I Got Rid of Everything I Own! Minimalism Before and After

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Published 2023-03-23
98% gone! I own nothing. I got rid of almost everything and it changed my life. I'm sharing my story about the things I've owned and the lessons I have learned from letting go of my stuff. I never set out to become an extreme minimalist or declutter everything I own. Getting rid of everything I own affected my life in a profound way. My minimalist journey started in 2008 and has changed my life forever. The more simply I lived the less I owned. I’m sharing my extreme declutter results before & after. Is it possible to go from hoarder to minimalist? My minimalist lifestyle has improved my life and my family. After extreme decluttering and living as a minimalist family, I own nothing!

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~What I'm Wearing
black cotton sweater amzn.to/3A6Wg6L
Baggy boyfriend Jeans amzn.to/3OsJW7L


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00:00 Introduction
00:32 how childhood shaped what I owned
01:47 starting a family without money
02:43 attachment to things
03:20 2008 recession hit us hard
03:53 my identity was my stuff
05:10 our minimalist journey began
05:37 no more status quo
06:07 RV living & traveling abroad
07:30 getting rid of everything
08:22 not easy
09:40 seeing our stuff go
10:15 the home was empty
10:37 emotional rollercoaster
11:56 nostalgia & the next chapter

All Comments (21)
  • Three years ago in my early fifties I packed what belongings I wanted into the car and left. I got the British Heart Foundation in to take away all my furniture, tv's, kitchen appliances, decor and everything else for donation. It has been the most free I have felt in years and I have no desire to replace any of it. I still have never missed the television, its a wonderful feeling.
  • There are so many ways to be minimalist. Each to their own when it comes to minimizing memorabilia. The smell, feel, taste, sound and sight of "stuff" helps us remember the details that are biologically imprinted - sensory data elicits memories. It's part of being human, especially to want to be reminded of the good we've experienced. Yes, it's liberating to get rid of the clutter that weighs us down, but you don't need to inflict trauma on yourself to be free and happy. Again, each to their own!
  • I'm getting a divorce. Moving out of state. Considering selling everything and recreating my life.....actually...finding out who I am. I love your story.
  • @MJ-cz5gx
    I think it's important when decluttering, to first check with family members if they want anything. Especially keepsakes and deceased relatives items.
  • Decluttering, downsizing, and simplifying should be peaceful and freeing. It shouldn't cause pain or apprehension. I've seen so many people do this when forced to, and even when it's a conscious choice. Then they inevitably realize the extreme isn't the answer either. Everyone has to find the right amount they can live with....and not go crazy in the deafening void.
  • @lizzieh5284
    Thank you so much for your honesty. I got very emotiional watching because as a very troubled teenager with Complex PTSD i left my mother's poessions behind. I didnt think about this for years but as Ive got older I have felt heartbroken at the thought of leaving them behind. I felt like Id betrayed my mother. She died when I was a child. I have now realised that I dont need those posessions as I am the most important legacy of my mother. Her blood runs through my veins and I am a part of her.
  • @Jen-zk9se
    I’m not a minimalist but I am absolutely strict about not bringing anything into my life that I don’t absolutely love or need. I can’t imagine living with just “stuff” or closets full of “backups and just in case”
  • @MsKumbi
    I cried too much while watching this. I’ve started my journey last week and it’s been a mental rollercoaster. It needs to be done. I have accumulated way too much unnecessary things throughout my life and it’s time to take control of my life again. I do not want to be tied down to any materialistic thing anymore. Good luck to everyone that is making this life style change because I know it will be life changing.
  • That is so sad, I have been decluttering for awhile, but I couldn’t let go of my kids baby clothes etc. and other personal items that could never be replaced. I take comfort in having these things and they give me a peaceful warm feeling when I hold them.☺️
  • This is the most honest videos I have seen on the emotions of minimalism. I could feel your pain as you talked about giving away your most cherished belongings. Something very exciting must be coming on the next page.
  • @daunnoble4771
    Can you please go ahead and post the next video like…. RIGHT NOW? 😂
  • @enidsingh2710
    I’ve been been giving and donating a lot of household items , clothes, furniture and I still have a long way to go. It really feels good to have a home where you can feel comfortable and not think of the constant cleaning and decluttering.
  • Thank you for sharing your honest emotions about attachments to physical things. This is what is the hardest...the memories that the objects evoke, the ties to loved ones and things past that we don't want to lose. Best of luck to you on your next chapter. I can't wait to hear what that will be!
  • You are inspiring! Wonderful to see you share this journey. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure!
  • Wow, what a vulnerable video. I can’t even imagine that nostalgia you felt.When packing everything up. Good luck on the next chapter!
  • I sold it all.... moved to Ecuador with one large suitcase and a full backpack. that's it. best move i've ever made. LOVE ECUADOR!! the pace of life is slow and the people friendly
  • I want to do this but it is difficult. I am looking online at Peru. It is twice as easy for you because you are not alone. That makes a very big difference.
  • Wow! Your story is so touching. Thank you for sharing. Good luck torward your new journey. Can't wait to see your new environment.
  • Connie - This was an amazing video. I pray all good things for you and your husband. I'm excited to see what's next on your journey. Thank you for sharing it with us!