15 Ways Simple Living Changed My Life

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
  • In this video, I share the moment that changed my approach with simple living, and 15 benefits that have happened since that day.
    ★ Video from the day that sent me on a path to simple living ★
    • Basement Extreme Declu...
    ★ Connie Riet's Money Video ★
    • I Stopped Wasting Mone...
    BLOG how we organize toys:
    www.ericalucas.com/post/how-t...
    Decluttering is part of simple living for me. Living with less stuff makes life simpler in our house. Simple living does not mean easy living. Simple living is about uncomplicating parts of your life. By decluttering, choosing your enough, and focusing intentionally on what matters most to you, a life of simple living is possible.
    Free Printables for Simple Living:
    www.ericalucas.com
    #simpleliving #simplifyyourspace #simplifyyourlife
    __________________
    // FROM THIS VIDEO
    toy bins: go.magik.ly/ml/1ry1w/
    wide mouth mason jar lids: amzn.to/42IuCea
    Laundry detergent DROPPS: dropps.pxf.io/3Gbxn
    Dishwasher pods DROPPS: dropps.pxf.io/babLkb
    battery operated bulbs: amzn.to/3LFjfh0
    mint Spring blankets: amzn.to/3lxetao
    my favorite blanket: amzn.to/3n3Y4e1
    lift top coffee table: amzn.to/3FEwBWO
    coasters: amzn.to/3Z7gzM1
    rug: amzn.to/3JTc0k7
    The Benefits of Simple Living BLOGS:
    www.ericalucas.com/blog
    __________________
    // YOU ALSO MIGHT ENJOY WATCHING
    ★ Cozy Living Room for Winter Simple Living ★
    • Cozy Living Room for W...
    ★ How I Reduce Clutter with the Boundary Method of Decluttering ★
    • How I Reduce Clutter w...
    ★ Simplify Your Life Today and Break these RULES to SIMPLIFY your HOME ★
    • BREAK these RULES to S...
    ★ Simple Living After Decluttering ★
    • Simple Living After De...
    ★ Cozy Living Room for Winter Simple Living ★
    • Cozy Living Room for W...
    ★ 23 TINY Ways to Try Simple Living ★
    • 23 Tiny Ways to SIMPLI...
    ★ A Day in the Life of Simple Living ★
    • Day in the Life of Sim...
    ___________________
    Article: I Said Yes to Clutter!
    Read and Follow Me on Medium:
    / i-said-yes-to-clutter
    ___________________
    Hello! I'm Erica Lucas. On this channel, I share videos about making life simple one day at a time. Obstructive, massive, problem-level clutter overwhelmed me... until I decluttered thousands of items, created open space in our home, and found free time as a minimalist! In my fourth year of minimalism, I am now bridging into simple living, slow living, and sharing a few easy tips to get started! 2023 is about finding joy in simple living for our family of five.
    ___________________
    // SUBSCRIBE to my channel!
    bit.ly/2MXlRY5
    ___________________
    MINIMALISM DECLUTTERING TOOLS:
    www.amazon.com/shop/ericalucas
    Laundry DROPPS: dropps.pxf.io/3Gbxn
    Dishwasher pods DROPPS: dropps.pxf.io/babLkb
    favorite toy bins: go.magik.ly/ml/1qgwh/
    Thrifting Clothes from ThredUp: www.thredup.com/r/CXCTL2
    Dog DNA: share.wisdompanel.com/ericalucas
    ___________________
    // SAY HELLO! ERICA LUCAS
    Website: www.ericalucas.com
    Inquiries: erica@ericalucasloves.com
    ___________________
    // CREATOR NOTES
    Music: Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
    Thumbnails: Canva: www.canva.com/join/blotch-foil-reef
    VidIQ: vidiq.com/#_l_3i3
    Fastest iPhone filming charger: ankerfast.club/2TIbY7t
    RankIQ: www.rankiq.com/?fpr=erica46
    FTC Disclaimer: I may receive some products in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by brand, person, or company. Please note that some links may be affiliate links, and I earn a commission from your purchase. These links share products at no extra cost to you.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 79

  • @jessicacole5955
    @jessicacole5955 Рік тому +88

    As someone who has been following you since I think about 2 or 3 videos after your first realization you needed to declutter after returning from a vacation a) WOW, has it really been that long?? and b) WOW, look at your amazing progress!

    • @EricaLucasLoves
      @EricaLucasLoves  Рік тому +24

      Thanks for sticking with me! It’s been nearly 4 years!!

    • @ellielizhavenofbless945
      @ellielizhavenofbless945 Рік тому +16

      Me too! Been following since the beginning and used to cry with her. It was so nice to know I wasn't crying alone ❤

    • @kellyharris4639
      @kellyharris4639 Рік тому +4

      Me, too. I started watching from those early beginnings.

  • @claudiettepel6542
    @claudiettepel6542 Рік тому +22

    I watched you decluttering the basement and the attic. I watched you say your husband was at work. Then we watched such a joyous reunion. Staying at a decluttered house I saw you realize the peace.
    2 weeks ago I started seriously finishing the decluttering of my Dads, my sister and my Moms lifetime of paper - which was worse than the objects. At 73, I am determined my son and grandsons will not have to do this for me.
    Thank you for helping me know I Got This.

  • @hollypk
    @hollypk Рік тому +7

    I am so glad you referenced Francine Jay! I read her book in 2012. It changed my life. She is a true minimalist, not just a declutter and reorganize gal. The story in the book that really grabbed me was when her New York apartment was robbed. The robbers stole a tube of lipstick and her laptop. The cops came in and said, “Wow, you really got cleaned out!” She was like, “Yes! They stole my favorite lipstick!” Ah ha ha! Her comment about how the robbers must have been so disappointed to not find ANYTHING to steal!

  • @lorenet.2182
    @lorenet.2182 Рік тому +14

    I do remember that first video. You have been so steady and natural. Your honesty and tears have been so real. Love you.

    • @EricaLucasLoves
      @EricaLucasLoves  Рік тому +5

      It’s been wonderful to have kindness and support along the way!

  • @frazzledmomof4824
    @frazzledmomof4824 Рік тому +6

    I remember watching your videos back in 2019. You have come so far.

  • @sherihepworth8253
    @sherihepworth8253 Рік тому +19

    I’ve never been a messy person or an especially sentimental sort but I really enjoy learning how the mind works for folks who struggle with this. I have children who love to keep ‘all the things’ and I share the insights I learn from ladies like you. When we had 6 children in our 1,200 square foot house, I’d hear all the time how busy I must be and how I must be constantly cleaning. No. We limited stuff. Now that I have no small children, I have days ‘off’ in my cleaning schedule! You are an inspiration. Keep up the good work!

  • @fianorian
    @fianorian Рік тому +7

    I can second all of that list. I particularly laughed at the comment about walking around, trying to find something to do. It's a bit scary some days. :D

  • @barbaradevaney4904
    @barbaradevaney4904 Рік тому +26

    You explain things so simply but with great effect. I have been watching you from the beginning and loved your basement and moving videos - so inspiring. You have achieved so much in this short period of time. You should be so proud🎉❤🎉

  • @ruthtownsend8652
    @ruthtownsend8652 Рік тому +7

    I remember that video. I'm struggling with the transition from minimalism to simple living. I want to be 'done' with minimalism or rather done with decluttering. I want my garage to be functional and not a backlog of clutter. I can park but it's not the tidy navigable space I dream of. That video being five years old made me realize how long it's been trying to get there. 😂

    • @EricaLucasLoves
      @EricaLucasLoves  Рік тому +4

      It is a transition from one to the other and I’m glad you are Decluttering!

  • @josephdaly2015
    @josephdaly2015 Рік тому +2

    Wow that was 3.5 years ago? You’ve proved it can be done with perseverance, motivation and kindness. Thank you. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇‍♀️👍💪👏🙏💐

  • @terrilloyd3691
    @terrilloyd3691 Рік тому +4

    I think I have been watching since the beginning of the basement too. I already had the book by Francine Jay, but reread it. I bought the second book too. I too have found that decluttering is now built into my routine as things “don’t fit in their homes” any more. The tackling of every spot is the way to go. I have a box in the basement that I fill as I declutter. When full, out it goes. I buy fewer toys for grandchildren and pay for camp and outings and things like that instead. I can go at a slower pace now because there is not as much stuff. It makes life so much easier.
    Thank you.❤🙏

  • @barbaraweber3084
    @barbaraweber3084 Рік тому +5

    You are now a professional declutterer and organizer...did you ever think that would be the case? I'm just waiting on your book.

  • @cosmickate4947
    @cosmickate4947 Рік тому +2

    You've come such a long way since the vids of you crawling around in the crawl space❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎

  • @Chrissyhappy
    @Chrissyhappy Місяць тому

    I’ve been doing number 5. Replaced plastic storage with glass as they needed replaced. Have gone organic as things have ran out. Use shampoo and conditioner in bars now as they come in cardboard not plastic. Have no spares of anything. As it has about a week left of use I order a new one. When I first started doing this I had over a year of most products before I had to buy more! It kick started my saving. I also did the same with my daughter clothes. Had four outfits out for each season but kept spares for as they need replaced. (She has special needs and has stopped growing). I haven’t had to buy her clothes in over two years! I’ve done the same with my clothes but have only kept what I absolutely love. As they get replaced I thrift good quality clothes. It’s made a massive difference to my mindset and bank balance! It sure is a long journey though, so good luck to everyone.😊

  • @bmcdonald7303
    @bmcdonald7303 Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing your journey. I am a military lady that is tired of stuff and tired of moving all the stuff while trying to get to retirement, raise kids and keep a clean home that doesn’t stress me/ us out. Thank you.

  • @kennethbailey9853
    @kennethbailey9853 Рік тому +2

    Youre always so Kind.

  • @adz5bneweng589
    @adz5bneweng589 Рік тому +7

    Love the reminder of your journey's start! Your videos from 2019 are the ones that got me excited about decluttering in the first place. I knew I had to do something but didn't know what, why or how. So I wish you many blessings and I thank you so much! Hugs

  • @dianamarsden4985
    @dianamarsden4985 Рік тому +4

    Great video! You are starting to change my thinking about decluttering!

  • @katgarcia9099
    @katgarcia9099 Рік тому +1

    I too had a breakthrough when you said this. Thank you doesn't begin to say the impact of this peculiar video! Life changing!

  • @debbiemclean1090
    @debbiemclean1090 Рік тому +5

    I love day in the life video xxxxxx

  • @MinimalistFriend
    @MinimalistFriend Рік тому +5

    I’d love to see a day in the life spring video. The reverse decluttering method you showed is so much more helpful to me than the other way. Thanks for all your hard work you put into these videos!

  • @co7314
    @co7314 Рік тому

    The "ask why" part. That was key for me.

  • @niurkanieto9485
    @niurkanieto9485 Рік тому +2

    good moring I am a proud mother of five Eagle Scouts it gives me much joy when I see families with boys in the scouting
    program My boys (men) look back on their time in scouts with joy. Love seeing your boys in uniforns or the uniforms hanging
    after being washed. Thank you

    • @EricaLucasLoves
      @EricaLucasLoves  Рік тому +2

      We are enjoying it! Our Den is awesome. 12 kids and involved parents.

  • @christinedisneyqueen5746
    @christinedisneyqueen5746 Рік тому +3

    Love how you reflect on your progress. ☺️

  • @HeronCoyote1234
    @HeronCoyote1234 Рік тому +1

    We had a completely cluttered basement. Two households, plus my dad’s stuff. Before I called in the junk removal guys (J-Dog is fantastic, and fast!), I told the other two people living here to pull out only what they wanted, and the rest is getting thrown out/donated. I first heard about this from Joshua Becker. It’s much faster than going through each and every item.

  • @JuliaK-H
    @JuliaK-H Рік тому +4

    I agree with all of your points so much. Our family has been embracing being a 'slow family' - living more simply, more mindful, more outside, more connected. For us, a key part in getting there has been reducing our inventory and living minimal-ish (live this term, some members of our family are less minimal than others and that's okay!). We see so many benefits, like you mentioned.

  • @cambriaperez2865
    @cambriaperez2865 Рік тому +4

    The reverse decluttering you talked about is what really helped me to declutter. We are a large family and to help the kids go through the toys I just asked them to pick what they wanted to keep.
    It was easier to donate the toys as they just said keep or no.
    I also do that with t-shirts. My boys are older so they get a lot of shirts/ clothes for Christmas and birthdays. And they've not grown too much the last couple of years so it's a hold it up and say yes keep or no.

    • @EricaLucasLoves
      @EricaLucasLoves  Рік тому +3

      I’m so glad this approach also works for your home!

  • @judyellen4412
    @judyellen4412 Рік тому +10

    Love this video, Erica.
    What do you feel when you see your old basement with all the stuff in it?
    I watched you through all of it and I felt overwhelmed instantly seeing it again.
    You sure have changed your home.
    Congrats to you, Erica!

  • @denisemarie6131
    @denisemarie6131 Рік тому +5

    The mind says go go go. The heart put on the brakes.
    I like the idea of reverse thinking immensely.
    Was there ever a turning point to deal with items that were attached to sentiments, people gone, and everything else of emotions which tug our heart to keep because letting go hurts too much?
    I’m not alone, I hope….. thank you!!!!
    God bless

    • @EricaLucasLoves
      @EricaLucasLoves  Рік тому +6

      Yes I think the turning point for sentimental for me was when it was all gathered into 25 bins after a move. It was too much and that encouraged me to deal with it.

    • @denisemarie6131
      @denisemarie6131 Рік тому +1

      @@EricaLucasLoves Yes. when enough is enough. It's like we turn into super woman. get outta my way!
      I do pray....I pray for my heart to change. I pray for a brighter perspective not just about my stuff but other areas in life that normally get me feeling negative and nasty, quite frankly. I don't need that! Aging is rough enough without having the nasties be a part of my countenance. Let's all hope we can get to our positive turning points, turning in the bright direction : )

  • @connieverbeck1110
    @connieverbeck1110 Рік тому +3

    Erica, you are so wise! Thx for sharing that with us!

  • @angelicajones3958
    @angelicajones3958 Рік тому

    Erica, I have to thank you for the inspiration you have given me to downsize my home. My husband and I are retired so we should not be hanging onto stuff. I have started decluttering and we have donated a lot to thrift stores. No not Goodwill. I have you to thank for getting me going. I'm watching all your older videos and working my way to the most recent ones. Please keep your videos coming. I really enjoy them, you and Andy!!!!

  • @DipityS
    @DipityS Рік тому +1

    Oh my this makes me want to go back to when I joined you cleaning out your last home's basement and shared your journey through that process - time for some binge watching!
    I've said it before - but again - to me I see you busy living the life you worked for - the decluttering is done now's the time to get fully into all the good that process allows 😊

  • @magpie3571
    @magpie3571 Рік тому

    The 183 year old Bible would make a cool décor piece! Like they used to do in "Fixer Upper".

  • @paulsalerno6362
    @paulsalerno6362 9 місяців тому

    This is a very well put together video. Getting to Wanting Less was impressive. It’s really the key to Simplicity.

  • @conniesmith3922
    @conniesmith3922 Рік тому +3

    Thank you Erica. For reminding us to stay the course and we can do it.💕💕💕

  • @Vanessa-pm6qw
    @Vanessa-pm6qw Рік тому +1

    As a mom it can get overwhelmed with decluttering our stuff and having to organize less.

  • @junemaguire5053
    @junemaguire5053 Рік тому

    Some people are born organised some not, but we can all learn to be organised, I started my journey must be 15 years ago with Fly lady,, I also watched every decluttering utube available, I watched you
    Erica right from the beginning when you were saying how much home schooling stuff you owned, proud of you lady you are nailing it as I am, most important is you have to want to be tidy. Thank you.

  • @tanyajohnston8262
    @tanyajohnston8262 Рік тому +5

    Another great and helpful video 😊

  • @alexysgonzales748
    @alexysgonzales748 Рік тому

    Definitely want to see a Spring day in the life!

  • @janachristianson2597
    @janachristianson2597 Рік тому

    I've been watching your videos from the beginning and could cry at how much happier and peaceful you seem now! Thank you for sharing your journey. Praise the Lord!

  • @danaerakstad7924
    @danaerakstad7924 Рік тому

    That is such an amazing library

  • @kimking3466
    @kimking3466 Рік тому

    You really speak to me, Erica. I just found your channel last night, and I have watched a few videos already. I was in your stage of life many years ago (homeschooled 2 boys for 8 years), and I had the exact same struggles you describe. However, I did not take care of my needs, and I certainly did not have your wisdom. This led to much anxiety and depression. Now that my life has slowed down, taking care of myself has become more important. I look forward to watching more videos to help me live simply. Thank you for sharing your journey!

  • @TinaScott-po3by
    @TinaScott-po3by Рік тому

    I love that you are a "normal" person and you look like one of us ... I can relate to you!! Also, you inspire me to get back at it. Some areas of my home look good, others look great, but more of them are a hot mess or a train wreck! So I can get going again, and I love the idea of deciding what to KEEP instead of what to get rid of. In a perfect world, I would EMPTY a room or cupboard and then just PUT BACK what I want to keep and then figure out what to do with the rest. Unfortunately, who has the space to do that in most cases? Anyway, thank you!!

  • @galeross8904
    @galeross8904 Рік тому +2

    Thank you.

  • @jessicaf7236
    @jessicaf7236 Рік тому

    Love how you explained everything so simply. Congratulations on your journey and progress!
    I too am at the point of pacing the house wondering what to do now that everything is so simplified lol

  • @lindstevens2919
    @lindstevens2919 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for this video. I watched it several days ago and keep thinking about the concept of “decide what you want to keep”. That is so insightful and so helpful to me. I can believe that it changed the way you looked at things as I can see a shift occurring in me and I am not new to the decluttering process. I am starting to look at my possessions so much differently. I really like this perspective! I anticipate that it will help me to let go of things and will enhance my appreciation for the things that I keep.

  • @HomeHealthandEverythingElse

    I found your channel today and I am inspired. I need to de-clutter and downsize and you have some excellent advice. Thank you! New sub.

  • @wyoag12
    @wyoag12 Рік тому

    Love your new logo!

  • @meredithrock
    @meredithrock Рік тому

    Thank you! This was exactly what I needed today. I struggle so much with feeling that it’s okay to sit down and not do anything. I try to get so much done during the week, so we can have “Staycation Saturday” at least a few weekends a month. We play a lot of board game and card games. But during the in between, it’s so hard for me to just sit and relax, and do nothing. I keep thinking things need done, but really, we’re in a good spot, I should just relax. I think learning to enjoy this uncomfortable feeling of doing nothing, is the key I was missing.

  • @alejandrabruzual
    @alejandrabruzual Рік тому

    Hi Erica! Thank you for sharing. Love your videos. By the way, your dog, RANGER IS ADORABLE😍🥰💓💞🐕🐶❤❤

  • @rajeshwarihemmadi3229
    @rajeshwarihemmadi3229 Рік тому

    Really beautiful as u explain the different clutter types & benefits 👍👍👍👍👍

  • @sheilasmith1109
    @sheilasmith1109 Рік тому +1

    Quoting you, "Carving a path"!!!! Oh yes! What a great way of putting it!

  • @jennyjenkins877
    @jennyjenkins877 Рік тому +1

    I enjoyed this look back because it's a great reminder of an amazing decluttering method!

  • @simplejoyfilledliving
    @simplejoyfilledliving Рік тому +1

    Asking “why” on the schedule can help so much too when you want a more simple life. A cluttered calendar can cause so much stress. Sophie is particularly sensitive to this.

    • @EricaLucasLoves
      @EricaLucasLoves  Рік тому +1

      I’ve been asking “why does this matter?” lately when we feel busy. It helps me notice what doesn’t matter.

    • @simplejoyfilledliving
      @simplejoyfilledliving Рік тому

      @@EricaLucasLoves I love that!

  • @rebeccarendle3706
    @rebeccarendle3706 Рік тому +1

    Fun that you looked back.. I have 2 towels per person..and my 17yr old has 5 because he needs them for sport and I only wash on weekends.. minimalism is all about maths... the numbers are different for everyone!

  • @suzannerockall4030
    @suzannerockall4030 Рік тому +1

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @gwyenotter6414
    @gwyenotter6414 Рік тому

    Where did you find those black drawer dividers that you are using for the kitchen? I could use some of them myself.

  • @sandradisclafani6725
    @sandradisclafani6725 Рік тому +1

    ❤️👍

  • @elliesorota8911
    @elliesorota8911 Рік тому

    i have to ask...if you do not multitask - how do you get the house chores and laundry done? !? 9-2 is a long school day with a house to take care of as well. We are doing the same thing, and multitasking drives me bonkers, but I don't know when else to get some of the stuff done (except after 9pm!)

  • @lauras4472
    @lauras4472 10 місяців тому

    You mentioned changing your outlook and reverse decluttering after reading HER book, which book?

  • @LifeWithAllOfUs
    @LifeWithAllOfUs Рік тому

    Do you think you will go back through all your basement storage again or are you happy with how it is?

  • @GrunonFeliz
    @GrunonFeliz Рік тому

    Hey Ms. Erica! I just saw this very cool seed pot hack from that guy who does the seed planting shorts. This one is for using newspaper to make seed pots: ua-cam.com/video/uDhGkdzbdzo/v-deo.html