I got rid of almost everything I own. This is how it's changing my life 

"Who was I trying to impress?" The minute you discover these beautiful words, that's when you are free to truly live. Wear your crocs to Costco, own a single Yeti mug for coffee and fill it with water when you're done with coffee. Stop worrying that other people think your house looks bare, I'll be the one laughing when I'm not dusting my precious moments. Live your truth :) Thank you!

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

I did this in 1993 at the beginning of a one-year road trip. Even when pared down to the barest of "needs", at the end of the year I realized I had only used about a third of what I brought with me. Very eye-opening. And very freeing. Capitalism is a plague on the planet.

This has to be the best video on RU-vid right now. So honest and inspiring. I am a mom of four moving because of domestic violence and just watching this made me realize I need to let go of a lot of things especially to over come the trauma. Enjoy this new journey ❤️ Update: my rapist was caught and is serving time. I pray I can get some peace

My husband and I did the exact same thing. Fitted our lives into 4 bags and moved to Canada. Sold cars and everything we own in 4 weeks, it was a huge rush as Covid was hitting. If we waited, it would take years before we could make our move. It was a now or never move. That's how my minimalism journey started and never looked back

Amazing how when we are young, we buy stuff to define ourselves, but when we get older, we are stuck with stuff that has no meaning. Takes energy and organization to get rid of stuff (harder than acquiring stuff). If you can find your passion, you will find that things lose much of their meaning. You can be happy creating, just being, or being with someone. My wife and I have given ourselves three years to downsize before we move to the west coast. Can't wait to get there but dreading the move.

When we were downsizing, I was surprised that I was mourning the loss. But, what I realized is that it had taken me decades to finally afford what I wanted instead of only being able to buy the necessities. Now I was having to let those go and go back to almost nothing. It only worked because I had a better dream.

Filling up our lives with a bunch of stuff and filling up our time with consumption is just a way for us to escape boredom or a general lack of purpose..... It's just too scary to think about what we REALLY want to pursue, or even the fact that we keep putting off pursuing those dreams, so we keep shopping

Yes. Congratulations!. I’m happy for you. These marketing/consumerism schemes don’t work on me. I abhor shopping and parting with my hard earned money. I have never been materialistic and always a saver. Happiness is innate. Everything on this earth is temporary. External events and people are just the icing on your cake. After losing my Mom to cancer at 62, I realized just how short life is. I’m so grateful for all my blessings. Living frugally within my means, being a minimalist and buying only the necessities: food and shelter, I comfortably retired and happily left the rat race workforce debt free and stress free. It’s comforting having the cash to buy what I need when I need it. Retirement is good. Be safe and God bless.

Some very interesting observations and experiences. As an older person, I appreciated what you said about the whole process of emptying your house being exhausting. That is one thing I don't want to pass on to my children when I'm gone. What a terrible legacy for your children - having to get rid of all your stuff! You're a young person. Imagine what an accumulation of possessions you would have by the age of nearly 70!

People move into a house or apartment then they buy things for that place. Then they "need" more and "nicer" things. Then they need a bigger place to hold all their stuff and more and nicer things for the new space. Everything you own you have to carry in one way or another it all weighs you down. I think throughout history "things" were hard to get because you had to make them yourself or trade services to get the items. With industrialization came cheap easy goods and the yearning to have more and more. It is very liberating to unburden yourself of unnecessary items.,fewer things to have to manage,clean, store, and organize.

One of my most wearing items was lost this week. I used to dance in those pants, go out, chill.. I recognised myself wearing them for so long... and got very attached eventually. Now I realize that losing them holds an opportunity to say goodbye to that period of time, and to let go... knowing that it does not make me less of a wonderful human being because I miss wearing them. Thank you, your present and spirit today really gave me the company I needed 🧡🦋

I'm in this process right now. I was already practicing minimalism, but this last move has made my husband think about it too and realize that we don't need to impress anyone, we need to have a life that works for us.

So, I totally admire and respect what you and your husband have chosen and I am looking forward to see how your world changes as you relocate, but I'd like to offer a different perspective on "stuff" ownership. I am 54 and divorced and I agree, I don't really want to full up my world with meaningless stuff to impress people, however, I do love owning a home and I do like having a reliable vehicle and a certain amount of quality items that I use heavily. As a younger guy in my 20's, I really did not have much at all - I worked all sorts of crazy and dangerous jobs to get through college and while I was climbing the job ladder I often went without stuff in order to save. I lived in dumpy little apartments and I drove cars that left me stranded. And now at 54 ya know what? F--k that, if I never have to do that again, I am not. Seriously. Many of us in my age group paid our dues this way (not that your age has not, but stuff is way easier to get now, it really is). So my sense of ownership is a lot more than "flexing" or living some marketing lifestyle. It's about pride in my home and having a home to share with others. It's about having a reliable vehicle for work or to help neighbors or friends out - it's about self sufficiency and the results of a lifetime of work. So yeah, just a different perspective.

Seriously, I don’t even have anything to add. You took all the thoughts about things and minimalism and decluttering that have been floating around in my head for months and said them out loud! Have fun on your new adventure, Sophie! 🤗💗

I really enjoyed the lessons you mentioned about not attaching to “things”. I am from Oahu, but live in Alaska now. My home is small, and my faith has been a huge part of letting go of things. I also work directly with the homeless community, and witnessing how much stuff people carry around or choose not to, has been humbling. Good for you and your husband!

From someone who moved from Philippines to Italy who also needs to fit my whole life to 2 whole suitcases, it kinda made me emotional. This video really resonates me 🍀🍃

Your dreams and everything you’ve ever want are just on the other side of your fears… 💯 Hope you have a great day! ❤️😊

This is exactly what I'm trying to do in my life.

What a beautiful video ! Thank you ! There’s a great quote: “A rich person is not one who has the most, but the one who needs the least!”

I am moving as well on Sunday back to Italy, leaving behind my house in England. I will leave the furniture in and only take with me 2 suitcases. It's indeed an overwhelming feeling, I sometimes feel like crying because of too many emotions going through me now! I am very excited as well to go back, Italy it's my world, my family and my dog is there, I love that country more than any other country on this planet and on Tuesday I will be on the Amalfi coast so I cannot really complain, but still it's a huge change that simply touches you! And yes, all this moving taught me that I don't really need lots of material things to feel happy, the more I go in time, the less I need really, less stuff makes me feel free and light! I can relate so much with this video, big life changes for both of us! I am in good company ha,ha! Much love sweetheart, stunning video as always! xxx

We're born with nothing ! We leave with nothing ! You two, have a fantastic time in Portugal.

Yup. I’m moving too. From California to Virginia Beach VA. I got rid of a lot of stuff. Cuz I’ll be driving my car with my few stuff including my black Cat. It’s been tough for past few days. I’m supposed to be leaving my town This coming Friday morning June 24th. Crazy move. 🙄🙄🙄

This was SO inspiring! I have a dream of being able to sell everything and travel at some point in life! Our youngest is now 18 years old, so that dream may be on the horizon! In the meantime, I have been working to consistently declutter our things. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!💗

Doing Konmari a number of years ago opened my eyes to what really matters which is pretty much nothing compared to those you love. I love the Shaker mindset of having just useful things, but that those useful things are beautifully made. Portugal is said to be one of the most peaceful places to live in the world. I'm glad to see you are bringing your dogs.

I’ve have watched so many videos on decluttering and I think I’ll keep watching them until I’m where I need to be with this. also it’s nice that you and your partner feel the same way and could make the change together.

Your videos make me feel all the good emotions. A beautiful video with beautiful words, and very relatable right now as I'm decluttering my whole life too to move abroad. I hope your trip was safe and stress free x

Such refreshing advice! Thank you 😊

Welcome to Portugal!

Great message and awesome background music!

Good train of thoughts and good luck in Portugal.

I also love your tone and pace in speech - so calming!

Welcome to Portugal! 🥰

This was so eye-opening and on a very deep level very moving

Omg best channel I have ever discover love love ❤️ god bless you

This made me realise so so many things...i absolutely love your channel.💕

My house is so full it's hard to start but I'm trying. I guess that's what matters. Thanks for the inspo.

I’ve moved 4 times within the past 10 years; each time was stressful. My partner is a hoarder/collector/shopaholic, we argued mostly because of that. It’s a bless to live with someone who is well organized.

You are living a very healthy life ! ✨️

Thank you for sharing this video. I love your voice, really calm me down. 🌺

This video is life-changing and soul cleansing 😌

i can feel the active attitude for life just by listening your speaking☺️

Thank you for sharing your expierences and your journey through minimalism 💝

I LOVE moving so the whole process of going through everything is a happy place for me...I am so happy for you both on this amazing journey.

Welcome to Portugal!!😊👍

Have a nice time in Portugal !

You are so courageous woman.

thank you for being an inspiration and a solace on my restless days, your voice is a bonus it's effortlessly soothing and meditating at the same time

This is so inspiring. Always looking forward to your videos❤

🖤🖤 this is something I hope to do soon. Learning less is definitely more.

So happy for you and wishing you all the best on your future endeavours ❤️

I super missed your vlogs. Another beautiful adventure we can’t wait to be part of. Thank you again for the life lessons. You are a blessing! We love you.

Lovely video! I’m at a point where i decluttered a lot and now i just stand and watch and don’t know what to do anymore lol. I have to much i don’t use nor want, but can’t seem to get rid of just yet. It’ll come to me when it’s time! Good luck on the move! 😃

Sister you are speaking truth in your videos. Thank you for sharing your life, hope you’re having a blast on your journey to Portugal! Sending love and light….

Omg that was so intense speech. 👏🏻❤️

Thats great. Please dont get rid of youtube cheers

Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us your experience and process; this means a lot to me because I’m in the process of being aware of so many identities I have that made me think I was those. I appreciate your story, your process because you really do put it in practice. Hugs and wish you the best. 💗

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thoughts! Very valuable to hear it right now because I'm in a life transition that includes moving and starting new life that is more free and simple than it was. Always inspiring watching your videos. Good luck with the move!

You always get me to be mindful and live in the moment with all your videos Sophie I'm so much enjoying your content it's such an inspiration. All the best to the new life you guys are planning to embark on.

Sophie! I’m so happy for you! Change takes work, change takes your energy. You did it! Stand tall my friend. Godspeed to you and your husband.

You've blessed me with this video ❤

well said and so true ! stuff is there for us to enjoy but at the end of the day they are just stuff. Spending time with loved ones is where the real value is ❤

I love your voice, you speak so well..i've really listened to what you say. I've been going thru alot of de-cluttering, shedding, simplifying. I love basic. It's kind of spiritual. 💜☘🌱🌿

Wise words💜 i totally agree with you. As i move a lot, i have learned i want to travel light in this life and how very little we actually need👌 Have a great time in Portugal✌️

I’m glad I found your channel, now I’m watching most of your vlogs.. so inspirational and great timing 👍

Golden words of wisdom 🙏

I like that you are true and genuine to yourself. Materialistic things do own you. I tried to get rid some of the stuff I didn’t use and I felt free in space and mentally.

Always look forward to your videos ❤️

You are such a beautiful person inside and out! Your videos bring me so much peace. I appreciate your channel 💕

Thanks so much for making this video!!! Im in the process of minimizing my home right now!!! Im just getting started and it's already hard!! But because of videos like these, I think I can do it!! 💛💛

What a beautiful journey, Sophie. Thank you for sharing... it's incredible how much I learn about myself and my journey with simple living by being a part of yours 💖💕 All the best on the next phase of the move to Portugal, cannot wait to see what's next!☀️😊🌜💓

i can’t believe you’re coming to Portugal, i’m from Portugal and i have been whatching you for some time now and i love you’re videos, wish you the best on your new journey!

Smart move! ❤️☺️✌️ I can’t really wait to witness your experiences in 🇵🇹 Enjoy your life over there ✌️

Just found your channel and I’m so glad to see how you look on things and which one really matters and value the most. Even I only seen a few of your videos, but I already love your idea and life’s point of view. Thank you, for sharing you’ve been a big inspiration to me. ❤️

Love this so much Sophie! Thank you for sharing your journey with us and inspiring us all. Pls keep these videos coming 🤍

This is such an eye opening video. Theres this inner voice that keeps nudging me to declutter for quite some time now but I keep procrastinating. This really pushes me to start taking action. Thank you so much, Sophie. I absolutely love your depth and introspection.

Hi! I found your channel yesterday and I'm already so in love with the videos. I'm from Portugal and for me it's so weird seeing you moving to Portugal because i would love to live in Hawaii... It's amazing that we are all so different. Thank you for the reflections!

You're my inspiration. I wanna own fewer and fewer things each day but haven't spent time to declutter them yet. All the best to you ❤️

I am excited and happy for you and your husband. I decluttered a lot but still has some books. I just love the idea of having two suitcases and ready to take an adventure. Wishing you all the best. Yay Portugal 🇵🇹😊

New subscriber here. I am loving your channel. Your voice is zen.

Thank you what a great reminder. I just came back from visiting Portugal and absolutely loved it!! What a great choice so curious to learn about your experience there. Thank you for such great content

My daughter and I liked your journey of simplifying your life and meditating what really matters in your life. Thanks for sharing again.

Can I recommend getting a Kobo device for your books? A Kobo is attached to Overdrive/Libby for libraries, so it's one light-weight device that will last you at least a decade and you can read when you're traveling or from the comfort of your bed. I personally like the Libra H20. (I'm a big reader, personally, so I can't imagine life without books. This is a way to access them affordably and without clutter.)

Congratulations on your new choices how exciting

I could so relate to you! It's so difficult to sort things that you've accumulated for so many years and fit all these in just a few spaces. Moving to a new place is so difficult especially if you are weighed down with a lot of materials/stuff/documents. :(

Thank you so much for sharing. I love that you shared this experience with us, and I can’t wait to see your Portugal adventures! Thanks for inspiring through life epiphanies. My husband and I have done lists of 100 items just to visualize our priorities and essentials as we continue to simplify our home even further; we don’t plan to move, but I like that you share this because it’s something for everyone to keep in mind what’s really important to us. Also, The Stranger is one of my favorites too.

You are really changing my mindest and opening my mind to news visions of life, thank you so much love from Algeria ❤️

Thanks for making this video 💜it's so beautifully made & emotional, this is my life now. Looking forward new home, new journey and start new chapter of my life. I'm so happy to learn minimalism lifestyle. As we get older, we learn and be a better version of ourselves.

I absolutely LOVE everything about this video, it spoke to me so much!😃🌌💗😊👌 This video brought me to tears, I felt so many emotions while watching and listening to your words!

I leave in Portugal! Welcome to this beautiful country!

I really enjoyed this Vlog! X

I love this so much, Sophie! I am sending you and your husband so much love and looking forward to your life in Portugal. I will be there in October. Hope to see you in person.

Very refreshing video. And the lessons are true, I actually agree. Hope you’re happy. :)

So happy to watch this video!!! Actually minimalism is key to happy living!!

You inspired me a lot Sophie..you show me the best way to apply minimalism and essentialism in our life..please do always share your videos along this journey-a lots of love from Malaysia 💕

I'll be moving overseas soon and I'm so inspired by this video to check everything I have and see which items I don't really need in my life ❤️

Hello, I love your videos! They are so calming and good quality. I also have to learn so many things to you and as a young girl I have come to also look up to you.

Wow, your message was beautiful. thank you for sharing 😊

Sophie, I absolutely love your channel. I discovered you about a week ago and I've been having fun going through your Maui videos. They are just lovely - - beautifully shot, beautifully planned and beautifully voiced. I look forward to adventures in Portugal.

I've been decluttering in waves over the past two years. I feel lighter and am getting rid of more now. At the same time, I'm watching a friend clean out his father and grandfathers house. There's just so much and it's been extremely taxing on him to work through all this stuff. I've spoken to my own parents about their things as they're heading to the next phase of life and looking to downsize. It's amazing just how much can be accumulated, and hold space, time and energy to maintain and remove. The penny hasn't dropped for my parents yet how much effort this will take just to remove things and I have been preparing for the time where I'll have to help them. It is taxing for me just knowing that's coming.