WHY DO WE HAVE CLUTTER? + 21 Reasons We Have Clutter [Link]

[@emmayeager5864]

I love how you talk through your thinking as you sort, and how you're so curious about the underlying feelings that got you to this place. You've grown SO much since your started! So impressive 💕

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you!!

[@liatori6214]

@@EricaLucasLoves Here, with this video, I've been reading some of the best brain storming ever!

[@angiedimsdale9016]

I would say you don’t have a journal “problem.” Journaling is a VERY USEFUL TOOL for you so you are automatically drawn to them when perusing through stores or online shopping. They are your TOOLS. Much like school supplies for your children. They help them process and achieve goals which fosters self-esteem and life success. Suggestion - find a storage home for all partially used and new journals. Commit to using up the partials first then the remaining are open for your choosing. Here’s the real boundary -take a picture of your journal stash and whenever you are tempted to purchase another one look at your supply picture which will tell you, “I have ample supply at home and pretty journals are always being manufactured so I’m not missing out by leaving this one for someone else to enjoy.” 🥰 Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I love the access to community where we all can draw inspiration and strength.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

This was a supportive and kind comment. Thank you so very much

[@jemma50]

@@EricaLucasLoves I totally agree with Angie Dimsdale. (Love the picture idea!) You have those journals now, so I wouldn't declutter any if you love them all. But definitely don't buy any more until you get down to less than what you will need in the next six months....or whatever timeline or number of journals works for you. Keep them all together in one of your numerous bins. ;) And probably in that closet. ♥ P.S. I have the same problem with journals. I am currently working my way through what I have and won't need to buy any for a while! :)

[@marinard6293]

This was a helpful perspective for me too. I might add, Erica, your unused journals look pretty from the outside. You might even devote one of your bookshelves for the and have them displayed horizontaly one on top of the other with a knick knack on top of the all, as a reminder that you have them plenty and enough, but also to enjoy them visually, until they get their turn to be used.

[@angiedimsdale9016]

@@marinard6293 I thought about her bookshelf unit when she showed them 👍🏼

[@AndreaJKAPU]

Could add a small shelf in this closet for the journals.

[@bethanyatkinson6944]

It is so therapeutic that you transparently show the process you need to go through in order to deal with clutter. Not only is it 100% relatable, it doesn't portray a to-do list, or the message "here's what you should do"... It actually leads people by example. So just in case people haven't told you, you're a great leader ❤️

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you Bethany. That is very kind and very helpful. I like knowing what people want to see.

[@lindamyers953]

I've been watching your channel for quite awhile now but have never commented! So here goes😍 You've worked really hard to organize, declutter, get out of debt, etc. What I think is that you and Andy have a spending problem. Hence the pile of journals , for example. Spending results in too much "stuff" when it's random and done for a variety of reasons. I'm in the process of major decluttering and reorganizing for a possible move so I understand the difficulty of the whole process. I've just had to learn that I don't need to buy everything I think I need, as I probably have it somewhere in my pile of "stuff"! I enjoy your channel and have seen the progress your family has made!

[@Charlotte-ud2to]

I have followed you from the beginning. Being a 25 year old I kinda feel you're my minimalist godmother. I have learned sooo much from you! When I lived at my parents my room had a literal path amongst all the clutter on the floor. But thanks to you I made my own minimalist journey and it feels so much better!

[@juliemix3373]

Erica, I find you fascinating to watch. To see how you work through a problem. You give yourself time to reflect. Everything doesn't need to be answered within 2 seconds. You are changing incrementally which I think is your strength. Thanks for another great post. Cheers

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you for these words today!

[@voiceojane]

I realized that some of my “keep too much” issues had to do with times I wasn’t heard or validated or celebrated when I was young; I had the feeling that if I didn’t document my own life, I was going to kind of disappear. Fortunately through the process of building my adult life, I eventually felt secure enough to gradually let go of more stuff.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Wow that’s very deep. How enlightening!

[@jademcarthur]

Started watching video and got super inspired. Paused video to head outside and put a pop up table out. I literally went around and grabbed what I was tired of and carried outside. Threw on prices super fast and made a sign for etransfers. Thank you Erica ❤️ You made my day. I sold for a total of $403 today and that is because of you. I heard the word clutter in your video and just said “ I am so sick of my clutter around”. Today so much sold and it was fun. I love how I am now feeling, enjoyed an amazing bath to unwind and sat down to finish watching the rest of your video. Best day in a long time and the credit goes to you.

[@joannevans2829]

Since you’ve made such great progress in the basement I’d put the RV bins down there. That way, you won’t have to look at it on a daily basis in the upstairs closet.

[@ANNtique]

I don’t know if this would help but I go through my journals/planner/calendar and note anything from the year that I want to remember whether it be an appointment, illnesses, work done on the house, a family death/birth/anniversary, travel. Anything I might need/want a record of. I write it on a sheet of paper and keep it in a binder with similar notes from other years. It helps me get rid of the pages and loads of stuff I don’t need but while still keeping a record of things I might want to reference

[@cheriew1428]

Brilliant idea! I recognize after seeing this video that I’m about to have a journal problem if I continue. I too want a record of when things happened but don’t want to search through every journal to find what I’m looking for. My memory isn’t as good anymore (I’m 72) and I’m having difficulty remembering what year things happened. So thanks for sharing your idea.😍

[@reggieandherman4251]

Ooh, that's an excellent idea. It will free up precious drawer space. My house has only one closet. I want to build or buy another.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

My aunt does this. She calls me with the funniest reminders each year. I would like to do this!

[@randsguerra1942]

I’ve started doing this, too. Was able to release 10 + years of journals/planners into 1, with still space to grow. I’ve started shredding the personal writing stuff I would never want a stranger to read, reasonably soon. So freeing!

[@kimberlyfake9127]

I need to do this. I have a calendar/planner problem. I never get rid of them. I keep them "in case" I need to remember something that happened. I like the idea of writing stuff down that I do want to remember from that year and put it in a notebook so I can toss the calendars. That will be a big job going back through all of them. I have such a hard time dealing with any kind of paper clutter.

[@angiew6567]

Erica , your hair looks great! I just realized you took off some length! I love it!

[@reginaeudy9249]

I love how we get to hear your thought process that is what I think is missing from other KZbinr's videos. One thought that I heard that helped me to declutter journals, was if I unexpectedly died would I want others reading what I had in my journals. I was like "No Way" so in the trash they went. Now if I need to get any feeling out by writing about it, I write it down on paper and then shred it. For me that was problem solved. I know you use your journals a little differently but hopefully this idea will help someone else.

[@siameseire]

Hi Regina, you might love Rocketbook notebooks. My brain loves the joy of wiping the page clean but your paper shredding might be a therapeutic joy for you. : )

[@susanlee9775]

If you love journals like I love all paper products, maybe you should start using them as your everyday journal, braindump, etc. I tend to not use them because they are for a “special occasion.” EVERYDAY is a special day. I started using my special ones because that is what they are for (for using!). I know that you had “aha” moment with your dishes, but maybe it is the same thing. Love your channel. I listen to you while doing my own housework. One other thought….maybe give them away to your listeners? That is always a nice touch. 🥰

[@bridgetherman4339]

I keep my backup glasses in the glove compartment of my car. If I were to ever be in dire need of backup glasses it would probably be in the place where I legally can't get home without them! I've also had contacts rip in my eye while I've been out and needed them to drive home.

[@hildalev]

One thing I found when I'm overwhelmed with a lot of clutter, it is easiest to start with the stuff I don't have to make a decision about, like obvious trash or declutter. When this is out there is less stuff and it helps my anxiety.

[@melindareuter1098]

I love to watch you; you are so REAL! And you’re correct. Clutter IS magnetic! Congratulations on how far you’ve come on your journey to own less. Keep it up!❤️

[@ikrobiee]

I love how real you are. No “rules”, no “to do lists”, no expensive perfect house in the background. The process you use is amazing. You’ve really changed your mindset and life. Thank you for documenting everything.

[@lenarobins2480]

When you get to your journal thought process please do a video on that! I too collect journals, also have saved some over the years, sometimes I write words of encouragement to myself in them but don't usually have time to go back and read often but wish I would because everytime I do I'm glad I wrote it.

[@CULady]

✋ I am Rose Evers and I have a journal problem ❤ Erica we could be friends! I kept saying what you said just before you said it😂 Bins, for RV, glasses in nightstand and the journals!!! My prayer journals and brain dump journals are part of my coping systems. Thanks for sharing your heart openly! You have helped me so much with Sentimental items ❤🍁🍂

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Yeah Rose! Friends!!!

[@madzabinga8382]

This was so real, I couldn't help but relate to everything you said. It's so easy for me to get totally overwhelmed with the decision making in a cluttered space. I often end up organizing clutter, which I now know is not the solution, thanks to you! I am looking forward to seeing how you organize that closet in the future.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

I’ve been giving it lots of thought.

[@vondrabejot9851]

Thanks for reminding me of more than 21 reasons why I have never had the desire or need to go in a RV!

[@keyisme1356]

Lol, you've finally made it to the piles that don't make sense on how to organize it. I spent the first 2.5 years decluttering, then spent the next year just organizing clutter and "tote shuffling" all the things around. (And sometimes my kids go into a closet or locked room and dump stuff out... Never ending messes and mama despair!) I finally decided I need a tote for "bags, backpacks, fabric grocery bags, and purses" because I choose to keep it. And I use things for random days, adventures, library runs,etc. Your basement might be a good spot for it (long run plan, not necessarily right now - cuz your cleaning it). I also have a large box of "empty containers" and I use and reuse stuff in it all the time. Part of the problem you have, is when a single room has too many jobs, they get into each other's way. (I would set up the back-up food & office supplies on shelving in the basement OR use that entire closet for food, and find another place for coats and everything else.) The other thing you need is flylady/secret slob, because those piles like "for RV" and "journal project", stack up everywhere! PS good job starting a "scary area". "Progress, not perfection!" (-Secret slob) Or, as strugglecare.com says, "good enough is perfect!"

[@patriciahibbard7345]

you may not have solved the problem but it’s better, and you got the RV stuff. Good job!

[@ldl12]

Love watching and listening to your real-time process! Cheered at the end when you articulated the root issue of this space: lack of vision/purpose and the appropriate storage solutions to fulfill its best use. As for journals, I still struggle too. For me, it seems to be a fantasy-self issue related to stationery supplies in general, as in, if I buy cute stuff, I’ll want to write deep thoughts and meaningful letters. It helps to avoid those sections of stores and online. When confronted with the goods, simply acknowledge their purpose and aesthetics without the need for ownership. A swift “Look at that cute clutter I’m not spending money on and bringing into the house,” usually does the trick!

[@deserehoward8555]

It doesn’t all have to go! You are doing the job of many people! You have a You tube channel which requires things, tax preparer, a teacher … seriously think about what a teacher has in her classroom to teach her students. Now multiply times 3 for each grade level! You are doing fantastic! Don’t forget to add all the other things you do to keep your kids active. We aren’t even discussing what it takes to be a military wife. The fact that you are figuring out a way to do this on your own without hiring someone to help you jumpstart the process is amazing!

[@nancywidows463]

This is so helpful for me! Struggle, pain, solution.....score!! We really do have to walk thru the pain to get to the reward. And we all walk on different paths, and at different speeds.😍

[@andreapreku3652]

Maybe you could give a try to the 15-minute-decluttering. After the 15 mins is off, you stop and walk away. Not overwhelming but still effective. I learned this from Cas and the Flylady.

[@annamarieholstpahus8910]

Erica, Can you do a vlog on dealing with the bags/purses/wallets? Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰 😘🙌

[@cathypritchard4306]

A suggestion for one journal for the RV. My husband had a specific “travel journal. He wrote into every time we traveled or went on vacation. It is fun to go back & read. Hope this helps

[@EricaLucasLoves]

That’s a great idea!

[@xylindria9077]

We have a similar journal for trips and big events. I preload page(s) trips and write more as desired. The front few pages have an index. So I see the cruise/wedding/weekend at Gma etc. it has the ticket stubs and the like. Should last a few more years.

[@patriciaalldred1036]

I’ve been a subscriber for over a year and have loved all your videos. They are so easy to watch because they are real life. You laugh at yourself and then, find a way to learn from your mistakes. What a great role model you must be for your kids.

[@angelasnodgrass6621]

I agree with clutter attracting clutter. I love your videos. I have decluttered so much stuff watching you declutter. I talk things out also when I am decluttering. For today is a good thing. Thank you

[@01baia]

"Progress not perfection" was one of the first declutter "rules" I learnt. So much more helpful than feeling that I must reach "perfection" in every task I undertake. Today, Erica, you demonstrated that rule beautifully!

[@GG-zf3ul]

meeeeeee! I've been journaling for 10 years and realized a few months ago (as we declutter for our move) that I have a journal problem too LOL. I realized that for filled journals, it was 'just in case' I wanted to go back and read them or reference them (I haven't once in a decade) so I shred those...and felt great about it actually. For the blank ones...for me it's "they're so beautiful! all of those blank pages, so much possibility!" but realized that when I have 13 blank journals...that's a bit toooo much possibility haha Love the video, you're so motivating, thank you for sharing.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Oooh yes. The possibility of what they could be. That may be one of the reasons I’m keeping them!

[@ambertarver1364]

I have a bunch of journals and notebooks. I have learned that when I get stressed, making lists helps calm me. It gets all my “mind chaos” out and on paper so I don’t have to think about it anymore because it’s out and on paper. Then I process that, what do I need to do, what’s bothering me, what project can I work on, etc. I then worry that I don’t have enough paper to write my lists on so I get more. But since I’ve realized this is what I do, I’m making better attempts at filling them and not skipping pages and stuff. Just something to think about, maybe?

[@juliedrost1424]

Just a thought, in regards to the journals-maybe give one to each one of the kids for their brain dumps and things…might cut down on loose paper clutter…

[@KSLassie457]

Erica, watching and listening to the process that you go through when you were trying to decide what to keep and what to donate is of the greatest value to all of us. You have often inspired me to go one step further in my decluttering process. Cannot thank you enough for the help you give. And congrats on your weight loss journey. It’s nice to be able to celebrate each victory with you! Good luck!

[@larkendelvie]

Good job - tackling just the first layer is all you can do somedays! For the journals I'd start a bin of all your extra Journalling stuff and once a year plan to clean it out. Just the act of having to put the stuff that doesn't fit in your journaling bag into the bin will remind you that you already have extras. My guess is that journaling is one of your solo activities that are precious to you. Everyone, especially when part of a chaotic family, needs solo activity time that they treasure even if it's only in 5 minute increments. My big thing for many years with my family was Crocheting. I loved to do it with my family while we all unwound in front of the TV in the evenings. Once of the hardest things to declutter for me was a bunch of half finished projects. Having to face the fact that I was never going to finish more than half of them and that they had no meaning to anyone but me was tough. I did finish some of them and now use them every winter which is like having a memory hug.

[@tallulahsmom2964]

Hi Erica. Use the closet organizer down in your pantry for the shoes. Hang by your winter coats. Move your printer forward in the pantry. Have a great week.

[@danabrown2391]

Take us along as you tackle that closet further! I used to write in journals when we went back to England for family visits/ vacations and trips to Mexico and for years I loved rereading them and reliving the memories . By the time I had about 20 of them and no longer reread them, and became a minimalist, I took the plunge and dumped them all in the garbage can! They had served their purpose and I now enjoyed being able to go on vacation without spending all my time writing! I NEVER MISSED THEM AT ALL!!!!

[@sherylhutton138]

We all have days like that. We can only deal with so much a time. So you did the right thing. Just do what you have to do and leave the rest for another day.

[@ChristianAnneSmith]

I feel you on the journals and sketchbooks. I have been asking myself if they served their purpose when I created them or do they serve my future? Some have already helped me think and process thoughts and ideas, some are worth looking at again later. There’s been a few times where I have torn out a few favorite pages that seem to have future value, and added them to the sketchbooks/journals that seem to have future value. Then I declutter the actual books that Had their value in the past and helping me think but are not books that I will ever look at again in the future. Usually there are a few pages that are gems and I just pay those forward to the next sketchbook or to those that I do choose to keep. Sometimes I actually take the valuable pages and Gluestick them over Pages in my newer keeper journals that are obviously just brain dumps and that I don’t need for a future. I think of my sketch books and journals as rooms. And they’re filled with essential and nonessential things. Decluttr the parts you don’t want and they no longer serve you, about to keep the pages that you value and add them to the new space. Collaging is my friend in this. That said I still have a pile of sketchbooks in my hallway that I have not been able to face with all the other decluttering. It is interesting because I don’t expect I’ll ever stop making more drawings or journal pages, so this is always going to be there for me. I hope you do a video on this subject!

[@melissabaugh691]

I also LOVE journals--I find that I do end up using them for things eventually, they are just waiting for their purpose. I recently put them in a open container with their spines upward in order of size because they make me happy with how pretty they are. You are amazing!

[@sburwell75]

You help us realize that progress can come in steps.

[@elizabethcallihan9971]

I had anxiety in my sewing room/dumping ground. I did like you and put the loose papers in a bun to sorry later. Took out a lot of trash, put sewing with sewing, camping with camping, gift wrap with gift wrap, photos with photos and it's better not perfect!

[@elizabethcallihan9971]

Bin to sort. LOL

[@leahlw2853]

That opening line made me chuckle. You are lovely and fun to listen to as well as motivating!

[@juliewright1895]

You were thinking (out loud) about where your backup pair of glasses should be, I was thinking nightstand, then you said nightstand! And I don't even keep my extra glasses in my nightstand, they're in my dresser! LOL!!!

[@patemmack7205]

I agree with the comments that the closet would be a lot more useful with some shelves. I like the plastic shelving that can hold bins. I would move the handbags to your bedroom closet. I would add any filled journals that you choose to keep in your memory box. I think many of us have a place like this that attracts clutter. Mine is my office/craft room.

[@kathybullmer8884]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I appreciate how you decide to declutter and living with less.

[@brendanbang6636]

We all need a dumping ground out of sight, put in boxes and deal with putting thing back when you’re rested and ready. Love your inspiration and thought process.

[@jenniecarroll9185]

Thank you for being so transparent and genuine. You’re process and how you talk through decluttering has blessed me and helped me so much. You’re amazing!

[@fiagotzehagg5141]

I love watching your videos and it's always a highlight when a new ones is out! Thank you for sharing your success but also the struggles you face, it makes it feel more real and authentic and I feel less alone!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thanks! I wasn’t sure if this was good to share because the “after” isn’t done.

[@fiagotzehagg5141]

@@EricaLucasLoves For me "the picture perfect" takes time as decluttering and sorting drains energy and it takes time to figure out why a space ends up the way it does and also what will work for me/us.

[@Cheetahwoman7]

@@EricaLucasLoves But Erica, the after is never done. As one of your slides stated in this video, it's perpetual. That's the hardest part for me, redoing something I know I just did. (Dishes come to mind.) It seems like I never get ahead decluttering because I'm always redoing what I've already done. It can be so frustrating! 😝

[@EricaLucasLoves]

@@Cheetahwoman7 you are so right!

[@angelacross2216]

With the journals you could sit down and read one of the oldest ones . If it’s interesting figure out where to keep it. If it cannot hold your interest dispose of it. Chances are they will be about as interesting as old shopping lists and should be treated the same.

[@Dashzap]

The social science broken windows theory says that visible signs of disorder and misbehavior in an environment encourage further disorder and misbehavior, leading to serious crimes. If a neighborhood has a piece of trash dropped, that leads to another dropped, leads to graffiti, leads to broken windows, leads to crimes. Our homes are microcosms of a neighborhood. One item dropped in a dumping ground closet, leads to another and so on. The only counter I can think of is Moody's "Constant Vigilance!" by dealing with everything first touch. It's so hard when life gets busy.

[@katherinec7698]

I am so thankful for the kind, thoughtful and helpful comments on this channel. They, and of course Erica herself 😊, have been such a blessing on my decluttering journey.

[@jessical.5391]

I loved the way you sorted your items. The paper made it messier. Also, the fact that you stepped out when you felt tired was wonderful. Sometimes we need a fresh perspective. You made a lot of progress in that room. Thank you!

[@corsothewolf8911]

A big difference between your old house and this one is that the old house had a lot of built in storage for paper clutter (office and homeschool), while this house really only has those wire shelves. What I recommend is to get a free-standing shelving/drawer unit that you can put all of that paper into and hide it when you don't need to see it. That said, I can't remember if you said that you were planning to move again in a yearish, in which case you could wait on the furniture and just get some temporary plastic shelving or filing drawer so that your papers and homeschool books and office supplies aren't free-styling on those wire shelves.

[@debbiemclean1090]

I fully understand the journaling, I have a thing for stationery and used to love getting office catalogues, yes I am weird, and tonnes of stationery. I didn't even have an office but knew exactly what I wanted if I ever got to design my perfect office. I have since managed to break that addiction, and yes it was an addiction, but still have to pare down my pen and pencils xxxxxxxxxx

[@jeno264]

Ditto here! 🙂

[@jennybird2770]

Here's an idea that came up when watching: Do you have a garage? I was thinking you could get one of those shelves from Home Depot (or other place) that can hold bins- and then designate that shelf in the garage for camper/Rv stuff- and obviously label organize and label what's in the bins. Since it's for a vehicle and trips maybe the garage is a better place to have it. Then you will have space in the for indoor/household stuff. Love your videos and THANK YOU for talking about the "WHY". Really turned a lightbulb on in my head. You rock so much :)

[@ronmauer7005]

I had a journal affinity also. I collected all of empty ones and gave them to a women’ s shelter. Blessings from Mary in Wisconsin

[@terramoon2313]

Great job, I love journals too, keep the ones you are using in your bag and save some for the new year. You could use smaller ones for home school

[@pattiharrison1211]

It’s a win, because as Dana K White would say, “it’s better” When I think back to the basement, when you started out a year and a half or so ago, or the crawl space, this is definitely minor🙂 love your videos❤️ thanks for sharing!

[@deidrecampbell9454]

Your closet is the size of some small box rooms here in the UK. It’s huge! I dream of having such a huge storage space.

[@cynicallyyours61]

I have a couple suggestions for you to avoid the repeat clutter problem you seem to have especially in your closets. You noted you have a journal problem. And you like to journal. Maybe use one of those journals as a daily task journal. Like when you return from an RV trip. Put all laundry in the laundry room. Put medication back where it belongs. Any kitchen items that need to be washed put in the kitchen. And so on. Keep a tote near your front door for RV items, or consider putting it back into the RV straight away. Anything new put it straight into the RV. When you decide to declutter have a method to your madness. Keep a tote for all your paperwork and so on. If you dont want to go through certain items at the time put them in a tote and put it somewhere where it can be seen. And again referring to a task notebook, make a list of things you want to sort through and declutter for that day, that week, etc. As you said it you organise clutter. And clutter doesn't attract clutter, we intentionally choose to dump items we can't be bothered dealing with. Make time each day to sort through and declutter and organise. I get into the habit of putting things where they belong when I get home, I don't just dump or hide in a closet. When I get home from an outing everything is sorted and put away either straightaway or the very next day, no matter how tired I am and I have Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia. It's easy to dump and forget, intentional habits need to be formed. Look at why you dump and hide clutter, look at why you have little organization to how you sort, declutter and organise. And also consider getting rid of some of your plastic totes in the basement, surely after all the decluttering you have done you don't need that many. Sort through all your journals, the ones you have filled, store in a tote and the new ones, keep them in one place so you are less inclined to buy more, if you are aware that you have some new ones at home you are less inclined to buy another new one.

[@stowie7733]

After watching this video, I pulled up the Notes section on my phone…where my brain dumps happen…and I have 590 notes on my phone! 😳😳 I think I’ll find a quiet corner and start reading through them.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Woah!! I can’t think digitally like that but I probably have that many note pages.

[@kayhahn5551]

I love that you are real about everything and you admit your flaws. I am right there with you, but I am also limited with physical restraints right now and I am going crazy with not being able to get things done. I know that I will make it some day, but I want that day to be now!

[@siameseire]

Thank you for sharing your stress and thought process. It helps us all. That beautiful large closet is useless without shelves or even plastic storage drawer sets. Acknowledging that there needs to be a home for the RV things that must live in the house at times, will let you create a home for them and provide you with the peace of knowing just where to put them. It seems like closed shelves would be more peaceful; like Ikea type armoires? if they have them. If it makes your brain happy, each shelf could be labeled for the RV items that live in the house at times. And there could be a place of respect for your journals with new and used labels. Thank you so much for sharing. I respect your journey and draw an enormous amount of inspiration and comfort from your videos. p.s. Look at how far you have come!!! : )

[@caroljacobs5080]

Well done for the things that you managed to get done. It is a mamouth TASK when your mind isn't ready to address this.

[@sarahsmom1002]

"It is better and it is real life." Love this, and your channel, Erica!

[@lesliestanleyangles]

I just absolutely love your channel!! I know I’ve said that before but THANK YOU for sharing & for showing us how you talk through your process of decluttering! It’s extremely helpful as I tackle similar areas in my own home!

[@xylindria9077]

“I did this to myself” 😂😂😂😂 been there too! I like the breaking the task down to smaller tasks.

[@searlepage4655]

My job today ,camping stuff ... Caravan stuff. Clean up dumping ground spare room. This is Katrina on my husband's tablet he prefers my iPad.

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

I am not a journal person but did have a lot of half-full notebooks relating to a hobby. Geneology ] So I went through them and deconstructed,punched holes in the paper and reorganised the pages that I needed or wanted to keep. details of a projected. It was a good afternoon. while I sorted.

[@johnandkitty]

I love notebooks. I recently threw out some partially filled ones. Very freeing! Sometimes more isn't better, sometimes it's just more.

[@lesliec8069]

Thanks for sharing the CO2 detection story. It answers the questions of why do I need a CO2 detector if my house does not have these since I do not have gas appliances. By the way, I sometimes use the fabric shelf dividers to sort clutter. hanging in the stable closet could be purposeful.

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

I loved this! I think we sometimes let perfectionist tendencies halt our progress. Recognizing the paper, journals and purses were NOT today’s focus was fantastic. I’m going home now to tackle the closet I’ve been avoiding. 😁

[@TheLifeTidy]

I also used to collect journals. I think I did this because they represented to me the outlet of all that was inside of me, and for some reason that seemed valuable, even with journals I hadn't taken out of the plastic yet. Eventually I decluttered them down to where I had one at a time and didn't purchase a new one until that one was full, and eventually after that, my eyesight deteriorated to the point that writing in a journal is a literal pain in the neck LOL, and so now I no longer have journals at all. And I find that I don't miss or no longer need that outward container for what's valuable inside me to validate what's valuable inside me. I don't know if that makes any sense LOL but maybe it helps. I loved this video!

[@suicydeblonde]

I recently realized I have sooooooooo many journals. I decided to keep the ones I have written in (even just a couple pages) and let go of the ones I have not touched in over 6m. I hope you can find your journal peace.

[@jodyolson9869]

Journals are my identified form of self- care as well as a historical reference I will continue to utilize. ❣️

[@SauerPatchGardening]

I'm watching this and cheering you on! I have a purse of purses! You go girl. I need to go clean my closet.

[@bonitaquandt4862]

We have a camper and I feel your pain! What I did was designate a good sized plastic bin as the camper storage bin (I note you have a few empty ones in your basement :) All things from the camper go into that bin once I've cleaned them. I store it away in the house and it is the first bin to take into the camper. When camping season is over, I pack it and store it in the camper itself. Hope that helps? (By the way, I'm writing this at the very beginning of your video. If you have solved the issue yourself, oops!)

[@lauriepowell3959]

Consider donating journals to middle school art classes-they always need sketch books 📚

[@pjl2963]

Fantastic video...working through the process out loud is such an effective teaching tool. Added to that, your brilliant sense of humor, and your videos always entertain while instructing. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts and talents, and changing the world, one closet at a time : )

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Thank you for these words today!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@heatherhawkins7808]

thanks for another great video... Please share when you figure out the reason or reasons why you hang onto your journals. If you decide you wish to destroy them perhaps changing your mindset to thinking that your journals are just a tool that you use to get your life organized may help. Once the journal is finished it no longer serves that purpose. If you think your journals are more than an organization tool maybe they has a dual purpose of documenting your life or something else then you would know that making space in a bin or shelf would be a more appropriate solution then just allowing the journals to be put randomly on the floor of your closet. Again thanks for sharing your journey.

[@lourlopezsk]

I used to own lots of journals and stationary in general but I didn't wanna declutter anything because I knew I was gonna use it eventually (it was a matter of WHEN, not IF). So I set a limit to myself: no more buying stationary until I've used it all up. IT'S BEEN FIVE YEARS! I've saved so much money! And I still have a few things for the next year at least. So, if you like all your journals, you could set a limit: no more buying until you have only one left (or whatever suits you) 🤗 Of course they need a home in the meantime.

[@bertholdstefanie6175]

I had my back up glasses with my underwear and socks where I would always be sure to pack them for each and every overnight travel - RV or whatever. RV travel: Everybody had to pack their own basket of clothes, jacket, rain gear, swim wear, shoes, cosmetics, books. Mom checked that basket before stashing. Mom filled the fridge,thought of medicine, games, additional books, toys etc. - swiped the house clean! Always! Dad organized gas, grill, camping toilet, water (storage and cleaning it!) race bikes on the car roof top for all, folding bikes on the RV for strolling on site to pool or bakery, sports gear, surf board equipment (that with my surfer brother!). The RV was independent from the house, had its own cutlery, melamine dishes, sturdy glasses, pots, pans, sieves, cleaning supplies, CD player AND Music, and kitchen staples(oil! vinegar! herbs etc.). It took us 30 minutes to get ready for a spontaneous week end trip! Grab a basket, gather your things, stash them away - while mom gathers the medicine and food and checks the house. Done! Erica! You can do that, too! As always, it‘s a matter of routine, girl! OH, I GET iT! It doesn‘t sit in your garden! So I would organize an RV shelve system: Sports, Outdoors, Water/Chemicals/Electricity, Hiking Stuff, Kitchen Hardware and Dry Goods in the garage/basement and a Medicals/Sunscreen (MomThings) maybe next to Bedding( own sheets/blankets for the RV!) or near my personal clothes. Then YOU have to think Clothes/Meds/Bedding while your husband cares for the technicalities of life. Only thing after that is: check kids‘ baskets (clothes, sports gear, books/home school stuff) make them stash their things while you clean out the fridge and bring the frozen. Control the kids things again, shut down the house and off you go. Decide wether you give out check lists, have check lists, check them or just make your kids realise the consequences of forgetting things is up to you, responsibilities might change with their age, Shouldn‘t take you an hour, when you‘ve got your routines and know what you want and need!

[@TheImperfectReader]

I am so happy for my pace center for girls in my local area. When I know where it's going it helps me to let it go.

[@stephaniechesser902]

I have a journal problem too lol 😂 🤦‍♀️it’s my fantasy self that I would love journaling in super cute journals but not a reality

[@susancook3360]

Oh and by the way, I love journals too. I have to finish mine. And then I make a special treat of buying the next one. I keep them and refer back to them all the time as I keep new numbers for trades, sample fabrics, business cards etc in them.

[@lalahdz9553]

That was funny. The first part of healing not denying you have a problem speaking personally that's how I started decluttering. My mom just passed away and she was a very tidy person. She still had so much to go through. Now my dad is finishing his honey to do list that they were working on. Hes also going through his things because he said we never know. I'm more motivated now more than ever.

[@HolisticHomemaker]

Does the journaling possibly stem from a fear of forgetting your thoughts so you want to get them all out? I struggle with that myself and I’m always trying to track things and work my thoughts out on paper because I have executive dysfunction.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

That may be one of the reasons! Journaling used to be a form of self care for me. A creative outlet. I have new outlets for that now so I am trying to figure it out.

[@sandrajiggins6303]

I keep a laundry bin for our RV. When I was towels etc or have any items that need to go into it it’s kept all in one spot. The bin than brings back dirty laundry and linens etc after a camp out.

[@wendybeattie6935]

We have been campers/rvers for years, and have tried many ways for clothing - what we have found is that a tote bag per person worked - tote bags goat the bottom of kids beds, and they zip up to keep everything in - then they come in and get filled again for the next trip - same with a towel and sheet tote, blankets stay in for the season unless they require washing.

[@terryruiz7417]

Erica, girl, don't be so hard on yourself. Now you can walk into the closet, and you've sorted clutter, removed a lot of RV items, and what is left will be easier to tackle when up to it. I like looking at it...better than you found it, and that's progress. I'm overwhelmed myself these days, and simply have to do things "one bite at a time." Sometimes that's just where we are.

[@sinkintostillness]

Grab a couple of your clear bins and sort into rough categories to create the initial space. Then you only have to sort through one bin/ category at a time, to make it less overwhelming. Display your journals inside that cupboard in a way you can "shop" them, that way you might not be inclined to buy more in future because you can see what you've got already. You need a little shelf in there to contain them, and get it off the floor.

[@LeafLikeOnATree]

Emotional boundaries with yourself 🤯🤯🤯 Such good information… being able to recognize what you can and can’t do and not letting what you mentally can’t do inhibit your progress.

[@shalom6380]

I am so good at organizing clutter. It’s the next step that hangs me up.

[@camillelittell1250]

Journaling is kind of like decluttering. When you write down thoughts you relax knowing this does not have to be front and center on your brain to remember. Most writers do this. You are evolving into a different mindset. You will decide what works best for you and if that way does not you have eliminated (decluttered) it! Always remember you are very smart.

[@lovechangesus]

Erica, as a child I had no privacy. not one bit of private space for myself and I have this obsession with collecting journals too. I'm in my sixties and I finally realized that all my life I felt the need for a private space. but because I never had any privacy I don't write anything in my journals. I just collect them. because I don't feel safe having something that someone else can nose around in. so I stopped buying them, but I understand the obsession

[@simplejoyfilledliving]

Bins are a good idea for the RV stuff. You could bring it in and wash what needs to be washed, then put it back in the bin for next time. Plus it is easier to carry it back out to the RV in bins. The other stuff in the closet might be organized better with shelves if it is stuff that needs a home.

[@whatgwenloves]

Love this style of video! I can see the wheels turning and hear your reasoning as you're processing it too. I also love journals. For me the desire to purchase a journal comes from 1. I think they're beautiful. 2. Reminds me of elementary school which I loved. 3. Thinks that I could eventually use it/need it. Luckily for me I am capped by a veryyyyyy tight budget since having children and staying at home with them. So I actually do not have any spares at the moment.