My Minimalism Story: How I Accidentally Became a Minimalist

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  • Опубліковано 22 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 289

  • @kristinakalas8100
    @kristinakalas8100 3 роки тому +122

    Ahh, the reunion clips brought me to tears AGAIN! Erica, you have so much to be proud of. Not only did you change your lifestyle, you brought all of us with you & it has changed us too. 5 million views is so impressive. I credit your authenticity. Way to go! I loved seeing again how much support the kids gave you early on.

    • @heatherarmstrong261
      @heatherarmstrong261 3 роки тому +4

      Me too! I cried the first time I saw it, and I cried again. My brother is also in the Navy, so I've seen deployments second hand and know what a sacrifice they are for both the sailor and the family. It was fun to see a timeline of your journey. I always appreciate your authenticity.

    • @jerilyn-ourhomeschooltable
      @jerilyn-ourhomeschooltable 3 роки тому +2

      Me too!

  • @johnandkitty
    @johnandkitty 3 роки тому +49

    Please thank your husband for us for his service to our country.

  • @XOJOjenio
    @XOJOjenio 3 роки тому +62

    I’m “Erica-Ish” 😂😂

  • @paige5191
    @paige5191 3 роки тому +59

    I accidently became. A minimalist too! And I swear it has changed my life. One day I opened my doors and starting throwing everything out. I was overwhelmed 4 kids so much time spent cleaning and it was never clean. So much stuff all around me I couldn't handle it. And once I did my first bug purge my life has changed forever.

  • @beautiful-insideandout180
    @beautiful-insideandout180 3 роки тому +32

    Inspiring!! Have you considered contacting the owner of the B&B and thanking her as well as telling her how the time at their B&B was part of a big change in your life. ❤️ She might appreciate it.

  • @PugLovah
    @PugLovah 3 роки тому +31

    You are only 1 of the few minimalist/organizing women I follow, among a SEA of other women who do what you do (but I don't gravitate towards them). The differentiator is WHO you are: genuine, funny, smart, and yes, humble. Thank you for what you do, how you do it, and for being YOU!

    • @catharinabra
      @catharinabra 3 роки тому +2

      I agree with this so, so much! You are amazing, Erica!

  • @barbfrank917
    @barbfrank917 3 роки тому +26

    How God planned that minimalist house just for you. Your family looks happy, healthy, I pray other families watch you and learn 🙏

  • @dottief6057
    @dottief6057 3 роки тому +36

    Erica, I have been a subscriber since you first colabbed with Dawn on The Minimal Mom. I love your heart. I am very slowly getting rid of my clutter....too slowly some days...but making progress. It just occurred to me that I have not thanked you and Andy and your family for your service. I do appreciate it and know to some extent how real the separations are, having a grandson and a close neighbor and friend in service. You are special people and we are thankful for all you sacrifice for our freedom on a daily basis.
    Again, thank you for your service and for your inspiration to this great grandmother.

    • @jennaalce4016
      @jennaalce4016 3 роки тому +2

      This is when I found erica too, and have loved being a witness to her journey!

  • @jillneer7305
    @jillneer7305 3 роки тому +3

    "STUFF HAVERS!" LOVE THIS DESCRIPTION!!!! I so understand this & finally in my 50's I'm trying to be someone who only has "STUFF I NEED!"

  • @ellielizhavenofbless945
    @ellielizhavenofbless945 3 роки тому +2

    That basement video was when I started watching you and I immediately loved you and how you open and real you were. When you cried, I cried too. So rarely do I get like that while watching a video. I think I finally found someone who explained how overwhelmed I felt too. 💗

  • @bonniebeach9861
    @bonniebeach9861 3 роки тому +11

    I don’t believe in “accidents” - everything happens for a reason❣️

  • @ddcjenn
    @ddcjenn 3 роки тому +23

    Beautiful video and I love the clips of Andy coming home, so many tears in that moment....

  • @whitneyjones3957
    @whitneyjones3957 3 роки тому +16

    Watching your family reunite never gets old! Thank you for all the inspiration you have given me.

  • @Ripplesinthewaters
    @Ripplesinthewaters 3 роки тому +7

    Someone called you a hoarder?! I’m so sorry! Had you been a hoarder, would never have been able to let go of things on your own! You have done a fantastic job on your home! Hugs! My journey continues as well.

  • @stowie5790
    @stowie5790 3 роки тому +25

    This is one of those videos that needs a love button! I started watching you back when your whole house declutter video popped up in my UA-cam feed...and your channel was the very first channel I subscribed to. I too had a home with way too much stuff and going through the process, changing the mindset, facing the fears (aka spiders), celebrating the victories and pushing through failures, I survived. I still have a ways to go and watching your story again brings back the inspiration to keep going. Thank you Erica, for being brave enough to share your journey with us. Not only did you benefit from this, but so many of us did too!

  • @dianaschultz3733
    @dianaschultz3733 3 роки тому +9

    Perspective is a powerful tool. My first ahh ha moment occurred when I was a teenager and so enjoyed all of my favorite posters and things I had hung on my walls. I saw my room from a different perspective when I was outside in the dark. I had left the light on in my room and the curtains open. Boy was I shocked at how ugly my things looked from this new perspective.
    I am a definite work in continual progress, but I try to challenge myself to look at my environment from different perspectives.

  • @MartinCliffe
    @MartinCliffe 3 роки тому +2

    I definitely feel the "Minimalish" thing (as I sit here looking at 15 spare guitars that I really don't need). It's a work in progress. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story in such an open way.

  • @LaDonnaMills
    @LaDonnaMills 3 роки тому +5

    I cry Everytime I see the homecoming videos. When he gets in the van and those kids start hugging him...
    I think you had around 1600 subscribers when I subscribed. I have been on the journey with you. Thanks for sharing your life with me.

  • @chrisjordan9718
    @chrisjordan9718 3 роки тому +7

    I hope you thought to let the b&b owner how their vacation home helped put you on this minimalist journey. She would have loved it. I knew I was in trouble when we decided it was time to retire and downsize so we could afford to become snowbirds. We had lived in our family home for 38 years. I am ashamed to say that more than once I thought how much easier it would be if it all just burned down. That was my turning point. You are very inspirational. Thanks for your efforts to encourage us.

  • @allisonroundy1416
    @allisonroundy1416 3 роки тому +3

    Hi Erica, thanks for sharing your minimalism journey. My husband and I are on a minimalism journey, also, and that began in the fall of 2018 (about 6 months after our second son was born). I started looking at houses and my husband asked me what I was doing and I told him our house (which is just under 1100 square feet) is too small for us. His response to me was that our house was not too small, we just have too much stuff. And that brought me to Dawn the Minimal Mom and then I saw you on one of her videos. I wish you well on your journey and know that you are not alone with dealing with stuff. Also, your hair is very pretty in this video and I like the speed of slow, too!

  • @julievw6520
    @julievw6520 3 роки тому +4

    Wow...I've been watching you for longer than I realized...time flies! Lol! (Started watching somewhere near the beginning of your decluttering journey).
    This video was such a reminder of how far you've come and how much work you've done!! Great job!! 👍👍🎉
    Thank you to Andy for his service! 🌟

  • @TheLifeTidy
    @TheLifeTidy 3 роки тому +8

    You are the one channel on UA-cam that I hit the like button every time before I even watch the video... And I've never gone back and changed the like after the video. You are always inspiring!

  • @darcyrobb3692
    @darcyrobb3692 3 роки тому +21

    I hope you shared this story to the owners of the rental, it's a wonderful story; your not alone plus want to say is so good the kids were a part of this process, such a learning curve for them & I'm sure will have more respect for what they do have. They're good kids along with a good husband, Andy❣🙂🇨🇦

  • @corinnestauffiger5693
    @corinnestauffiger5693 3 роки тому +13

    Such a great video. I never considered you as a hoarder. You are, no you were, a normal woman with a family and lots of stuff like many, many other people out there, including me. But you decided to share your journey on UA-cam and I think that is exactly why your channel has quite some success. You are very honest and open. We saw you struggling with decisions, we saw you desperate, and now we see you happy and relieved and free. So thank you! (And I really like that you pay attention to a sustainable approach of minimalism and that you also cover financial themes)

  • @Tracywhited2
    @Tracywhited2 3 роки тому +14

    The decluttering! I feel like it never ends. I’ll never really get to minimalist levels but I sure am way closer as I inch through one section at a time one room at a time. My biggest issue is the little things in my junk drawers and I have way too many junk drawers. Lol.

    • @Ford98270
      @Ford98270 3 роки тому +3

      After I decluttered the big stuff. The drawers and cubby’s overwhelmed. I scheduled a day that was going to donation. On my way to other errands. It might have been half a box. I didn’t wait until I had “enough” to donate. It was amazing to me how fast it went from full drawers to using what is needed at a glance. Best Wishes on your Journey.

    • @Tracywhited2
      @Tracywhited2 3 роки тому +1

      @@Ford98270 great info ! Thanks and I’ll definitely try that. I give myself long breaks in the journey and I watch vids like this to get me back into the mindset and ready to go again. 👍

    • @MelindaPlainandSimple
      @MelindaPlainandSimple 3 роки тому +2

      Years ago, before I started decluttering, I designated two drawers in our kitchen as the place to keep items we need occasionally. I got tired of having to search every time I needed a hammer or tape. The drawers aren't big, which is why I have two. One has a hammer, nails, a couple of screwdrivers, tape measure, flashlight. The other one has glue, tape, scissors, some paper clips, a notepad, a pen. I used empty candy boxes as dividers to keep things in place. So far, it's worked out well. My husband also knows right where to go if he needs one of those items. Other tools are in the garage and other office supplies are in the office, but these drawers are in a central place and provide quick access to the items we found ourselves always searching for. I think assigning a purpose to the drawers helps me to maintain them because it keeps me from putting random items in them. I still have a lot of drawers and cabinets to declutter. I hope the dedicated purpose approach works on all of them.

    • @Tracywhited2
      @Tracywhited2 3 роки тому +1

      @@MelindaPlainandSimple yes ! All those things you need when you need them ! My big problem is too many hobbies. Lol. I knit crochet and spin wool. So there is a plethora of tools and rid bits for that and I have those all in exactly one place completely organized. And I have a small tool bag and one wooden vintage tool box that I use for office supplies. But somehow I still manage to have three junk drawers of other junk that I feel like constantly debunking. Lol. It’s crazy. Especially the kitchen one. Lol. And as I was digging through it all yesterday I realized a whole lot of it is my husband’s bits and bobs that he can never find. Lol. So at least that drawer is permanently going on his to do list once a month. 😜😜😜

  • @catharinabra
    @catharinabra 3 роки тому +4

    When this video come up My first thought was ”I know Ericas minimalism journey, I’ve seen all her videos”. But it was really interesting seeing everything summed up with a timeline like this. What a journey you’re on! You’ve made amazing progress and it makes me happy to see you this happy and flourishing! So happy I subscribed to your channel when you started this minimalism/ minimalish journey 🥳🌟👏👏

  • @karenstairs8273
    @karenstairs8273 3 роки тому +3

    I love how You became "Minimalish"...I know your trademark word helped this 62 year old on my journey to slow living with the word that you created. I just love watching you and your family evolve. You are helping your children more than you know!! Thank you Andy for your Service. Thank you Erica for your service too.

  • @lindamusser7370
    @lindamusser7370 3 роки тому

    That quote about "deciding what to keep" has been what I've been realizing all along!!! Thank you!!! It's like turning on the light instead of driving the darkness out.

  • @shannonoglesby564
    @shannonoglesby564 3 роки тому +2

    Being a military family as well, I started the minimal journey last year. We also had a room in our house that was filled with boxes, old beds and mattresses. Getting that room cleared was the spark that I needed. Your channel as well as the minimalist mom really helped me clear our house out and have it presentable to sell. We are now in military housing in San Diego and it was a breath of fresh air Knowing everything had its on space.

  • @KJong-gz5hv
    @KJong-gz5hv 3 роки тому

    90 home schoolers, and I, the European, were watching from your 1st panickattack in your basement.
    I never thought you were a hoarder, but I think I remember you calling yourself that at some point.
    But all the moves, the young children, being in a stage of single parenting, plus the extra storage box haul, made you overwhelmed. So not a hoarder, but an overwhelmder.
    You did and are doing a wonderful job. The most beautiful thing about your personality is to give yourself time to think and realise, and a positive future minded attitude.
    And it is good to see it made your soul lighter, and te see you have support to continue. Getting you husband home plus on board, gave the last loving push, changed you from an overwhelmder to a mindful deliberate chooser. From 5 same games mom to compost hero.
    Thank you for sharing this life's story. Have fun with detailing. And remember,
    Girls can do anything.
    Oh, and buy that red trenchcoat. ❤️

  • @bonitaquandt4862
    @bonitaquandt4862 3 роки тому +9

    I teared up from the look in your eyes when you spoke the word "hoarder." Praying for you to find peace with that term, as it does not represent who you are. I have been a subscriber through COVID time, and in you I see resolve, intelligence, thoughtfulness, strength, love and perseverance. Begone with the past assessments of who you are! Take on the whole armor of the terms that make you great. You are a blessing.

  • @joyous2theworld
    @joyous2theworld 3 роки тому +13

    I’ve been watching for a long while. I am so proud of you. Seeing his homecoming made me all so happy and teary again. You guys have made a serious lifestyle change and it is amazing to see.

  • @ciannacoleman5125
    @ciannacoleman5125 3 роки тому

    You are the most encouraging “minimalist” on UA-cam. Love seeing your journey from collector/hoarder to minimalish. I will never be a minimalist by the popular definition, but the lifestyle of only keeping things that you need/use and that bring you joy resonates with me. Today I decluttered 5 porcelain dolls from my collection most of which my grandpa’s wife gave me. I have wanted to for a few years but only today did I give myself permission to declutter the dolls I didn’t like as well while keeping the ones that still bring me joy.

  • @loriognibene6096
    @loriognibene6096 3 роки тому

    I remember those first videos.You was beyond overwhelmed and trapped by your belongings.The things that stood out to me during this video was "don`t be a stuff haver,clutter anxiety,stuffocating.I wrote each of these words on paper and they`re now on my desk where I can see them everyday.Each one of these words resonate within my soul to a huge degree.I have been changing along with what you`ve been teaching me.I am deciding "what to keep"in my life.What really matters and WHY?One person can touch your life and help you change what you didn`t even know needed to be changed.Thank you Erica.God bless and be well.

  • @fwebster6226
    @fwebster6226 3 роки тому +5

    Imagine if you did a video clip of meeting the owners of the beach house that you rented and telling them how much they changed your life. That would be amazing!

  • @makelifesimple5110
    @makelifesimple5110 2 роки тому

    That’s very similar to my journey too. I began mine about 4 years ago. My family and I returned home from our trip to visiting friends in TX, we made a stop in Missouri. After a long trip staying with friends, and when at friends, I liked to analyze the things people have in their home, I felt like a “whoosh” of relaxation and calm washed over me during our stay at the time share condo. That was my epiphany moment I believe. When I got home from that trip, I began to binge watch minimalism videos, read books, blogs, listened to podcast, and started my first true stage of decluttering process. Still ways to go but it is so much more simple, practical and functional to live our lives in our home these days. ☺️

  • @MelindaLee
    @MelindaLee 3 роки тому +2

    You did so much, sweety, and I was here at the beginning when you were struggling. I said then and Ill say it again, you do so much and your heart is so huge. Your family is so lucky to have you there. I'm proud of you.

  • @jennifersonafrank9272
    @jennifersonafrank9272 3 роки тому +12

    Thank you for this video explaining your journey toward minimalism. Many of your points were well-taken, especially "Decide what to keep. Ask why. Let go of the rest." Also, I loved seeing you reunion with Andy again. : )

  • @GoingGreenMom
    @GoingGreenMom 3 роки тому +11

    I love how you acknowledge that thresholds change and that you guys are going to push through the last of the boxes and start over on re-evaluating because you have changed. My level of overwhelm has gotten so much better when I use the one more box or one more portfolio type method. One more shelf is easy..... Entire cabinets or rooms, not so much.

  • @jac1797
    @jac1797 3 роки тому +6

    Erica I have watched you from the beginning of your minimalist Journey. I'm so proud of all the progress that you have made! It's an amazing transformation! God bless you!

  • @trishawall9619
    @trishawall9619 3 роки тому

    I love your story, and I love your honesty. And I love that your still plugging away on the journey. You haven't given up, and your taking time to learn and make changes along the way. I found you Feb 2020 when I began a huge declutter in preparation for a move. I ended up letting close to 50% go. My husband wanted to move in less trucks this time! 😊
    You've been an inspiration to me! We now live in 900 sq. feet, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. There are 8 of us! We came from 2700 sq. feet, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths. We have a large shop for storage, so we still have "stuff". But living with less has been wonderful , and your example has helped me deal with the guilt and struggle along the way. And prepare me for this smaller, simpler way of living. Thanks so much for being vulnerable and sharing yourself on this channel! 💛
    I might go back and watch this again and count how many times you said the word "stuff"!!! 🤣

  • @mksugerman1500
    @mksugerman1500 3 роки тому +1

    Looking at your boxes gave me anxiety and the video of you going through your box and talking about what you were feeling as you unboxed was very effective and moving and I felt your anxiety too. I also have a room full of bags of clothes that I need to go through. I have found that setting a timer for 15 minute increments decreased my anxiety 😥 and helps me. I wish you luck and will be on the journey with you!

  • @jacquelinepetersen9061
    @jacquelinepetersen9061 3 роки тому

    Erica, I found you through the Minimal Mom (Dawn) and have been following you ever since. I've watched you declutter and know the struggles. I just want to say that you've come a long way and are doing a great job on making better decisions and showing many of us how we can think differently about our stuff. Just like Dawn shows us everyday too. What a joy sharing with people you don't know, but we all start feeling like family even if we never meet. Thanks for taking us along and I always look forward to your new videos.

  • @christyp3853
    @christyp3853 3 роки тому +2

    Hi Erica! It really has been AMAZING watching your whole journey and supporting you all the way. I have learned a lot from you that I’ve applied to my life. One thing I wanted to encourage you with is that someone is not disqualified as a minimalist because they still have more stuff than they need or because there is a mess in one space or another. Minimalism is about your mindset, and you clearly do have the mindset to love minimally, only with the the things you use and find meaning in, and that’s AWESOME! I think you can proudly call yourself a minimalist even if you are not at your goal yet because your goal will continue to evolve as you do.

  • @sharylsimeone
    @sharylsimeone 3 роки тому

    I was one of those first viewers and have been on the same journey. I even have 10 buckets of sentimental. Started with a sea of buckets/boxes in my basement. I have to echo your mom’s words -- so proud! We will get there! Thank you so much for your channel and your husbands service and family sacrifice. Big hugs! S

  • @karens346
    @karens346 3 роки тому +5

    We will be with you thru those 45 boxes. So good to see you!!!

  • @kimberlyp2778
    @kimberlyp2778 3 роки тому

    I still tear up each time Andy comes home from the final deployment. I am still struggling from stuff and the guilt of the years it has taken away from me and how it robbed me of part of my son's childhood because "Mommy's got to clean" when really mommy was drowning in stuff. Thanks for every push you give in the right direction.

  • @liatori6214
    @liatori6214 3 роки тому +4

    Tears in my eyes, watching you, speaking with a decent, truthful, loving heart. Inspiring!

  • @helengibson8196
    @helengibson8196 3 роки тому

    Your video brought tears to my eyes. Please thank your husband for his service. I'm from Australia but the work he does is felt throughout the world. I really felt for you watching this I'm sure it's not an easy life being a serviceman's wife/family and kudos to you for stepping up and seeing where you can make improvements. I'm looking forward to watching more of your journey. God bless.

  • @danabrown2391
    @danabrown2391 3 роки тому +5

    This was wonderful! I have followed you since your first decluttering video and re-watched them multiple times because they are the best! I remember you saying that when you got home from your last Virginia trip and walked into stuff all over your living room, that you cried or felt like crying. But that's when the new you started! Love your journey and thank you for sharing it with us!

  • @MM-ij5eu
    @MM-ij5eu 5 місяців тому

    Your reunion with your husband brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing. I've been watching for a couple of months now and find what your doing inspiring ❤

  • @lauriedunn6198
    @lauriedunn6198 3 роки тому

    been here since the first decluttering video. kept wondering where your husband was...began to suspect military and was sooo happy when Andy came home and joined you on the channel and the declutter journey. I wish I had you to watch back when I was homeschooling(86-2010) but now I will just use your encouraging videos to downsize and declutter my semi-retired self. what a journey! Thank you for sharing!!

  • @lenarobins2480
    @lenarobins2480 3 роки тому +1

    Im Definitely one of those who watched your videos over and over!. I've been decluttering for the last 6 years in waves. But I get easily overwhelmed and shut down. Then I found you, now when I get overwhelmed I re watch how you pushed through when it hit you too. Its very therapeutic for me so thank you so much !!

  • @c_and_l
    @c_and_l 3 роки тому +5

    Gosh, I didn't realise I'd been following you for so long (since you started the declutter and were still a homeschool channel). You've come a long way and have a lot to be proud of.

  • @MelindaPlainandSimple
    @MelindaPlainandSimple 3 роки тому

    So sweet seeing your family reunited.
    I didn't realize until you mentioned it, but I have been focusing on what to keep, letting the rest go. I think in the past I focused on what to let go of. That never lasted long. Not even a whole day. Focusing on what to keep must be why it's working for me this time. I still have a lot to go through, but I decided to think of myself as a minimalist from the beginning of my decluttering journey. My house doesn't represent my mindset yet, but with each thing I declutter I get a little closer.
    Thanks for sharing your accidental minimalist story, Erica. You continue to inspire.

  • @kega6487
    @kega6487 3 роки тому +3

    Dear Erica, I watch your Videos over and over again since I've discovered your channel. I absolutely LOVE your Kindness and how are you caring for your familiy - and your stuff -. ;-) I am so proud of how far you've come!!! I feel we could be Friends if we could ever meet. Love and Hugs from Germany, Kerstin

  • @miss.leviwhiteside5923
    @miss.leviwhiteside5923 3 роки тому +3

    Stuffocating. I’m so glad you said that. I’ve been watching since not long after you started-you’re my favorite channel. It was nice to recap the journey.

  • @griselleisara3799
    @griselleisara3799 3 роки тому

    Erica. You really inspire me. I’m minimalish also. Almost there. Got rid of 60% of my stuff. 👏👏👏👏

  • @CornflowerBlues5
    @CornflowerBlues5 2 роки тому

    "I'm a minimalist. Sort of." 🤣🤣 I know what you are: awesome! Thanks for your inspirational, honest, raw videos, you are one of the most influential people on my own journey to live with less (I recently rewatched your basement declutter. I just tell myself over and over: if Erica could do it, so can I.) Your videos where you talk through your struggles and what you're thinking has been incredibly helpful. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for being willing to share it publicly ❤️

  • @vickimontgomery5271
    @vickimontgomery5271 3 роки тому +1

    Navy brat here so your intentional time together and the reunion are so emotional to me. I have loved following your family and decluttering as I go! Did my tea cabinet while I watched this episode! And minimalish is a perfect label for it! I am feeling the burden lifted and it is good!

  • @kamillaschultz4423
    @kamillaschultz4423 3 роки тому

    I have loved watching your journey for the past year and a half. You remind me SO much of myself. I’ve been on my own declutter journey right along with you. I still have a ways to go but I can’t tell you how grateful I’ve been for your inspiration. It’s like I’ve had a friend going through it all with me, thank you!! ❤️

  • @kimberlyeakin761
    @kimberlyeakin761 3 роки тому +1

    I begin my journey in November watching Dawn from the minimal mom. Once I had binge watched all of her videos I found you in the January collab. I have been binge watching your journey now. I can so relate to many of the things that you say! I now refer to myself as a minimal-ish. I also dealt with guilt from financial decisions - buying things I didn’t need and now we’re working to get out of our consumer debt. I have enjoyed your honesty and really feel like we could be friends!

  • @denisecarter5117
    @denisecarter5117 3 роки тому +15

    I find it hard to say I am a minimalist also. I’ve gotten rid of way more than half of our things and we live in 320 square feet with a single garage full of tools and a shed with garden and one Christmas box. Still seems like too much to say minimalist but compared to the normal home I know we have a lot less.

  • @tashainjena
    @tashainjena 3 роки тому +2

    Watching you and Andy makes me cry happy tears...

  • @lynnefox6089
    @lynnefox6089 3 роки тому

    Thank you and your husband for your service to our country!! Thank you for your videos and your inspiration!! ❤️❤️

  • @micaparsons546
    @micaparsons546 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much for this. Ive been in a dark place and have wasted ANOTHER YEAR trying to declutter and move and I just wasn't getting anywhere because I didn't know how to process it. Ive only recently found your page but Im so excited to go through the journey of decluttering my life. Thank you so much for sharing your story 🙂

  • @awildasade3539
    @awildasade3539 3 роки тому

    Erica, I am a recent subscriber and did not know your back story to minimalism. This video was so touching from the beginning to the end. Wow your reunion on the base in the van ❤️! You are inspirational. Thank you, your husband and family for your service to our country.

  • @samanthahays4829
    @samanthahays4829 3 роки тому

    Such a beautiful family and beautiful journey! I'm a military spouse 4 months into my minimalism journey and this is so inspiring!

  • @lindamcdermott5475
    @lindamcdermott5475 3 роки тому

    I’ve watched this video a couple of times. Each time I am able to take away something. Your journey is so inspiring. I’m also on this journey, and find that after downsizing from a house to an apartment, I still have a long way to go. It’s like an onion with many layers. I aspire to be a minimalist, but I have a way to go. Thank you for this video, I’ve come back to it a couple of times just for inspiration and encouragement.

  • @siobhanmulvey
    @siobhanmulvey 3 роки тому

    So great! Yes cultivating a minimalist life and home has layers and that’s beautiful! We all are on different layers and the outcomes will look different but overall we are all becoming more mindful and intentional about our belongings home family ourselves (overall life!) and communities and planet. Thank you for sharing! I love how you discuss your journey🤗

  • @sharonshmuel3386
    @sharonshmuel3386 3 роки тому +4

    Erica was so happy to make the premiere - have a happy Easter 🐣🐰 Here in Israel 🇮🇱 we are getting ready for Passover

  • @MrsBumbulina
    @MrsBumbulina 3 роки тому

    I've been following since the beginning of your journey towards minimalism. You are the best inspiration for me, how sincere you are in what you do. Especially when you "reason" with yourself on camera, sharing what and how you are thinking in that moment of letting go. That helps me immensly!

  • @katgarcia9099
    @katgarcia9099 3 роки тому

    Thank you so very much for documentation of this journey. You saying in that video" what do I want to keep?" Not what do i have to get rid of. Made such a difference in my life! The freedom i feel every time I get stuck and remember your words, thank you isn't near the right words!
    I look forward to your videos and have re-watched some when stuck

  • @marshamcmullen7845
    @marshamcmullen7845 3 роки тому

    You have come so far! The reunion was beautiful! Your family is lovely. Keep on being you and growing and changing.

  • @samiansley5740
    @samiansley5740 3 роки тому +1

    I find the longer I'm a minimalist & care for my belongings (not just STUFF), the more micro I can become in targeting what I (want to) own. It has been interesting to see how over time I am circling more and more closely to where I want to be. So hearing that you're going to go back through things you previously chose to keep feels really familiar! There's something empowering about going back through my items and being able to say "yes" or "no" and understand precisely why that's my answer. This minimalism journey has really been a journey of self-awareness, understanding, and acceptance. Thank you for sharing your journey!

  • @ANNtique
    @ANNtique 3 роки тому +2

    Love this video. Really enjoyed the flashbacks. It’s been quite the ride! Can’t wait to tag along on your continuing journey

  • @christined2495
    @christined2495 3 роки тому +2

    Dear Erica, this was an amazing video. I feel I have been with you from the beginning of your journey, I remember watching after your time at the vacation house. I was already a minimalist, but I continued to watch videos on the subject. I love watching people minimize their homes, and watching their progress, as I watched your progress. You are a totally different person now. I grew to love your family in the midst of me watching each week. I looked forward to seeing your weekly video. You are so real, and honest
    Keep up the great work, your at the home stretch, and this video will help so many realize that “Less is Best” And less brings peace to our homes xoxo

  • @sandyb34
    @sandyb34 3 роки тому

    I love reunion clips! Thank your husband for his service! And thank you for sharing your journey and keeping it real!

  • @ralphnsandimartin
    @ralphnsandimartin 3 роки тому +3

    That is me. I have tendencies toward hoarding. Understand that makes a difference. I've loved watching you journey. I can relate to when you would find multiples of items.

  • @maxineoliver7404
    @maxineoliver7404 3 роки тому +1

    That reminds me of our car trip across country to visit family, one time. We took a bunch of clothes, extra food, electronics, games, shoes, etc., and all of that stayed in the car in one spot the whole time-untouched while we traveled! We also added trash with that stuff from plenty of Drive- thrus (Fast Food places)!I'm learning to try having a fresh start in my environment and to pack light!🎒⛅

  • @mauna1104
    @mauna1104 3 роки тому

    You‘ve come so far and I‘ve been lucky to not only watch your journey but to learn from you. I‘m no way near to beeing a minimalist but there has definitly been a mindshift taking place. So thank you for sharing your story 😘

  • @marialeonorameregillanomen1243
    @marialeonorameregillanomen1243 3 роки тому +1

    It’s a good story and learning.... I started to know about minimalism when pandemic starts last year. And slowly I am enjoying a less stuff, specially now that my kid is growing up so fast. For over 2 yrs he accumulated so many stuff, I didn’t know how to let go of his things and the thought of first and maybe my last child... I was afraid to loose the memories about him. But when i see how things worked to other people here in UA-cam.... I slowly give away all the old clothes that never fits on him. And same way.... I took away also so many clothes from me that never fits even I used it once or twice. I feel amazing and spacious and I am happy that I can spend enough time with my kid instead of taking care of so many stuffs. I watched your minimalism journey so many times and it’s addicting because my journey of minimalism starts with most of your videos. Thank you for inspiring me to better and organized Mama. God Bless you and you’re family.

  • @zoëavy
    @zoëavy 3 роки тому

    I think that first decluttering video was when I became a subscriber!!!! What an amazing journey!!

  • @michaellr2002
    @michaellr2002 3 роки тому

    Loved hearing your story & journey! On a similar one myself. Please thank your husband for his service and thank you all for the sacrifice you make as an entire family!! God bless! - Lindsay

  • @myminimalchaos
    @myminimalchaos 3 роки тому +1

    Fellow minimal-ish here, cheering you on!! Love your kindness & willingness to share this difficult process to help others. You are fabulous! 💞🇨🇦

  • @emmaharrison265
    @emmaharrison265 3 роки тому +2

    Love this video. The reunion with Andy makes me cry

  • @julieanne7223
    @julieanne7223 3 роки тому

    I have watched you since you began your journey. You should be proud of yourself, you have come so far yourself and along the way, you have helped others; Me included. Thank you, Erica, I think you are one special lady......

  • @justusewater1
    @justusewater1 3 роки тому

    Loved your reunification with Andy. 😭 I also really appreciate you sharing your journey. Bi have followed your journey and it is really fun to see you reflect and explain it all. Congrats!!

  • @thebeachyfarmhouse6410
    @thebeachyfarmhouse6410 3 роки тому

    Thank you for starting to show us the other side to becoming more minimalish and coming up with that Word. 😘💕

  • @heatherlaufersweiler237
    @heatherlaufersweiler237 3 роки тому

    You're truly a strong and inspiring woman. Its so nice to be able to watch these videos and know I'm not alone.

  • @amyb1710
    @amyb1710 3 роки тому +3

    Really enjoyed this video. I made sure to watch it properly (intentionally) take it all in. We're getting there but my husband & son aren't really on board like yours. I don't think they even realise, they just think I like to get rid of things. Although they don't consume much anyway, especially my husband. Minimal by nature. Have to say though, minimalist or not. Where there's children there's mess. It goes with the territory but it evidence they're having fun. A happy mess❤

  • @Zinapw8
    @Zinapw8 3 роки тому +1

    I love your videos. My favorite is when you and the kids picked up Andy from his deplorement. Had me crying.... I love your family!

  • @alannahollier2719
    @alannahollier2719 2 роки тому

    Ahhhh the reunion clip made me tear up. You have such a gorgeous family!

  • @diananelson327
    @diananelson327 3 роки тому +1

    Erica, I really enjoyed this video! I didn't know all about how you started your journey to reduce items in your home. I began watching your videos during covid. I saw all the boxes you had stored around your home and I felt stressed knowing we would be moving. I watched several "minimalist" shows including you, The Minimal Mom, Becoming Minimalist and others.
    We have a 16 foot truck rented and hopefully all will fit in it next week! There is only the 2 of us, but we have let go of almost all furniture (we are moving out of state and dont know what house we will purchase or color schemes) and unnecessary items. Thank you for your guidance.

  • @deborahgate965
    @deborahgate965 3 роки тому

    Dear Erica, I want to tell u how much watching your videos has helped me in my journey to living with less and letting go of "stuff". I have hoarding tendencies, I have too much stuff, I have severe anxiety, I have stuff I don't want. It's very difficult for me to let things go because I have an emotional attachment to them.
    I wanted u to know that u r helping me and to thank u for making your own journey public on UA-cam.

  • @judyellen4412
    @judyellen4412 3 роки тому

    Erica, I think I have watched every one of your videos.
    Even so, I enjoyed your story about your journey today.
    It was interesting to hear you summarize what you have been doing.
    You have made so many changes, actually, in a very short period of time in many areas of your life.
    I have been an organizer/cleaner for as long as I can remember and you have motivated me on a more personal level.
    It’s hard to explain but I admire you so much! Thank you very much for your videos.

  • @jenison2985
    @jenison2985 3 роки тому

    Great video of you on your minimalist journey! I applaud you and your husband for choosing the best path for your young family! Your reunion at the end brought me tears 😭 ❤️love your family! Keep going..🙌🏼☀️🎉

  • @nancyhouyoux9730
    @nancyhouyoux9730 3 роки тому

    You give each of us hope, new learning and a desire to take our journey further, is a good way. Thank you

  • @rebeccarendle3706
    @rebeccarendle3706 3 роки тому

    You have come so far!👏👏.. It's been amazing watching your journey from the beginning🤗.
    I am on round 3 of decluttering.. And it is so much quicker and easier and there is always something you find to declutter!.. I still have lots to remove from the house but with the pandemic lockdown it is impossible at present.

  • @ilkthefirst5353
    @ilkthefirst5353 3 роки тому +1

    It was lovely 💕 It is time to finalize unboxing and build better organization muscles.