Track Us Down-sizing! WE SOLD EVERYTHING (Best Methods To Downsize For Retirement Or Moving Abroad)

[@lyndajamrozik4786]

My goal is to get out of the US - nothing else is important to me. In my mind, I’ve already said goodbye to material things and anything delaying my move to Madeira. I’ve tried discussing this with a few people who just don’t get it - but imo the body you live in is your “dwelling” - If you are not taking care of your physical and mental health, you can’t enjoy your life . The material stuff is meaningless. Every week I’m donating and giving away my things. What was useful to you in the past can now be enjoyed by someone else …. Pay it forward … Lynda Peterson

[@Track_Us_Down]

Great comment, thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like you are on top of things and are well on your way to a truly meaningful "Second Half of Life," as well as a break from the craziness going on back in N. America these days. All the very best to you! Doug & Monique.

[@jesperchristensen5888]

Another great video guys. I sold everything I owned 16 years ago and went out in the world with a backpack and what could fit in it. not knowing where I would end up, just knowing I wanted something different. Since then I have found a lovely place to call home for the past 15 years. Getting rid of all belongings but the essentials has been the most liberating experience of my life..

[@floatingmoon5778]

I’m hoping to get to that same point; was there ANYTHING that you later regretted parting with? I think of keeping a small box with a relative, but maybe it’s just going to be an anchor?

[@jesperchristensen5888]

@@floatingmoon5778 honestly no, nothing of the stuff I left behind have I ever regretted getting rid of. Even the things that held sentimental value, and which I thought I would regret letting go of. The thing is that we give sentimental value to objects because they remind of us people we love and experiences we cherish. But the memories are not more real or vivid just because we have some material object to remind us of them. Our memories live in us, not in objects. that has at least been my experience.. since leaving my home country and settling in a new place, I of course have accumulated (too) many new things. I guess that's what we humans do. But I miss the sensation of being free of belongings.. a wise person once told me "we do not own our belongings, our belongings own us". Maybe he was right 🤔

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thank you SO much for reaching out and sharing your experiences - what great comments. It's nice to hear from others who have done this already and appreciate the freedom of a more minimalist, people-oriented lifestyle. Both of your comments are so insightful, thoughtful, and intelligent - there is no way we could have said any of that better ourselves!! All the best, ~ Doug & Monique

[@floatingmoon5778]

@@jesperchristensen5888 Thanks for your reply. You confirmed my own thoughts on the subject. I’m an artist/craftsperson, but even the work of our hands is impermanent. It reflects our feeling and abilities at a certain moment in time. The actual feelings and memories still live inside us; as you said, we don’t need material to confirm them. Be well in your journey! 👋😊

[@AdeleB474]

I love seeing your faces on camera every Saturday. Thank you for making these videos. When I see you both I feel like I know you as I have coffee with you weekly! Best retirement Portugal channel! Keep it up!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@robhoffman1154]

OK. So you just landed in my wheelhouse. I run a business that digitizes legacy media (photos, films, videos, slides, etc). And I'm glad you found a way to digitize your photos That said, I am upset that the company who did it for you only gave everything to you on a USB drive. We feel it gives clients a false sense of security. USB drives get lost, crushed, corrupted and plain old unusable. I'm glad you put everything on a computer. But computers crash too. That's why we use the cloud to store photos we scan, uploading to SmugMug (the king of photosharing) and send our clients the link so they can download, view and (most importantly) share with other family members. That way, if the worst thing happens (hard drive gets wiped out, etc) you either go back to the cloud or use the files someone else downloaded to their computer. Also, just so everyone else knows: Walmart and all the big box stores use the same company to do the work. There are tons of disaster stories everywhere. I know, in some cases, the slides get shipped to India. Sidenote: I will not be bringing this business with me when we move to Madeira ;-)

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thank you so much for this! Such excellent advice and info. We use the cloud, but admit that we haven't uploaded these photos from the USB to the cloud storage yet, it's just too easy to find something else to do here! Really appreciate you posting this comment, it's a great reminder. Thanks and good luck with your move! Doug & Monique.

[@tamaramadelin4831]

We did just this and in a similar way! One thing stands out...The rewarding aspect! At one point making money became less important with all the toys, clothes and small stuff! I LOVED giving stuff to kids at the vide graniers(community yard sales) especially when they were contemplating spending their own money! I often did a gift with purchase or even ran after some and gave them an item they decided was too much for their 'budget'!! I washed and cleaned every item donated so it gad a better chance of being sold and not thrown out! Lastly and most memorable was selling a bed frame to a little boy as his first big boy bed...He was so excited to sleep in it that night, but didn't have a mattress yet and the dad asked if they could also buy the mattress that I was going to throw away so I gave it to them(it was in good condition and not dirty, but still i'd never buy or sell a used mattress)...His thankfulness was priceless and I was closer to freedom!!!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thank you so much for your comment. You always have such good insights and we really enjoy reading them. What you say is so true. At first we were primarily focused on making money back by selling our "things," but as the process went on, a surprising but pleasing byproduct was how good we felt either selling something for a a tiny fraction of what it was worth to those who really needed / appreciated the item, or by simply giving something to someone who needed it. We of course had never been in such a position before of giving up all our "stuff," so never knew that type of feeling existed. What a great life-lesson it was for us, and truly rewarding. So funny your example of the "big boy bed" - we had pretty much the exact same experience with a young couple who brought their young son who was about to move into his own first "big boy bed" to buy a nice.single bed we had. Brought back memories of our own boys when they were young. We were so glad to see it go to them. Take care and thanks again for watching and reaching out! Doug & Monique.

[@barrygiles9149]

Perfect video, well done. We're well into the 'draw down' and we make use of donation a lot (Habitat for Humanity being our go to). We take photos of every item, get the donation paper work from Habitat, then price them and use the results for tax deduction. But here's our best thing we did. Donated the oldest car, then used the space in the garage to empty the storage cupboard completely. Tripping over these items in the garage is sure getting them all moved out. The house is under offer so stuff HAS to go and Habitat will come and pick up the big stuff soon so we don't have to physically move it. We're subscribed and hit the bell...more videos please

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thank you for that feedback! We really appreciated hearing how you conducted your downsizing process, it was very interesting 👍. And congrats to you on being well on your way to enjoying your 'Second Half of Life!' 👏😉. All the best, Monique & Doug.

[@vickimuhammad4762]

We will be using an estate sale company to sell everything in our home. I did begin last year selling some things on Facebook marketplace. It is very freeing to know that we will just have suitcases once we complete our move to Portugal in Oct/Nov 2022 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@Track_Us_Down]

Nice! That's interesting and a good idea. We did all the selling ourselves and it was a lot of work, over many, many, months 😐, mostly on FB Marketplace! You will indeed be so happy with just your suitcases! All the best! Doug & Monique.

[@kathleenkelley9253]

Thank you for your video. It is so inspiring. My husband and I are preparing now for our fall of 2024 exit from the US to Portugal and beginning our journey of releasing our items. I agree. We have enjoyed our "Things" but it's time to pass the torch to new ones who will also appreciate them. My husband sold his old fishing boat, all weathered and neglected for years just taking up storage room on our boat dock. Cha Ching! Found Money in our retirement account! Yes, we have our log as well. Wonderful to look at and give appreciation!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hi Kathleen, Thank you for your comment and for sharing your story. It sounds like you are well on your way to downshift to your second half of life! There is so much joy in letting go of items. Best of luck on your journey! Cheers! M&D

[@tinglestingles]

We managed to completely clear our house… with only 15 minutes to spare before the taxi to the airport arrived!! Yes, 15 minutes. The great thing was… there was no time for my wife’s tears! After two months in Portugal the only tears are her tears of joy!!

[@Track_Us_Down]

That is a GREAT story! Right down to the wire 😄. Funny enough, we also have not once become sentimental when thinking back to all we got rid of. In fact, we have a hard time just TRYING to think back on it, as we are too busy enjoying each day here so much! Cheers, Doug & Monique

[@mishtijuno2945]

You're a lovely couple and I like the fact that you're sharing information that is very useful and practical. It can be applied to many situations, not only retirement. A big thank you🙏

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thank you very much for your kind words - we sure appreciate that! Doug & Monique

[@tinglestingles]

Time! Absolutely agree!

[@Track_Us_Down]

100%! 😀

[@Mr.S65]

We downsized from a big house to a 1,600 foot condo in Boston. One piece we weren’t able to sell or donate had to find a place in the condo. It’s a rather large china cabinet that happens to be dark. It’s beautiful but not “in” anymore we were told, so literally nobody wanted it even for free. That was utterly “chocante” to say the least. It’s a good piece, really.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Isn't that the truth of it though hey? Such quality pieces, often quite expensive pieces, that sadly nobody wants anymore and hard to even give away. This time around in our "Second Half of Life" we are striving to practice more minimalism. All the best! Doug & Monique.

[@Mr.S65]

@@Track_Us_Down if I may ask, what size is your home in Madeira? I know you still have a condo, are you going to keep it? We’re planning to keep the condo, rent in Portugal and then buy. Like you guys did. Love how you guys have done your immigration to Portugal

[@Track_Us_Down]

@@Mr.S65 Our actual indoor living space here is just under 1000 sq ft, but because of the back courtyard and front terrace feels SO much bigger. Big enough for our “Second Half of Life” anyways! We may have mis-communicated along the way - although we initially kept our condo back in N. America we did end up selling it a few months ago and took advantage of high real estate prices there, and was part of our streamlining, financially!

[@Mr.S65]

@@Track_Us_DownYou literarily sold everything then. Thank you for your candid response, I certainly appreciate your kind input, it’s so useful. I’m in France, and I plan to apply for the D7 Visa when I get back to the US. I’m aiming to be in Portugal in late September or early October. Thanks again

[@Track_Us_Down]

@@Mr.S65 We sure did. Our original plan was to keep our condo and rent it out long term while renting here ourselves, but felt this was the better move for us, financially. Good luck with your D7 application and your process! 👍🏼😀 ~ D & M

[@DCL26]

Excellent video(s) about the practical and emotional aspects of retirement and the big changes in moving to different places or another country, and the preparation that needs to go into it. Thank you both. Excellent presentation!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Dolores! Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words. We will continue to make videos and hope you will follow along! Cheers! M&D

[@rickchandler2570]

One other thing that you can do with things like furniture is consignment businesses. Also, you didn’t mention it but make sure to copy your photos from that USB stick to a cloud provider like Google Photos. Those sticks only last so long and it’s suck to lose it all.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thank you very much for this. Both great ideas. We didn't do the consignment route as we were having excellent success between eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local online sites, and thought that consignment would take too long or be too much of a hassle. But definitely worth considering. Excellent reminder regarding the USB to Cloud backup - we are actually going to act on that suggestion so thank you for that! D & M

[@TheRetirementality]

Moving to an island is no joke. We live in the Virgin Islands. If you want to de-clutter your life move to an island. 😜

[@Track_Us_Down]

This is so true! Cheers!

[@stephenjarzombek2903]

I keep looking at a box of 600-800 slides that were taken mostly by my dad with another 300+ that I took for myself sitting by the scanner I bought to do that 5 years ago...and it's still a project waiting to be completed. That doesn't include the albums of prints that I took when our kids were growing up. I have been considering just biting the bullet, sorting those down to no more than 500, and shipping them off to a service, too.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Oh wow - slides! That seems even more daunting, especially if doing yourself. Ha ha, totally know how it's just so easy to keep putting off the "scanning" job. We did the sorting out of necessity, and with the pressure of a "time crunch" and believe that was a good thing. Nothing like a timeline / deadline to ensure a project or assignment gets done. Good luck to you! Doug & Monique.

[@vinaykumarcoach]

Wonderful video Doug and Monique. Thank you. Looking forward to learning more about how to declutter, help stuff find new homes, and downsize/simplify. With kids grown up now, our needs and desires are far less then they used to be. Every time I move something on, I feel much lighter. It's a wonderful feeling.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thank you very much, Vinay, we appreciate your feedback 😀. You are absolutely right and very insight comment! Cheers, Doug & Monique

[@glonu2]

Very informative....I can't wait to learn more of your downsizing tips...I have 20 months to complete our downsizing so we can start out full-time retirement travel and Portugal is our first destination!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thanks for reaching out! That's great that you are well on top of your process, and have an exciting upcoming plan for full-time retirement travel! All the very best to you! Doug & Monique.

[@desertdweller8520]

Yes, I'm getting rid of everything too! I will be selling furniture and my car. I don't have that much at this time but I make sure I dispose of at least two items each week. Any suggestions for luggage? I will be getting on duffle bag as well. I am enjoying these videos! Hope to meet you two in 2023!

[@Track_Us_Down]

That's great - well on your way at a controlled pace - very smart! Not sure if this is what you meant, but when we moved we each had one large hardshell suitcase, one small carry on suitcase, and one backpack in transport bag. Plus a small day-bag. Inside the big suitcase, we stowed a couple extra bags such as a weekended duffle and similar. Thank you very much for reaching out and for watching us and yes, please Track Us Down! Doug & Monique.

[@desertdweller8520]

@@Track_Us_Down I plan to do just that. In the meantime, it's the D7 Shuffle and Apartment hunting. My retirement is planned for December. I think 44 years of work is enough!

[@MirandaHorger]

This is one of your best videos yet! So practical and helpful!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thanks so much!

[@John_McFadden]

Hi Doug and Monique. This is a really timely video for us. We just started selling stuff to get ready for our move. There's so much great advice in this video, from how to sort everything out, to your great suggestion about photographing sentimental items and scanning old photos. We're really looking forward to the next video to hear about Doug's magic selling tips! Cheers.

[@Track_Us_Down]

That's great to hear! Hopefully it goes well - it truly is a LOT of work over many months - at least it was for us! Ha ha "magic selling tips" - Monique really may have overstated that!! Cheers!

[@andyw7283]

G’day Doug and Monique Thank you so much for the great video. We are right in the middle of selling, giving to friends and donating mode! Very stressful process; besides our items, I have my parents and my uncles items and it has been quite a process over the last 6 months. Friends and family have been receiving a majority of the items. I had approximately 50 albums and ended up with 5 totes of pictures to go through. I have one thought during this process; take a mental break if the stress starts to build and try to keep positive; think about the future “Retirement”and embracing a minimalist style of life. Thank you again for the great tips and I look forward to Doug’s expertise on Selling items. Cheers Andrew and Monica

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hi guys! That's awesome! We hope it all goes well for you 👍👍. Exactly right - it sure can get stressful at times, especially with other family members' stuff added in to sell! Not to mention constantly having to meet with strangers to complete the transactions. The mental break is a GREAT idea, as at the end you will reap not only the financial benefits, but as you say, the new and freeing "minimalist" lifestyle. Good luck! ps. Monique may have over-sold on the "Doug's amazing selling" claim! 😆

[@kathyhoskin8350]

This helps so much! Can't wait for more!

[@Track_Us_Down]

So glad to hear that!

[@cookmaster3626]

At some point in our life time, either we have to get rid of things we collected by way of donation, selling or charity. This has to happen whether you decide to live thru your life in the same place you lived several years or move else where like you guys did. to a new land or home. If you don't do it , one of these days your successors or inheritors will have to be burdened with that task So why not start doing it now when you are able and lighten that burden and also be happy that you brought smiles to someone by gifting. Your video on the ideas presented are a must see for everyone who is reaching that age / planning a change in scene. Very well presented loaded with ideas. Thanks for sharing and enlightening us.

[@Track_Us_Down]

What a great, insightful comment - you are SO right. It's going to happen one way or the other, so it's nice to be in control of this inevitable process ourselves, and still be able to enjoy the benefits! Thanks again for reaching out and for your feedback! Doug & Monique

[@GiantessNomad]

Seems your philosophy is a bit ‘The Minimalists” x Marie Kondo….I’m 1-2 years out from my move to Portugal. The downsizing is freeing and addictive!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello Cheryl! Thank you for watching and commenting. Ha ha yes that sounds like the bones of our philosophy!! 1-2 years out is an exciting time as there is so much going on in terms of downshifting ( yes so true… freeing) and it gets more and more addictive, especially recouping money from items that no longer serve i you. Best of luck on your journey - Portugal 🇵🇹 awaits! Cheers! M&D

[@desertdweller8520]

Keep the videos coming!! Maybe do one on the gyms in Funchal?

[@Track_Us_Down]

Great idea!

[@seanburchill5373]

Hi Doug / Monique, another great video with lots of good advice! We have our first open house today and I've been busy all week selling stuff! Take care!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hi guys! Congrats and let the "fun" begin! 😄. Good luck!! Doug & Monique.

[@alanandsuegrimshaw4629]

Great video to watch from someone who has already been through these steps, we are almost at the end of moving our stuff on and have done the same steps as you guys and wow it makes you feel liberated. Look forward to next Saturdays. 😊

[@Track_Us_Down]

That's great to hear! Thank you so much for that feedback - very nice to get that validation from others who have had similar experiences! Yes it sure was freeing! Cheers! Doug & Monique.

[@angelap.8856]

Thanking you both,for this video. I had been waiting for this one . I’ve been subscribed to your videos firstly because I’m a Madeiran fan 😉. Secondly I was anticipating finding out how you dealt with the sentimental things. Especially the photo albums and especially the ones of the kids, pre digital times. I shall look into ways to do similar here in the Uk.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thanks for this feedback, and thank you for subscribing! 🙂 Finally conquering the sentimental items and dreaded photo albums we would say was the most relieving, freeing part of the entire downsizing process. But once done, we realized what a hold those items had on us, unnecessarily. We still have and love our memories, as well as the people associated to them. But we are busy making new memories! All the best to you in your process! Doug & Monique.

[@shawnreid7309]

We’re thinking about moving to Funchal from Ontario Canada . What about fitness are there any running clubs? … the only thing I can see is paid running or trail companies.

[@Track_Us_Down]

I love this question! I feel like I could go on and on with this subject, but I think it may be good to do a video one of these days on it instead 😄. Fitness is something that has always been very much a part of our lives, and we were very impressed to see how outdoorsy the locals are, and all the myriad fitness activities the locals are into. I have found it very inspiring as we enter our "second half of life" and look to maintain and improve our fitness levels and skills. There are many gyms here, all seemingly much more affordable than back where we lived, as well as at least one dedicated CrossFit club here in Funchal. Along Estrada Monumental (long area, one of most flat areas) there are always tons of people jogging and road-biking, individually and in groups. I stopped to ask one group of guys taking a break from their running there if it was a running club and they told me no, just a group of people who meet to run all the time. It almost seems like they have a marathon every other month here on the island and/or Funchal, as well as a prestigious "Ultra" trail run on the island yearly that people come from all over the world for. I guarantee there are running clubs, biking clubs, climbing clubs, tennis, padel, surfing, swimming clubs, etc., etc., - from what we've seen. All the best, Doug & Monique.

[@shawnreid7309]

@@Track_Us_Down thank you so much for responding to this message !

[@GMOriginal3]

Amazing how you had the courage to get rid of the physical personal photos! Just wow! I wish I had those balls! Lol

[@Track_Us_Down]

You can do it! We have just as much joy looking at them on our phones, although we don't spend much time at all right now living in the past by looking and looking at them. Too much fun times in the present! Cheers! Doug & Monique

[@GMOriginal3]

@@Track_Us_Down that’s the spirit! Good for you guys! 🙌 Im from Madeira and I did the other way around. I moved to USA. 😅 but not forever ;) Enjoy Madeira!

[@tinglestingles]

I think people do not understand the costs of bringing anything into Portugal plus the customs processes - can be extremely onerous and expensive.

[@Track_Us_Down]

You are so right on that. Crazy expensive. No thanks! Plus they have everything we need here, mostly better than what we've been used to!

[@valeriepatrick6216]

You guys are so smart,👏 I appreciate your informative videos…. Now I’m dreaming to be there….it’s amazing how different life style is… how we get attached here on things that don’t matter… we should invest in ourself not things…. ❤️ stay healthy and happy. A devoted watcher…. Oh… can you drive there with a American/ Canadian licence driver. Thanks a lot.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback - we really appreciate that. "Attached to things that don't matter," - couldn't have said it better! As for the driver's license - yes you can drive here on an American or Canadian license, plus most other countries - as long as it is valid back home. Cheers!

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! Would you believe we are just seeing this comment now!! 2 years later!! Not sure how it never came up until now. Sorry about that! Thank you for watching and for your kind comment. ✨ Cheers! M&D

[@ilsevanheerden4976]

I feel the same about the diamond rings. I Iive in Europe and don't know where to sell my precious and semi-precious stone rings. I paid a LOT of money for them. Even took a train to Switzerland once but got offered only a few hundred for each ring. I won't sell for that. Any idea where to sell expensive jewellery online?

[@Track_Us_Down]

We relate to what you are saying exactly - thank you very much for this comment. We have found the diamond industry (as a consumer) to be a complete sham. The jewellers buy them for quite a bit less, then charge a ridiculous price and image of "forever" and preciousness, then let you in on the little secret when you try to sell them back down the road - that they are essentially worthless compared to what you paid, especially with the new-age man-made ones rivalling or exceeding quality. Gold or other similar metals are the way to go in our humble, limited opinion - always holds it's value! The best luck we had selling our diamonds (we still had the certification papers) was actually on eBay, where they were bought by stores/brokers elsewhere. At least we were able to recoup some money from that. Good luck! 😀 D & M

[@ilsevanheerden4976]

@@Track_Us_Down Thank you for your reply. I'm so scared of selling something so precious on eBay, but you're giving me hope - I never thought of selling to companies.

[@kundansingh2118]

Sir, i am all alone in my life. Is Madeira suitable for me. I am 53 years old.

[@Track_Us_Down]

Hello! You are young just like us, but Madeira is absolutely great for people young AND wise 😉. We have met many people who have come over solo, right into their 70's. There are many meet-up groups, especially on Facebook, for all kinds of interests. With all the activities and vibrance of life here on the island, we confidently say "Yes!" All the best, Doug & Monique

[@kundansingh2118]

Hello, sir, Thank you so much for your encouraging advice. Definitely, i will meet you in Madeira