Hi Erica, I'm watching your videos already sometime and I like your style. I could understand your question "do I want to deal with the stuff, do I want to organize it?" In the beginning of the year, I decided to, that I like to spend more time for myself. I'm on a journey to let go. It's good to have the feeling of sharing similar experiences and emotions. Thanks 🙏🏼 from Germany
Here's an idea to fix the coat access problem. Move the shelves that are on the back wall to the sidewall. Put the shoe rack on the back wall with the coats over it that way you have shelves on either side and the coats on the back with the shoes underneath. You may lose some hooks but you'll be able to see everything . Just a suggestion.
Makes the most sense. They stick out as they are and impede using the closet. Putting the shelves on the sides creates a streamlined tunnel to get to the bilier stuff at the back.
May I first give you kudos for where you are now in your life of decluttering?? I watched you during covid in your early struggle with boxes upon boxes - and frankly, this closet was nothing to what you cleared out then. Your accomplishments is extraordinary!! Now my suggestion to future Erica when tackling this kind of organization problem: Plan for where stuff will go when you go in to pull it out. Typical Erica started with a garbage bag, and some boxes to rough sort as you clear out the closet. I missed her in this video :) What a wonderful homemaker/teacher/wife/mother you are!! Thanks for all the videos.
When you first start declutterring it’s an horrendous job. So many decisions. As you whittle the stuff down it gets so much easier. I’ve realised that I don’t need six lots of bedding for each bed. I don’t need 6 bath towels per person. I don’t need a mountain of cleaning products. It’s taken me over a year and I’m finally there. So much stuff has gone. I struggled with the fact that I’d paid for it. I had to let it go and think about the person who’d get it who’d love it and the money it would raise for charity. That helped me massively. I’ve stopped buying things mindlessly. That is what makes the massive difference in my home. Good luck to everyone on their journey.😊
You have a busy household and children, don't beat yourself up! On top of it all, grief is still very real. One thing that I have realized decluttering, is that if I say: "I will just put it in the garage...." then it's time it goes permanently. Recycled or rehomed, it goes! The garage is the last frontier for stuff and once it is there unless it's outdoor gear, it needs to find a new permanent home away from our own. Don't keep stuff you are not going to use. Let it go and be done and free with it. My dog used to stare at me as I shifted stuff in the garage and I realized that this was a problem!
LOL... I Adore when you threw everything out into the hall! I will be grinning about that for a long time and I shall try it toooooo. Yay, You, Erica !!! 😊
Congratulations Andy on your upcoming retirement and thank you for serving our country. 🎉 Erica, while this method made me very anxious, I was happy you made it through. I know you are still mentally and emotionally drained from your losses so the fact that you even mustered up the energy to tackle your recent decluttering projects is wonderful. Take time for you!
I can tell you from a recovering hoarder, when you pull the stuff out, even if you know it's not staying in the closet or is going back in, try to put like things together as you take them out of the closet. It's not so overwhelming and easier when a group of items has a home somewhere else in your home. You grab the group and move it to where it goes. Not so overwhelming.
A REAL home with REAL ISSUES and how awesome you're brave enough to show it on camera. I have these same issues, standing thinking... Donate it trash etc!! Done things are JUST TRASH! AND I'M PROUD OF YOU! wish I could do that lol
Sometimes, in certain seasons of life, you need to just throw stuff out & it’s ok. We all try to declutter responsibly, but other times it’s best to just get it out, especially for our mental health. The Minimal Mom keeps repeating this & I am so glad. Let’s give ourselves grace in all areas of our busy lives. 😊
Have kiddos can put away their stuff. Your questions are SO CRITICAL to ask ourselves and help to reduce the stuff we have. Baskets on the stairs for each person to take up can be helpful!! Great work!
You don't fail if you fix the problem. You fail if you just keep letting it go until someone else has to fix it for you. I'm a minimalist and while, i can't say I have the severity of the problem that you do, i can say once I'm able to get time off of work, im doing a large (well for me) declutter of all of my stuff just to feel better. No, i don't have this amount of stuff. But i do have old stuff I've replaced with better, less broken stuff. :)
Thank you for showing a real space that needs decluttering. I kind of can’t relate to decluttering a kitchen drawer with 7 items to get it down to 6, but this I relate to.
I came here to suggest Dana’s no mess decluttering method too. It’s so great because even if you just have small chunks of time you can always make a space better and you don’t create a bigger mess by pulling everything out. I think it would make a great video if you try this method Erica.
If it's not a definite yes, it's a no. You can't get back the money you've spent on those things, but you can stop it having an ongoing cost to your peace of mind and space in your home. Sometimes, we just need things for a season in our lives - that doesn't mean we need to keep them forever x
Can the rollerskates not be put in the garage? Together with the protection gear for skating? I would like to have rollerskates and protection next to each other! And rollerskates would make sense in the garage. They are in the category of bikes for me!
I commend you for taking out all that stuff out if the closet. I can't declutter that way because it is just too overwhelming for me. I take items out one at a time and decide.
That question is just the thing that made me start being really ruthless, after having decluttered most of our things. I don't want to manage it! I got rid of things I never thought I ever would, so much so that I started believing myself being an alien!! 😂
Erica, I found you through Dawn “The Minimal Mom” who really opened my mind up when she said “Think about every single item in your home as inventory and do you want to spend the time and energy maintaining that inventory.” That changed my perspective and helped me to relieve myself of a huge amount of “inventory”! Please don’t feel like a failure! Number 1 you had a very rough couple of years, and 2, LIFE! I cleaned out my 4 main closets (which are 1921 small) over the last two years and I was shocked at how much came out of them!! When I want to get rid of something that is still useful I either sell it for real cheap or offer it free! I just got rid of two arm chairs free, that were in excellent condition that I’d had for 20 years and the woman who got them was so appreciative!
Good for you. You are definitely not alone in this journey. We all have to give ourselves grace. We would not want to hear negative comments from a friend so we should represent and not give those messages to ourselves. Shut down negative messages and support ourselves as we would support our best friend.
Thanks for talking about the negative talk you would normally have before you start, I had that this morning. Erica you are really doing amazing with your grief and busy family life. Look at yourself as a friend and be kind, gentle, caring, compassionate and supportive. Thanks for always keeping it real. Well done on sorting the closet. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇♀️👏👍💪🙏💐
First, the clothes you are wearing in this video look fantastic on you. Very flattering. You are a beautiful person. Second, your transparency is wonderful and inspirational to us. Thank you for being so real and human on camera. You are a blessing.
I think that you once said something like the following paraphrased (and added-to) words that were and are a revelation and blessing: "Space can be worth Much more to me than the stuff that is (over)filling it." It is a theme we all know but hearing those words reminds me of the core of our journeys and our longing. I am glad that you tossed things that were weighing you and your precious life down. I still find that very hard to do but I Know that no money-savings is worth feeling trapped by items. Your life is so blessed now by your courage in turning your relationship with objects around. Re-buying several items a year is Worth the peace of your life and home.
You are exactly right. And it’s just stuff to relocate. Grief is so tricky too. I had this thought: when you were talking at least it’s not medical equipment or something like that due to illness or health issues!! ❤❤. Grace is so correct! Another thought I’m sure you have heard-if you can replace it up to $20 just get rid. It’s easy to replace.
I found you because I was looking for advice on intermittent fasting... Then I heard you mentioned something about decluttering and boy did I jump on your videos talking about that LOL Thank you for being real and being you.
Great job decluttering. Love the idea of starting with the ideal purpose for that space and working from there. Glad you talked yourself out of feeling guilty as a homemaker …. You don’t own everything in that closet and the responsibility for the state of that closet should be shared. You’re doing amazing. Bouquets to Erica!!
Big hugs! Mom has been gone 15 years today. You are way ahead of where I was at this point. You have built some great decluttering muscles. Stuff happens, and it takes time to find a new normal. You are doing great.
I'd try the coats on hooks and put bags in a bin, possibly on floor under the coats. It would have been overwhelming to me to look at that remaining pile and see it as all or nothing decision. Many organizers teach one item at a time decision making. I think ultimately that is what you did as you finally sat down and sorted it into trash, donate or move elsewhere. And yes, considering if excess is something we want to manage is key in all decluttering! Nice work!
You did such a good job! Oh, u could move that black shelf off the back wall and place it on the hook wall. You would have to move Andy and your hooks to the back wall since the coats wouldn’t take up all the space.
I think you so clearly show the roadblocks, pauses, hesitations, and thinking that goes on when getting through a space that's been used as a storage area for everyone for months or even years. I love that about your videos. I also love the good advice - treat yourself with grace - treat yourself with gentleness - be forgiving - very wise words. Also, have a plan for desired outcome going in!
That was great - the fact you referenced Andy's upcoming retirement made me think you're probably moving at some point and this type of project will help make that process easier. Don't keep what you don't want to manage, fabulous!
This was a huge declutter project, & you showed that closet who's boss. It was a victory I needed to see to spark a declutter fire under my posterior. Thank you, Erica Lucas. You are awesome.
Your shirt is beautiful! You made me laugh with the fish face/goggles shot. You did it! For now... I know you will refine this closet in the future but getting rid of all that excess was a victory. 🌻🍄
You are dealing with your life as best you can. Everyone has a mess! You are doing your best. I appreciate your honesty. Sending you a big old Canadian hug!
Erica, I have been with you since the very beginning and I cannot stress enough how pleased I am for you. Watching the evolution of thought in this video was incredible. Think of how much you had at the beginning of your decluttering journey. You consistently dealt with it until you found your level of peace. Now, even though you were overwhelmed with this closet you totally commanded the situation. Dealing with everything you are and still being reasonable and kind with yourself is a huge win for you and your family 🧡
One thing you might consider on coats, dollar tree has an over the door hooks. Then you can hang hangers on back of door. The other thing I have found helpful in my laundry room was this fold down metal thing attached to wall, and when pulled down there are several spaces to hook hangers to. That would work and in summer, you could fold up or use it for summer items. You may have already tried these but just wanted to share what works for me. Thanks for a great video. Very inspiring. I can relate because I feel like you when I get frustrated.
Erica, you show that you are human in these decluttering episodes. The fact that you keep going and work through the problems show great problem solving skills. Thank you for the encouragement! ❤❤❤
Yes, give yourself grace. I consider myself as a great declutterer but when I was married with 1 child and working…. My goodness there’s only so much time. You have a busy life, it’s ok momma. Only thing I can suggest is, when you touch an item you don’t want/need get rid of it that very moment. That may mean having donating boxes around the house but it makes things easier. Keep it up, you’re awesome!
So proud of you Erica! It takes courage to be honest.. and you have come sooooo far!!! Just think what you came from... and you reminded yourself of all the things that are blessings in your life right now. Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging others!
THAnk you, ERica, for talking it out with us. It helps me SO Much! so much. 💛 And thank you for giving yourself grace so that we will remember to give ourselves grace and love and kindness when we are facing our cave areas.
Thank you so much for all your videos and for being honest about how grief is hard. I lost my father last month and I can relate. Take care of yourself and your family ❤
Everyone has a closet or room that ends up like this after time because we just shove the stuff in there that we don't know what to do with at the time. Don't be at yourself up. Just let yourself feel awesome for getting it tidied up now. You are awesome, you're a rock star!!! ♥️ ♥️
Hi Erica & family! Congrats on your family's retirement!!! Thank you, Mr. Lucas for your service. Erica, I feel you w/ all of this... sh... cr... Stuff. I'm so proud of you! ❤
I love the "realness" of your videos. Your thought process as you declutter and organize is what goes through my head. As I go through my own decluttering journey, it is helpful to see you revisit places you've already decluttered, and I feel better that it's not just me that constantly organizes the same place over and over. I have to remind myself it's a process. When you were stuck with what to do with the stuff that you don't want back in the closet, I was saying "Just throw it out Erica!" and I'm glad you did! I feel the pain of throwing something away I spent money on, but it is not gaining money cluttering up your space.
I totally understand that overwhelming feeling. I am feeling it now with my house. I work 3 days a week and babysit grandkids (at their houses) 2 days a week. Plus I raise my 16 year old granddaughter who doesn't have a license yet so I'm always running her somewhere. My house gets neglected. My husband does very little. It always gets worse before it gets better when organizing!
I always love the way you talk through it. even though i'm old and live alone, i struggled. but watching you has helped me. i still have things to go, but not forcing things i'm not ready to be rid of. This year I 1/2ed the amount of christmas decor & after that made the decision to donate 98 % of last drawer because i just dont want to manage it anymore. thank you. may you and your family have a blessed 2024. 🙏💗🤗🐶
You did an awesome job. I think this will really help me get my basement back in order to visualize what I want the space to be and ask if I really want to manage the rest in my future. I have many a times stood there for 30 minutes or more just thinking and staring into the overwhelm and went back upstairs after doing nothing. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one!!!
Hi Erica. You did a great job. I just wondered if it may help you,when you had a huge pile of crazy😂 to group like things together, to help calm the chaos. You did great, just seemed stuck for a minute. I love you and your process, i just wanted to jump in and help you😊 life happens and its just stuff, dont let it tell you something negative about yourself, you are amazing ❤
Maybe try putting shelves where you have your hooks & shoes. Hang coats on back wall rack & put shoe shelve under coats. Then re hang hooks if you still need them. Just a thought luv ya ❤
Stuff gets into homes because we haul it in or because we allow it in. We have become very good at saying no to hand-me-downs, and we set ourselves a VERY small budget for items that are not daily necessities. That makes impulse buying pretty much impossible and keeps clutter at bay.
Again, another great job! You have had a rough year, and you have so much responsibility that has to be faced. A messy closet? Hardly a thing to beat yourself up over!
Wow! Great job. I love the question you used to let go of so many items. I love your top. You look so good in green. Giving yourself grace while grieving will help you so much. Take care, Linda 🦋
I am so envy on how big your closets are. I only have small bedroom closets and two small linen closets. I would love a coat closet but really have no where to have one. You are doing a great job!
Watching you toss that stuff out of the closet into the hall, gave me a feel of panic. Then seeing your list of what you wanted to put in the closet was a little more calming. You had a plan. But there was still a mountain of stuff to sort through. You stuck to your plan, thought everything through and the end result was amazing. I have only one storage/clothes closet in my apartment. At a glance it looks pretty good, but I know it can be better. I’m not sure I am ready to toss everything out and start over, but this video was both scary and inspiring. For me, just getting over being sick for 3 weeks and needing to catch up on Christmas, I’m going to start with the plan, maybe declutter what stands out, but after New Years it’s gung ho! I’m saving this video to watch again for renewed inspiration. I especially liked when you said, “we live here, it has to function for us as the seasons change”. I’m only one person, decluttering is my goal. I need to store all my clothes for all seasons as well as things that go in drawers plus shoes. (Shoes are the only thing that is truly under control.) I am an artist, storing larger finished art work is a challenge. I have a limited overstock of paper and cleaning supplies that can be addressed, then there are photos….. oh my, I have a love /hate /dread relationship with them. Unfortunately my adult kids will get them, they can deal with them. I can see a plan evolving now. Erica, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate your videos, and how you make me THINK about my own stuff.
Thank you for sharing/ honestly. Throw shoes. Go through your youngest clothes and your daughter’s. If it doesn’t fit. No one else to pass it down to. Try on your coats. Which one do you grab first? Must be the most comfortable one. Blessings to you and family.
I just the other day FINALLY decluttered our library in the lower level of our home. It was filled either overflow of things I wasn’t ready to let go of but found it much easier once I started . The library is a room full of my families history back to my grand parents parents. It was more a walk down memory lane finding items I’d forgotten I had. Very medicinal at this moment when dealing with issues with our war veteran son whom lives here with us…
I think you have an amazing family and you always focus them first 😃 I am a long time viewer and I started watching when you had a basement that was stacked up, filled up and you have made major strides in your decluttering journey! Remind yourself this is no longer as arduous as that basement! You are way ahead on keeping up and maintaining. You’ve never gone back only forward and love the process you have created. Keep it up 👍
You are inspiring! I would turn the coats 90°. Hang them parallel to the wall. You could try hanging a short rod from the shelf above. Or just hang the hanger directly to the grates of the shelf! Hope you figure something out!
I am Decluttering. The questions you ask has helped me, I ask myself the same questions and it makes the decisions so much easier and faster. Please continue this series of Decluttering small areas. Oh, and what a lovely surprise to have this on a lazy Sunday morning to lay in bed and watch and learn!
Well done Erica 👍 Being kind and understanding with yourself 😊 Building on what Brandon did, as there are two ends on one hook, maybe try one kid one hook for coat and backpack? Or hang all the hanging items at the back so they are not in your way as you walk in? Grouping items like with like helps with function of space. Making one area for one category for example could the vacuum go further up beside the other brooms etc. Could all the dog items be on one or two shelves beside each other. Could the kitchen items be in one place. I think you'll get where I'm going with this! I understand the need for making it easy to use. Good to view and use it as a seasonal space. If possible keep behind doors clear. This is just something I've found helps, by being able to get into a space freely. 😊
I think you need a wall mounted valet coat rack for the coats. It would put them flat against the wall like you seem to want and it doesn't take up too much space. Just a thought!
That move while wearing the Ironman mask made me laugh! You did a great job. I have the same two roadblocks. Donating usable items helps me resolve the issue of having spent money on an item. What if I need it? Was really tough to start with but now that I'm a year into my decluttering journey, I know that it RARELY happens.
One tip from the channel The Carla Project is to use a laundry basket, bag, or container for any items that need to be relocated or put back somewhere else in the house. It makes it so much easier to carry one item than trying to carry them all at once.
Well done for pushing through and getting it done. It's so hard when you're faced with a big project to get sorted, so you should be proud of yourself xxxc❤
That was awesome! I see some people recommending Dana K White's no-mess decluttering method but you seem to do well with this reverse decluttering method. I don't think you would've decluttered as much if you were just sifting through everything in there and looking for trash first, etc. It might not be quite as overwhelming if you took everything out carefully and placed the items loosely into categories (with a goat trail to easily walk in and out of the closet) but your way might be the quickest and easiest. To each their own and I mean that in a good way! The end result speaks for itself!
I find your videos very motivating, but I have never understood the point of chucking everything on the floor first. I usually pull up a table for sorting.
When my kids were little my kids kept all their stuff in their rooms. It worked great for us. I think your kids are big enough to have an area in their own rooms to put their various sporting equipment and supplies. I hope that helps.
The closet looks great. For the coats- how about putting them in the corner, moving the “dog” shelf to the right a little and moving the backpack closest to the corner over to the empty hook.
I was wondering if you could declutter or reorganize something in your kitchen so you don't have "overflow" in another area, keeping it all together? Also there's a lot of space between the shelve boards (is that what they're called?), you could get more and therefore have more storage space? Hope this is helpful and not discouraging. All the best!
It’s so hard to figure it out, you’re doing an amazing job. I’d get more shelves for the activities shelves and move it to just inside the door. Maybe the bags can go on the extra shelves? Hang all the jackets on the back wall with yours n Andy’s shoes on shoe shelves under them.
Bless your husband's service..and you for being a military wife !
Thanks!
I got rid of 97/98% of our stuff and wow i don´t miss it and i love my empty spaces .... you are doing great keep going
Great job all around 👏😃 thank your husband for his service too
Hi Erica, I'm watching your videos already sometime and I like your style.
I could understand your question "do I want to deal with the stuff, do I want to organize it?"
In the beginning of the year, I decided to, that I like to spend more time for myself. I'm on a journey to let go.
It's good to have the feeling of sharing similar experiences and emotions.
Thanks 🙏🏼 from Germany
You go girl ❤way to focus on the Truth🎉❤ on all of our blessings 🙌 🙏 ✨️ ❤️
Here's an idea to fix the coat access problem. Move the shelves that are on the back wall to the sidewall. Put the shoe rack on the back wall with the coats over it that way you have shelves on either side and the coats on the back with the shoes underneath. You may lose some hooks but you'll be able to see everything . Just a suggestion.
This is the best of all of the suggestions!🙌🏻
I agree with this suggestion
Exactly what I was thinking as well :)
Same thoughts
Makes the most sense. They stick out as they are and impede using the closet. Putting the shelves on the sides creates a streamlined tunnel to get to the bilier stuff at the back.
May I first give you kudos for where you are now in your life of decluttering?? I watched you during covid in your early struggle with boxes upon boxes - and frankly, this closet was nothing to what you cleared out then. Your accomplishments is extraordinary!! Now my suggestion to future Erica when tackling this kind of organization problem: Plan for where stuff will go when you go in to pull it out. Typical Erica started with a garbage bag, and some boxes to rough sort as you clear out the closet. I missed her in this video :) What a wonderful homemaker/teacher/wife/mother you are!! Thanks for all the videos.
When you first start declutterring it’s an horrendous job. So many decisions. As you whittle the stuff down it gets so much easier. I’ve realised that I don’t need six lots of bedding for each bed. I don’t need 6 bath towels per person. I don’t need a mountain of cleaning products. It’s taken me over a year and I’m finally there. So much stuff has gone. I struggled with the fact that I’d paid for it. I had to let it go and think about the person who’d get it who’d love it and the money it would raise for charity. That helped me massively. I’ve stopped buying things mindlessly. That is what makes the massive difference in my home. Good luck to everyone on their journey.😊
You have a busy household and children, don't beat yourself up! On top of it all, grief is still very real. One thing that I have realized decluttering, is that if I say: "I will just put it in the garage...." then it's time it goes permanently. Recycled or rehomed, it goes! The garage is the last frontier for stuff and once it is there unless it's outdoor gear, it needs to find a new permanent home away from our own. Don't keep stuff you are not going to use. Let it go and be done and free with it. My dog used to stare at me as I shifted stuff in the garage and I realized that this was a problem!
LOL... I Adore when you threw everything out into the hall! I will be grinning about that for a long time and I shall try it toooooo. Yay, You, Erica !!! 😊
Congratulations Andy on your upcoming retirement and thank you for serving our country. 🎉
Erica, while this method made me very anxious, I was happy you made it through. I know you are still mentally and emotionally drained from your losses so the fact that you even mustered up the energy to tackle your recent decluttering projects is wonderful. Take time for you!
I can tell you from a recovering hoarder, when you pull the stuff out, even if you know it's not staying in the closet or is going back in, try to put like things together as you take them out of the closet. It's not so overwhelming and easier when a group of items has a home somewhere else in your home. You grab the group and move it to where it goes. Not so overwhelming.
A REAL home with REAL ISSUES and how awesome you're brave enough to show it on camera. I have these same issues, standing thinking... Donate it trash etc!! Done things are JUST TRASH! AND I'M PROUD OF YOU! wish I could do that lol
I love that you are real with getting overwhelmed and how you process getting past it. I am always happy to see your videos pop up.
Thanks for sharing time with me today!
Those are some very cute furry supervisors. 🐶🐕
Sometimes, in certain seasons of life, you need to just throw stuff out & it’s ok. We all try to declutter responsibly, but other times it’s best to just get it out, especially for our mental health. The Minimal Mom keeps repeating this & I am so glad. Let’s give ourselves grace in all areas of our busy lives. 😊
Yes Dawn helped me massively too. Got rid of the guilt. I just make sure I don’t overbuy stuff again now too. That was half my problem 😅
Have kiddos can put away their stuff. Your questions are SO CRITICAL to ask ourselves and help to reduce the stuff we have. Baskets on the stairs for each person to take up can be helpful!! Great work!
You don't fail if you fix the problem. You fail if you just keep letting it go until someone else has to fix it for you.
I'm a minimalist and while, i can't say I have the severity of the problem that you do, i can say once I'm able to get time off of work, im doing a large (well for me) declutter of all of my stuff just to feel better. No, i don't have this amount of stuff. But i do have old stuff I've replaced with better, less broken stuff. :)
May the Peace of Christ be with you sister. You are loved!!
Thank you for showing a real space that needs decluttering. I kind of can’t relate to decluttering a kitchen drawer with 7 items to get it down to 6, but this I relate to.
Thanks for being here!
Dana K White's no mess decluttering method helps with the overwhelm as you don't pull out everything at once.
I would love to see you try this method, Erica. Maybe the next time you declutter this closet.
Also the "touch it once" method.
I came here to suggest Dana’s no mess decluttering method too. It’s so great because even if you just have small chunks of time you can always make a space better and you don’t create a bigger mess by pulling everything out. I think it would make a great video if you try this method Erica.
It amazing how many “invisible” friends we have thru channels like this. ❤🌸
If it's not a definite yes, it's a no. You can't get back the money you've spent on those things, but you can stop it having an ongoing cost to your peace of mind and space in your home. Sometimes, we just need things for a season in our lives - that doesn't mean we need to keep them forever x
Sorry for the overwhelm. You are doing a great job and I appreciate your videos!
Can the rollerskates not be put in the garage? Together with the protection gear for skating? I would like to have rollerskates and protection next to each other! And rollerskates would make sense in the garage. They are in the category of bikes for me!
I commend you for taking out all that stuff out if the closet. I can't declutter that way because it is just too overwhelming for me. I take items out one at a time and decide.
That question is just the thing that made me start being really ruthless, after having decluttered most of our things. I don't want to manage it! I got rid of things I never thought I ever would, so much so that I started believing myself being an alien!! 😂
Erica, I found you through Dawn “The Minimal Mom” who really opened my mind up when she said “Think about every single item in your home as inventory and do you want to spend the time and energy maintaining that inventory.” That changed my perspective and helped me to relieve myself of a huge amount of “inventory”! Please don’t feel like a failure! Number 1 you had a very rough couple of years, and 2, LIFE! I cleaned out my 4 main closets (which are 1921 small) over the last two years and I was shocked at how much came out of them!!
When I want to get rid of something that is still useful I either sell it for real cheap or offer it free! I just got rid of two arm chairs free, that were in excellent condition that I’d had for 20 years and the woman who got them was so appreciative!
Good for you. You are definitely not alone in this journey. We all have to give ourselves grace. We would not want to hear negative comments from a friend so we should represent and not give those messages to ourselves. Shut down negative messages and support ourselves as we would support our best friend.
Thanks for talking about the negative talk you would normally have before you start, I had that this morning. Erica you are really doing amazing with your grief and busy family life. Look at yourself as a friend and be kind, gentle, caring, compassionate and supportive. Thanks for always keeping it real. Well done on sorting the closet. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇♀️👏👍💪🙏💐
First, the clothes you are wearing in this video look fantastic on you. Very flattering. You are a beautiful person. Second, your transparency is wonderful and inspirational to us. Thank you for being so real and human on camera. You are a blessing.
I think that you once said something like the following paraphrased (and added-to) words that were and are a revelation and blessing: "Space can be worth Much more to me than the stuff that is (over)filling it." It is a theme we all know but hearing those words reminds me of the core of our journeys and our longing. I am glad that you tossed things that were weighing you and your precious life down. I still find that very hard to do but I Know that no money-savings is worth feeling trapped by items. Your life is so blessed now by your courage in turning your relationship with objects around. Re-buying several items a year is Worth the peace of your life and home.
Giving yourself grace is so important.
You are exactly right. And it’s just stuff to relocate. Grief is so tricky too.
I had this thought: when you were talking at least it’s not medical equipment or something like that due to illness or health issues!! ❤❤. Grace is so correct! Another thought I’m sure you have heard-if you can replace it up to $20 just get rid. It’s easy to replace.
I found you because I was looking for advice on intermittent fasting... Then I heard you mentioned something about decluttering and boy did I jump on your videos talking about that LOL Thank you for being real and being you.
Great job decluttering. Love the idea of starting with the ideal purpose for that space and working from there. Glad you talked yourself out of feeling guilty as a homemaker …. You don’t own everything in that closet and the responsibility for the state of that closet should be shared. You’re doing amazing. Bouquets to Erica!!
Big hugs! Mom has been gone 15 years today. You are way ahead of where I was at this point. You have built some great decluttering muscles. Stuff happens, and it takes time to find a new normal. You are doing great.
I'd try the coats on hooks and put bags in a bin, possibly on floor under the coats. It would have been overwhelming to me to look at that remaining pile and see it as all or nothing decision. Many organizers teach one item at a time decision making. I think ultimately that is what you did as you finally sat down and sorted it into trash, donate or move elsewhere. And yes, considering if excess is something we want to manage is key in all decluttering! Nice work!
I love how you just threw everything out into the hall. Now, that’s my kind of decluttering.
You did such a good job! Oh, u could move that black shelf off the back wall and place it on the hook wall. You would have to move Andy and your hooks to the back wall since the coats wouldn’t take up all the space.
I think you so clearly show the roadblocks, pauses, hesitations, and thinking that goes on when getting through a space that's been used as a storage area for everyone for months or even years. I love that about your videos. I also love the good advice - treat yourself with grace - treat yourself with gentleness - be forgiving - very wise words. Also, have a plan for desired outcome going in!
That was great - the fact you referenced Andy's upcoming retirement made me think you're probably moving at some point and this type of project will help make that process easier. Don't keep what you don't want to manage, fabulous!
Just wanted to say I love your channel, thank you for being real.
This was a huge declutter project, & you showed that closet who's boss. It was a victory I needed to see to spark a declutter fire under my posterior. Thank you, Erica Lucas. You are awesome.
Your shirt is beautiful! You made me laugh with the fish face/goggles shot. You did it! For now... I know you will refine this closet in the future but getting rid of all that excess was a victory. 🌻🍄
You are dealing with your life as best you can. Everyone has a mess! You are doing your best. I appreciate your honesty. Sending you a big old Canadian hug!
Erica, I have been with you since the very beginning and I cannot stress enough how pleased I am for you. Watching the evolution of thought in this video was incredible. Think of how much you had at the beginning of your decluttering journey. You consistently dealt with it until you found your level of peace. Now, even though you were overwhelmed with this closet you totally commanded the situation. Dealing with everything you are and still being reasonable and kind with yourself is a huge win for you and your family 🧡
One thing you might consider on coats, dollar tree has an over the door hooks. Then you can hang hangers on back of door. The other thing I have found helpful in my laundry room was this fold down metal thing attached to wall, and when pulled down there are several spaces to hook hangers to. That would work and in summer, you could fold up or use it for summer items. You may have already tried these but just wanted to share what works for me. Thanks for a great video. Very inspiring. I can relate because I feel like you when I get frustrated.
Erica, you show that you are human in these decluttering episodes. The fact that you keep going and work through the problems show great problem solving skills. Thank you for the encouragement! ❤❤❤
Yes, give yourself grace. I consider myself as a great declutterer but when I was married with 1 child and working…. My goodness there’s only so much time. You have a busy life, it’s ok momma. Only thing I can suggest is, when you touch an item you don’t want/need get rid of it that very moment. That may mean having donating boxes around the house but it makes things easier. Keep it up, you’re awesome!
This is real life. Thanks for helping us see this is normal. We can all do this 🎉🎉
So proud of you Erica! It takes courage to be honest.. and you have come sooooo far!!! Just think what you came from... and you reminded yourself of all the things that are blessings in your life right now. Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging others!
And YES! My basement especially got really out of hand--it happens.
Put shelving unit where shoe rack is. Hang all coats in back of closet with the shoes underneath.
Hang all book bags and lunch bags on one wall.
THAnk you, ERica, for talking it out with us. It helps me SO Much! so much. 💛 And thank you for giving yourself grace so that we will remember to give ourselves grace and love and kindness when we are facing our cave areas.
I liked your process of elimination this round. Good job!
Thank you so much for all your videos and for being honest about how grief is hard. I lost my father last month and I can relate. Take care of yourself and your family ❤
Perhaps move two of the backpack hooks below the other two to free up hanging space for the coats
Yay to Andy retiring soon!!
Everyone has a closet or room that ends up like this after time because we just shove the stuff in there that we don't know what to do with at the time. Don't be at yourself up. Just let yourself feel awesome for getting it tidied up now. You are awesome, you're a rock star!!! ♥️ ♥️
Hi Erica & family! Congrats on your family's retirement!!! Thank you, Mr. Lucas for your service.
Erica, I feel you w/ all of this... sh... cr... Stuff. I'm so proud of you! ❤
I love the "realness" of your videos. Your thought process as you declutter and organize is what goes through my head. As I go through my own decluttering journey, it is helpful to see you revisit places you've already decluttered, and I feel better that it's not just me that constantly organizes the same place over and over. I have to remind myself it's a process. When you were stuck with what to do with the stuff that you don't want back in the closet, I was saying "Just throw it out Erica!" and I'm glad you did! I feel the pain of throwing something away I spent money on, but it is not gaining money cluttering up your space.
I totally understand that overwhelming feeling. I am feeling it now with my house. I work 3 days a week and babysit grandkids (at their houses) 2 days a week. Plus I raise my 16 year old granddaughter who doesn't have a license yet so I'm always running her somewhere. My house gets neglected. My husband does very little. It always gets worse before it gets better when organizing!
Good job of cleaning it out!! Now it is so much calmer!!
I always love the way you talk through it. even though i'm old and live alone, i struggled. but watching you has helped me. i still have things to go, but not forcing things i'm not ready to be rid of. This year I 1/2ed the amount of christmas decor & after that made the decision to donate 98 % of last drawer because i just dont want to manage it anymore. thank you. may you and your family have a blessed 2024. 🙏💗🤗🐶
You did an awesome job. I think this will really help me get my basement back in order to visualize what I want the space to be and ask if I really want to manage the rest in my future. I have many a times stood there for 30 minutes or more just thinking and staring into the overwhelm and went back upstairs after doing nothing. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one!!!
Hi Erica. You did a great job. I just wondered if it may help you,when you had a huge pile of crazy😂 to group like things together, to help calm the chaos. You did great, just seemed stuck for a minute. I love you and your process, i just wanted to jump in and help you😊 life happens and its just stuff, dont let it tell you something negative about yourself, you are amazing ❤
Maybe try putting shelves where you have your hooks & shoes. Hang coats on back wall rack & put shoe shelve under coats. Then re hang hooks if you still need them. Just a thought luv ya ❤
Stuff gets into homes because we haul it in or because we allow it in. We have become very good at saying no to hand-me-downs, and we set ourselves a VERY small budget for items that are not daily necessities. That makes impulse buying pretty much impossible and keeps clutter at bay.
Again, another great job! You have had a rough year, and you have so much responsibility that has to be faced. A messy closet? Hardly a thing to beat yourself up over!
Wow! Great job. I love the question you used to let go of so many items. I love your top. You look so good in green. Giving yourself grace while grieving will help you so much. Take care, Linda 🦋
Maybe try moving the shoes to the back wall with the coats above. Put two shorter shelves below the backpacks.
You are amazing! Thank you for sharing. It's so helpful to hear you think through the process and make very rational decisions that work for you!
You have helped me let go of things way easier than before. I find you very calming and you’re a great Momma too. ❤
I am so envy on how big your closets are. I only have small bedroom closets and two small linen closets. I would love a coat closet but really have no where to have one. You are doing a great job!
Watching you toss that stuff out of the closet into the hall, gave me a feel of panic. Then seeing your list of what you wanted to put in the closet was a little more calming. You had a plan. But there was still a mountain of stuff to sort through. You stuck to your plan, thought everything through and the end result was amazing. I have only one storage/clothes closet in my apartment. At a glance it looks pretty good, but I know it can be better. I’m not sure I am ready to toss everything out and start over, but this video was both scary and inspiring.
For me, just getting over being sick for 3 weeks and needing to catch up on Christmas, I’m going to start with the plan, maybe declutter what stands out, but after New Years it’s gung ho! I’m saving this video to watch again for renewed inspiration. I especially liked when you said, “we live here, it has to function for us as the seasons change”. I’m only one person, decluttering is my goal. I need to store all my clothes for all seasons as well as things that go in drawers plus shoes. (Shoes are the only thing that is truly under control.) I am an artist, storing larger finished art work is a challenge. I have a limited overstock of paper and cleaning supplies that can be addressed, then there are photos….. oh my, I have a love /hate /dread relationship with them. Unfortunately my adult kids will get them, they can deal with them. I can see a plan evolving now. Erica, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate your videos, and how you make me THINK about my own stuff.
Thank you for sharing/ honestly.
Throw shoes.
Go through your youngest clothes and your daughter’s. If it doesn’t fit. No one else to pass it down to.
Try on your coats. Which one do you grab first? Must be the most comfortable one.
Blessings to you and family.
Great video. You’re always inspirational. As Cas from Clutterbug says about decluttering, “If it’s not a clear yes, it’s a no.” 😊
I just the other day FINALLY decluttered our library in the lower level of our home. It was filled either overflow of things I wasn’t ready to let go of but found it much easier once I started . The library is a room full of my families history back to my grand parents parents. It was more a walk down memory lane finding items I’d forgotten I had. Very medicinal at this moment when dealing with issues with our war veteran son whom lives here with us…
I think you have an amazing family and you always focus them first 😃 I am a long time viewer and I started watching when you had a basement that was stacked up, filled up and you have made major strides in your decluttering journey! Remind yourself this is no longer as arduous as that basement! You are way ahead on keeping up and maintaining. You’ve never gone back only forward and love the process you have created. Keep it up 👍
You are inspiring! I would turn the coats 90°. Hang them parallel to the wall. You could try hanging a short rod from the shelf above. Or just hang the hanger directly to the grates of the shelf! Hope you figure something out!
I am Decluttering. The questions you ask has helped me, I ask myself the same questions and it makes the decisions so much easier and faster. Please continue this series of Decluttering small areas. Oh, and what a lovely surprise to have this on a lazy Sunday morning to lay in bed and watch and learn!
Well done Erica 👍 Being kind and understanding with yourself 😊 Building on what Brandon did, as there are two ends on one hook, maybe try one kid one hook for coat and backpack? Or hang all the hanging items at the back so they are not in your way as you walk in? Grouping items like with like helps with function of space. Making one area for one category for example could the vacuum go further up beside the other brooms etc. Could all the dog items be on one or two shelves beside each other. Could the kitchen items be in one place. I think you'll get where I'm going with this! I understand the need for making it easy to use. Good to view and use it as a seasonal space. If possible keep behind doors clear. This is just something I've found helps, by being able to get into a space freely. 😊
I think you need a wall mounted valet coat rack for the coats. It would put them flat against the wall like you seem to want and it doesn't take up too much space. Just a thought!
Good job. I would change the hinges on the door so it opens outwards. It would make it much easier for you to work in there and keep it organised.
This is a great video. Love the second question. That is such a helpful perspective. Thanks!
That move while wearing the Ironman mask made me laugh! You did a great job. I have the same two roadblocks. Donating usable items helps me resolve the issue of having spent money on an item. What if I need it? Was really tough to start with but now that I'm a year into my decluttering journey, I know that it RARELY happens.
Maybe hang the coats by the door and hang the backpacks on the closet rack with carabiners. Great video!
One tip from the channel The Carla Project is to use a laundry basket, bag, or container for any items that need to be relocated or put back somewhere else in the house. It makes it so much easier to carry one item than trying to carry them all at once.
Well done for pushing through and getting it done. It's so hard when you're faced with a big project to get sorted, so you should be proud of yourself xxxc❤
I love how you just fling stuff 😂
That was awesome! I see some people recommending Dana K White's no-mess decluttering method but you seem to do well with this reverse decluttering method. I don't think you would've decluttered as much if you were just sifting through everything in there and looking for trash first, etc. It might not be quite as overwhelming if you took everything out carefully and placed the items loosely into categories (with a goat trail to easily walk in and out of the closet) but your way might be the quickest and easiest. To each their own and I mean that in a good way! The end result speaks for itself!
I would slide that back shelf with the bins on it over to meet the other shelves, which would leave the corner open for your coats.
Great job. It's easy to get stuck, but you worked through it.
I find your videos very motivating, but I have never understood the point of chucking everything on the floor first. I usually pull up a table for sorting.
When my kids were little my kids kept all their stuff in their rooms. It worked great for us. I think your kids are big enough to have an area in their own rooms to put their various sporting equipment and supplies. I hope that helps.
EXCELLENT job! Those questions are so powerful
The closet looks great. For the coats- how about putting them in the corner, moving the “dog” shelf to the right a little and moving the backpack closest to the corner over to the empty hook.
I was wondering if you could declutter or reorganize something in your kitchen so you don't have "overflow" in another area, keeping it all together? Also there's a lot of space between the shelve boards (is that what they're called?), you could get more and therefore have more storage space? Hope this is helpful and not discouraging. All the best!
It’s so hard to figure it out, you’re doing an amazing job. I’d get more shelves for the activities shelves and move it to just inside the door. Maybe the bags can go on the extra shelves? Hang all the jackets on the back wall with yours n Andy’s shoes on shoe shelves under them.