My dear Erica ~ You are so awesome. I watched this video when it first aired, I've watched SO many paper declutter videos since then! This really is the best...BECAUSE your 'backlog' looked much like mine still does. You are REAL. I DID go through 17 years of 'backlog', and have greatly reduced it...but still have a way to go. I have found it unsatisfying when I see other Tubers with a handful of papers to sort and lay flat in their pretty desk drawer. Kind of like someone who says they are doing a craft room declutter and they have a desk with markers, some post-its, and three sketch books. When I go to face my papers, THIS video is the one that sticks with me. It's work, people! Thank you, Erica!
I have saved some of my cards from the past and keep them in a pretty box in my nightstand. I use them as bookmarks. For each new book I pick a different one. Some cards, f.eks. are from my mom, who is not with us anymore. This makes me happy
I wouldn't recommend putting the "in" box in a drawer because of the out of sight, out of mind mentality (which I tend to have), there are some nice hanging file organizers that could be hung by your lap top. You're doing a great job!!!!!
Thank you for information and inspiration, Erica. Last month I retired from 25 years of teaching middle school art and reading. At first I felt guilty for goofing off, but man, I needed down time! I have crates and boxes of lessons, supplies, books, stuff! Brought home my mini fridge and microwave, lamps, chairs, framed artwork, curtains, tablecloths, etc, etc. They are still in my entryway, but I am slowly beginning on sorting, donating, tossing stuff. I have to say that tossing/recycling all of those lesson plans and “red tape” from school is simply liberating. My most pressing paperwork issue now is making sure I have all of my newly acquired Social Security and Teacher Retirement info in order. This video helped motivate me.
Also- I've learned to bring in mail and immediately recycle junk, plus switched to electronic everything to cut down on mailings from financial institutions. Also , when I get an unasked-for catalog, I email them and tell them to take me off the list for mailings. So far I have reduced the mail by about 50% from years ago.
Yes, I was drowning in catalogs a few years back and just took a Saturday and contacted them all and asked to be taken off their list. My biggest problem now is that the mail person has to read the address so quickly that he/she mistakes Miller/Muller and apartment numbers. I switched to electronic, too.
I usually like those very aesthetic looking videos and but as I have been watching your videos I just realized that there is SOMETHING really fascinating about your way of filmin and editing. Usually there is (and it's funny how you have just written about it on your information) crazy background music but the way you speak, your voice and how smart your words are... is really captivating! You are so true to yourself and honest I love it! It makes me so relaxed. Thank You!
I started organizing my home last year after watching the show Tiding Up during our Christmas Break. I loosely followed Marie Condo's method and I must say paper was the 2nd worse category (after sentiment - which includes pictures, that I am STILL working on). Like you mentioned I continued to find paper everywhere. I have since gone through my house twice (other than the photos) and wouldn't be surprised if there was another box of paper waiting for me. Now I have a really simple paper method similar to the Minimal Mom's. You are doing a wonderful job! I would recommend when you have gone through everything (like everything) to go back again and you will be surprised at the things you kept and will then get rid of even more. I have gone through paper several times and still manage to declutter more each time. I look forward to your videos and cheer you on from afar! You got this!!
Hi Erica! Former Homeschool Veteran Mom HERE...paper clutter and yes, books still haunt me. I’m a grandmother of 12 now for crying out loud! Anyway... I have been binge watching your videos... and you are an En.Courage.HER!! I love your videos... and your raw honesty. Most of all, I enjoy the length of your videos... most under30mins. I get done and go do something! Thank you, thank you, thank you ‘
Declutter papers and sentimental stuff are the hardest steps into a minimalist -or simplified- way of life. You have done it very well. I do not know if it is rigth to recieve a warm praise from a woman (I am too), we do not have any problem about that in my country and culture and I would not want to be missundestood, but let me tell you that you look great. Has anyone notice that her face look more relaxed and happier than months ago? That's the real magic! Congratulations from Spain! ❤👏🇪🇸
Paper is my nemesis. I have made progress. I used to have 3 desks, 4 file cabinets and many boxes full of paper. I now have 2 small file boxes like yours and have sold the cabinets and desks. It's an ongoing process!
I really liked how you used big boxes to contain disposable items, and how you set up filing as you went instead of making a pile(s) to deal with later. Great way to attack the Paper Beast!
WOW...my basement is piled with paperwork that needs decluttering!! I look at it and say...maybe another day. Hopefully this video will get me started and I will either get swallowed up or emerge victorious. Thanks for the motivation.
The first big sort/purge is the hardest, so congrats on getting past that! Here's how I manage paper: Everything that comes into the house gets sorted right away, and junk mail goes in the recycle bin immediately. Other items go in my kitchen inbox. Weekly, as I pay bills, balance accounts, etc, I send the stubs and statements to my office's 'ready to file' bin. From there, once every couple of months I sort, file and shred. And then at least once a year (in February) but usually twice a year, I go through everything in the file cabinet to purge old stuff. February is also when we get our tax file ready for the accountant, which is easy because as I file throughout the year, all tax stuff just goes in the current year's file, so sorting it in February is easy because it's already all in one place. This system has worked beautifully for us, and it takes less and less each year as I further refine our systems. Like every thing to do with cleaning and organizing, regular maintenance is the key. And it brings me joy when I need some random document and know exactly where to find it!
I get so much out of watching you talk through your decisions. It encourages me and makes me feel more normal. Thank you for sharing your thoughts aloud with us.
Decluttering paper is a pain, but soo rewarding. And like decluttering anything else, it gets easier. Everytime I go through our papers I laugh at some of the stuff I chose to keep in previous declutters. Love your videos, they're very inspiring!!
Still binge watching!! As a professional organizer, and a recently retired military spouse this is what I do and recommend, especially to my military ladies. But really everyone Take a 3 ring trapper keeper zip up large binder and put every important piece of paperwork in it. I have a check list that goes from birth certificate, marriage, passports, divorce decrees, military orders car info wills house deeds life insurance, etc. I have a checklist that was given to me by the Red Cross from the Misawa AF base. We moved there 1 year after the tsunami so having everything go ready in case of earthquake was so important. I make my emergency binder, tabbed it out and have used it on every move and it has been a god send. I bought a very large fire proof safe that holds the binder. I also have a hard drive with a backup of all of our computer files and pictures in there.
Thanks for inspiring me every single time I watch your vlogs ❤️ although I dream of a minimalist life in monochrome perfection you are able to get me back into what's realistic and approachable. And I thank you for this, Erica. We both do not live in a staged minimalistic home, we have family and a life happening in our homes. Your down to earth and hands on attitude is just perfect. And I absolutely love, that you can show your flaws as well, no high gloss stuff. Lots of love from Berlin /Germany and big kudos for everything you have accomplished during the last months! 💕💕💕
I’m only at the intro, but I half expected you, no joke, when you knelt down onto the paper pile, to make a “snow angel” in it haha. Because I won’t lie, I woulda been tempted. Ps. Paper clutter is one of my hardest battles!! 🤦♀️😂
I found your channel through your recent colab with Dawn the Minimal Mom. Love her and I’m really really enjoying your videos! I’m thankful you both did the colab videos We just got a new fire box a couple months ago. It’s still in the box 🤦♀️ one of those things I should really get my butt in gear and get it done haha
You have my greates respect. I've been a minimalist for 5 years, except for paper. It still gives me nightmares, because the paper and its contents need to be dealt with, not just sorted or decluttered.
I was so happy when you found the papers you were looking for you'd think they were my papers. 😆 Seeing you go through your pile makes me realize my pile is doable. Thanks for the video.
This was so inspiring. What helps me is to see that I am not the only one with paper clutter accumulated over years. I am currently watching a lot of videos showing people who are decluttering (you, the minimal mom, Alejandra Costello and others) and who are giving handy tips about how to organize things. This helps me so much to get started and to do something every day. Thanks a lot!
The Rex Fam See what happens when you are vision impaired and don’t read everything super carefully. In my mind, I was replying to something Erica posted. Apologies for making you almost as confused as I apparently am.
What a FANTASTIC AND AMAZING Job!!!! You made it seem so easy!! Paperwork is the most difficult thing to go thru! I kept putting it off till I had my mom's , mine, and my husband and mine to go thru. My husband passed away in 2002 and my mom ( who I took care of for 20 yrs) passed away in 2015. It was what started my decluttering everything in 2017. I started then gave up many times over the yrs but finally kept at it and I'm still doing it, always!!! HAPPY HAPPY! !!!
great job! I so identify with this … I had to do multiple paper declutters over probably 2 years … my final one started with me having my 6' long kitchen counter COVERED with stacks of paper. But now I'm down to one notebook and one 1" accordion file. So it can be done. I do really recommend a vertical "inbox" rather than horizontal. It's so easy for papers to get buried in a horizontal pile (for me, anyway).
I gathered everything, and OMG. 8 full "big" totes (18 gallons). This is my biggest hoarding/problem category. I think my mental block comes from fear that I will get rid of something that I wrote down that I will need. A big part of my self-identity comes from the success I've had in my career, which hinges on "genius" insights (which I capture in paper notes while brainstorming). And then there's the guilt related to throwing out sentimental items. And then there's the fact that I never had a good system for capturing & archiving important info & documents electronically, with backup in the cloud & on thumb drives. Sigh. Wish me luck.
This is a sore spot for me. I really need to deal with my paper clutter. It’s taken up space both physically and mentally. I even started getting a headache while watching your video... 🙄🤯🤔 But it was for filling to se you get through it to the “other side” Well done so far!!! 👏👍😊
Man I hate paper clutter🥴 I actually decluttered some of it this morning. I even trashed a few pictures and cards that we were sent a few years ago, not real sentimental ones. I’ve been keeping items from our grown grandkids thinking one day they will want them, I guessing they won’t and surely their moms have a box of it somewhere?? But I’m also giving them the option now of getting it out of my house and into theirs or trashing it. I have had some of it starting over thirty years now , holy wow 😱
My parents both passed away and I moved into their house. They were very tidy but kept WAY too much paperwork. I've been finding old records (1980's!) for the past 2 years stuck away in various drawers. And back then, SS#s were on everything so I've had to shred a lot rather than just toss into the recycle bin. I am doing "swedish death cleaning" so no one has to find all my crap and shred it!
I feel you! When my 97 year old grandma passed, she had drawers of her medical records from the 50s!! I couldn't quite believe it! I wonder what goes thru people's minds... :) Compassion I shall have!
Hi Erica.. love this video .. you inspired me to tackle my mountain of paper clutter! The categories you are utilizing simplify everything! I lose sleep over the paper clutter! Great job!
My husband's prior wife got a credit card application offer at OUR address -- that she had NEVER lived at! After they'd been divorced for 18 years! Scary.
Erika, Thank you so much making the comments as you go along! I am making the same comments in my head thinking I am weird, but obviously not. I have just started to go through all my business and personal paperwork, old school notes and things related to my previous career. It has been great to have the distance and objectivity and my compost pile is doing so well after giving it heaps of those shredded pieces. I still have plenty to do, but my office looks so much better and does not give me anxiety on what to do first as I keep putting 20 minutes timer on and than switching tasks. I have done so much in 6 days and I am no longer annoyed at myself for thinking I have got to do this, but it will take forever (it does not!!!) and putting it away to some day to do. Well done, keep going. Can't wait for your next honest video. Oh, and anything left is possible I am planning to scan with my Doxie scanner (idea of THE Minimalists) and get a external storage disc.
Paperwork is one of those decluttering jobs that I consider to have 'layers'. Your first layer is the stuff you instantly identify that can be chucked out. Your second layer is those things you can easily file. Your 3rd layer is the things that you will need to come back to, whether it be to establish what they actually are, or to research the advice on how long you have to keep this kind of document. That's your inbox. It's okay not to do all the layers at once! My one tip if you have an insane amount of shredding to do is to research shredding services. They send you a sealed bag to put your paperwork in, then shred it confidentially. Keep it up Erica! X
Great job, Erica! I have been on my minimalism journey for 4 years now. About a year ago I started on the momentos and keepsakes. Just a tip regarding the artwork... my kids are in their 30's and we had a family declutter and went through their school memory box and artwork and they were very disinterested in any of it. You may want to consider keeping a very minimal/ the very best of these physical momentos. Each person and family experiences this uniquely, but I have heard this from others that their kids just aren't that interested in it as grown adults.
I know this is an older video, but I have my oldest go through his artwork regularly from his designated art bin because he's like a mad artist lol and decide what he no longer needs. I keep those special pieces put in a separate bin of things like handprint art and very special pieces they make.
Love how real you are, and your hair is absolutely gorgeous. The Gold Project has a great children’s memories organizing system, if you would like to check it out. 😊 You are doing such a great job, and I’m enjoying watching the process.
P.S. I will never be a minimalist, but I my goal is to get rid of what I no longer need or want and get the things I am going to keep under control. Having just retired, I am joyfully donating “school clothes” and loving wearing my new “happy” clothes all the time! Best wishes on your minimalist and homeschooling journey.
I looove your videos! You’re always so authentic and I can really see the change in you over the month! Keep going 💪🏻 I did my paper declutter yesterday and it took me 4 HOURS 😭 Finally done for the year 😍
I love watching your videos! So inspiring and fun! My husband keeps an eye on the important papers, but I use the Fly Lady Method for my stuff. When I use it (:D) it works great. Blessings!
Paper clutter is definitely a HUGE thing for me... I can’t do a filing system...just too much for my brain...but, what I do is put all my bills that are paid, receipts etc. in a brown envelope, I use a smaller size & put the receipts in there for each month...I know I really don’t need to keep everything...but, you don’t know how many times I’ve went back to that month I paid something or my husband asked me for such &. Such & I go in my envelope & find it...much easier than labeling everything...my husband pays most of the bills & he has his own system...but, I’ve been doing this for many years...if it was for tax purposes, I used a brown envelope just for that...I have fire proof safes for important documents insurance, birth certificates etc... I am working on paying bills as they come in...it is much easier to do than procrastinate...still working on this...I can relate to your paper pile!!
Just a thought on "Medical." Don't be afraid to be ruthless in that category. I find it is sometimes redundant information or extra paperwork I get at the doctor's, just like precautions on a vaccine that is meant to be temporary information. Also, most of these are now digital and "easy to replace." I found myself keeping some of it for sentimental reasons (like tracking their growth charts) rather than a true need to keep pile.
PictureThis Autism I think I’m going to type up necessary history and info for each of us, then scan the rest. That way - God forbid - the medical history for each kiddo is summarized if someone needs to take care of my kids
I am feeling you. My past weekend was spent sorting trough my paperwork. At least I learned a few years back that it is easier to keep everything in one spot. If I was trying to find something, I knew where to search. My HUGE drawer kept filling to a point where I had trouble to put any more stuff inside. For some reason I felt like it is time to organize everything. Which I did. After a day and a half and about 12 hours in total all my paperwork was organized until today. When new letters came in, waiting to be organized and the whole circle starts again....
Papers are the bain of my existence! LOL You did a fantastic job! I loved how you described everything and your process! I am really enjoying all your videos :-)
I love this! My husband is amazing at organization of our bills and taxes. They fit into 1 file folder with 24 compartmentalized files. Me....not so much. We have all our identity stuff filed in a file box. Deployments have taught me how though! You are amazing! I rewatch your videos as motivation to keep going! I wanted to cry with you since you started your journey. Your home then, looks just like mine now! Day by day, it is getting better! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. You are awesome!
I advise you to go after every sing paper in your house and do it once for all because paper decluttering is one of the most exhausting but yet awarding categories to go through
Ellen Lima KonMari said to do that too. But I’d have to declutter and unpack SO much from the attic and the shed and crawl space. I’m not ready for that
@@EricaLucasLoves so one space a day or week. Do it once, but not necessarily in one day. Maybe use your entire january for paper decluttering. You wont lose momentum
To Erica's point you can't declutter a category like paper if you have a large space like an attic or basement with stuff on top or all around it. When we moved a few months ago I was forced to deal with the upstairs office I had all but abanded. I only had a small amount of paperwork to keep. If it's in the attic it will go fast once you get it all together because it is most certainty not needed.
You can put a freeze on your son’s SSN/credit (all of the kids actually) and then when they get older the freeze can be removed when needed. This will make their information less attractive to identity thieves as they will not be able to open any lines of credit using your child’s information. PS love the talking through as you work on projects, definitely helpful for those of us taking inspiration from your process! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you SO MUCH for your decluttering series!! I've felt so overwhelmed and anxious and alone in this house full of stuff, to the point of giving up before I even start. And there's some great content out there about decluttering and minimizing, but alot of it's like watching a skinny person talking about how to lose weight. Thank you for taking us along with you through your process. You are my inspiration! I've already donated TEN boxes this week and cut my closet by HALF. Thank you for being REAL!!
You’re doing great! I did a major KonMari paper declutter in 2016. I put a process in place that’s working for us. I’m proud to say I’ve conquered paper. And it feels good.
Thank you for making feel like I’m not alone with paper clutter. When you said you have paper in your attic, shed, drawers, etc. wow that’s me. I get it girlfriend!
I am rewatching your videos to keep myself motivated with decluttering our paperwork while we are in lockdown here in New Zealand. We've just finished our first week of staying at home and I'm really getting things happening!! Thanks so much for the motivation and inspiration 👏💕
First of all, I love your channel! Second, with the letter from a car insurance carrier that was sent to your son...I second the idea to call them and ask how he got on their list. When we purchased a car, we suddenly started receiving a lot of mail from insurance carriers trying to get our business. It concerns me that something similar might be the case - that perhaps someone bought a car under his name. Best to find out for sure what’s going on. And along with freezing your children’s credit, don’t forget that you can request a free credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. I’m not sure how that process works when the credit is frozen though. Wishing you luck and that this is nothing serious!
Girl! This is hard to do alone - you've done a great job. I have helped many of my friends purge and organize. Often, my just being there gives them courage.
Cudos to you! I need to do this again since I went back to my basket system of despair 😭 For important papers Fly Lady has a great system she calls a “control journal” that’s in a binder. It contains anything you would want to have in case of a fire. We did one of these a few years ago and it’s working really well.
Thank you for this - you've inspired me to not only get my taxes done this weekend but to clean up my papers - been trying to work on it for the last 6 months and just keep putting it off. It's mostly all just trash but there is the stuff that is critical buried within it all.
I’ve been binge watching a bunch of your decluttering/minimalist videos this past week, and so much of what you are doing resonates with me. A couple of random thoughts in no particular order: 1. Paper clutter is my big bugaboo, and I inherited a bunch from my parents as well (I'm a genetic packrat). A lot of what I got from my folks was family history stuff, photos as well as letters, papers, etc. I've been working on scanning it all over the past few years, so as to decrease the physical pile of stuff. I did find some of my dad's tax documents from the early 50’s (yes, they still had that stuff! My mom had old phone books from the 1960's 😱) rather interesting-those kinds of papers have a lot of good information such as addresses of where they lived, what kind of jobs he held, how much he earned and spent. For historical purposes I'm finding it interesting, but there is no need to keep the physical papers, scanning them is fine. Since you are a military family and move a lot, this may be information your kids will find helpful or interesting later in life. 2. Speaking of your frequent moves, I can’t help but think that the next time you have to move, packing and shipping will be SO MUCH easier! 3. Scanning is also useful for a lot of financial and medical records where the original document is not needed (Old taxes, paid mortgages and car loans, and so on). 4. Scanning, however, makes it imperative that you also "declutter" your computer, and set up a good filing and file naming system on it so you can find documents when you need them. And also a good backup, whether to CDs, or to a backup hard drive. Keep up the good work-you are inspirational in a very realistic and accessible way!
Erica, I love when you mention all the resources (books, vlogs, TH-camrs, etc.) you use and refer to. My question for you is: Where is that kick in the bahookie that gets you up from the table, chair, bed...and into action? I get all excited watching your videos “She’s starting from a harder place than I, and isn’t always thrilled,” but you actually find the impetus to tackle the gorgon. Got an elixir I can take to dive on in?
Ginger Strahan first of all, I love all the words you use. Bahookie! I’m finding the days and piles easier to approach these days. I get motivated by watching others then making my own plan.
Erica Lucas Perhaps thar is the answer I am seeking. I think moving a long distance a few months ago into a home I can’t yet wrap my head around, is making it more difficult for me to get my own plan to coalesce. Gonna work on that today.
I’m fairly decluttered and fairly well organised, but need to get working on it again, but I’m feeling rather overwhelmed by it because of other problems. Your videos help me to calm down and keep at it, thank you 😀👍❤️
Self-employed single mom with 100% custody! Years behind on paperwork, filing, shredding and taxes! This was very helpful and motivating! I am otherwise a “comfort minimalist” at heart! The amount of paper items that come through the door - ugh! 😩 I can do this!
I used to keep four filing drawers full of paper. I saved everything including envelopes. I was able to purge myself to less than one drawer, so I got rid of the two two-drawer filing cabinets to a file crate I got at Walmart. I also helped my son to do the same thing. He has a small wire rack I gave him (used to be more files I had on top of the file drawers, so yes, technically I had 5 drawers of files), and he seems to be keeping just to it.
You just inspired me to work on a little plastic 4 drawer paper organiser this. Most of the stuff in it hasn't been touched in years. I only use the top drawer on a regular basis. Some was from when I was at uni. I finished studying in 2004! It is now empty apart from the current items in the top drawer and a couple quotes that are still relevant.
Love love love your channel. You have a knack for organizing so this is definitely good for ALL of us. I can throw things (sometimes...well mostly never lol) but cannot make the look pretty when I put them back. It probably means that I still have too many things. Oh boy :-( I love Dawn as well. Thank you for sharing this is very encouraging for us HOARDERS!
Keep all taxes I eventually just scan and put on my drive if I want to get rid of the paper. Also the calender I just reuse them and put new date on if I ever needed to like for example the household maintenance calender.
A few years back I did a major konmari-style declutter. For paper, it was hard : for one thing, I had what I called my 'box of sorrows' that was related to my divorce, but which everyone/thing said I HAD to keep. As you can imagine, it did *not* 'spark joy. I mentioned it to my boss at the time and a coworker (both lawyers) and they were like 'oh you can just scan it'. I was never more joyful and happy to purge that box (and the shred, with GUSTO lol). Since then I have been an active user of the scan and shred method and can proudly say my paperwork for a household of three includes one small accordion folder (with most recent medical info, past 6 or so years of taxes, most recent insurance policy info docs, and a one or two more items) and another, very slim document holder for the 'critical' paperwork the birth certs, passports, etc (so if we ever have to leave in a hurry we can grab and go). And here's the reality: I ave never, not once, needed anything I have scanned. And upkeep gets done in about 10 mins every year and new policies info comes out :) Just binged all of your declutters yesterday so was esp thrilled to see a new one so soon. You've worked so hard and this 'internet stranger' is very proud of your journey so far :)
![BEDROOM DECLUTTER + KONMARI CLOSET + CLEAN WITH ME - MINIMALIST - [Extreme Declutter Series Part 6]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9etguCqv4L0/mqdefault.jpg)
I started sorting paperwork and sorting out rubbish. My husband thinks I'm getting ready to die.
I decluttered my whole house. My husband asked me if I was leaving him 😂
Dorothy that's funny.
@@christinaruiz4183 - Oh my. That's funny.
😂
Lol!
The dilusional hysterical manical laughter at the start pretty much somes up paper decluttering!!! 😂😂😂 stay strong 💖💖💖
EmmaAppleBerry I loved that moment too
She makes my day
My dear Erica ~ You are so awesome. I watched this video when it first aired, I've watched SO many paper declutter videos since then! This really is the best...BECAUSE your 'backlog' looked much like mine still does. You are REAL. I DID go through 17 years of 'backlog', and have greatly reduced it...but still have a way to go. I have found it unsatisfying when I see other Tubers with a handful of papers to sort and lay flat in their pretty desk drawer. Kind of like someone who says they are doing a craft room declutter and they have a desk with markers, some post-its, and three sketch books. When I go to face my papers, THIS video is the one that sticks with me. It's work, people! Thank you, Erica!
Erica, I am rewatching and these videos are still amazing 2 years later. Thanks for being so real and relatable throughout your journey! 💕
I have saved some of my cards from the past and keep them in a pretty box in my nightstand. I use them as bookmarks. For each new book I pick a different one. Some cards, f.eks. are from my mom, who is not with us anymore. This makes me happy
Great idea! I do this with ribbons from gifts.
These are both lovely ideas!
❤️
I wouldn't recommend putting the "in" box in a drawer because of the out of sight, out of mind mentality (which I tend to have), there are some nice hanging file organizers that could be hung by your lap top. You're doing a great job!!!!!
Tammy Rivas oooh a hang bin on that blank wall space!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I was going to say that! Dont put inbox in a drawer.
I only have an inbox or todo box so I have place to put papers I’m going to ignore.
Thank you for information and inspiration, Erica.
Last month I retired from 25 years of teaching middle school art and reading. At first I felt guilty for goofing off, but man, I needed down time! I have crates and boxes of lessons, supplies, books, stuff! Brought home my mini fridge and microwave, lamps, chairs, framed artwork, curtains, tablecloths, etc, etc. They are still in my entryway, but I am slowly beginning on sorting, donating, tossing stuff. I have to say that tossing/recycling all of those lesson plans and “red tape” from school is simply liberating. My most pressing paperwork issue now is making sure I have all of my newly acquired Social Security and Teacher Retirement info in order. This video helped motivate me.
Also- I've learned to bring in mail and immediately recycle junk, plus switched to electronic everything to cut down on mailings from financial institutions. Also , when I get an unasked-for catalog, I email them and tell them to take me off the list for mailings. So far I have reduced the mail by about 50% from years ago.
Yes, I was drowning in catalogs a few years back and just took a Saturday and contacted them all and asked to be taken off their list. My biggest problem now is that the mail person has to read the address so quickly that he/she mistakes Miller/Muller and apartment numbers. I switched to electronic, too.
I usually like those very aesthetic looking videos and but as I have been watching your videos I just realized that there is SOMETHING really fascinating about your way of filmin and editing. Usually there is (and it's funny how you have just written about it on your information) crazy background music but the way you speak, your voice and how smart your words are... is really captivating! You are so true to yourself and honest I love it! It makes me so relaxed. Thank You!
I started organizing my home last year after watching the show Tiding Up during our Christmas Break. I loosely followed Marie Condo's method and I must say paper was the 2nd worse category (after sentiment - which includes pictures, that I am STILL working on). Like you mentioned I continued to find paper everywhere. I have since gone through my house twice (other than the photos) and wouldn't be surprised if there was another box of paper waiting for me. Now I have a really simple paper method similar to the Minimal Mom's. You are doing a wonderful job! I would recommend when you have gone through everything (like everything) to go back again and you will be surprised at the things you kept and will then get rid of even more. I have gone through paper several times and still manage to declutter more each time. I look forward to your videos and cheer you on from afar! You got this!!
Hi Erica! Former Homeschool Veteran Mom HERE...paper clutter and yes, books still haunt me. I’m a grandmother of 12 now for crying out loud! Anyway... I have been binge watching your videos... and you are an En.Courage.HER!! I love your videos... and your raw honesty. Most of all, I enjoy the length of your videos... most under30mins. I get done and go do something! Thank you, thank you, thank you ‘
Right there with you. Minimal mom is the bomb!!! And so are YOU!!!!!
Declutter papers and sentimental stuff are the hardest steps into a minimalist -or simplified- way of life. You have done it very well. I do not know if it is rigth to recieve a warm praise from a woman (I am too), we do not have any problem about that in my country and culture and I would not want to be missundestood, but let me tell you that you look great. Has anyone notice that her face look more relaxed and happier than months ago? That's the real magic! Congratulations from Spain! ❤👏🇪🇸
Paper is my nemesis. I have made progress. I used to have 3 desks, 4 file cabinets and many boxes full of paper. I now have 2 small file boxes like yours and have sold the cabinets and desks. It's an ongoing process!
I really liked how you used big boxes to contain disposable items, and how you set up filing as you went instead of making a pile(s) to deal with later. Great way to attack the Paper Beast!
I love it when the birth certificates were found that they were already in their own green folder.
WOW...my basement is piled with paperwork that needs decluttering!! I look at it and say...maybe another day. Hopefully this video will get me started and I will either get swallowed up or emerge victorious. Thanks for the motivation.
I think that was the first time I saw someone say "Taxes" and then fist pumped the air! Love your candidness :)
Thanks for making it look so doable to tackle my old papers!!
The first big sort/purge is the hardest, so congrats on getting past that! Here's how I manage paper: Everything that comes into the house gets sorted right away, and junk mail goes in the recycle bin immediately. Other items go in my kitchen inbox. Weekly, as I pay bills, balance accounts, etc, I send the stubs and statements to my office's 'ready to file' bin. From there, once every couple of months I sort, file and shred. And then at least once a year (in February) but usually twice a year, I go through everything in the file cabinet to purge old stuff. February is also when we get our tax file ready for the accountant, which is easy because as I file throughout the year, all tax stuff just goes in the current year's file, so sorting it in February is easy because it's already all in one place. This system has worked beautifully for us, and it takes less and less each year as I further refine our systems. Like every thing to do with cleaning and organizing, regular maintenance is the key. And it brings me joy when I need some random document and know exactly where to find it!
Hi while you were doing this I went in my bedroom and put things away. That makes me happy.
This is my paper problem 💯! I’m making a dent in it. About 3/4 done! Thanks for the inspiration ❤
Paper declutter rockstar!
I get so much out of watching you talk through your decisions. It encourages me and makes me feel more normal. Thank you for sharing your thoughts aloud with us.
Decluttering paper is a pain, but soo rewarding. And like decluttering anything else, it gets easier. Everytime I go through our papers I laugh at some of the stuff I chose to keep in previous declutters. Love your videos, they're very inspiring!!
Still binge watching!! As a professional organizer, and a recently retired military spouse this is what I do and recommend, especially to my military ladies. But really everyone Take a 3 ring trapper keeper zip up large binder and put every important piece of paperwork in it. I have a check list that goes from birth certificate, marriage, passports, divorce decrees, military orders car info wills house deeds life insurance, etc. I have a checklist that was given to me by the Red Cross from the Misawa AF base. We moved there 1 year after the tsunami so having everything go ready in case of earthquake was so important. I make my emergency binder, tabbed it out and have used it on every move and it has been a god send. I bought a very large fire proof safe that holds the binder. I also have a hard drive with a backup of all of our computer files and pictures in there.
Of all of your videos( and I’ve watched them all SEVERAL times) I love this one the most. So real and relatable!!!
The hair went up. You know it's getting serious now!! Dig in girl. You're an inspiration!!
Thanks for inspiring me every single time I watch your vlogs ❤️ although I dream of a minimalist life in monochrome perfection you are able to get me back into what's realistic and approachable. And I thank you for this, Erica. We both do not live in a staged minimalistic home, we have family and a life happening in our homes. Your down to earth and hands on attitude is just perfect. And I absolutely love, that you can show your flaws as well, no high gloss stuff. Lots of love from Berlin /Germany and big kudos for everything you have accomplished during the last months! 💕💕💕
I’m only at the intro, but I half expected you, no joke, when you knelt down onto the paper pile, to make a “snow angel” in it haha. Because I won’t lie, I woulda been tempted.
Ps. Paper clutter is one of my hardest battles!! 🤦♀️😂
I found your channel through your recent colab with Dawn the Minimal Mom. Love her and I’m really really enjoying your videos! I’m thankful you both did the colab videos
We just got a new fire box a couple months ago. It’s still in the box 🤦♀️ one of those things I should really get my butt in gear and get it done haha
Paper clutter happens so fast!
You have my greates respect. I've been a minimalist for 5 years, except for paper. It still gives me nightmares, because the paper and its contents need to be dealt with, not just sorted or decluttered.
I was so happy when you found the papers you were looking for you'd think they were my papers. 😆
Seeing you go through your pile makes me realize my pile is doable. Thanks for the video.
This was so inspiring. What helps me is to see that I am not the only one with paper clutter accumulated over years. I am currently watching a lot of videos showing people who are decluttering (you, the minimal mom, Alejandra Costello and others) and who are giving handy tips about how to organize things. This helps me so much to get started and to do something every day.
Thanks a lot!
Paper clutter takes so long to go through. I love Dawn, she's great.
The Rex Fam Dawn is great, and so are you, Erica.
@@gingerstrahan7464 Erica already knows I think she's great. ❤
The Rex Fam See what happens when you are vision impaired and don’t read everything super carefully. In my mind, I was replying to something Erica posted. Apologies for making you almost as confused as I apparently am.
@@gingerstrahan7464 You replied to me so I AM confused. Lol
The Rex Fam I am not aware of “Dawn”. Please, any info to pass on?
You are my hero - paperwork is so hard to go through!!
What a FANTASTIC AND AMAZING Job!!!! You made it seem so easy!! Paperwork is the most difficult thing to go thru! I kept putting it off till I had my mom's , mine, and my husband and mine to go thru. My husband passed away in 2002 and my mom ( who I took care of for 20 yrs) passed away in 2015. It was what started my decluttering everything in 2017. I started then gave up many times over the yrs but finally kept at it and I'm still doing it, always!!! HAPPY HAPPY! !!!
great job! I so identify with this … I had to do multiple paper declutters over probably 2 years … my final one started with me having my 6' long kitchen counter COVERED with stacks of paper. But now I'm down to one notebook and one 1" accordion file. So it can be done.
I do really recommend a vertical "inbox" rather than horizontal. It's so easy for papers to get buried in a horizontal pile (for me, anyway).
I love the way your brain works! I’ve been thru 50+ years of paperwork but need to do more! Thank you, Erica! Xo
My dog received mail for a discount vacation!!
😂😂😂
How on earth did they get your Dog's name?
I have no idea!! It’s crazy
I gathered everything, and OMG. 8 full "big" totes (18 gallons). This is my biggest hoarding/problem category.
I think my mental block comes from fear that I will get rid of something that I wrote down that I will need. A big part of my self-identity comes from the success I've had in my career, which hinges on "genius" insights (which I capture in paper notes while brainstorming).
And then there's the guilt related to throwing out sentimental items. And then there's the fact that I never had a good system for capturing & archiving important info & documents electronically, with backup in the cloud & on thumb drives.
Sigh.
Wish me luck.
This is a sore spot for me. I really need to deal with my paper clutter. It’s taken up space both physically and mentally. I even started getting a headache while watching your video... 🙄🤯🤔
But it was for filling to se you get through it to the “other side”
Well done so far!!! 👏👍😊
Man I hate paper clutter🥴
I actually decluttered some of it this morning. I even trashed a few pictures and cards that we were sent a few years ago, not real sentimental ones. I’ve been keeping items from our grown grandkids thinking one day they will want them, I guessing they won’t and surely their moms have a box of it somewhere??
But I’m also giving them the option now of getting it out of my house and into theirs or trashing it. I have had some of it starting over thirty years now , holy wow 😱
My parents both passed away and I moved into their house. They were very tidy but kept WAY too much paperwork. I've been finding old records (1980's!) for the past 2 years stuck away in various drawers. And back then, SS#s were on everything so I've had to shred a lot rather than just toss into the recycle bin. I am doing "swedish death cleaning" so no one has to find all my crap and shred it!
I loved Swedish Death cleaning!!!! I have the book on audio and listen to it several times to inspire me.
I feel you! When my 97 year old grandma passed, she had drawers of her medical records from the 50s!! I couldn't quite believe it! I wonder what goes thru people's minds... :) Compassion I shall have!
I couldn't do all the paper in the house at one time I found it over whelming, I did one room at a time. You did a great job :)
Hi Erica.. love this video .. you inspired me to tackle my mountain of paper clutter! The categories you are utilizing simplify everything! I lose sleep over the paper clutter! Great job!
Thanks for talking through your paper decluttering. So many youtubers just speed through with music and no narration.
Thanks for a great video!
If it’s any help, my dog got mail a few years ago.....
Vickie Wozny STOP. That makes me feel better.
My then baby brother was drafted.
My husband's prior wife got a credit card application offer at OUR address -- that she had NEVER lived at! After they'd been divorced for 18 years! Scary.
@@annw1395 Same kind of crap here.
New here! Really liked your method of gather, plan, then conquer! Great job at keeping it all real. Some stuff just really defies being categorized.
Erika, Thank you so much making the comments as you go along! I am making the same comments in my head thinking I am weird, but obviously not. I have just started to go through all my business and personal paperwork, old school notes and things related to my previous career. It has been great to have the distance and objectivity and my compost pile is doing so well after giving it heaps of those shredded pieces. I still have plenty to do, but my office looks so much better and does not give me anxiety on what to do first as I keep putting 20 minutes timer on and than switching tasks. I have done so much in 6 days and I am no longer annoyed at myself for thinking I have got to do this, but it will take forever (it does not!!!) and putting it away to some day to do. Well done, keep going. Can't wait for your next honest video. Oh, and anything left is possible I am planning to scan with my Doxie scanner (idea of THE Minimalists) and get a external storage disc.
Paperwork is one of those decluttering jobs that I consider to have 'layers'. Your first layer is the stuff you instantly identify that can be chucked out. Your second layer is those things you can easily file. Your 3rd layer is the things that you will need to come back to, whether it be to establish what they actually are, or to research the advice on how long you have to keep this kind of document. That's your inbox. It's okay not to do all the layers at once! My one tip if you have an insane amount of shredding to do is to research shredding services. They send you a sealed bag to put your paperwork in, then shred it confidentially. Keep it up Erica! X
Love your thumbnail pic 😂😂😂
I am doing a major declutter at my home it feels so good to get rid of stuff
Great job, Erica. I admire your pressing on and not giving up when things get overwhelming.
Great job, Erica!
I have been on my minimalism journey for 4 years now. About a year ago I started on the momentos and keepsakes. Just a tip regarding the artwork... my kids are in their 30's and we had a family declutter and went through their school memory box and artwork and they were very disinterested in any of it. You may want to consider keeping a very minimal/ the very best of these physical momentos. Each person and family experiences this uniquely, but I have heard this from others that their kids just aren't that interested in it as grown adults.
Until they have kids. Just need a few pieces.
I have taken pics of the best of them, then jettisoned them.
I know this is an older video, but I have my oldest go through his artwork regularly from his designated art bin because he's like a mad artist lol and decide what he no longer needs. I keep those special pieces put in a separate bin of things like handprint art and very special pieces they make.
Paper is crazy! Thank you for this video, your candid thought process, and your example! So much of mine is sentimental! Ugh!
So proud of you Erica. You said you would declutter that cupboard in 2020, and you've started it even before the end of January. Great job.
Love how real you are, and your hair is absolutely gorgeous. The Gold Project has a great children’s memories organizing system, if you would like to check it out. 😊 You are doing such a great job, and I’m enjoying watching the process.
P.S. I will never be a minimalist, but I my goal is to get rid of what I no longer need or want and get the things I am going to keep under control.
Having just retired, I am joyfully donating “school clothes” and loving wearing my new “happy” clothes all the time! Best wishes on your minimalist and homeschooling journey.
Laurie Powell I struggle with the label minimalist a bit. I want less but I don’t see myself with the bare minimum either. I’m minimalish. 😂
I looove your videos! You’re always so authentic and I can really see the change in you over the month! Keep going 💪🏻 I did my paper declutter yesterday and it took me 4 HOURS 😭 Finally done for the year 😍
Study everyday awesome!!! That’s such a great kick off to your 2020!
I love watching your videos! So inspiring and fun! My husband keeps an eye on the important papers, but I use the Fly Lady Method for my stuff. When I use it (:D) it works great. Blessings!
This category was for me the longest one, overwhelming, but now i try to keep up on a regular basis. Love your video.
Watching at 3:00 am lol working on that paper
Paper clutter is definitely a HUGE thing for me...
I can’t do a filing system...just too much for my brain...but, what I do is put all my bills that are paid, receipts etc. in a brown envelope, I use a smaller size & put the receipts in there for each month...I know I really don’t need to keep everything...but, you don’t know how many times I’ve went back to that month I paid something or my husband asked me for such &. Such & I go in my envelope & find it...much easier than labeling everything...my husband pays most of the bills & he has his own system...but, I’ve been doing this for many years...if it was for tax purposes, I used a brown envelope just for that...I have fire proof safes for important documents insurance, birth certificates etc...
I am working on paying bills as they come in...it is much easier to do than procrastinate...still working on this...I can relate to your paper pile!!
BOSTON
You: 'The band? The city?'
Me: 'The creme bun?'
*can you tell i'm hungry* haha
EmmaAppleBerry 😂 😂😂😂❤️
I said "the bean" 😂
Boston cream pie...
I thought creme pie too!! Lol
Just a thought on "Medical." Don't be afraid to be ruthless in that category. I find it is sometimes redundant information or extra paperwork I get at the doctor's, just like precautions on a vaccine that is meant to be temporary information. Also, most of these are now digital and "easy to replace." I found myself keeping some of it for sentimental reasons (like tracking their growth charts) rather than a true need to keep pile.
PictureThis Autism I think I’m going to type up necessary history and info for each of us, then scan the rest. That way - God forbid - the medical history for each kiddo is summarized if someone needs to take care of my kids
@@EricaLucasLoves This is a fabulous idea and I'm totally stealing it.
love KONMARI and Minimal Mom both!! Paper really piles up, for me !
I am feeling you. My past weekend was spent sorting trough my paperwork. At least I learned a few years back that it is easier to keep everything in one spot. If I was trying to find something, I knew where to search. My HUGE drawer kept filling to a point where I had trouble to put any more stuff inside. For some reason I felt like it is time to organize everything. Which I did. After a day and a half and about 12 hours in total all my paperwork was organized until today. When new letters came in, waiting to be organized and the whole circle starts again....
Papers are the bain of my existence! LOL You did a fantastic job! I loved how you described everything and your process! I am really enjoying all your videos :-)
I am sharing this video with my husband. He holds on to all the paper.
Mine too, I just shredded things from when he was a cop 15 years ago. Piles of paper from things we don't even own anymore, taxes from 10 years ago.
I love this! My husband is amazing at organization of our bills and taxes. They fit into 1 file folder with 24 compartmentalized files. Me....not so much. We have all our identity stuff filed in a file box. Deployments have taught me how though! You are amazing! I rewatch your videos as motivation to keep going! I wanted to cry with you since you started your journey. Your home then, looks just like mine now! Day by day, it is getting better! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. You are awesome!
I advise you to go after every sing paper in your house and do it once for all because paper decluttering is one of the most exhausting but yet awarding categories to go through
Ellen Lima KonMari said to do that too. But I’d have to declutter and unpack SO much from the attic and the shed and crawl space. I’m not ready for that
@@EricaLucasLoves so one space a day or week. Do it once, but not necessarily in one day. Maybe use your entire january for paper decluttering. You wont lose momentum
To Erica's point you can't declutter a category like paper if you have a large space like an attic or basement with stuff on top or all around it. When we moved a few months ago I was forced to deal with the upstairs office I had all but abanded. I only had a small amount of paperwork to keep.
If it's in the attic it will go fast once you get it all together because it is most certainty not needed.
I used Minimal Moms suggestion as well. It really helped me to just toss what I really didnt need
You did very well!! Most people stop decluttering as soon as the stuff fits into the cupboards and drawers....👍
I couldn't stand it anymore!
You can put a freeze on your son’s SSN/credit (all of the kids actually) and then when they get older the freeze can be removed when needed. This will make their information less attractive to identity thieves as they will not be able to open any lines of credit using your child’s information.
PS love the talking through as you work on projects, definitely helpful for those of us taking inspiration from your process! Thank you for sharing!
I keep all birth, marriage, insurance, passports in a binder using protection sheets for easy access
Thank you SO MUCH for your decluttering series!! I've felt so overwhelmed and anxious and alone in this house full of stuff, to the point of giving up before I even start. And there's some great content out there about decluttering and minimizing, but alot of it's like watching a skinny person talking about how to lose weight. Thank you for taking us along with you through your process. You are my inspiration! I've already donated TEN boxes this week and cut my closet by HALF. Thank you for being REAL!!
You’re doing great! I did a major KonMari paper declutter in 2016. I put a process in place that’s working for us. I’m proud to say I’ve conquered paper. And it feels good.
What tips do you have that could help me keep up with it!
Erica Lucas Hi! I posted my “system” as a reply on your Facebook posting about paper decluttering. It been working great for us.
Thank you for making feel like I’m not alone with paper clutter. When you said you have paper in your attic, shed, drawers, etc. wow that’s me. I get it girlfriend!
I am rewatching your videos to keep myself motivated with decluttering our paperwork while we are in lockdown here in New Zealand. We've just finished our first week of staying at home and I'm really getting things happening!! Thanks so much for the motivation and inspiration 👏💕
First of all, I love your channel!
Second, with the letter from a car insurance carrier that was sent to your son...I second the idea to call them and ask how he got on their list. When we purchased a car, we suddenly started receiving a lot of mail from insurance carriers trying to get our business. It concerns me that something similar might be the case - that perhaps someone bought a car under his name. Best to find out for sure what’s going on. And along with freezing your children’s credit, don’t forget that you can request a free credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. I’m not sure how that process works when the credit is frozen though. Wishing you luck and that this is nothing serious!
Girl! This is hard to do alone - you've done a great job. I have helped many of my friends purge and organize. Often, my just being there gives them courage.
Cudos to you! I need to do this again since I went back to my basket system of despair 😭 For important papers Fly Lady has a great system she calls a “control journal” that’s in a binder. It contains anything you would want to have in case of a fire. We did one of these a few years ago and it’s working really well.
Thank you for this - you've inspired me to not only get my taxes done this weekend but to clean up my papers - been trying to work on it for the last 6 months and just keep putting it off. It's mostly all just trash but there is the stuff that is critical buried within it all.
I’ve been binge watching a bunch of your decluttering/minimalist videos this past week, and so much of what you are doing resonates with me. A couple of random thoughts in no particular order:
1. Paper clutter is my big bugaboo, and I inherited a bunch from my parents as well (I'm a genetic packrat). A lot of what I got from my folks was family history stuff, photos as well as letters, papers, etc. I've been working on scanning it all over the past few years, so as to decrease the physical pile of stuff. I did find some of my dad's tax documents from the early 50’s (yes, they still had that stuff! My mom had old phone books from the 1960's 😱) rather interesting-those kinds of papers have a lot of good information such as addresses of where they lived, what kind of jobs he held, how much he earned and spent. For historical purposes I'm finding it interesting, but there is no need to keep the physical papers, scanning them is fine. Since you are a military family and move a lot, this may be information your kids will find helpful or interesting later in life.
2. Speaking of your frequent moves, I can’t help but think that the next time you have to move, packing and shipping will be SO MUCH easier!
3. Scanning is also useful for a lot of financial and medical records where the original document is not needed (Old taxes, paid mortgages and car loans, and so on).
4. Scanning, however, makes it imperative that you also "declutter" your computer, and set up a good filing and file naming system on it so you can find documents when you need them. And also a good backup, whether to CDs, or to a backup hard drive.
Keep up the good work-you are inspirational in a very realistic and accessible way!
I LOVE the minimal mom!
Alice Lane me too!!
Yes!! Doesn’t that feel so much better? (I feel better just watching! 😂) There’s something so satisfying about eliminating paper clutter.
This video really hits home. Paper clutter is the worst! You are awesome 💕💕💕
I'll have to chime back to watch this video, I need it, but, I just want to say, your thumbnail brightened my day. That's exactly how I feel.
Keep on!
Erica, I love when you mention all the resources (books, vlogs, TH-camrs, etc.) you use and refer to. My question for you is: Where is that kick in the bahookie that gets you up from the table, chair, bed...and into action? I get all excited watching your videos “She’s starting from a harder place than I, and isn’t always thrilled,” but you actually find the impetus to tackle the gorgon. Got an elixir I can take to dive on in?
Ginger Strahan first of all, I love all the words you use. Bahookie! I’m finding the days and piles easier to approach these days. I get motivated by watching others then making my own plan.
Erica Lucas Perhaps thar is the answer I am seeking. I think moving a long distance a few months ago into a home I can’t yet wrap my head around, is making it more difficult for me to get my own plan to coalesce. Gonna work on that today.
I’m fairly decluttered and fairly well organised, but need to get working on it again, but I’m feeling rather overwhelmed by it because of other problems. Your videos help me to calm down and keep at it, thank you 😀👍❤️
Self-employed single mom with 100% custody! Years behind on paperwork, filing, shredding and taxes! This was very helpful and motivating! I am otherwise a “comfort minimalist” at heart! The amount of paper items that come through the door - ugh! 😩 I can do this!
I used to keep four filing drawers full of paper. I saved everything including envelopes. I was able to purge myself to less than one drawer, so I got rid of the two two-drawer filing cabinets to a file crate I got at Walmart. I also helped my son to do the same thing. He has a small wire rack I gave him (used to be more files I had on top of the file drawers, so yes, technically I had 5 drawers of files), and he seems to be keeping just to it.
You just inspired me to work on a little plastic 4 drawer paper organiser this. Most of the stuff in it hasn't been touched in years. I only use the top drawer on a regular basis. Some was from when I was at uni. I finished studying in 2004! It is now empty apart from the current items in the top drawer and a couple quotes that are still relevant.
YES!
Great video thanks
That exactly I did 2 years ago. I’m so glad, to see, that I’m not the only one with paperhording........ Gratulation, you did it !
Love love love your channel. You have a knack for organizing so this is definitely good for ALL of us. I can throw things (sometimes...well mostly never lol) but cannot make the look pretty when I put them back. It probably means that I still have too many things. Oh boy :-( I love Dawn as well. Thank you for sharing this is very encouraging for us HOARDERS!
I enjoyed this video very much. Love the thumb nail....
great video, great hair, great how you are pulling through. You are a decluttering lioness!
Keep all taxes I eventually just scan and put on my drive if I want to get rid of the paper. Also the calender I just reuse them and put new date on if I ever needed to like for example the household maintenance calender.
A few years back I did a major konmari-style declutter. For paper, it was hard : for one thing, I had what I called my 'box of sorrows' that was related to my divorce, but which everyone/thing said I HAD to keep. As you can imagine, it did *not* 'spark joy. I mentioned it to my boss at the time and a coworker (both lawyers) and they were like 'oh you can just scan it'. I was never more joyful and happy to purge that box (and the shred, with GUSTO lol). Since then I have been an active user of the scan and shred method and can proudly say my paperwork for a household of three includes one small accordion folder (with most recent medical info, past 6 or so years of taxes, most recent insurance policy info docs, and a one or two more items) and another, very slim document holder for the 'critical' paperwork the birth certs, passports, etc (so if we ever have to leave in a hurry we can grab and go). And here's the reality: I ave never, not once, needed anything I have scanned. And upkeep gets done in about 10 mins every year and new policies info comes out :)
Just binged all of your declutters yesterday so was esp thrilled to see a new one so soon. You've worked so hard and this 'internet stranger' is very proud of your journey so far :)