Extreme Declutter Results (👋 95% is GONE!) | Before & After » HOARDER TO MINIMALISM Family of 4

Well, here it is - my sad hoarder to minimalist family journey. What started off as a KonMari declutter turned into an extreme decluttering of my entire life. I hope to help others who are on their own minimalism journey by sharing these before and after decluttering results from our journey to family minimalism. I can honestly say becoming a minimalist mom has profoundly changed my life and made us much happier, calmer, and freer as a family. While the 30 years of sentimental clutter and toy clutter were the hardest to get rid of, they were also the most rewarding! Yes, I sold EVERYTHING (well, I donated and gave away a lot, too) and our minimalist family of 4 moved to Europe to meet up with our 20+ in-laws. I hope to share a 2021 minimalist home tour soon, as well.
If you think decluttering is hard YOU ARE NOT ALONE! But I know if I can do it, YOU CAN TOO! Take care and big hugs and lots of healing.
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ABOUT A TO ZEN LIFE
I was an emotional hoarder who couldn’t let go. My husband grew up poor in rural China. Now we are a happy & debt-free minimalist family living our dream life in Europe.
Minimalism changed my life - now I want to help YOU unclutter your happiness!
OUR STORY: atozenlife.com...
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#minimalism #minimalist #extremedeclutter

[@angelaayala296]

"That empty space is actually full" - Absolutely beautiful. I'm crying.

[@Venus-bb7cd]

Yes! That definitely resonated with me. I recently realized I like open echoey spaces...even in a home. They just feel cleaner.

[@toniamcdonald1838]

Me too.

[@abundancerelaxation199]

I’m crying too

[@khan_rukayya]

same here😭😭😭that sentence💔💔💔 was so heart touching

[@tohilola]

I hope one day, I'll like you 🙏 Love it!🥰

[@sisu411]

I'm not a hoarder. I have a "normal" amount of stuff. But sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by all the things in my apartment. I started decluttering during the first lockdown. I'm still on it. And I feel soooooo free already...

[@myrtheweehuizen3209]

I've lived out of a suitcase for years and can still feel overwhelmed 🤣 But owning less and only what I love makes me feel so much lighter!

[@jimnjele.bean-dayone3505]

Wow...I love you opening comments..."I'm not a hoarder. I have a "normal" amount of stuff"....Funny, I wonder what a "Normal" amount of stuff is, looks like, etc and I also wonder how long it takes to get rid of it....

[@peaceofmindofpeace1650]

Yes it's a wonderful feeling 😊😊😊 I bought a bigger house in other area of the country but I feel unhappy. I am going back to the city I love. I had a traumatic experience few years ago. I'm currently also struggling with bullying behavior at work and very tired but what makes me happy is that I am selling this place. Cleaning my stuff. Getting rid of extra stuff and I will move back to a new appartment. Simple life is better for me. Three big, light rooms are better than a big house for me personally. I created a beautiful place here and I hope that the buyer will enjoy it but I am gone to my sweet serene appartment. Less is more fits me perfect. Whether in a big or small house. Minimalism can be applied anywhere 🙏🏡😊

[@Catbooks]

@@new-lviv Very true words, both sentences. No matter what the learning from it is, it's valuable.

[@annetnedelec1313]

Thank you. I'll try that

[@strangertobluewater]

The cleaning part resonates with me the most. If you have things, you have to clean around them, which can take hours. If you have nothing, there is nothing to clean around. The space maintains itself. When you start freeing up all this time for yourself, and to give to others, you can really start living.

[@MeditateandManifestwithJonnie]

I’ve been thinking about this too. The amount of time I spend cleaning vs actually living my life is insane.

[@mw87675]

@@MeditateandManifestwithJonnie ☝️that part!! 100% agree.

[@markfish8403]

You effen rock lady! I hope that you actually exist and that this is not just rhetoric. I'm ready to ditch half my shit, give nice stuff away and make my own path. Sentimentality has been stretched. Life and love has been neglected. Its actually better to be the weird lady with 7 cats than be the lonely lady with a 9 million dollar collection of rare vases from the Ming Dynasty that dies alone and bored. Am I wrong? Cheers from beautiful Colorado!

[@janik8812]

have you tried it ?

[@tanyakopel]

My mom passed two and a half years ago. We still haven't touched her things. It feels so overwhelming. I don't know where to start even. This was very inspirational to me. Thank you.

[@ylime5544]

Wishing you all the best.♥️

[@dunjabakic4012]

It helps when someone who loved her is with you while doing this. When my father died, I was paralised and depressed for years. All I was able to do is to get rid of his dentures. I mean what...? Then something happened in me and I did the same as Marissa.

[@Cole_Cross]

I've been at it for 3+ years with my gma's OCD clean neat hoarding (child of cold war style hoarding--bags rubber bands paper everything..neatly stored for 70-80 years) It's a goldmine of vintage sales however after 3 years, I'm over it. I set a timer now and do about 20 mins at a time. If i can do more, great! Some days I don't do anything. Usually the hardest part is starting. Find a box, just one, and dump it. Flatten the box (don't do like i did and have a pile that's still sitting there--after working in vet med and being a stock manager I have a special hatred of packing supplies) OR keep box and make a donate pile that goes IMMEDIATELY into the car. Have a trash bag ready. If you cant let go, take a picture and make a lil hardback book for the shelf. Ask yourself "will this item help me lead the life *I want to lead?" (not considering anyone else but you, your mental health and life goals) if the answer is no, don't look back.

[@ashleydobson1532]

@@dunjabakic4012 agree! Having another person there to empathize and motivate it so important 💙

[@ashleydobson1532]

💙💙💙

[@drawingstyle6327]

Amazing story! Traveling to another country with just suitcases will definitely force you to minimize. I traveled for 5 month. When I put everything in storage I saw how little I owned, and felt sad. There was a part of me that felt like by that time in my life I should have more to my name. It gave feelings of being unsuccessful. When I came back from my trip, opened my storage, and my first thought was, "what is all this junk?"

[@adorablecats9891]

😂

[@altanaeliza]

Amazing that you changed so much

[@Charlotte-bc7vj]

So true!

[@tiftyme]

You will be amazed about what you can live without.

[@tamarevans9025]

We are CONDITIONED to be consumers of quantity, not quality. It's a vicious cycle and difficult to break away from, good for you! You shook up your life and are better for it.

[@mrsp5713]

Currently crying. Here I am two years later after you published this video and it just the right time for me. Thank you for your vulnerability.

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@PlayboyReita]

I'm a grown ass German guy sitting here and crying. I totally felt what you said, we moved from 120 to 60 qm and had several breakdowns bc of all the hoards we have. Thanks for reassuring that my decision to decrease my stuff and not buy anything this year was right.

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank you for your kind words. ✨❤️✨ Glad you are are doing well with your downsizing, as well as making the decision to do it for your well-being!

[@solidstate9451]

Do Germans cry less than other nationalities? I never noticed...

[@PlayboyReita]

@@solidstate9451 of course I can't speak for all Germans but where I come from I'd say yes. From childhood on we're taught to see things rational and judging before deciding how to feel. But we cry often bc of anger 🤣

[@solidstate9451]

@@PlayboyReita I'm from the south of Germany. I've seen many men cry.

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@kapow.]

I'm so glad that you acknowledged how sentimental items can be, and how it can be a VERY long, emotional process to let things go. A lot of cleaning videos seem pretty flippant about 'purging everything we own!' I'm glad that someone addressed the issue of GRIEF slowing things down. 💙

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@weegirl85]

I didn't realise I was a hoarder until one day I had to move a house! I believe my habit of hoarding came from I was growing up poor and everything always meant something and/or could be reuse/useful. It took me a while to get that habit out of my system. It was like a rehab! Decluttering was one of the best decisions I've made as it helps me being more organised. Before, it drained me, mentally and physically. My brain is now organised too! 😊

[@ellissastewart7141]

Same here Summer! Can totally relate to the reuse or better keep it just in case. I want an organised mind too!

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@ShhhandGiggles]

I am so inspired by your video. I became homeless at 17 just before entering college. I worked three jobs to be able to afford living on campus year round for 5 years. I brought my entire bedroom (sans furniture) with me to college and my possessions accumulated from there. When you are so close to losing everything, how do you find peace in parting when those things? So I collected. And collected. After college I bought a storage unit. Here I am 12 years post college and still have a storage unit. For what? What could I possibly still need in there when I don't even set foot in it until I want to add to it? I tell myself, "when you buy a house you won't have to buy this or that." Such a waste of money. Of my peace. I'm in a small one bedroom apartment with my husband and 2 years old and just started to declutter my closet creating a small capsule wardrobe. It seems neverending! I'm in the process of selling items as well. But after watching this I'm feeling so motivated to free up my soul again. I need to. So thank you for sharing your journey.

[@AtoZenLife]

I think stories like yours are so much more common than people realize! Wishing you lots of luck and cheering you on in your decluttering journey. ❤️

[@madisonpeppers8204]

I was very shocked by the intense emotional response this video inflicted upon me. Clearly, there’s something here for me that resonates. And I think it was a message I’ve needed to hear for a long time. I think I might finally be ready to start letting go, too. Thank you for sharing. 💛

[@roxy4158]

My husband of 52 years and together for 60 years died September 2019. He was my first and only love since age 15!! I'm alone in a 4,000 square foot home. I did gather beautiful china silver crystal ornate mirrors and fine furniture. All just stuff!! I'm not attached to anything. I have given away donated and sold many things. Still a long way to go. The memories are in my heart.

[@cynthiashepherd7008]

Thank you. I am 55 and single, and it is truly a "process" to minimized and declutter. I plan to move from my condo to a small home, but I'm giving myself 1 to 3 yes to do it. Thank you for sharing.

[@liviaramirez1096]

When you finish the main part, come to México to Take a different air.

[@lynettebodell6803]

You are a beautiful storyteller. I love your clarity, simplicity and beauty! Thank you for sharing

[@petalgrower2599]

Wow, of all the minimalism videos I've watched, I feel that yours is the most "real"--describing a journey taking place over time and built on a foundational investigation of your relationship to things. What a messy and beautiful experience.

[@Stumpybear7640]

So much of our emotions are connected to the 'stuff' we fill our homes with. Decluttering IS emotional, but it is worth it. To grieve properly for loved ones sets us free to love those in the present. Much love to all who read this xxx ps 💖 Lau Tzu

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@oneworld42]

Hello I am from Germany. When I try to sell my stuff, almost nobody wants to pay for it, even when it was never used. I give it for free but some things nobody even want for free! We Western people are drowning in stuff and more stuff. We should think twice before buying something new and keep in mind that it will be trash on our planet, when we throw it away.

[@anastasiadyhring]

I live in Norway and have totally the same situation. After decluterring I have some really good quality ,totally and expensive clothes which just don’t feet me or I have never worn them and don’t like them anymore. I tried to sell cashmere jumper which costed 200 euro for the price of H&M clothes and nobody wants to buy. Then I also wanted just to give it away to those who really need clothes and nobody wanted them 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ it is also stupid to throw them away....

[@BlanCamCZ]

Maybe there could be some charity shops?

[@jitulvslife03]

@@anastasiadyhring Can u send them to India? Will pay for shipping...and besides.

[@bazosmarek7981]

I am in Germany too and I am struggling too to sell something here :D Crazy.. no just clothes...everything.. because everything is cheap in shops :)

[@elizabethdouglas9163]

I so agree, I'm in the UK and people don't seem to want good quality pre loved stuff and I hate having to throw things away.

[@非典型医学生研究院]

Never thought I would be so moved by a video on decluttering. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@janettmarie4013]

This was so inspiring, who’s cutting onions ?? “collect memories not objects” wow :”(

[@WhatchuWon]

Thanks for sharing your story

[@AtoZenLife]

I’m sure your mentor would want you to find your happiness and keep moving forward - wishing you lots of hugs and healing on this decluttering journey. Just remember what you are working towards when things get tough. 💪

[@Crzydiamondz]

You Can Do It! I believe in you, too! 🚪…

[@madhatter909]

I'm so proud of you!!!

[@sandbabe2245]

My grandmother had beautiful things and then gave them to my mother and now my mother just passed away and I had a estate sale and made $9000 which was great because I used it to paint , carpet , fix the window screens , plumbing and a roof! so that worked out . I’m moving to Florida and I don’t have any children so I’m going to give everything to the Hope chest charity that helps women with breast cancer and it’s very hard for me to give up everything and I cry because my mom and my grandmother loved all the collections so much and they dusted it and made beautiful pretty displays inside their homes , but now I’m tired of cleaning it and I don’t want to haul it around so thank you for this video it really helped me to deal .

[@normasubia6807]

@@sandbabe2245 Blessings To You 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@elizabethallen9770]

🚪65 years of holding onto things because it was instilled in me that throwing away parents belongings meant you didn’t love them anymore. But after watching many stories like this I know now that I could have been living the life I wanted instead of living my parents life of holding onto objects. Thank you for sharing and helping me begin my journey. ❤️❤️❤️🚪😊😊

[@Therealhousewifeofreno]

I can relate. I bought my parents house after my mom passed. Getting rid of things has been hard for me because my mom valued her things so much. But it’s been suffocating me for 5 years. So this summer I started getting rid of things and it has been so freeing!

[@Jake-co3wk]

OMG - I am living my parents' life with their objects!!! Thank you for your comment.

[@lesiokM]

Same

[@pgmaxtwo]

🚪

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@rockairairies]

I just lost my mother 4 months ago. We fought a good fight with her cancer too. She left me with her 100 boxes in her 30 years of working as an OFW. I am planning to declutter her stuffs when I can. Thank you for this inspiring video. More powers to you.

[@janielennon9670]

My sincerest condolences to you and your family ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lorae7]

I really love this. I am suffering the same with so much stuff ended up with from my mom and dad. I’ve donate and donated and donated and feel I will never be free from the bondage of stuff - it’s so overwhelming. Thank you I needed to hear this

[@GloryDaze73]

You will be okay. Just start slow and follow the process bit by bit. Have gratitude for the things that have served you and your parents well. Release them with joy and donate or sell them. Don't feel guilty for letting go your parents possessions, Because you will honour them with your memories and the love in your heart you have for them. Release yourself from the prison of joyless possessions.

[@lorae7]

@@GloryDaze73 Thank you - It is so overwhelming when you end up with so much stuff. I have been trying to get rid of things for 3 years now. Two large donation trucks came by and I have made many drop-off to goodwill and I still have stuff. haha It's like a nightmare. My mom and dad had so much stuff it's just unreal. and it makes me want to have an empty house with nothing but a bed and a table. I'm so sick of "stuff". haha Thank you for your words of encouragement. This video has given me a dose of energy to keep trying

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@susanstraka4787]

I just started watching your decluttering videos this week, and finally came across this one. Wow! I was moved (to tears) by your story and the growth you've experienced. Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring me.

[@jeanv3266]

The way you have your grandparents treasures displayed! This was so motivating and inspiring. Going to start decluttering my closet right now!

[@AtoZenLife]

Thanks Jean, it’s so meaningful to me ❤️

[@patriciaheraty7380]

Thank you for your disclaimer at the start and for sharing. I am sobbing at the end of this. Everything, everything you shared about the holding-on is mirrored in my life. Your videos have given me incredible support as I am finally making some progress in my own journey. THANK YOU and may you and your family be blessed as you surely are.

[@daniellearkit]

This was so special. I sent this to my friend struggles to let go of clutter. I think it is related to the death of her brother/s and underlying grief. I hope that she watches this and understands that her journey too, can continue in a positive way. Peace, light and love to you.

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank you Danielle, hugs and healing to both of you. ✨

[@AtoZenLife]

"The wound is the place where the Light enters you." ~ Rumi. ✨ More about our life here 👉 atozenlife.com/about-a-to-zen-life/

[@theotherway1639]

The "Throw It Away" guided journal by Guru Notebooks is helpful for getting rid of stuff. It's on Amazon.

[@hetalraval3012]

Where did you sell your clothes online ? Could you please give me name of the website where you sold your clothe so I can begin my journey too

[@AtoZenLife]

@@hetalraval3012 I need to do a better video on this, but here is a blog post that I wrote in the past on this topic! www.squirrelsofafeather.com/selling-clutter-for-cash/

[@GrammyPat987654321]

I don’t know what rabbit hole brought me to this KZbin video, but it was meant for jr. literally in tears at the end. Realizing there is hope for me! Thankyou

[@wendyshoo3476]

Exactly, I don't know where to start, I m too clutter. My dad left so many collectibles to me too.

[@kensiblonde4203]

I’ve been doing this for the past several years. Difficult I inherited two packed homes. I’m down to one box full of stuff I truly love.

[@marybethlongstreth186]

Wow - The most impactful minimalist video I have EVER watched!!!!

[@AtoZenLife]

Whoa, thanks so much for that distinction! ✨🤗✨

[@fabienneroure9995]

I totally agree!👍🙂

[@MeditateandManifestwithJonnie]

Thank you for this. I’m on my own minimalism journey and resonated with so much that you said and experienced. There’s lots of crying and shedding happening in my life and it’s beautiful to let go of everything I thought I needed- on a physical level and emotional level.

[@parkjunwonjae]

i just came across you channel and so glad I did. This has been a struggle of mine for years. I like how you touch the psychological and emotional stuff. I have seen a ton of videos about decluttering but never I never felt the motivation to do what they say. But your channel isn't just about being minimalist it's like therapy. I am actually crying as I am typing while decluttering. Your channel resonates to me more than you can ever imagine. Thank you again. ❤

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank you for your kind words and happy to have you here 🙏

[@dr.christopherjohnson4178]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@Nym1a]

In the process of decluttering my life, I felt so peaceful when I saw how your video turned out in the end, proudly displaying the things you cared about without them being in storage somewhere never to be seen! The beginning of the video gave me a little anxiety just subconsciously thinking about having to deal with so many things.. This motivated me to keep sorting out what I really care about and will get rid of all the other clutter clouding my mind with stress! Cheers from Sweden!

[@AtoZenLife]

It was a long road, but it was worth it! Waving from Germany. 👋

[@CamerieLovingLife]

I loved to see that you are a fellow Hoosier!!! Thank you for sharing such a real story!!! Clutter really is tied to emotion and hoarding is such a hard learned trait to break. My Mom is a hoarder and we moved to a new house almost yearly, when I was a child. I remember moving our piles and piles of boxes to each and every house. A storage room, basement, etc. was always a must when looking for a new home. I am trying to break this trait, but it is very difficult to let go of those "what if" items and it stresses me out. ❤❤❤

[@Notwhatyousee1]

I have started my way into minimalism. We sold out townhouse, moved to a condo, and slowly selling and getting rid of things I honestly don’t have a need for.

[@torir4491]

Your videos are just amazing. I feel like someone finally understands my clutter. I haven't had anyone pass but i swear I just get SO emotionally attached to every single little thing that it hurts to get rid of any of it. Using your videos to help me make a better life and tackle this clutter.

[@HeavyRollin]

My mom is going through something similar. My siblings and I have been encouraging her for years to try to de-clutter. She is starting, but its a slow process. There are a lot of things to consider when encouraging someone to take the necessary steps to de-clutter. I appreciate your efforts, courage and testament, all in the hopes that this vid will help many.

[@diannedelledera3096]

I am one of those moms who needs help! After my parents died and then my husband left me and the five kids I found that I couldn't get rid of anything "in case we need it and don't want to buy it again!" Or that it belonged to my parents, or 10 other excuses. My son committed suicide 4 years ago, and now all the kids are grown and on their own and I have the house with all the stuff! So there are a lot of insecurities when it comes to parting with familiar objects.

[@LauraKrumwiede]

I appreciate this so deeply. Have been talking to my counselor about this concept of what my clutter reveals about the clutter inside and why it's so hard for me to get rid of things, so this is an encouraging reminder to keep pressing in. Thank you for sharing this!

[@loverlyme]

🚪Have been trying to declutter for the last 10 years. Can't believe where my head and life has gone!

[@SRoseVegan]

I've been watching your videos over the last few weeks, and although I am no longer a hoarder (thank goodness!), I can certainly declutter my home more. Thank you for being such an inspiration! I love your story and am so proud of you and your family for what you were able to do ❤

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@jadeskymoon]

Wow, this hit home! What a beautiful story that resonates and inspired me to do the same! I never thought I'd be so excited to grab a trolley and move it out of my home instead of inside. After so much loss due to death its truly astounding the effect it takes silently before it overtakes life, but to see someone bounce back and reclaim, very inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

[@jacoblawrence6580]

Such a wonderful and touching video! I am currently going through my grandparents pictures, letters, cards etc. They were raised during the great depression and saved everything. I mean everything. My parents save everything too. I am trying to declutter as much as we can.

[@msmewiththat9771]

This story proper touched me emotional hoarding is something I’ve only realised in my late 20s after loosing people

[@Melaniepipoule67]

Oh. My. God That was the most awesome, deep, sensitive, energetic, loving video ever (i dont' have all the word to describe that) Be proud of you ❤️ i am on the same way as your family, also lost my brother then my mom

[@AtoZenLife]

Oh, Mélanie, I am so sorry to hear about your losses. I wish you lots of hugs and healing! 🌟 And thank you for your kind words!

[@agnieszkajarota3047]

Thank you Marissa for sharing your story. It is lovely to hear that you have been able to let all these objects go...I can imagine how hard it was for you but you made it happen and inspired other people along the way :)

[@AtoZenLife]

Thank you so much for your kind words, it was definitely hard but so worth it!

[@kasiaf8894]

Hello. I am really inspired.

[@shelbyrenner]

Your story touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. 🥲 Thank you for sharing. It's motivated me to continue my minimalism journey before we move our family of 4 across a few states over. Love videos like these. ❤️

[@YourUXEngineer]

🚪 Packing up and decluttering, at the moment, to move into my first home. I can’t say that I am, or will ever be, a full minimalist. However, I am enjoying letting go of “stuff”. It’s additive. Freeing. I’m looking forward to my clutter free home.

[@dace8828]

Jeez, it took me 4 years to declutter everything. I felt guilty because it took so long. Now i feel better 😊 it is ok to do it at your own pace

[@AtoZenLife]

On the contrary, I think we are in the “normal” faction and KZbin gives everyone unrealistic expectations of how long decluttering takes. 😅 It’s definitely worth it to do it at your own pace.

[@mindyhooper4698]

I try to remember too that things didn't get that way in one year, so with take longer then one year to "undo" it all too. And it's more emotional to let things go then to start collecting as well. So glad for this honest video that I just stumbled across even though I have already been sorting and clearing out since my Mom passed 3 years ago and my 2 oldest son's moved out (1 daughter left at home). After having to clear my mother's whole house almost completely alone, I don't want to leave that work for my kids. And to see how little value some things have after the person attached to them isn't there any longer, it was special to them with a special memory, but not a memory for me so now it's a burden of what to do with it. I kept the most precious and passed along the rest and still have no regrets. The more I get rid of, the clearer my mind is, less stress too. More work still to be done but this video will help to keep me motivated! Ty for sharing your journey Marissa!

[@AtoZenLife]

@@mindyhooper4698 I wish I could like this, 1000 times, it’s extremely insightful. I’m sorry for the loss of your mother, but it sounds like you have a good perspective going forward. 🌸

[@secqundas.1971]

Thank you so much for sharing! I need this kind of peace and freedom. This is so amazing 👏🏾 I have been stressed with all the stuff and it has kept me from the things I love most. So thank you again❤

[@AtoZenLife]

Welcome and good luck!

[@Ealendyl]

🚪 both parents died 1+ yrs ago ...I'm in my nearly 40s, on a journey to declutter 2 houses, 50+ yrs of possessions going back 2-3 generations and untangling 2 complicated and beaurocratic inherited legal situations. Wardrobes full of things, boxes full of papers. I started 1 yr ago on this journey . In the first month I ended up in the middle of the floor crying my heart out several times while trying to storm declutter and fix things. It doesn't work like that ... I hit the bottom, had to look inward& reach out to friends, pick at the scabs, embrace the pain before I could get off the floor and start climbing again. Now, 6 months later & after many of your & other's videos, 2 books on decluttering, more loss and hours of reflecting, its finally going in the right direction. Its not fast or slow, its just a bumpy journey with light at the end of the tunnel. There are still lots of things to sort out, give away, sell, donate etc but unlike before, now I am confident I can go through this process even if it won't be easy. A year ago I was pumped & clueless ...To everyone going through the same process: take your time, be gentle on yourself and hang in there, keep at it, don't despair. You will make it! and most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help or share what you're going through. If there's one thing that stuck with me from M's channel: you're not alone in your journey! You're not alone, period.

[@dr.christopherjohnson4178]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@ekinozcan3399]

You are so strong! This is the first video I saw from you and I’m flabbergasted. All the best to you and your family ❤

[@melissamoeller9608]

I’m about to embark on this journey. I have gone from excited to nervous to terrified. Thank you for your bravery and humility!

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@LouisOnEarth]

🚪 - getting rid of almost all I owned has really set me free. 2 backpacks and 3 boxes left (in Europe at an friend - just some winter clothes that will only be needed there). Gifts -> Presence always more appreciated than presents.

[@AtoZenLife]

Agree 💯

[@OneDayAtATime1277]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing your story! Blessings on your healing journey ❤️

[@blithebaby]

what a beautiful story. i cried in the end. started decluttering 2018 and we do it every year. even though we do it often im still overwhelmed by how many stuff we give away and sell. well its a journey

[@AtoZenLife]

It’s a journey, but the most important thing is you’ve taken the first steps… that’s the hardest part. 🤗

[@roxydus3746]

My sister always said „only the genius can handle the chaos“ while drowning in her items. She and my mum also, always gave me the feeling of being kind of dumm cause I was so clean and tidy. It felt so good to read the fact, that declutter mirrors the inner life and that I just don’t have chaos in me all the years. 🎉

[@lisalorencak9724]

🚪 First of all... Thank you for this beautiful video, for sharing your emotions and support! Three years ago I finally moved together with my boyfriend (now husband) and we couldn't wait to build our own little "nest" and decorate it the way we want without anyone criticizing the outcome. My mother always had the last word on every topic when I lived with my parents and I guess I just wanted to explore this new freedom... well a little too much. We kept a lot of the furniture the previous tenants left (which was good because money was tight!), but just like you, I own a lot of stuff I am emotionally attached to and don't even use (books, clothes, bowls and flower pots etc.). Cleaning is a nightmare, I feel suffocated by all this clutter and there are days when I almost don't want to go home because I know it's waiting for me. But it gives me courage to see that others struggle too and successfully changed their life. I am really impressed of what you accomplished, I wish you and your family all the best!

[@roseligranger]

Wow thank you for sharing your story its truly so inspiring and the home you have created with so much joy is heart warming!

[@ASneakerLife]

What an amazing video. Thank you!

[@bulletproofhappiness1111]

i come from a family of pathological hoarders(half of they lives they lived in ukraine oppressed by russians and having very little things even food was a scarcity, so later it became an obsession to keep everything (even broken things); i remember being embarrassed to invite school friends to come to my birthday because boxes reached the ceiling…i promised i will get rid of it all when i grew up…and turned into a young woman with shopping addictions (among others); being single i felt lonely and a failure and instead of dealing with it, i became obsessed with shopping, spend most of my income on beautiful clothes i had nowhere to wear…..and was overwhelmed because of the piles of things around me…thank you for sharing your journey…i started watching with a bit of skepticism and ended up crying tears of joy….you are an incredible inspiration for all of us!

[@EternalRockShow]

What a powerful story. Instant subscribe. I got turned on to having as few things as possible when I heard about and read the book "the 100 things challenge" You're right though: Marie Kondo has the right approach. Reverence and gratitude for the memories that our physical items hold. All things are ephemeral and realizing that of our most precious items deepens the gratitude we have with them now and had with them even though they got broken, lost, stolen, destroyed or given away. I love the attitude is one of sharing healing to others. Great video.

[@tinycotswoldcottage]

The single best and most positive video I've seen on hoarding, showing it is possible to clear your hoard (well done - five years is brilliant!) and live a happy, hopeful and fulfilling life after the stuff is gone ❤️

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@LouisaAnn3285]

Danke für deine wundervolle Geschichte 💕💕 ich musste weinen.. es hat mich sehr berührt! Liebe Grüße Swenja

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I’ve watched this before but thoroughly enjoyed watching and learning from this again. Thank you.❤️🙏

[@dr.christopherjohnson4178]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@beetheequestrian6238]

Thank you for creating this!!! I know what you went through as I am going through it. My dad died when I was two and in 2014 my mum lost her battle to cancer.

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@norastackhouse]

Thank you so much! You are exactly what i need. I too am on my journey to decluttering.

[@sherinewman1011]

Wow, so good! I am an owner or an Organizing Company in the Alabama. I tell clients all the time that less is more. Too much stuff smothering you is not good. They don't seem to understand the stress that it causes. And people don't realize they have to work thru all the emotional side of clutter and letting go of objects as you have described. I see it every day. Stuff is the one thing that won't leave us or hurt us. That's why it so hard to get rid of. Your story is very common and applaud you for sharing so others can be helped and know they're not alone.

[@okaforprecious]

👆🏻🎁👆Thanks for watching and commenting congratulations 🎊you've been selected contact me to claim your gift thanks🥳

[@halaljournalist922]

What a touching story! Thank you for sharing with us... As I watch videos on minimalism, I came to realise that, because I have moved a lot and been traveling a lot, I can actually live with a size of small luggage without remembering or needing my other belongings.. since thn I think it became my lifestyle too. I'm so happy and grateful to God for letting me live in peace with this realization.

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@Memmelie]

Hi from sweden! Wow what a video I got so emotional by this. I am in a current process of decluttering. I have ADHD and get overwhelmed very easy so I hope this will help for my mental health. Thank you for a personal and emotional video ❤

[@theresamod9017]

Dear Soul, I'm in the 19th year of talking about selling everything in my house. ...I hope I begin selling this year, I hope!! ...it's a gift hearing someone else takes years to accomplish their dreams. ...thank you for sharing!!

[@VKTreasure]

This showed up in my recommendations. I'm nearly 5 years into my journey, but I'm nowhere near that level of minimalism yet. We're making progress every day tho!

[@AtoZenLife]

That’s awesome! As long as you are moving forward. We’ve got people in the comments section who have been decluttering 5, 10, 20, and up to 30 or 40 years, so you are not alone!

[@ElizabethAmparano]

This was such a beautiful and healing episode. Thank you so much I enjoyed it immensely. I cried, I smiled. I mentally shifted as I am on my own journey of decluttering. Sounds like you and I had very similar fathers. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story.

[@margiesvanmori]

This is amazing, I’m building out my van and I’m moving into my van this year to travel and work in film and TV. I have been downsizing so much to move into my van so it feels peaceful and not cluttered and this is so inspiring.

[@AtoZenLife]

Good luck 🍀!

[@margiesvanmori]

@@AtoZenLife thank you!💜

[@citygirlfarm]

I heard you on clutterbug podcast and heard you were from Indiana, and lived in Chicago. I know that you will understand this next part. I met my husband 35 years ago on The Southshore Train. ( we both lived in Indiana and worked in Chicago. I met him on the train and married him 18 months later. Small world. I'm binging your channel and love it❤

[@AtoZenLife]

Wow, we have so much in common! I met my husband at a Chinese new year party in Chicago almost 15 years ago, hahaha. Welcome and thanks for watching 🙏

[@denisecarter5117]

The saddest thing is you getting boxes of toys every Christmas and being told you can’t play with any of that. I hope the Barbies have crazy hair by now from little girls playing with them.

[@AtoZenLife]

We did get OTHER toys that could be played with but not a huge portion, the collectibles like Barbies, Beanie Babies, crystals, etc...yeah I hope their new owners love the HECK out of those things! ✨🌸✨

[@kb3224]

I bought a "collectible" Barbie off market place for $10. The thing was old and sadly in pristine condition having never been opened. My daughter has been messing it's hair up since Christmas lol

[@ms.anonymousinformer242]

@@kb3224 That remimds me, I still have un opened boxes of collectable barbies I bought for my daughter, in her closet (She was never interested in playing with them). One of them was a build a bear barbie with the same matching build a bear I bought her at the mall. This all was when she was a toddler. She is almost 16 now.

[@language-n-learning]

🚪🙏 I'm on round two of major decluttering in my life. When I moved overseas (US to Korea) almost 10 years ago, I got rid of most of my stuff (over the course of 2 or 3 summers. Now I'm moving from Korea to Mexico. I don't have much stuff, but I do have lots of clutter.

[@dr.christopherjohnson4178]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@language-n-learning]

@@dr.christopherjohnson4178 Thank you. 🙏🙂 I'm from the US.

[@MatejicFamily]

You are so inspiring Marissa. Thankyou for sharing your journey in the raw ❤ So happy to see you are moving onwards and accepting but not getting stuck in the difficulties of your past. You have helped you, your family and many of us. May you all have many joyful experiences ahead, you certainly deserve then.

[@valerierogers9609]

As you dispose of baggage the sense of lightness overtakes any fear, remorse or guilt. It gets easier.

[@trisadam]

Beautiful story, your family is gorgeous and I can 100% say that both of your parents are smiling down at you!

[@yu-ps5nk]

🚪that is really cardinal. Proud of you! I have no reason to be an obsessed consumer. I have a decluttering in my home and mind EVERY day, hour and minute. I hope that the rational consumerism wins one day.

[@terriwerning3477]

What a touching and beautiful story. You shared it in such a meaningful way. Thank you.

[@Sparklfoot]

Oh dear, 5 years, I’m on year 3. Well worth the effort! Thank you.

[@okaforprecious]

👆🏻🎁👆Thanks for watching and commenting congratulations 🎊you've been selected contact me to claim your gift thanks🥳🥳

[@lisajustice3157]

This is what I needed! My eyes are painfully open! Thanks

[@allimalarramachandran5529]

🚪 just starting decluttering , scared but determined

[@dr.christopherjohnson4178]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@kirangarcha7127]

Just watched this video and it’s so beautiful and inspiring. I love the positivity and forward focus. I need some of that in my life too. Thank you 🙏

[@elizabetheyma-davies8584]

What a beautiful story, I’m so glad you found peace xx

[@okaforprecious]

👆🏻🎁👆Thanks for watching and commenting congratulations 🎊you've been selected contact me to claim your gift thanks🥳🥳

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@wxc3143]

wow.. you're amazing. i need to do this, too.. it's so hard though.

[@nazb33]

I've just started watching this video. Here's my 🚪. I've been finding it difficult so yours is the first video I'm watching. I'll continue the video now. I'll fill you in how things go

[@nazb33]

I'm hoarding nearly 50 years of my life. I've got quite a journey but I run after watching your video, i feel prepared for the moments I stumble in between. My journey has begun now. I have to thank you for your description and I can appreciate how you've carried on whilst losing so many loved ones. I'll give you an update in about a month. Many thanks again 👍🏽

[@Justmeandmythoughts55]

Hi new here! Your videos helped me . Thank you. I’m not there yet but I have started. And it feels so good to have a clean,organized and spacious home again. I’m letting go one day at a time. Thank you.

[@xSwordLilyx]

I like that there is no clutter in your kids' rooms, but personally I need rugs and color in my room and that might make your children more comfortable when they are in their room. You could let them pick out something to put on the wall.

[@Rockin_Ross]

🚪. Been at it for just a few weeks and the result (and happiness) is already evident. Thank you for this.❤️

[@sarahwestmusic]

you're a GENIUS!! Thank you with all my heart and soul!!!

[@dr.christopherjohnson4178]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@nancyang]

Flying paper planes and cartwheels in the physically empty space in your home. I want that and am working on it. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@MJ-bz9hu]

Thank you for sharing your journey. Very inspiring!

[@Jamie-s2d]

I couldn't understand all of things you said but I really felt what you wanted to say. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@dr.christopherjohnson4178]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?❤

[@heatherromero7956]

Absolutely beautiful place! And beautiful inspiring video! Thank you!!!!!

[@dr.christopherjohnson4178]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@LB-ec4uf]

SO proud of you! Incredibly inspiring, my friend. ❤

[@dr.christopherjohnson5046]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love 💚us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@juliacarey7149]

What a beautiful story! I'm working on my clutter. It's been at least 3 years.

[@dr.christopherjohnson4178]

Hello, I hope you're safe over there? I hope this year brings happiness, prosperity, and love all over the world, I would love us to be good friends in honesty and in trust if you don't mind. I'm Doctor Christopher Johnson from San Francisco, California, where are you from if I may ask?

[@pleanne8376]

and as i grow older, i emphasize experience more than material possessions. And to me, the stuff i buy that are of minimal uses are just a burden following me wherever i go. Those even include some trench coats, dresses, fancy shoes that i hardly have occasions to use. This is an inspiring video!

[@Beansprout.2131]

🚪"I don't even know where to start" just got me. Idk but it is just overwhelming. I am struggling. I'm a mother of 2 girls (8 yr old and 10 month old) with NO helper. My husband is busy almost 24/7 working and providing for our family. We have 3 bedrooms but one of them are just full of boxes with old stuff (most of them were from my mom's old house, which is why it's hard to just get rid off them because my mom would feel bad. As an Asian, it's not easy.) Our kitchen is also a mess! There's just too much clutter. Sometimes I just want to throw away EVERYTHING to have some peace of mind. 😭 Now that our family is growing, I want our home to be spacious and pleasant. Now I understand why I'm always stressed out. As what you said, "Internal clutter is external clutter on display". I MUST DO SOMETHING. No more excuses. Thank you so much for this video. You are God-sent. I will be starting to declutter before this year ends. ♥