Downsizing into a tiny house can be a difficult experience. But with perseverance, it IS possible. Here's the process that WE went through to move from an 1800 sq ft home to a 250 sq ft travel trailer.
I'm a widow, 65 and downsizing from a 3 bedroom to a tiny 2 bedroom mobile home. I don't know how you did it, Elizabeth, with the flea markets and the Good Will, ALLLLLL that sorting!!! PLUS your stroke., and still have a smile on your face. I know it wasn't your strength alone. I have been praying for the Fathers' strength to get through this move with so little help. I pray he sends me tons. xoxo
I was sitting in the dark in my little ugly bedroom crying and grieving for my big beautiful country home when I saw your thumb nail. I never watch anything tiny homes as I'm still so angry about down sizing 11 years ago but something made me click on your video, I'm so glad I did. I know I should be grateful we have a roof over our heads but I just can't get there. Thank you for sharing your story I can't tell you how much I needed a wakeup call. p.s I love how green it is where you live.
Awwe I hope it's all getting better. I lost my country farm as well and through survival instincts I believe it keeps you moving foreward. I wish these videos were around back in the mortgage meltdown in the early mid 2000s. What great encouragement tiny house preppers have. Here u can see a future on thier videos.
I love this video and We are in our mid 50s and my husband can't get rid of anything. So I told him I am getting a yurt or a tiny home, etc. and he can visit me between football and baseball season. lol Thanks for sharing and have a great day.
I so enjoy your story. I have been downsizing since 2004. Moved in 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2019. I am finally at a 1600 Sq ft townhome. I think this is my last home. You really learn what you don't Need. Having very little storage keeps you from accumulating. Thank you for sharing your life!
Thank you for sharing your journey. This has been helpful; seeing how others, especially Christians, cope with & navigate thru hardship & loss, offers courage to others facing the same. Sometimes, we can become so myopic, that we wind up feeling like we're the only one experiencing these kinds of trials, until we hear what others have faced. Having gone from a 36yr marriage & 3acre/2400sf house with basement/4 car garbage/400sf art studio, down to 500sf Casita with a 1car garage 6yrs ago, then down to a 10x10 room & bathroom plus a 10x5ft storage rental a year ago, I'm now seriously planning to pare down & get rid of the storage unit contents, & considering car camping most of the year. After being diagnosed with Leukemia 2yrs ago, contracting Mono & Pleurisy this past January, ongoing health issues including sudden Retinal detachment 6wks ago with loss of vision, & consequently losing my job, yet not quite old enough for SS, I'm in financial ruin. Thankfully, I've got amazing friends who took me in, but there comes a point where one feels they've over stayed their welcome. I say all of this, to echo the process you've both gone thru, & are still going thru. I admire your fortitude & your attitude. "Whether in plenty, or in want, therein have I learned to be content." None of us knows what tomorrow may bring, & most of us do not realize that we're ALL just one step away from homeless no matter how well we've planned & saved. Yet however things may turn out, I know I can adjust, survive, & thrive; just as you are. It's amazing what we can do without when forced to, but making the choice to take it even further, is truly freedom. On the other hand, I certainly do not wish to downplay the difficulties, trials, trauma & heartache involved in the process. Those are very real & very difficult, as you have verbalized here, especially in older years when we've worked all our lives to have the security for our "Golden Years," & that is suddenly ripped away, but you two are a testimony that it can be done, & can be survived. Seeing life as having seasons, is definitely a very helpful way to view things. The fact that your marriage has not only survived, but is thriving after all of it, is an even greater testimony. This past May, I would've been married 38yrs; a new season indeed. My heart goes out to you both, yet I also rejoice with you for the joy of still having each other. May many blessings be yours, as your journey continues.
Thank you for your videos and sharing with us! You have changed my attitude about the way we live. We bought 5 acres of land years ago with a small tiny house on it and we bought an old mobile home and attached it to the tiny house. We were a family of 5. We could not afford to do much work on it because of debt . I also had a stroke and the medical bills stacked up. Now with all the kids gone and all the debt gone we can fix it up. I have almost felt ashamed of how we live and wanted a nice house but now I see how blessed we are to have this (some of the credit goes to you!) Anyway I am now 64 and I am constantly downsizing, it never ends! The heirlooms are the hardest to part with but I never regret getting rid of anything cause I tend to forget what I even got rid of! .Thank you for being here for us!
You guys are just a hoot! So much fun to be around. I feel like I am a guest in your home every time I watch one of your videos. Deborah just stopping by for a visit with Bill and Elizabeth. And you two are great host. I always leave with a smile on my face. This is probably one of your best videos yet. Touching, heartfelt and very interesting. My husband and I went through so much of what you guys did because of the crash of '08. He was a builder also. Please keep sharing with us all. Also, Elizabeth, your hair looks cute. Nice little cut. Thanks for sharing your lives with us all.
Phew! That was quite an experience you both had. Needless to say, it would appear obvious that your faith in Jesus Christ helped immensely during your crisis. Philippians 4:11-13. Thank you for your insights.
Wow! What an amazing journey! It was heartbreaking the way things unfolded and I cannot imagine the trauma of everything you had to deal with! I know your faith played the biggest part in getting you through. He is our rock!😊 You know, have you two ever thought of writing a book? I really enjoyed your video on getting to know Elizabeth and I think your entire story leading up to this moment would be a fascinating read! Thank you for sharing😊 God Bless🙏
THANK YOU THANK YOU for posting a REAL story on here! So refreshing. I’m sorry for all the pain and sorrow you guys have endured to get where you are, but I commend you for the process and finding joy thru it all.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Bill & Elizabeth! It is encouraging. My husband and I are about the same ages as both of you, although we aren't moving, we are trying to downsize/declutter everything we've accumulated after being in our house for 19 years. Circumstances change over a lifetime together, and things you don't even think about happen, then suddenly it's all overwhelming. Ours has been dealing with the death of my parents and Mark's parents downsizing and moving to a retirement village in another state. You end up inheriting family heirlooms and/or dealing with the disposal or rehoming of your parents things. It's nice to see the phases you went through getting there and knowing there's a light at the end of the tunnel! :-)
Such a great story. I sold a beautiful home I loved and downsized because I retired and needed to be debt free and I am. The greatest thing ever. The Lord will look out for you too like he has for me. Bills are the worst things to have and stuff you don't need is too. I have less and worry less even more. Thanks for telling your story. Prayers for you all. Happy days ahead.🤗
Thank you for sharing your story. You have been through so much and I admire how positive you are and how you have held on to your faith. I am sorry for the loss of your parents and all of the things that happened in your life. I love and enjoy your channel. I am not sure how I found you and know it was a divine blessing since I am going through the same things that you have. I lost my Mother to stage 4 cancer and my home and my job all due to medical and company acquisition. I am single and it has really strained my faith in everything. God Bless you
I did enjoy this video a lot. I love your sense of humor, the two of you are so funny. As you know I totally know how it feels to down size. I would say, most of the stuff I did not have a hard time getting rid of. But there was things, with memories attached to, and they was the hardest things to let go of. But when you realize that memories are in your mind, not in your things. Then it gets easier. And you are right, after you feel lighter. Even now after a year in my 12 times 6 foot travel trailer I still find things that I don't need anymore. And I feel lighter every time. Thank you for your very nice video and for a nice time watching it. Life is good.
Hello, Nomadic Dane..I found your channel because of Bill's video on it. My grandpa came from Oslo, Norway, and all family on my Dad's side are Norwegian. I see that laid-back Scandanavian ethos about you. :) Enjoy your 'nest'. :)
I am finding that I can take pictures and view on my computer or a photo frame slide show and enjoy those items as well as owning them. I know loss also as well as downsizing and the adventure of life is what keeps us happy.
Thank you for the lesson of Seasons. I've been through quite a few. Looking at it from your perspective, I realize that it is what life is about. Instead of one long season, I've had 18 three year seasons :D
I downsized from an old Victorian to a single wide trailer....like you, challenging....and almost all of my yard is a great, productive garden...l love it all!
I can't even express to you two how much I enjoy your video's. Bill you steered me into my Grizzly and Elizabeth you and I are pretty much in the same boat with out "bodies and brain"......I was disabled in 1993 in a car accident that should have killed me but God had different plans for me. I now live alone in my own trailer due to "I married a man I was never evenly yoked with" and I have paid a price for that but God has been so very merciful with me. I just adore watching you two and your love and friendship just shines through and I also totally enjoy hearing about your life now and the past. Thank you......BOTH! God bless and you are in my prayers.
Lol, We are old, too. We are in the process of downsizing, selling the house, and moving into an RV, also. We have to change because of our finances, it is very frustrating. But my attitude is getting there. I have enjoyed your videos. I have had days that I get a lot done. Then there are days I cry going through old things. I take pics of some things, like sentimental cards, memorable gifts, and then get rid of them. Garage sale #1 was very successful, now getting ready for another one. You have given us some good ideas for the process. You really inspire us. You even found room for your keyboard, I’ve seen before, so I know there is hope for me to keep mine. You two are sweet. Thank you for doing your RU-vid channel.
As to downsizing, I asked my daughter what she wanted to keep when I am gone and it wasn't much. That said, rather than keep things only to have them donated to Goodwill when I'm gone, I am starting to process of selling things now so they will go in the hands of someone who will appreciate them. Things like china, Waterford crystal, and collectibles that I kept out of obligation and that my daughter feels no obligation to keep.
My precious ,wise dear friends...Bill and Elizabeth,you will never know the way our God has/is using you and your lessons in my life...so thank you from my heart...bonnie
Hi, I have just found your channel. You have gone through a lot . I live in Greece, Rhodes and as you know the financial state of the country is really awful. I found myself frustrated at times and other times I try to be positive. You are an inspiration. Thank you so much. Hugs from Greece.
I am binge watching my YOU TWO. Each time I do, I am amazed, inspired and grateful that you have decided to share your journey. This video in particular made me cry as I could so so relate to it. As my husband and have a similar story. It is like hearing "kin folk" articulate our financial and health crisis. YET the gratitude and memories as you over came are ALSO A PART OF THE JOURNEY. You two are like kindred spirits speading hope and love.
Thank you so much for this, it is very encouraging. I've been de-cluttering, down sizing, for several years. I've been in my house for 45 years and am staying in my house - but, I don't want to leave a total disaster for my daughter and grands. I too had to get rid of my books - that was very difficult because I had so many books. I gave many hundreds books to a charity. I did keep some because I just could not get rid of them. I've gone through crafting stuff, Christmas stuff, Tupperware. Some things are going to my daughter - especially the Tupperware, I don't cook for a big family anymore and my daughter does so she needed all that stuff. I don't decorate anymore for Christmas because my daughter has it at her house so I don't need that stuff anymore. So much stuff to get rid off because I don't live that life anymore. I have so much more to do - but I get tired and discouraged. Three days de-cluttering, 3 weeks reading a book - this is going to take forever. :-)
This is hat we are doing now too. I am 73 and Bill is 75. I still want to do things and I am interested in things, but I am not going to live for ever! I want to do this while I can make the decisions. Mercy, Lord help me. This video is a blessing, thank you. sister Jay
I am in the process of having to do this....I am wanting to, but work full time. I am finding it hard to have the emotional and physical strength as I am 59 and a half. I desire to down size. I want to let go of things ...you have been an inspiration and encouragement for me to keep plugging away at it. Looking forward to letting go. God Bless you both as you seek God's wisdom and recognize his leading in your life. I am grateful that I stumbled upon your blog. I also am a quilter of many years and am in love with the bed quilt your sister made. Purple is my favorite color. Thank you again!
Bill and Elisabeth, you two are so amazing and encouraging. I praise God for you. My husband and I have rented an old small single wide mobile home for almost 19 years. It was built in 1962....so very old. I love watching you and seeing how you make things fit and work. Thank you for your openness. I'm encouraged to filter through things and let things go. Like you, Elisabeth, I think about what I bring in here. If I am given new clothes., I get rid of that amount. I try very hard to keep the clutter down.I'm a quilter. That's an interesting story how I work that out. But bless God, I do! Keep up the good work! I hope to see more and more of you.May our precious Lord and Savior richly bless you and those who watch.Ruth Ann Greenway from Arroyo Grande, California.
The curse of 2008! By the grace of God we were able to modify our mortgage and keep our house. I had two small strokes. It took me two years to be able to read again. I love your honesty! God is good.
Loved hearing your story. Thanks for sharing it. I am about to move into a tiny apartment for one. I have had to downsize each time I have moved, but this will be even more downsizing.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience in downsizing. My wife and I are in the process of doing the same. It's been 2 years so far. I have designed a 32'x8.5' tiny home on wheels that we will begin construction on late this year. At the age of 50ish, lol. Bill I also have spent the majority of my life in construction and business ownership and so we will be tackling this project on our own. We became very aware of the reality that living a "normal" lifestyle was not going to afford us the ability to retire. "Ever." You both have greatly encouraged us in both our journey and our faith. I believe you are on the cutting edge of what many christians are being called to do, prior to the next financial event that I believe will make '08 look like a walk in the park. Keep on "crying out in the wilderness", until those around you gain "the ears to hear" the soundness of the message your sharing. Be encouraged stay strong. Yours In Christ, Shawn and Dana H.
You just keep inspiring me, and your shed progress is paralleling my own new garage build. The roof shingles are next, then the windows and doors. I am planning the interior to accommodate "stuff" and am imitating Bill's sucking noise with a huge grin! We are having a really wet spring in north Idaho, and I wish I could share some of the lovely morel mushrooms from our forests! Your videos are eagerly awaited and are shared watching for a group of Christians here. Thank you so much for your continuing efforts to generate them. By the way, my 93-year-old friend says that her longevity is because she laughs so much every day. You keep that practice quite well! Virtual hugs and blessings, Beth in north Idaho
We also sing, pray, read and study our Bibles, and try to keep God's commandments including keeping the Sabbath as our day of rest and worship. We try to inspire and be supportive of others. I downsized last year (actually a 4-year process). Two of us have built and are about to occupy a tiny house. Another couple are living in an RV about the same size as yours, but without a sun porch. Thank you again for the joy and love that you share.
I just want you to know how much my husband and I enjoy your videos. We are working toward drastically downsizing and finding a way to acquire a tiny home of any sort. Thanks so much for sharing your lives. I just love you both. God bless you
I just found your channel, and it's almost exactly like the experience my husband and I had when we both lost our jobs. He lost his first and then I lost mine in 2012. We moved into a trailer home, about twice the size of yours, but had to pay cash for it and it took every penny we had saved. Like you, we didn't want a mortgage since we are about the same age as you both. He also had to build a shed for storage, and since our code limit is 120 SF, he's building a second one. We're lucky that our lot is big enough to allow it. Thank you for sharing your experiences and God Bless!
My husband and I just turned 60....and we are definitely in process of downsizing....wow...I so identify with that empty space wanting to be filled, and every time you try to empty it.....lol and behold it gets filled again!
I can't thank you enough for sharing this video. A personal situation caused me to downsize from 3200 sq ft to 1200 sq ft home. I have had to do it alone and it has been overwhelming. I too managed it in phases and am on my last leg of this journey. Watching this has been a comfort in knowing I am not alone. You do realize what are the most important things in life. God Bless.
I am so sorry you had to loose your "forever " home you custom built yourself. But I am happy for you that you got through all the heartache of downsizing and are happy with your tiny house. God bless you both.
Your journey is so encouraging. Good news for us. Jim's helth has vastly improved and he is going back on the truck. We (15yo son, Jim and me) are currenty living in a friends RV and saving money, or will be as soon as Jim hits the road. No wheels turning=no money. But I thought I would share that praise with you. It will be awhile before we have our own little place we are thankful for what we have.
I really appreciate this video guys. I've never owned anything, but I have deeply enjoyed several seasons, as Elizabeth calls them. Thanks for this. It's been tough to watch sometimes, because I can only imagine the stress you must have gone through. What a journey.
Your journey is inspirational to all of us, many of whom have downsized in the aftermath of the Great Recession. We experienced both a layoff for me and a medical crises for my husband in 2011. We weathered the storm for 1 year in our existing home in the Northeast and then moved into our paid off condo in South Florida. I believe that because we were largely holding a lower debt level, we were able to survive the storm despite losing major savings to health insurance and huge medical costs ($29,000 in one year alone) and carrying the costs for our home until it sold. Despite so many challenges, we are happy to count our many blessings of life itself and a beautiful place to live with wonderful neighbors and friends. Our biggest mistakes were to rebuild the home in the north into a larger one and acquire a mortgage late in life (over age 50); we bought into the idea that mortgage debt is acceptable, despite the job insecurities and health risks for older folks. We have made other serious errors that again decimated our savings and we are living on a fixed income. Not to lecture anyone but to share what we have learned the hard way, I believe now that no debt is “good” debt unless you are a lender. So, knowing what happened to so many of us, try to pay off your home completely by the time you are 50 to 55. Do not buy a home that is bigger than what you will need when you retire; kids can share rooms as in the past. Be sure you can carry the cost of insurance, taxes, and maintenance once you are on that fixed income. Since most of us do not have Bill’s amazing skills, we have to pay someone to fix major and even minor issues. Tiny homes may work if you have room for extra storage, but we find the 954 sq ft space is probably as low as we two can go. God bless all of you and thanks very much to Bill and Elizabeth for sharing their story.
You both have been the most honest and sincere about your life changing experiences. I applaud you both on keeping your positive outlooks and humour through it all. We need more people like yourselves showing others how even thought the worst that life throws at you there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you!
Great video. My husband and I are in our early 60's as well. Son and wife and two little ones lived with us for 3 1/2 years and just moved out. We have all of our stuff plus STILL some of theirs. We are getting rid of things, systematically but, yes, it is daunting. We have moved our bedroom downstairs and now three (mostly) empty bedrooms upstairs in this huge house. There is something freeing about clearing out, and things we have that seemed so important at one time just don't seem so important now. Our priorities have changed. Our goal is to move into a tiny house when we retire. You two are such an inspiration. God bless!
Banksters came out pretty good. The quit lending money until they got everything they didn't work for back plus our tax money through the government. But in the end they are soul sucking losers and the rest of us are survivors who can find happiness no matter what, love watching your journey.
Absolutely liked. We lost our home to forclosure my daughter as well. She moved south and they saved every penny like us and bought thier homestead on acreage with cash like me and my husband.. they put a mobile home on thiers and total cost was 17000.. Ours with acreage and a modular thst was in repossession at the time we paid 29900 cash for with 18 acreas. Cash is king and we wont ever go through that again ever. You guys are doing fabulous and I feel close to ur story. Right now I am still prepping a travel trailer just in case I need to down size more. I know how now. Good luck and love you guys.
I'm a new subbie and currently binge watching all of your videos. You have a very interesting life to me and I really enjoyed this video on your down sizing process. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you so much for this video. My husband and I are in the beginning stages of making the decision to upgrade to something bigger. We are not financially sound yet. This video helped us to look at what we have not what we think we need or want. I now looking at our small house and learning to make it work. Thank you soo much for this video.
Wow...LOVE your tandem recumbent. Have only seen one other tandem bent before. My husband and I each have recumbents and I still have an inherited recumbent Trike from my Mom in my garage.. (I want to add an electric assist motor to it someday. The more videos I watch the cooler you get! LOL!
The blessing & grace for you guys was that you moved so much prior to the "forever house". We spent 27 yrs in our forever house (and lofted 2 car garage) by the river we built when young! We are in our 36th year of marriage. Just downsized long-distance to be near our only daughter's family 5 yrs ago. We had to go thru the process in a very condensed amount of time - weeks! But are, like you, glad we did it. We are both fully retired, living with less, always vigilant to amassing any "stuff" that is unnecessary. Our life is about moments & memories - not materials. We also say if anything comes in - something must go out! As far as the "crash", we were effected in 2012 as a ripple of it. We had NO idea that in 2008 we lost a ton of equity. No need to have cared then because we never thought about moving EVER! But once we realized 100% of our family (our married only) was never moving closer to us, we did not want to miss "moments" with future grandbabes - neither of us were close to our beloved grandparents while they were living. Our daughter however, had benefitted from a very close relationship with both sets of grandparents near her. Anyways, our shock came when the realtor showed us our "comps" as to what the area market would bear and what similar houses to ours had sold recently for. It was horrific! We lost $100,000 in equity in our tri-town countrified area. So sad! And the reason? After the crash of '08, our state went thru a "secondary slump" in the housing market in 2010 that no one even talked about. You learned it when you sold and got your comps depending on the area you lived determined how badly the slump had it's effect. We admire you both and can relate to so much of your experience! Oh, and we also have a "cottage" to camp in too (watched a recent video you posted). It is stationary near a lake at this point but we may "downsize" that in 3 yrs and purchase smaller & mobile for the road too! It's a process! PS ~ our rule since 2012 - if it does not fit in a 10×10 shed we don't have it!
Thanks for sharing your journey again! It is beautiful to see you too still standing after some tough times with your faith shining through it all, still in love after many years together. I hope I don't offend you by saying that. My husband and I, though not yet in our forties, have been going through some of the same things, major health challenges (hubby suddenly and permanently in a wheelchair), downsizing because there is no other choice, while trying to raise our 3 kids. It is very uplifting to see you and think: "if they can do it and still smile and praise God at the end, then so can I" And you are so right it is freeing! Painful and long and sometimes a bit sad but after all that there is a lightness and a freedom and peace that comes. Thanks so much for all your videos for sharing your journey and the beautiful couple that you are! God bless you both!
Offend us? Certainly not. It is encouraging to us to hear that our perseverance in Christ though our difficulties is actually encouraging someone else who may be going through similar circumstances. Thank you for sharing that, and God bless you.
I TOTALLY understand "seasons in our lives". We have property here in Chickaloon, Alaska and we raised 13 children out there on the side of the mountain. A VERY rugged lifestyle! We had sled dogs for firewood, no electric, and all wood heat stoves. We have 8 cabins, which 7 of them are all 12'x20'. The "main" cabin is 400 square feet. My husband died in 2009 and I most of my kiddos are out on their own now, and I have one at home still that is my 14 year old son. We now live in a 12'x20 ' cabin which my son moved to his property about 48 miles from our property in Chickaloon. I've most certainly "down sized", and am pleased as punch that I have such a cozy cabin with very minimal utility costs, and loved ones all around me. I thank the Lord daily for my blessings. Thank you for your story :)
This video is superb. It was a privilege to have your story brought together, illustrated and detailed with many personal moments of your shared life. Instead of looking downhearted, your audience can see you both looking more at ease than many of us would be in your place. Well done to both of you - an honour really to be allowed into your world. I know the cookery vids are interesting, the 'how to' vids have been a way of getting to know you both, the pottering around of small things like cable tidy - but this type of video really stands out as superb storytelling. Your presentations skills are as charming as ever but they are more assured and confident. Greetings again from Scotland - with kindest regards, Cam
We moved from a house with a basement, 6 car carport, boat house, 3 car garage to a 3 bedroom condo without basement and very cozy 2 car garage. Then we invited my mother to live with us . So I'm 3 bedrooms minus 1 and minus 2.5 closets. It is hard to get rid of stuff. I have collected Red Wing pottery and stoneware for my entire 46 years of married life. But that's not all bad. I have 4 20 gallon crocks that hold my Thrive. I have decided it's better to have Mom here and have clutter than for her to live alone. She does pretty good for an 86 year old woman. But you two are inspiring and I know we are all part of the family of God like the song says. I love to learn from both of you.
Love Makes the Team Work ...Home is where your Soul Works ... Life can beat you up while Team Love Works on making the journey merely a challenge to conquer and Elizabeth you and Bill live that thought in pure beauty, of course you have the best coach in your corner Our Father. Thank you for sharing
Wonderful story! Very encouraging and a reminder of how God is so faithful through all our trials and struggles. I had to smile because our bicycles, camping gear, books, hubby's tools, are exactly what we also are hanging on to as we rethink our life at mid 40s with both of having significant chronic illnesses. We are not minimalists either but rather 'practicalists' esp. in light of the coming economic crisis. Lord Bless You Both!
Love hearing your story. My husband is a real estate appraiser and lived thru the real estate crash in 08. We also had to downsize. Thank god we were able to keep our home. But have to liquidate lot of other extra expenses in our life. And to make matters worse I wasn't working due to an injury. Husband went out and took a 2nd job while I tried to keep his appraisal business going while he worked his 2nd job. Here it is the end of 2017 and we are now starting to be able to breath a little easier and pay our bills with extras at the end of the month. Thanks again for sharing. Helps to know your not the only one trying to make it thru life with dignity.
I would enjoy being your neighbor. I love your faith, your humor, and your obvious love for each other. God bless you both! Still chuckling about "60-ish" as we are mid 50's ourselves.
this was an excellent video.I'm 67 and trying to declutter...get rid of so much stuff I don't use.Well said Elizabeth that there are 'seasons' in life...so true!
My family is starting the process of downsizing as we move to a smaller home. With 2 kids still in college, we still need to store their possessions as they move in and out of dorm rooms. Your story inspires me that progress can be made step by step....time to get started.
I am really glad you are once again in your own little home. It is so much better especially since you can have POPs there. Lets face it - we all have too much stuff, and we really don't need it.
Wow, I love you guys! You inspire me. I can't wait to share with my husband. I just wish I could express how inspiring you are ! May the lord continue to bless you, and you are a blessing to me!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It warms my heart to see how much you to love each other and that you find joy in the time you spend with each other and not in the things that you could have. Big Family Homestead suggested that I check you all out and I'm so glad that I did! God bless you both!
Hello my name is Annalee. I've just recently discovered your channel. I can relate to what you've been through. My kid's, husband and I became homeless back in 2010. We had to live in our mini van. Thing's were so bad. I had been diagnosed with severe RA before we ever became homeless. My husband got into some trouble and went to jail then into a Christian rehab place and my kid's and I were still living in our van. It was just myself and my 2 son's for 4 year's. Finally my husband graduated from rehab, found a job and with some help we found a 1 bedroom apartment. I prated so much and left everything up to God. God had blessed my family and I. My oldest son graduated, started college, and got a job. My youngest is in Jr high and is doing good. My husband remains drug free and God Blesses us everyday. I can relate to your story about the downsizing. I was left with my mom's stuff and grandparents stuff after they all died within a year of each other. On top of that my husband got all of his dad's and Grandma's belongings after they passed away. So much stuff to go through. I'm very curious about the type of food your eating... Thrive??
Wow, sounds like you had some really difficult times - much worse than anything we went through. Praise God, He brought you and your family through it all! The food is Thrive Life freeze dried food. Here is our playlist, "Cooking with Thrive." ru-vid.com/group/PLD231j5QApVJw2Hn9cs11LgY34YOOvQyD
God bless you all. Love what your sister in Maine said about what a blessing you have to pick what you want from the burning home. Looking on the bright side is so important. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.
I am also binge watching all of your videos. I suffer from major clinical depression and your videos somehow are making me feel more hopeful and optimistic about life seeing how you two have overcome all your housing adversities. Thank You for your videos. They give me hope.
Alot of respect to you both. Love your attitude. Thru divorce I moved off a 60 acre farm, log home we built ourselves. 11 years later I now rent a 2 room apartment from my nephew. I still have a drop leaf table from 46 yrs ago, I will keep that forever. I am debt free and surviving. Much respect to you both
Just came across this vide today but I want to say I really enjoy your videos and keeping up with your life and renovating/decorating your new little most recent house. You're doing a great job and your piece of property is beautiful. I can relate because I love doing projects and decorating also, but what I really can relate to is downsizing. When it got to the point where my husband couldn't shovel snow anymore and I was starting to have trouble cutting grass and doing yard work we hired people to do these things for us. And then when I got COPD I couldn't handle the stairs in our house any longer. So we decided to sell and went from a 2 storey/4 bedroom/2 bathroom house with a huge shed to a one level condo. No stairs and snow and yard work looked after by someone else. That's one of the advantages of living in a condo. But the thing is we spent 6 months downsizing .. giving away, selling, yard sales. And yes Elizabeth, it is hard to part with things accumulated over a long period of time. And then when we moved in to the new place we had to downsize again. We still had too much stuff. And by this point, that's what I was calling it .. STUFF, lol. But now we're settled and loving our new little tiny place. Love you guys :)
Although you may not be able to physically have a lot of company into your home, you are able to invite your viewers into your home through your videos. We're your virtual company. God Bless...
I appreciate you sharing and neither of you are 'bitter or angry' I went through something similar...I owned two or three very nice places & had to move away because of health reasons am now here (6 yrs) in a nice 'studio' condo. I will turn 73 this year & healthy...much respect to both of you...
My mom found your channel and told me I had to watch because of your Christian perspective on prepping. Have been watching and really appreciating your journey. I am at an age where my child is college aged and I can downsize and have my own little space. I really hope I can do it soon. God bless you.
Aww, you guys made me cry at the end. You are finishing up what we are now starting- and we are a decade older, too. It has become glaringly obvious to me that this is a do it now or never deal, as we are slowing down exponentially. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! It really helps. ♥️
I didn't want this video to end. It was very interesting, inspiring and truly blessed my soul. When you said God bless you guys at the end, it was obvious you meant it. So happy to have found you tonight and became a new subscriber. Can't wait to see and hear more.
Good job! I'd keep the tools too. Always needed at some point for repairs etc.. I think you both thought it out well, what's needed what could go. Love your attitude, so positive.
I love you folks, you always have such a positive outlook and good attitude even when you have difficulties. I lived in a full size home for years and when my wife left me we had to sell the house and after the divorce was finaled I bought an old 32' travel trailer that was pretty much on it's last leg and put it in a campground and lived in it for about 2 years. After that I scrapped the 32' trailer when the moisture and mold got to bad and got a newer 30' model with slideouts and live in it for 3 more years. It isn't easy downsizing but it can be done with a little patience, time, and sacrifice...
I have been in that same journey for 2 yrs doing it alone takes much longer . I really don't miss anything I have gotten rid of 😂 I always say live simple love free. TFS💕💕💕🙏
I was very moved by your life story, yet, what shone through was your obvious love for each other and incredible love and care for your family. I am in awe and so inspired by this video. Thank you so much for such honesty and for sharing. God Bless you both.
Y'all are so precious. I've been through the ringer and suffered so much loss, but it didn't kill me and I look forward to waking up each morning seeing what's going to happen next. I actually get excited realizing I've woken up !! Lol Homelessness and loss of family and career...it is hard, but after God got me to the other side of all that, I saw such reward. It really can be done; I'm still here living to testify that God took me out of that turmoil and I was able to buy an old RV and am now living "in a van down by the river!" Literally right on the river ...I miss my two homes made of brick and concrete, but God is saving me a place at his house, so I can wait and just chill here, or until I'm on to the next fabulous place to live in my old rv. Love y'all - I'm 60 ish also! GBY!!
My husband and I went from renting a bedroom -> 750 sqft duplex -> 1700 sqft 3bd 2ba house and now we live in an older double wide trailer that is about 1000 sqft (2bd 2ba) and although we could go smaller if we had to it's a nice comfortable size for us.
10/18/21......LOL....I had just asked you to post a picture of your home you had built that you guys lived in.....either yesterday or today one and wow ! here it is ....doubt you even saw my msg......it is a beautiful home.....would love to see the inside ...sure you guys took lots of pictures.....maybe you can post one day....looked like a nice large porch on the back side facing the woods, sure you guys used it a lot..thanks for posting this....
Lord help us all, it’s like this Pandemic that has hit us all. I have told my son to have faith not fear. The lord was with you all in each step of the way. When I moved to VA, if I could bring it. I dropped it off at the Listen Center. Like a Good Will. I live with minimum. 🙏❤️waving from VA Native NH
