I got rid of almost everything I own. From hoarding to minimalist living - here's what I've learnt.

Anyone else finding it hard to let go of your stuff lol? 😅 Anyway, if you wanna get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare ► skl.sh/jeanvoronkova11221

I used to have piles and piles of stuff. Then things in my life changed. I lost my best friend, my parents, grandfather, my dog of 13 years. Became a victim of a violent attack and totally lost interest in stuff. I donated everything starting from clothes to shoes to furniture to books etc. The clothes I have now can fit into a medium sized moving box. My home doesn’t have much of decorations but only the essentials. I barely purchase anything for myself. Not because I am cheap but because I am simply not interested anymore.

Wow. I just turned 53. I feel this way. I am getting rid of my belongings box by box. It's emotional hoarding. Lots of expensive belongings I thought meant something. No, they don't. Thank you for this.

I think holding on to things is a sign of not having a fulfilled life. You try to compensate the emptiness with stuff and you are scared to let go as that's all you have. I think it takes a lot of strength to declutter but it can be very healing when you get there.

My husband and I, at 63 and 68 years old respectively, walked the 800km on the Camino de Santiago. For 38 days, all we owned was on our backs. I carried 6.5 kg and Ian carried 8.5k . When we returned we started our downsizing of so many years of hoarding. I had changed countries 15 years before so it was only 15 years of stuff. But my hoarding was as a result of growing up poor. Ian, his was just because he just hoarded, mostly tools, screws and small boxes. My son called us serial hoarders. Me, I said everything has a soul memory. It is 4 years now since we started. It was extremely difficult but we are getting much better now, mostly because we have realised that we are old. My motto: find a place for it to live where you can use it, or CHUCK. I had 53 pots and pans! I now have 32. Still too many. But I can’t help the palpitations and sweating every time I walk past a shop selling these items 😂 I will eventually get there.

My husband of 34 yrs passed away last Nov 2021. He and I were only 54 yrs old. I had never worked because he took care of me and our children. He was a wonderful husband and father and I am still so very heartbroken. I have been wondering what in the world am I going to do now? I don't have an income and very little money. After watching your video I have found a new hope to seek out new things and not try to hold on to my old life. I can pursue simple things that don't require a lot of money and find something more important. That is peace and joy. Thank you so much.

When you think about it - having loads of things just means that you are stuck in one place guarding material things, Freedom and happiness is having only the basic things that you need.

You are now a teacher Jean. Your voice the background music but most importantly your message resonates. Please continue.

This video spoke to my heart. My eyes teared up. Her sweetness and vulnerability about sharing her journey is moving.

I am presently struggling with clearing out a townhouse in which I have lived for 25 years. Thankfully I happened upon this video which I believe will give me some necessary inspiration.

I went from married, corporate job, 2400 square foot home, with all the bells and whistles, to being divorced, working as a ticket taker at a museum, 500 square foot apartment, with my well curated items. I love it! Oh and I struggled financially my whole life and now I am on my way to financial freedom. Amazing how that works!

I don't know how this found my feed but it was needed. I'm 36 and this is my first time hearing the term "Emotional hoarding". Thanks for that, it's exactly what I've been doing with a variety of items I know longer use. Learning to let go is a process.

I can feel you. I quit my corporate job in 2019. I have let go most of my fashion items since it didn't give me excitement anymore. I am more content to spend my time in solitude now at nature environment.

I so enjoy the calm manner in which you present your videos. I love getting rid of stuff, it gives me incredible pleasure to see things moving on to another person who can use it. I learnt during my time in Bali that less is better 🙌🏻🧡

Thank you, Jean ❤ You were the voice I needed to hear right now at 53 years old. My husband and I are preparing to leave Australia in pursuit of a simpler life, creating memories and challenging ourselves to live in a minimalist environment. I’m so scared but so excited at the same time and watching this video resonated.

You express what I've been struggling with. I feel like sometimes I am living a lie. Things do not bring us happiness.

As a traveler myself, the constant challenge is not to buy something to take home from each place I visit. I would reason, I don't know when and if I can visit this place again, so I filled my luggage w/ lamps from Istanbul or wooden sandals from Japan and practiced weight-lifting before boarding the plane. I dragged my suitcase through cobblestones in Europe. I'm older now, maybe wiser, and my backpack is lighter than what it used to be. 😊

Great video Jane🙂 I was thinking to do the same for the past few years. Then in June I got into action. I have cancelled my apartment, sold or gave away nearly everything, and left to Mexiko last month. Like you I only took one suitcase and a backpack with me. So wherever I am or will be in future will be my home. I don't know where I'll be in 6 month, and that's exiting. I'm 62 years old, so it's never too late 😉

First time here, your voice is so soothing, especially with the messaging. I’m on my one decluttering journey. It’s been a good solid 1-1.5 years. And although I know I have gotten rid of 1,500+ items. I feel like I’m 5% done. It’s suuuuch a journey. It’s impossible to do overnight. Thanks for your general encouragement. 😊

I’m happy for you that you have come to realization early in your life. It took me until 50 to start feeling the way you are feeling now. Keep going!