]

@@EmmaAppleBerry Is there a company that you WOULD recommend? Serious question.

[@jessicasaldierna959]

@@reneea7811 my mom used Costco to convert to dvd and I borrowed them and saved then to google cloud just incase the DVDs go bad.

[@amma7244]

Your process has changed so much from your first videos. You are glowing! So happy for you what’s your reward for yourself when you do that last box?

[@rondap.328]

Your wedding photo was so beautiful...your kids are so cute...have a great day...

[@Shepz963]

If you took a week or two and just powered through finishing unpacking the boxes then you would know exactly what all you have, you wouldn’t be looking for anything missing and you would know what you would need to purchase to finish off any projects. And then you could organize each zone of your home and not have to keep reorganizing as you keep unpacking. Hi I’m justifying seeing you unpack more cause I’m addicted 😅

[@frrusc1]

hey there, I love when you unpack boxes.... I think it's very important you keep going you have treasures in them you don't even remember

[@evelynpatterson4742]

Thank You for sharing your thoughts and ponderings and encouragements--my new Moto is "I am tired of all this stuff"!!! That is profound and SOOOO helpful--it is like giving myself permission to let go of "STUFF"!!! I love your videos, so please keep producing them. You remind me of my daughter who has to call me and talk her way through things she is challenged with at the time. It always helps me to listen to her, and to you. I read through all the comments, and I agree--it is delightful to watch the maturity levels you have gone through, and you are looking happy and always have been lovely. It seems to be in your nature to be so patient and loving and caring with your kids--I want to be that kind of Mom when I grow up (It has taken me 70 years already, and 5 children and 14 grandchildren, and I still have a lot to learn and practice!) You are one of my favorite teachers--Thank you! Please keep making videos.

[@DipityS]

I love box posts, especially with little ones underfoot along with Ranger keeping a close eye on mum. All the good things!

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

Fantastic tip from an old book, it might have been called superwoman. Put an s, q, etc on the corners of your sheets for quick identification without unfolding the whole thing. I have also written 'side' on the sides of a nearly square queen doona that regularly used to drive me insane. Time and sanity savers.

[@PinguPango]

Liking before I even watch because I know I’m going to LOVE IT 😊 I love how you have started to dress - it’s so flattering and shows your shape! Work it girl! Lol And ohhhh my gosh your son is just the cutest!! He’s like a tiny Andy. When he was checking the tags and reading the sizes 🥺

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thanks! ❤️

[@debbwebb1279]

You are getting so close to getting rid of those boxes. I know you need a few for your keepsakes, but soooooo close, keep up the great work! Be safe!

[@Azarko212]

Had to pause at the wedding photo Its so beautiful 🥰

[@joannevenz5045]

I love when your son puts his hand on his hip. Very cute.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

That’s his go to pose 😂

[@A.Rose.G]

@@EricaLucasLoves so adorable! He's like MORE clothes?!!😆

[@justplainpeachy9352]

I know I’ve said it before, but every time I watch your videos I can’t help but notice how much you have changed. You are absolutely glowing! I think you should do more about your physical transformation.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Ok !

[@wyyeti4004]

You are transforming yourself as your life changes and at your own pace. Check out Keto & Carnivore. YOU GO GIRL!!!

[@lalahdz9553]

Im tired of my stuff too! Thats why its so nice at hotels. They are decluttered and cleaned for us. Ive been using what we have and just throwing stuff out. The holidays are coming and I want to get a move on it!!!

[@jennylhenry78]

"Declutter all the things! I'm tired of stuff!!" You have the best quotes. 😆 And I get to this same place, often.

[@RaeC]

I love to see your thought process on keeping or donating. It’s great to see your progress. Enjoy the day.

[@monamorgan8614]

Can you believe that moving company😱 I think since the chsrge by the box, I believe thats what you said, they “ padded” their bill. I am so proud of how far you came in only a year, amazing!!!! I am so close to being finished, but 3 yesrs ago our grown son passed away and he wasnt married at the time so it was our responsibility to pack up everything and move it or will give it away, which was heartbreaking, then just a bit later my mom died so again my siblings and I had to go through 93 years of her and dads “lifes collections” its hard but I am back to decluttering and seeing your accomplishments is a good influencer👍🏻😁

[@glockenrein]

I know you’re really ready to be done with the boxes but I love these videos. It’s like a treasure hunt to watch and they also light a fire under me to get going with my own stuff. 😄 And the fashion show going on in the background ist just adorable and you were a gorgeous bride. 💕

[@lineazielsdorf1358]

You're doing a great job with getting your kids to help you.

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

And easily working numeracy into the everyday.

[@kathybaughman8196]

Thought is was so cute...that you didn’t really want to do that last box...then surprise dishes you wanted to use....

[@fenderskirt8]

I don't comment much on any site but I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy you and your family and your journey. Thank you for sharing, you're so brave. Just a thought about all that paper you're unpacking, thrift stores can probably use it to pack fragile items.

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

She has put some on facebook or somewhere for people who are moving.

[@melissacross1121]

We recently cleaned out our shed and a bedroom in our house and having the trailer outside the shed was excellent for any rubbish. We also had a couple of boxes for donations. My favourite part of a decluttering job is actually moving the stuff on - whether to the tip or the charity shop 😁😁

[@marilyn5067]

Your unpacking videos are my favorite!

[@EmilyHercamp17]

Nice job substituting! 🎒 Way to keep only the best, the things you love and work good! 😊

[@Joybug_51]

For years, I kept good quality clothes that were too small in three tubs. After losing some weight, I began to wear some of those clothes ( many were donated due to a change in my lifestyle) which my husband began to call the "recovered swampland" clothes. Watching you with the beautiful dress reminded me of my "recovered swamp boxes." Thanks for always sharing!

[@ronnieleigh3446]

Laughed when you said about your love of bags as long as Ranger doesn't eat it. Can relate. My dogs have grown out of that but I remember the things they used to eat.

[@AtoZenLife]

Oh my gosh your wedding dress is sooooo pretty!!! 😍 Good call getting rid of that dangerous frame!

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

So close to 30k subbies!!!!😊 I’m so impressed and proud of the journey you’ve been on. You’ve done so well and are so inspiring! I would get a lot more done if I had more cooperation from my husband and son. I do what I can but you’re right that it’s very physically demanding. I have an autoimmune disease and the older I’m getting I get so tired and don’t feel well enough to do what needs to get done. It’s so frustrating when your body can’t keep up with your mind. I love your videos and how real you are. Also you children are so adorable. Watching your youngest at the beginning was so cute. 😊❤️🙏

[@doyourbesteveryday6535]

Just spend 15 minutes a day to declutter and it will take you a long way. Don't over do it. Just make it a routine. Trust me you'll be very happy

[@EricaLucasLoves]

That must be hard! I’m sorry you have this hurdle.

[@AZHITW]

I'm 71 and I feel for you, I don't have any health issues, but age sure slows you down. I'm doing the 15 minute spurts mention by "I am the best." When I don't feel like doing anything I set my timer for 15 minutes and I try to get as much done as I can, timer goes off and it's break time. Three 15 minute spurts of cleaning and decluttering can go a long way to keeping my house tidy. Oh the rest of the time is taken up caring for my physically handicapped and early stage dementia hubby. We do what we have to do no matter our age.

[@A.Rose.G]

Same-new autoimmune....I manage 20 minutes then rest /20 minutes then rest. Believe it or not sometimes I am doing this at 3 a.m. after falling asleep on and off. Some days better than others but clearing out does give a bit of energy for the next day's try usually. I would love to rent the kids for a bit! They make it so fun to me!

[@amara560]

Make sure to pace yourself! From experience I know it is so hard when your body won't cooperate, so rest plenty in between. Take breaks. 5 mins here and there add up.

[@GloriaBerg]

Erica - I absolutely LOVE your wedding dress!! It is the most beautiful gown I have ever seen - you look gorgeous!

[@annemarie628]

You can transfer your VHS to a more updated technology. I know Walmart does it. We used a different company locally in Massachusetts and we were able to get cassette tapes from childhood (I am 51yo)on a USB. I heard my grandmother's voice for the first time in 30 years. That way you can actually enjoy it instead of just storing it. I was able to share it with multiple family members very easily. I was happy I did it. I also mark thumbs up before watching. Have not seen a video yet that I did not enjoy.

[@suellenchaffey2104]

Backpack was a great example of only keeping what you love and need 🤩

[@paige5191]

Its amazing how far you've come in your journey. Just wait until the next move and its even easier and won't take this long to unpack! Youre doing great

[@melm9487]

And the movers will have to put one thing in every box to get to 195!

[@fayewhite7541]

That is part of my clutter problem. We haven’t moved since the 2nd year we were married. That was into our own house 42 yrs ago.

[@mrsbunch3501]

Hot tip re your linen... I no longer have a closet for sheets. My kids have two sets of sheets each, stored in their drawers or closets in their bedrooms. We also store ours in our closet (you could also do under the bed if that works). I love it, I always know where everything is now!

[@fayewhite7541]

I wanted to tell you to keep both glass loaf pans. I made a meat loaf in one just last week. My husband wanted to make an Apple Fritter Cake in it. It just so happened we had a 2nd stored in the basement. The glass ones are sometimes hard to find in the stores to replace if you happen to break the only one you have. You are such an inspiration. Just watched your video on purses & realize I too have too many “mom” bags and my baby is 36 with 3 of her own lol

[@Dawnstockslager]

For she sheets I always trifold the matching pillow cases around the sheet set (it’s kind of looks like a sushi roll 🍣) and stack them by size. Queen together, full together, etc. then for things like extras that don’t get used as often, like extra pillow cases, I have some “sheet bags” from the dollar store, I think, to keep all that stuff together and keep it from getting dusty. Works out well. Also I love the ideas of keeping that diaper backpack. It will work great for hikes but also for things like the beach or anytime you will end up with wet clothes, towels, or swimsuits!!

[@joannefurlong9576]

Store sheet sets in a pillow case. They get used together and will wear out together. Maybe have two sets of sheets per bed. One in laundry and one on bed.

[@silverlining7112]

Amazing to see your kids working next to you on their own thing! Sooo cute! And well done on reading the sizes! And well done to you too - you're doing great!

[@LP-tu8li]

I love when you are quick to donate!! Let it go! 😃👍🏻

[@carolynturnerclark9287]

I keep an extra set of sheets in the room where they fit that bed.

[@gertrudelawrence6791]

Their are companies that you can send your VHS tapes and get them converted into a DVD.

[@lisbetsoda4874]

What a little cutie pie helper you have there.

[@bloodliriel]

I declutter Ed our storage cellar today. It drained all my motivation, but I am incredibly relieved and proud of myself. I had to think of your crawl space and thought I have it so comfy, I can totally do this! And so I did. :-)

[@LP-tu8li]

Have you set a goal date of when to have them all emptied? That might help! Just a thought.

[@nancycosgrove4005]

A little progress every day

[@ANNtique]

You can get the vhs stuff transferred to DVD or computer file. I just did ours last year. I have them saved in my computer and also on a memory stick. It was so fun watching them all

[@louiseash5705]

Love the box decluttering videos :) my 3 are on half term break for a week in the UK from today so i watched this then we spent a quick hour doing a bedroom/clothes declutter. Really helps us keep on top of things!

[@121Randomthings]

Jacky is so gorgeous, such a little character, he always puts a smile on my face.

[@carolaspinall1965]

If I was nearer to you I would come over and help you unpack the rest x

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

You look great 👍🏻 You are really rocking the colors and styles you curated. For some reason I thought you only had six boxes left to unpack, have no idea why I thought that. Your dish set is beautiful.

[@jeno264]

You are way more than half way through all the boxes now!! The amount of packing paper in them sure is eye-popping!

[@lorig.7127]

Those wedding videos can be brought to a local photo business where they can transfer it to DVD to preserve the memories. Worth every penny especially after loved ones have passed on.

[@hameshabahar2344]

Aww your son he’s so cute and such a good helper 🥰

[@melissamelech9536]

There are companies that will take VHS and put them on dvd for you. Also I love that you have your little ones help with clothes and teach them how to find the size on clothes and that they know what size they are.

[@denisethames7065]

Store your sheets in the pillow case ! Helps a lot!

[@thehappinesstree8089]

Been following since the start of your basement declutter and I'm now at the stage where I press like before I've even watched the video lol. You've done soooo well and the changes in you, your home, your outlook, your videos, everything, is really quite something xxx

[@techyangel3592]

I collect up a set of sheets and duvet cover and then fold them and keep them in a pillowcase so I can just pull the set when I need to make the bed.

[@vanillaskye55]

Love these videos!

[@Agronair]

Eating soup. Drinking wine. Watching your latest video. PERFECT FRIDAY NIGHT✨ You're such an inspiration, thank you for posting these videos. I'm also on a journey to simplify my life, and watching you makes it so much easier to keep going. You're a decluttering superhero! 🤘🦸‍♀️ Greetings from Sweden

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Moving in June. Thank you for walking me through my decluttering! What a difference this move will be.

[@lorenet.2182]

You are doing great!!! Glad you kept the red dress and diaper backpack.

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Your first sentence made me laugh "declutter all these things... I'm tired of stuff"... That's what I am always staying... I have been decluttering the last few days.. Now on to paperwork again... Great Erica!

[@whatgwenloves]

Ugh paperwork. I am right there with you this week!

[@rebeccarendle3706]

@@whatgwenloves good luck.. Paperwork is my nemesis 😭...

[@momof2momof2]

Even you little boy was shocked by how much there still is. I hope you can get this all sorted quickly so its off your mind, and doesn't clutter up your life any longer. tfs 🎃🍃🎃🍂🎃🍁🎃🌵🌞

[@littlemouse9900]

I think the military movers purposely do one item in a box some times. You mentioned that they get paid by the box and per person, which means they'll get more money and do less work if they pack basically empty boxes.

[@lonecapricorn9518]

You have really made a huge shift in your mindset and I am totally here for it! Congrats you are doing a great job. I bet you feel lighter ..I have been trying to declutter but I live with my parents who are disabled and they have a hard time letting go of things.. ah well. Great job! You had me cracking up at the pourer outer thing!! Lmao

[@mtheron100]

I absolutely love your unpacking/decluttering videos! So curious how many boxes you'll have less with your next move. Hi from Lesotho and a fellow serial mover(10 times in 11 years)

[@christine1373]

I’m using The Minimal Mom’s tip of putting thing I’m not sure if I want to get rid of into a quarantine container and getting back to it in a month or so.

[@jacquelinepetersen9061]

Erica, have hubby change that awful purple bulb. Very hard to watch, but you're doing a good job on getting rid of more things. Thanks for sharing !!

[@cherylcoolidge8249]

Yeah! You are doing fantasstic. Your little ones are sooo cute!

[@vickimontgomery5271]

TOTALLY!!!

[@minimalzebra]

You’ve got this Erica!

[@DiaryofaHighlandHomemaker]

Go you! It's nice when you find things you love in amongst all the decluttering 😄 Wee Jack is so cute 😍 x x x

[@liliamrodriguez3020]

Great video thanks

[@willaeklund331]

Be sure to tell is when you find your label maker and laminator. lol. Great video. Your kids are so cute.

[@AnAdventurousLife]

Great job! It's also a great teaching experience to have the little ones help.

[@sarahrudge4812]

Your son is adorable

[@amt2804]

It doesn’t look like a diaper bag, at all! 😁👍

[@emilasmith4279]

Progress! Great decision on the sling backpack and keeping the nice diaper one! 💜🌸

[@candicewaller403]

Solid decision on the bag question! You're doing awesome. Way better than me. Personally, I LOVE bags. Like seriously, I have a problem. Just with travel bags though. For some reason, I truly believe that I need "just the right type of bag" for any trip. So, I have a managed to accumulate quite a wide variety. I even have multiples of the SAME DANG BAG in different colors depending on if I'm packing warm colors or cool colors for a particular trip. It's wild!

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

Yay more unpacking videos!

[@miss.leviwhiteside5923]

you have moved and gotten through more than half of the boxes and at some point back then I commented that I am getting back to my decluttering but I barely have. I have to catch up on cleaning the house this weekend but maybe i´ll declutter a drawer or something to help me get my mind back in the game.

[@erinbachara1141]

You are looking so great! Love your videos!

[@Leigh01877]

You go girl, you’re on a roll! Keep up the great work. Hope you manage to find the laminator & label maker, they will be in the last big heavy box lol more incentive to continue! Will you get it all unboxed before Christmas or New year?

[@theuptonfamily1523]

Love your videos. Re the diaper bag ... they are normally really hard wearing. My eldest uses my old diaper bag as his school bag ... it’s in his 4th year of use by him and I had used it for 4 years prior to that. It cost us £75 when I brought it and I plan to use it every way we can until it falls apart ;-) glad you chose to switch it for another bag :-) shopping your own home again ;-)

[@greatauntlizbethg9137]

Thats impressive. We often buy cheaper / thrifted backpacks and usually get 2, maybe 3 years out of them. We see other people with the attitude of new year, new back pack.

[@kathycarman8282]

Could you remove the barbed wire from the frame and still use it? It’s a great frame