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

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!

FREE GIFT from me to you!

~What I'm Wearing

Check out my new channel dedicated to meditation and yoga.
~ Meditation with Connie Riet

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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

[ConnieRiet]

Getting rid of everything I own brought up many surprising emotions for me.

[liviadrusilla]

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.

[jerrystraka]

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

[s.e.brooks]

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!

[MJ-czgx]

I think it's important when decluttering, to first check with family members if they want anything. Especially keepsakes and deceased relatives items.

[dianepelczynski]

I'm getting a divorce. Moving out of state. Considering selling everything and recreating my out who I am. I love your story.

[lizzieh]

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.

[booksmartlearning]

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.

[daunnoble]

Can you please go ahead and post the next video like…. RIGHT NOW? 😂

[Just_me_]

I love my stuff too much. Nothing like wearing jewelry my mom used to wear when she was a teen given to her by her mother. Grandmas blankets and quilts. Comfort. Joy. ♥️ This video made me feel sad. But to each their own. ♥️

[joanneverreau]

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.☺️

[MrsTittlemouse]

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.

[eva_p]

I've done this very same thing and we have been living in a 16 foot caravan for over 2 years now. Don't worry, the "stuff" will soon be forgotten once you start your new life. I know the feeling of offloading all the gear and how exhausting it is, and that emotional feeling at the end. I kept one small box of keepsakes and scanned all my photos, I don't have one hard copy and it feels great. I sent all the kids momento's to them so they can store them and scanned any special pictures they drew. In fact now that they are digital, I've looked at them more than when they were stored in tubs. I have only a few pairs of jeans, tops and shorts - and actually still feel like I have too many clothes. Same goes for pantry/food items, bathroom stuff - we have the basics but still feel blessed and comfortable.. and free. It's all very exciting, good on you.

[Jen-zkse]

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”

[enidsingh]

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.

[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.

[pamelagilmour]

Help me understand why it is a necessity to get rid of everything. I guess I’ll need to wait for next video. I’m a visual artist. Visuals are important for me without overwhelming clutter.
I feel such sadness watching this video. I’m happy and excited for you and can’t wait to hear about your next chapter. Thank you

[kimkostek]

I could not do this nor desire to do so. Scale back, yes but 98% gone, no. Can't wait to hear about your next chapter. Wish you all the best!

[rameshwolf]

This was an especially emotional one Connie...tearing up with you. We've done the same - packed, unpacked and minimized for the last 7 years and still there are those precious items that tether us to our past, yet can keep us from our future. May God bless you in the next chapter.

[tammydietschweiler]

I don’t think I could give up so much…I believe many things could go, but I love a lot of what I have!
So I watched you tonight and realize as much enjoyment I’ve had, I am sick and it’s too much.
I’m too sick to sell things properly. So I keep up with cleaning as much as I can and realize I need to hire help. Thank you!