Unpacking the Kitchen Boxes

[@EricaLucasLoves]

The trays to contain the messes are from amazon. Here's a link! amzn.to/2ERV9ir

[@patemmack7205]

The trays are a great idea! The amazon link say not currently available, but another source is Gordon Food Services (GFS). I bought one when my son was getting ready for first grade, and needed to practice walking while carrying a cafeteria tray. Now I use it to hold my current cross stitch project, so I can easily pick up everything and put it out of reach when necessary.

[@MrsBumbulina]

When I saw the trays I thought about all the packing paper and how one could save and reuse it to protect the table when doing art etc. Then I realized it was a typical "just in case"-trap. I would keep it and never use it 😅

[@christyviveros7237]

Do you have a link for the Amazon desks? How have they held up?

[@Mar10la]

I love this opportunity for you. Moving gives you a chance to actually address everything while your storage spaces are still empty

[@01baia]

When I seriously decluttered my home, I found decluttering decor the hardest thing to do. But Erica, cutting down drastically on decor made a HUGE difference to cleaning and tidying. I encourage you to take the plunge to reduce your decor items. (Obviously you should keep the ones that are really meaningful or that "fit" exactly the right spot.)

[@larkendelvie]

Loved the kids helping with the boxes. I remember my dad going hunting every fall for some appliance boxes and stashing them down in the basement. When the snow had settled in and we were all going stir crazy he would bring them out for us to play with in the basement - building forts and stuff with the boxes and blankets - good times!

[@danabrown2391]

Sweet and clever dad!

[@nicolerousseau8060]

I love what you said. “Every hour is a new opportunity”. Love all your videos and for being so real. You have been a blessing in my life. Thank you!

[@melindareuter1098]

I take vases to my local florist. They oftentimes like “recycling” them. Just FYI.😊

[@AtoZenLife]

Melinda Reuter That is such an amazing idea! My friend is a pro organizer and she said animal shelters love extra blankets for the animals. I love creative recycling!

[@ellef4812]

I like his beard and y'all two look so at peace with each other...that's so refreshing to see nowadays (and unfortunately, rare). Keep up the hard work! Don't ya just love a fresh start?!? 🥰

[@simplejoyfilledliving]

I’m so glad you’re taking time to have fun with your family too! ❤️

[@nemo7782]

Like the self-motivated paper compactors. :)

[@andreawalker7138]

I love the completely random things (3 Hershey's kisses, 2 barrettes, one lego, etc.) carefully wrapped and put in a gigantic box. 🙃😆

[@qhaireeniqa7936]

I love your video... I had a hard time to declutter my stuff before i watch your video... Now, everything getting easier and hopefully less fight with my parents because of messy bedroom and my ADD.. I just turn on your declutter video playlist and just listen to your voice... I just keep on repeat your video..❤️❤️ from Malaysia.

[@jodyolson9869]

Really lovely to see the entire family participate in the unpacking; Your steadfast journey has become a Family journey towards minimalism ❤️

[@robinduke3184]

You’ve got some cute little helpers. Even the pup chipped in. 😊

[@shirleypol5683]

Love the background music for the video 🎵🎵🎶❤️

[@anetteholm6384]

Me too, just wondering who this singers are?

[@angelasnodgrass6621]

Hi Erica your videos have helped me so much. The past two weeks I have been decluttering my home. It’s made me feel so great. I even let go of some of my coffee cups. Hehehe. You are a great example for everyone. Thank you for sharing your life and your family and your journey. My friend just told me how much I have changed since I had back surgery December of 2019. There is no way I could have done all of this last year. I have been truly blessed by God. My back surgery was awesome success. I feel great.

[@IcedReality]

What a great set of pantry shelves!

[@liatori6214]

My husband has a little bit of the "Monk", TV serie, in him. He would make me flatten all the wrapping paper and fold them corner to corner. No crunching them here 😂

[@ihatehandles111]

i would be doing that too lol.

[@littlemouse9900]

Yeah I'd fold them too, takes up less space imo 🤷

[@nancywidows463]

"Every hour is an opportunity to do something " yes! That's my new mantra!

[@gwenvann7279]

I loved the little empty box dance Erica!

[@rosemaryboury9599]

Glad to see you all finally settling in! It’s just a thought but why not swap the living room area off the kitchen with the homeschooling room so that you can get more light for school work.

[@beckysmith2346]

Loved your helpers. They were doing a great job.

[@ennastrider6961]

Small Children make great paper compactors :)

[@sarahjohn1484]

I smiled when you unpacked the owls--and I NEEDED a smile this morning! They bring me joy! (The JOY mug made me smile, too.)

[@lfuentes4098]

I’ve moved four times but I’ve packed five times. Lol. It’s interesting to see how professional movers do it, nice to know your things are very well packed. Explains all the boxes. I guess the key to letting someone else move your belongings is to really go through and declutter as much as possible and then leave the objects in the intended rooms. This will make the unpacking much easier and you won’t get so many odds and ends in your boxes. 😂

[@AtoZenLife]

I really like those herb pics! Would be hard not to lose count of the boxes. 😂 The pantry is FANTASTIC! 😱

[@StillWatersASMR]

I’m super jealous of that pantry!

[@gramcracker2023]

Erica. I love you, your channel and family. I’m glad I caught your channel not too long after you started the decluttering process.

[@cynicallyyours61]

I love your kids helping. Good skills for when they get older.

[@antonianovoa6416]

You have the best helpers! Great job!

[@KnottyMaker]

Oooh that purple vase is so neat and pretty!!

[@d.c.1851]

My partner and I are moving in a month and watching you do this move is helping me mentally prepare

[@hellosteph9206]

I'm re-watching your entire de clutter series over again and I am just so amazed how much you got rid of. I can't help but think how easy your next move will be!

[@melissasinclair6960]

I feel your double sip of coffee. So needed.

[@HolisticHomemaker]

Love this!! So much easier to ensure you’ve gone through every item you own when you’re entering it into a new home and it doesn’t get put away until you’ve addressed it. Plus everything needs a “place” even essentials so now s the perfect time to make sure everything has a place in your new home 😍❤️ I’m so happy for you and how far you’ve come on this journey!! Thank you for taking us along with you!!

[@WhatSarahLikes1]

I would smooth out and keep those paper sheets. Great for art. And free.

[@annw1395]

And if you're wanting to pass them on to other people for moving (less waste), then they're not going to want them all crunched up.

[@01baia]

The littlest You-Tuber is a born natural! And how helpful she is. 💗💕

[@leeannalmanza3182]

Could you hang your little "coffee" sign on the wall? that would take up less counter space.

[@meganrasey4377]

A dear friend of mine just recently introduced me to your channel and I am so blessed by you. I feel like I'm hanging out with a friend down the street who is just as sarcastic but hungry for growth as me. My husband is in the army. It's.... just honestly sucky at times, absolutely great at other times. it's rare to find the bond made between military and fellow spouses. Watching your videos I feel like I'm among friends, welcome (in my maternity PJs) and allowed to be on a journey to progress. Not expected to have reached perfection already. 💝🤯💪🥰🤠

[@danabrown2391]

NO! I did not want this to end! More unpacking please! And a quick segment of your kids playing in the now filled and clean pool!

[@cingold1468]

Ok, so you can send me the matching vases. 😃 And I’m crazy about your blue counters with that white kitchen!! Best thing is your happy attitude-it’s clear the whole family is going along with that. Very encouraging video in a thousand ways. My favorite since I subscribed.

[@sulmaoropeza7848]

It’s like Christmas, opening each box and getting excited to see what’s inside. 😆😉 that’s a lot of unnecessary packing paper to wrap things that Are not needed. You can probably reuse that paper for your kids to pain. The kids are having fun helping. They are creating new memories in that house already.

[@ritasolomon7354]

You and your hubby are so cute together !!

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

How fun to go through the boxes. It is like those blind boxes the kids get where you know the general theme but not sure exactly what you’ll get. Sometimes it’s a dud and sometimes an exciting treasure.

[@nancygoodin7588]

Packing paper makes great paper for kids to draw on i fine

[@lisaschreiber2893]

LMAO I forgot how random military sourced packing was... love it!!! it was kind of like Christmas unwrapping what you had no idea about even if it was our stuff.

[@3boymama]

I love the emptying of the boxes. You should keep a chart of tally marks for each box emptied.

[@mindymudge7247]

Great to see kids helping you unpack.

[@heathercheatham2598]

I love your box dance. I think it’s such a testament to your minimalism that you were able to take time with your family and able to wait on opening boxes because you didn’t have to open it right away to function. I know you guys moved the essentials but I’m pretty sure if you had move before decluttering you would have been so overrun with boxes it would’ve been hard to function without unpacking. Great work!!

[@erinvelasquez3316]

I love the art tray idea!!

[@terryrodriguez6209]

Your kids are really cute and funny. Your little girl is super pretty.

[@labradorite8256]

Seeing you in the new house will take some getting used to.

[@joannevenz5045]

I am so looking forward to you minimising and organising your new home as you unpack.

[@aliciab77]

I love the herb decor

[@Appalachianmomma]

I loooove the blue glasses!!!

[@vivianleigh4809]

Your daughter is so adorable and a very good helper! 🌈🌞

[@babybop0123]

You give me so much motivation!! Thank you so much!💕

[@emilasmith4279]

Nice job!! Doncha just love how misc random stuff infiltrates every spot in the house. I’m on a warpath lately trying to weed out all the trinkets etc. / Have you considered the narrow 4 ft conference tables. Putty color vinyl tops with metal legs to use a school tables? I usevttem in my craft room. Easy to scrub w mr clean sponges. Seem less destructible than wood desks. Like $30 at sam’s. Just a thought. Have a fun weekend!

[@annw1395]

Yeah, those are great work surfaces, and very sturdy.

[@christined2495]

I love the lay out of your Kitchen/Family room There is nothing like a open concept, this way when your in the kitchen you can be part of the action in family room. Love the lavender vase your keeping, that would have been my pick. When I decluttered I only kept one vase and donated 3.... I kept a Tiffany vase which was a gift at one time. Love the spice framed pictures, and the coffee bar...this is such fun watching you set up the new house. You look great Erica xo

[@sharylsimeone]

Erica...I am working in my kitchen today! Very inspirational. I am setting things free! Yeah! Your daughter was so cute! Big hugs! Great job! 💐❤️👍

[@ronelleduplessis9360]

Love the shirt you are wearing! Take 1 day at a time and only keep what you really love. You have a fresh start.. make it count!! Good luck!! Donate, donate, donate

[@rebeccaduke6491]

Loving the beard!

[@jenniferbarney4220]

Loving the random finds. Too funny!

[@2oldcrowscleaning538]

I’d be saving all that paper for home school and wrapping gifts

[@josephdaly2015]

Well done, great family effort 👍 Slow and steady wins the race 👏🥇

[@ennastrider6961]

For the homeschool room I suggest LED strips for lighting. I used small clear command hook and put them up along the ceiling in my very dark bedroom. They work great and you can dim them if you want to.

[@nancyblockcolsky1387]

Really enjoyed this video! We’ve never used professional movers-what they packed and how they packed it was very eye-opening! They truly will pack everything, it appears.

[@jeanniesponza1546]

Cute little helper!

[@tkdally]

Excellent photo bomb from Rebecca at 1:40 🤣🤣

[@meun96rd]

This is the most entertaining unboxing ever! 195 mystery boxes.. do they hold treasure or q tips?

[@karasmith4509]

Your daughters thumbs up pose totally reminded me of my son he poses the exact same

[@Dashzap]

Wow, you really REALLY love signs as decor.

[@tinekejoldersma]

Oke, the boxes weren't filled with air but with paper! Loved seeing your kids help. Sweeties are they, don't pay attention to unwanted parental advice. You're doing fine.

[@lildebleigh84]

This was such a great video! Awesome job! It’s got me going this morning! About to tackle cleaning out the shed today! 😊

[@amandab8866]

aww I live 10 mins from the Pittsburgh IKEA.... I could have shipped them to you! hahaha..... I loved the music in this video!

[@dirgniflesuoh7950]

This reminds me of my pasta plates, and bowl. I have a lovely set somewhere. They were packed into a box when we moved, more than ten yrs ago? So they are hiding somewhere along with my grandmothers tea cups, and DH's grandfather's super fragile glasses and some other stuff we never use, that has never been unpacked. Every time I dive into those last boxes looking for the set, I break at least one of those glasses, and I give up. Maybe the movers broke the whole set? Maybe I'll find it in time to gift the kids with when they might need it.

[@onairwitherika4644]

You always make me laugh so much. You are just so funny. Love these kinds of videos. You're so inspiring. When I decided to go minimalist, I got rid of all my decor that had words and saying on it. I felt like my eyes always went to the decor that I had to read and I didn't find it relaxing. Does that happen with you?

[@Alex-dz2et]

It definitely becomes visual clutter - I’ve never understood the need for signs in the home - more than enough advertising outside the home.

[@kimberlyheinz4490]

Kids do what you expect of them. If you say they will destroy their desk they will. I would talk to them about their new desk and their responsibility to take care of them. If you break them you will not be getting another one. Help them take ownership and pride in their desks and make expectations clear.

[@kariner4297]

She didn’t ask for our advice for raising children. I see happy kids and involved parents. All families are different, and respect to you Erica, for sharing so much, and putting yourself out there!

[@kimberlyheinz4490]

Karine R part of minimalism is taking care of the things we have and not wasting. I was just trying to share with her a perspective she may have not had in the past.

[@kempfreehold9450]

you seriously think that talking to her children about not destroying things is a revolutionary idea that she hadn't thought of? Your need to give unsolicited parenting advice doesn't speak well for you

[@jemma50]

I agree, Kim Heinz. Never mind the haters. And you are right about minimalism - taking care of the things we already have is always a good idea. I do feel Erica has set herself up to expect the desks to be destroyed. And just because they are cheap desks doesn't mean they should have to be replaced on a regular basis. Good advice.

[@kimberlyheinz4490]

Jemma D thank you! You totally get what I am saying!! I don’t care if something cost $5 or $500 I still expect myself and my kids to take care of it and show respect for the item. I don’t want to be wasteful .

[@pattiharrison1211]

Hi, love your videos. I got a floor touch lamp for my living room as it was not as light as I needed. Turns out I love the touch lamp as it is so convenient . You have beautiful things. I love all your decor 😊 whoever stops by whatever thrift store you are donating to, is going to be thrilled, if they need what you are donating. Good job!

[@charlottewaldeck763]

One box at a time😂 you will get there. Always make time for family like you are doing while you unpack. It is so cute they are helping you. Looking forward to the video on Monday 😁❤

[@liliamrodriguez3020]

Great video thanks

[@annegamble7698]

So cute. Love your little family.

[@KathelleStrandom]

Great stuff! I love the reminder that every day is a new start, thanks 😊❤ x x x

[@angelasnodgrass6621]

I did decide to leave my coffee pot on the counter. I put everything else in the cabinet. I love my kitchen since I decluttered it.

[@margaretlowans8429]

You've got a great wee helper there!

[@evergrowing23]

Thanks for the video! Finally feeling motivated to finish decluttering my bedroom 😅😭

[@dianegriffen2756]

Hi from sunny UK! Awesome work and LOVE the empty box dance! You have some great little helpers there too. I'm wondering if your removal companies get paid by the box, hence the number of boxes you have here and previously with just one or two items in them. This may be how they get their money up if the Navy are apt to go with the cheapest bid. It may be worth Andy dropping a few well timed comments when he returns to work and they ask how the move went, about how much unnecessary cardboard and packaging you now have to rehome or recycle! They may not be aware.

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Great work.. It must feel good to unpack, declutter, organize and put away... Now you know why it was 195 boxes.. A lot had very little in them.. The packing company was playing it safe. Xx

[@carolynoquinn1638]

Yay, girl, you're getting there! I really wish I could help you.

[@lindasullivan8745]

We all have random stuff it’s just some of us are better at hiding it than most...I used to keep newspapers ?...weird I know...thanks to your motivation I have cleaned my act up...keep up the great work bestie...xx we have 27 random cups..lol...x

[@aimtok]

Very inspirational when you talked about each day is a new opportunity. I'm fairly new to your channel and I'm encouraged every time I visit your channel. 😁❤️

[@mickalaloeffelbein4935]

*pauses for child shriek...wait for it... and keep talking* Hahahaha I also love the kid paper compactor setup you have!

[@LivingWithEve]

You know it’s so funny how a lot of us are moving. Colleen, Yasmine and my home closes on the 25th next month. We’re doing all our school work now so when the time comes... they can take a week or two off.

[@christinae30]

Lovely that you can work together, like your strong daughter and son who packed the paper by jumping on it! Your braid (?/the hairstyle) is s o pretty

[@mothersuperior6751]

Hi Erica. As a suggestion. Your children are young enough to not need to have their desks separated. If you place the desks in a group, you have these advantages. The kids will talk, enhancing their sibling relationship. They will learn from each other. You have a bigger work surface. You need less lamps. (or you place the group under the ceiling lighting and install a brighter bulb. If you place them as an 11 and then put one across the top you will get a square.

[@rowboat8343]

The herb pictures are gorgeous! I'm wondering what you were saying about the purple box though!

[@waihekesmurf4485]

Maybe a big mirror on a wall to bring more light? 🌞

[@monicaturner4595]

Thank you for sharing. I'm thinking Andy is headed for KZbin stardom!!

[@theeggtimertictic1136]

Love the flyby at 1:43 😂

[@michelleburnham5323]

As far as desk youmightbeable to pick someplace thrifting or garage sales?

[@beckyunderwood4220]

Your daughter is quite strong 💪 Wishing you well in your new house 🏠

[@paigeprouty4145]

Those school trays are such a good idea. Where did you get them