We got rid of 90% of our possessions in our 50s and are moving to Europe

Get 15% off using the code BTS15 when you buy my new course Collaborative Trip Planning on BrightTrip: www.brighttrip.com/courses/co...
Moving sucks. I think we can all agree on that.
But as I share in this video, in spite of all the hard work and effort that goes into it, what we experienced over our own 40+ days moving out Portland was nothing short of magical.
Our heads would constantly worry about everything working out and us leaving on time (because that's what heads do best!). But we learned in time that the less we'd let that happen and the more we allowed things to unfold, the more the lovely surprises, the unexpected encounters, and the wonderful gifts from the Universe.
Watch our crazy journey leaving the US and the amazing lessons we walked away with.
Jump points:
0:00 - Intro
1:35 - Our Stuff
5:34 - The Future Apartment
7:39 - Little Angels
9:20 - Butter
11:27 - Final Message
(Thank you as always to my wonderful family for all your support. To Sky for helping us with the move (as depicted in the video!), to my superhero wife for being the star of this installment, and to @nathanieldrew for your wonderful shots of us. Love you all. ❤️)
If you like the content, please subscribe, like, and/or comment. Thank you in advance!
Find me on Instagram: / be.neaththesurface
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[@nathanieldrew]

I wish my parents were this cool… oh wait 😅 You’re making such brave decisions and I love how honestly you’re sharing the process! This was so well made and an incredible reminder on the importance of checking in with our relationship to our possessions.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Haha. Thanks, your words mean a lot. Even though we talk about all this all the time, there's something special about reading your comment here. And more so on Father's Day. 😊

[@nemmmm2208]

that is the first time I saw parents following the steps of their son. Ya I would like to have such parents... what makes me have more admiration is how supportive you all are with each other

[@bekindfox]

@@nemmmm2208 mother here. I already planned to follow my daughter when I will be retired and she will have her child (which of course will take years from now, but anyway...). And yes, she knows about my plan and loves it. :-) She lives 1 hour away now but the universe knows where she will be going after university, so ... it might be anywhere! :-D

[@bekindfox]

I love how you comment, and every time I wonder "who is this guy" until I realize who you are. :-)

[@ReedRobins]

These ARE some VERY cool parents! Thanks for the recommendation, and I will continue to watch. At some point I hope we hear more about the composer part...one composer to another of course...

[@ljit4664]

I’m a 61 year old single woman who just sold her dream home to move to Belize. Rather than selling everything, which was completely overwhelming, I decided to donate it to charity. I did keep a few special, sentimental pieces and put those in storage. At the end of six months I will make a final decision of whether I want to dispose of those things, give it to Family, or ship it to Belize. I’m only taking three suitcases to a furnished house. I’m spending the next few weeks visiting family in the US before I fly to Belize in July. Portugal was my second choice, if I’m unhappy I take comfort in knowing that I can always move on to another country. But my life has to be about continuing to grow and having adventures and international living is the solution for me.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Sounds excellent to me! Wishing you all the very best.

[@kathysterndahl3134]

Good luck! I’m sure you will find the place that fits you well.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

so it's been a month. How are things going? I haven't make that huge of a leap yet, but I have compressed all my belongings to one bedroom and rent out the rest of my house to a long time friend to 'house sit' on a permanent basis. I just can't give up the security of my home just yet.

[@djnv4702]

Good for you! I hope you enjoy your new home!!

[@ravenone6255]

Wow that is a brave move Well it's all about planning well Best wishes mate

[@Sicilia928]

I got rid of 99% of my belongings (car included) in my 60's and moved to Florence, Italy, BY MYSELF, in 2017. I acquired my Italian citizenship last year and I have NEVER been happier. Stuff is just that, STUFF. I had come here for college in 2015, studied two years, then returned to California with an empty check in bag. If I couldn't get things in that bag or the ones I carried on the plane, it was goodbye. I had a storage unit FILLED with all my stuff - furniture, kitchen ware, electronics, etc.. My mantra was "when in doubt - throw it out"!

[@darnellcollier8391]

Wow

[@plumeria66]

Good one!

[@tarynnicosie846]

You can't take is with you and it free's up your life !!!

[@ana419]

Question: What are your retirement and end of life plans? Who will take care of you in Florence when you are too old to take care of yourself, and make all your major life decisions?

[@craftbrewer4032]

How many years were you required to live in Italy for citizenship?

[@NateLawson]

"Attachment is a bitch." Truer words have never been spoken. My wife and I are nearing our 50s and are planning to take the leap and move back to Germany where she's from. It's refreshing to see others do it and succeed. You are an inspiration to many!!

[@not-even-german4892]

Sehr schön. Willkommen in Deutschland💕

[@realfoodrefrigerator9338]

DO.IT.

[@sylviacarreon9268]

Oh my goodness we are trying to do the same thing... good luck and keep us posted 👍

[@vervideosgiros1156]

I don't think that attachment is a bitch... I don't understand why they got rid of family photos and music sheets! That's what makes yourself you! Clothes and furnitures, you can buy anywhere, but other things are priceless!

[@Cammieflage13]

This is why every year or every other year I go through every room and closet and declutter. I cannot imagine going through 40 years of "stuff" all at once

[@demesrvl6761]

What a great idea! I'm going thru 16 years of stuff right now. I read a book about Swedish Death Cleaning. Once I finish, I'll go thru yearly.... And in the meantime, I'll be a lot more careful about what I purchase!

[@tinglestingles]

Same... downsized from a 4 bedroom house in the UK to 4 suitcases and moved to Portugal. BEST decision.

[@gabyd.530]

This story resonates with me. Four years ago, my husband and I relocated 2000 miles away from Seattle. We only brought 2 suitcases, our electronics, important documents and of course our beloved beautiful mini schnauzers and a car full of stuff. It was very liberating to donate, sell, gift and throw away stuff. The amazing thing was that it ocurred to me to advertise on Craigslist "all house contents for sale for a flat fee". Incredible as it sounds, a nice gentleman shows up with $3,000 USD and a moving truck to free us from all our furniture, kitchen gadgets (pots and pans included). If you do the math, it is cheaper and infinitely simpler to buy things again than it is to haul your stuff 2000 miles away. Doing this saved us a lot of work, stress and a variety of logistic nightmares. It was also very exciting to go shopping for new furniture and have all new decor!!! We took our time to furnish our new home. It was fun to score great bargains via classified ads. It is unbelievable the number of great quality items your can get for pennies on the dollar (or free!)if you are patient. Good luck to all who read this! 👍

[@elisabethm9655]

My children and grandchildren also live overseas. I’m 71, recently widowed and facing some of the issues you raise in this incredibly inspiring, yet down to earth video. I’m wanting anew start nearer to them, so a big Thank you for sharing your move with the world. I’ve been ‘here’ before, but now I’m doing it on my own - which is at the core of my new adventure. Fifteen years ago, when my late husband retired we moved from California to the East Coast. I well remember that period of letting go of so much stuff in and surging forth to rebuild a life that I now am getting ready to free myself from. Some of it left with my husband’s death and now I want to re-embrace whatever my new life will bring. I’d mistakenly thought that I’d made our ‘forever’ home in a lovely community near the kids, but it all changed. I’m doing this step cautiously, because I suspect radical independent moves don’t get repeated too often at my age. Whatever the days ahead bring, I’m grateful for the knowledge that others are doing this sort of thing too. Whether the motivation is a feeling of being stuck or a full stop like illness and death; if you’re the one still standing, it’s never too late to get going again.

[@josephinemurphy2502]

I know this post was from a year ago. Just wondering how things worked out for you, and if you ended up making the move. Wishing you all the best

[@lanehartwell]

This resonated with me quite a bit and I will admit I shed some tears watching this. My husband and I just moved from the west coast to back east, and we threw out two truck loads of possessions. We tried to donate a lot of it but thrift stores are overflowing with crap and no one would take stuff without a great amount of negotiating, so we finally just called up one of those junk pick up services and let them throw it all in a truck and drive off with it. It was such a liberating feeling to let go of things we have clung onto for years. You said "Attachment is a bitch" and you aren't kidding. It literally robs us of our freedom and our lives. If we measured the value of things by the time we put into researching, buying, maintaining, moving and using our things instead of just the dollar amount it cost to buy them, I doubt we would buy and own as much as we do. Having said all that, I admire you greatly for taking such a risk at this stage of your lives and I am totally envious. I think you've made a great decision and I look forward following your adventures.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you, Lane. :) Can you believe how hard it is these days to donate?? It's maddening. Good on you to get rid of so much. There's so much to learn about possessions. I think it's a lifetime's process.

[@Ploiesti2001]

@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT - it's near impossible to donate anything, the world is becoming full of everything. I'm from Eastern Europe but I can't take anything to my country, people seem to have it all ! Apart from money, that is, so, the lesson here is simple, let's think twice before buying on impulse. As a woman, I would like to buy some new clothes but...where would I store them and when would I wear them. The same goes for everything else. So, airplane and train tickets seem a better investment in our 'golden years'.

[@quaid17777]

I remember reading once that “life ends when you put the slippers on”… meaning comfort can dampen the magic in life, so this is refreshing to see an honest window into inviting that magic back in

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Nicely put :)

[@2_thumbs_up_baby]

Comfort might be yr magic. Its all dependent on yr outlook i suppose. I'm always looking for things that give me comfort. I wish i was more adaptable but its not who i am.

[@iammaxhammer]

Never seen your channel, wasn't very interested in your lives or moving to Portugal but you managed to turn this video about moving into a masterpiece.

[@joysachs9032]

Oh my! This video brought back so many memories. 3 years ago, at age 67, I sold my house and business in South Africa to move with 3 suitcases and my dog to Panama 🇵🇦. And I was still working full time until 6 weeks before I left. Doing all the sorting and clearing of 50 years of living.... getting rid of photos and my kids' "art work" was the hardest. I now live a simple quiet life (with my aged dog) and have learned so many lessons. Particularly about Attachment to STUFF!!! Good luck in your relocation. Glad there were 2 of you doing the clearing.... it helps!!!

[@juliegrune1375]

My hubby and I moved from SA To Germany with 5 suitcases and our kitty Sid

[@jahblessds2409]

Congrats. How is it going in Panama? I plan to move there also but this stuff, omg. Don't know where to begin to get rid of this stuff.

[@carolynwalker5524]

Wow Joy! I’m impressed. Making this type of move alone is no joke! Good for you!

[@kathysterndahl3134]

When I decided to go long-term to Japan, I just told myself from the beginning that if something works out, it was meant to be. If not, I just needed to sit down and figure out what went wrong and why. Fortunately, I started long before I set an actual date. My miracle was when my niece’s husband (whom I barely knew) told his uncle (whom I didn’t know at all), who had been in the Peace Corps, about my plan. This uncle knew some Japanese people from his Peace Corps days who had an online newsletter. They invited me to submit a little article telling where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do, and why, and to invite English-speaking Japanese people to write to me. I ended up with six pen pals with whom I exchanged emails for six months before I went. I was able to meet three of them, stayed with two for short periods, and one became a very good friend. Serendipity!

[@down-to-earth-mystery-school]

For anyone out there who needs to hear this - rest is not a distraction, it is absolutely necessary

[@viktoriapettypiece5953]

My last day, here on a small island in the north atlantic, on my way to Spain. This was a great video , thank you...selling , donating and the hardest was having yo throw things away. Im a single woman almost 68 yrs old, and had to go through, by myself, years of stuff, that the ppl who lived with me, just walk away, my children, my ex husband, businesses, charities, all the things that were stored in my house. Its hard, its sad, but also rewarding and relief, to dis attach from all these things. Onward to my new adventure

[@CroisMoi]

The happiest time of my life was when I put all my crap in storage and lived out of a suitcase in London and Berlin. Our stuff owns us, we do not own it. You can easily and cheaply rent a room in someone else's flat and use all their stuff. You can live anywhere. I am in the process of getting rid of most of my stuff so I can get out of the US also. I cannot buy a house here, it is too expensive. There is no point in getting on the property ladder at this stage of life. The American way is to accumulate as much stuff as possible. A friend of mine lived on a narrow boat in London for 9 years. He had room for 5 changes of clothing. His clothes closet was 6 inches wide. His bathroom was the size of a shower stall. You know what? That is all he needed. I learned even more from staying on his boat. You just need a place to sleep, relax a bit, and a place to cook. Most people in England put all their clothes in a clothes wardrobe that is 3 feet wide. Most Americans cannot fathom that. They do not accumulate so much crap there. It is all about the culture. Americans are brainwashed to buy a bunch of stuff and lug it around the rest of their lives. Most people in America have a two car garage, and many of them cannot put their cars in it. They cram crap in it and park the car on the street. I am excited to follow your journey in Portugal. You will keep my motivated.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Haha, so much truth, especially the bit about garages in America! Thanks for coming along for the ride. More real soon. :)

[@truthowl3265]

Sarah, I think you mistook someone's overpriced London flat for a wardrobe. 😂

[@forcenaturelle605]

We moved from Cali to Portugal with my partner 3 months into pregnancy with 2 massive dogs (so had to do kennel training on top of it). Same thing, sold all our things, our cars, and got on the plane with only 2 suitcases each (we wanted to start fresh and the cost of containers was equivalent to re-buying everything new on the other side). Can so relate to this video. Doing all this while my partner was having morning sickness (which doesn't stop in the morning btw), was A LOT. Continuing the journey on the other side in Portugal was a lot too! We airbnb'd for months before we finally found a stable long term lease. But now we're so grateful for tour new life and so proud of ourselves for having cleared so much energetically for the arrival of our tiny baby 🙂 PS: your journey with paperwork is not over once you're in Portugal. Adminstration was a real pain in the butt for months after our arrival. It is a beautiful country but get ready for some of the most mismanaged administrations in the developed world. Some processes have delays of up to 2 years. Safe travels and many blessings.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you! And wow, what a story of your own. I know exactly what you mean by a whole other approach to administration here. Oh boy. Anyway, you mentioning how it all really paid off in the end, in spite of (and because of?) all the hard work, put a big smile on my face. All the best to you guys. 😊

[@bernadettebohan5822]

why Portugal?

[@LavenderHazelwood]

@@bernadettebohan5822 You can live there for cheap with good quality of life.

[@lsvmuk]

@@bernadettebohan5822 Do you know Portugal?

[@lsvmuk]

One of the most mismanaged administrations of d. world? How do you know? Have you been in a similar situation in other countries which would enable you to make a fair comparison? In fact, I have seen written by several people that emigrants have to face very complicated bureaucracy when moving to the States.

[@DerekBearzi]

This resonated with me so hard. It's truly unbelievable how much stuff and clutter we accumulate over the years. Getting rid of some stuff is easy, but those "memory boxes" like you said are the most difficult. Moving does suck, but what comes after can be awesome!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

What stuff does to us, huh? Reminds me of George Carlin talking about it, haha. If you've never seen/heard it, check it out. 🤣

[@ana419]

It can be awesome so long as you dont start accumulating stuff again!

[@cindygarber9329]

Once again. Love the video. I've had to move my parents 3 times this year for different reasons. My father is wonderful but a complete hoarder. Everyday was a never ending challenge. I could not see the end but kept plugging away. They are now finally settled and happy in a 2 bedroom apartment. The end is finally in site! The little angels you mentioned are so true. They. appear when you need them for sure.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

You made me laugh re: your Dad, although I know there's really nothing funny about it. Glad you made it! Again! Hope they stay settled for a while now. 🙂 All the best.

[@debramartinez2665]

This is so appealing,,,but….grandbabies are 20 minutes away,,,and NO way could we leave them. 🫤😢

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Stay with your grandbabies, I say! I know how important that is. Perhaps a move is worth considering somewhere down the line, though not for everyone. All my best to you.

[@christinegivens9048]

“Attachment is a bitch” should be your first merch line on a T-shirt. Brilliant!!!

[@katblake]

So I'm living the opposite process, of moving from Portugal to the US and despite being younger, I still relate with so many things in this video. The chaos, the stress, but ultimately the belief that everything will turn out ok. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures in my country and I hope it's everything you hope for and more. Also a tip, try to look at smaller locations for your permanent home, because Portugal being so small has this advantage: even a remote village that will be cheaper and more "homely" will still potentially be just 30 mins away from other bigger cities. You have a lot of that near Coimbra, places that will be halfway between Aveiro, Coimbra, Porto but won't be too crowded or busy. Anyway, great video, loved to watch it!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thanks so much, Kat! And for the great tip. Stay tuned for more. :)

[@gaylemg5215]

Wow! This video was suggested randomly out of nowhere at exactly the right time, as I am currently completely overwhelmed by the idea of moving, how to move, where to move, what to do with all my stuff.. I cried tears of relief and joy listening to your advice - you are my random angel today! 🥰🙏

[@jacquelinedunn536]

You two are so inspiring! I’m in my 50’s as well. Building up my copywriting business so that I can make the move to Portugal. I love Portugal so much. The landscapes, the people, the food, the weather…everything. ❤️

[@bethb5915]

Hi Jacqueline, I'm a copywriter in my 50s looking to move to Italy 😀 I've started connecting with KZbinrs based in Italy (mostly North Americans and Italians) who are marketing services to English speakers looking to buy property and/or move there. It's a way to start building my network there before I move. If you haven't done so yet, you could do the same in Portugal! If you don't mind, I'd love to connect with you on LI 🙏🏼

[@vervideosgiros1156]

Thank you for the nice words and for loving my country! 😊

[@karmenmrak]

It’s amazing to me to see how I’m so different. I moved many times and I ALWAYS get rid of everything. And start fresh. I have ZERO attachment to photos any kind of memorabilia.

[@chrisherrmann6136]

So good!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you so much, Chris! 😊

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

I am so impressed that you managed to do all of that in 40 days. I moved from a larger house to a tiny cottage that I built and got rid of most of my things as well.I will never accumulate a lot of stuff again.Becoming minimalist is so freeing! My space feels so open and fresh and there is now room for me to grow.Congratulations on your exciting journey.I love this channel and your Butter is one of the cutest dogs I have ever seen.

[@pollykent2100]

Just yesterday I was trying to get rid of some of the tons of stuff we have that we don't really need or use. I managed to box up box up some Christmas mugs and candle holders to donate. And I was exhausted in the end by all the memories and choices to be made. But it's a start. One step at a time. I have to keep telling myself that "it's only stuff."

[@mariansmith7694]

Thank you. I needed this. I am going through this myself, except without the move out of country . It is A LOT, HUGE. I am older than you, and my husband passed 2 years ago. Still, I will do this... it will be ok.

[@pip_rake]

Good luck!

[@cinziam457]

I've been lucky to travel all over the world. Some places impacted me in a way that "changed" me -albeit temporarily-but what I learned is that "Wherever You Go, There You Are" ~John Kabat-Zinn.

[@eugenejohnson1332]

How wonderful that you will not allow your dream to make the big move remain a dream deferred. All the very best

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Indeed. Thanks, Eugene. I hope all is well with you and your family.

[@AdrianneZamandra]

Wow, I’m really happy for your guys and this video is awesome, the clips, the rhythm! I also feel so inspired by your storytelling skills 💫 Greetings from France 🇫🇷

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you, Adrianne! :)

[@Malissa7]

OMG!!! Moving sure does SUCK, MAJORLY! You never know how much stuff you have until you have to move. I sold my home and I'm currently going through the exact same process RIGHT NOW! Posting things online to sell, trying to figure out what to keep, what to throw away and what to donate. It's a COMPLETE mess. My house right now looks like a war zone. I can't take it but I know it must get done. Boxes and containers are piled up everywhere. Now having to find a storage, not to mention a good place to lay my head next! LORD HELP ME 🙏🙏🥺🥺

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Yup. You’ve encapsulated it all so well in your comment. Hang in there! As I say in the video, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Always.

[@BeWellAndResonate]

I'm not planning on moving in the foreseeable future-nor do I have the means to do so-but thank you for your video. Your perspective on life and how to face and deal with stressful situations and unknowns hit home with me. I wish you, your wife, and your little dog the best in Europe.

[@christina9238]

I just can't imagine leaving such a beautiful , cozy & picturesque home. I do understand it, but wow the sacrifice is admirable.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Tough but necessary. :) Don't worry, we'll recreate it here in France... Stay tuned!

[@camillecali22]

Beautiful! I became disabled in my 40's and so my dreams like these have been on hold for 15 years.Not sure if a disabled person would be welcomed to immigrate to another country. Never wait. You never know your future

[@jonlizsam]

I love your video! The home and property you left behind was so beautiful, but what an adventure you embarked upon! My husband and I left the home of 30years in Southern California and so many happy memories there. We relinquished about 75% of our stuff. OK maybe 65%. We parked our 5th wheel in a campground for 7 months until we found a home without wheels. We love living in wine country!! Sonoma is more beautiful than I could ever imagine. And I live on the same large property as my daughter and grandson. I have a small well lit art studio and large garden. Life can be a dream if you’re willing to make changes and let go. Just go!

[@mdsju2mia]

So many memories for me in this video. In 1993, at 40, I resigned my position of 21 years, sold my home, cleared away everything I had managed to acquire in only 20 years; still a lot with a growing son who had been putting trash bags of his unwanted items in the attic-Surprise!! I moved to St Croix with only suitcases and twenty boxes. And in 2019 I moved once again back stateside and kept only a few larger items in a storage shed which I paid for upfront. And in August 2021 went back and cleared out all the remaining items. Put together a pallet for shipping to TN, where I had a Tiny built. To this day I continue to live as small and with as little as possible. Only what’s needed! And it is perfect. A 19’ travel trailer in a RV resort in FL and a Tiny escape in TN. And in two months taking off for Barcelona. And my end of November I will be in Barbados. From there thr plans are evolving. I’ve loved to travel and plan to do so for a very long time. Congratulations on your Portugal move. It is the country I have chosen should I decide to move further away from states again. Blessings.

[@sarahadamhafez5397]

I'm planning on leaving the US next year for Portugal as well! I cannot wait to follow y'alls journey! Thank you or sharing such beautiful videos!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Sounds wonderful, best of luck. And thanks for the kind words!

[@ana419]

Sounds like Portugal is getting filled up with Americans. Hope they will adapt and respect, instead of imposing and opportunistic monetizing, and not ruin the culture.

[@KristynaStefanova]

@@ana419 Yep, I am afraid this won’t happen. But a lot of Portuguese already move out the country because of the financial crises from 2008.

[@ana419]

@@KristynaStefanova Have they not moved back since 2008? Still, I dont think it was a mass exodus. May Portugal remain intact. It was once a hidden remote corner of Europe that remained pristine.

[@KristynaStefanova]

@@ana419 I met a lot of Portuguese in France back in 2018 and they told me this. Since then they might move back for more job opportunities, I don’t know.

[@eldonpascoe7399]

I am really loving your content. We too are in our 50s having lived in 7 countries around the world. We fell in love with Portugal many years ago and planned on buyIng a propery. there and spending part of every year there, and unfortunately life has taken us out of that dream for now. It will happen but videos and reflections like yours put it all into perspective. I love hearing you share your thoughts. Keep up the great work. Greetings from Australia!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you Eldon! Will continue sharing our journey and discoveries. Wish for you guys to make your dream come true. Just keep your focus and intention on it. Take care and all the best!

[@karinswartz3046]

So many people want to visit Australia! My 20 year old cockatiel is sitting on my lap as I type this, lol. Greetings from Canada! Hopefully, one day, you will travel to Canada or have you already visited?

[@yvonnemullan]

Love your story! How brave you are! Taking a leap of faith and surrendering to the universe. Divine intervention! 💖🙏. Wishing you all the best! 💖🙏 Inspirational!! 💖🙏🇨🇦

[@lwb8326]

This is very encouraging. Thank you for starting your KZbin channel.

[@jesserichardson4689]

You can't imagine how timely this all is. You both are only 50, relax and enjoy the ride.

[@lindagot]

I needed this video today. Thank you for making the effort.

[@LyndaMarieRoy]

That was a powerful message. Thank you so much for sharing your moving journey and infusing many powerful universal lessons you’ve leaned!

[@jamiewojciechowski205]

So many life lessons learned watching this video, thank you for posting.

[@bethvictor1190]

I love your unique way of presenting your journey. Great editing too!

[@ContrarianExpatriate]

I retired in 2017 and went through a similar ordeal. My eureka moment was to throw out EVERYTHING that could not fit into two roller suitcases and a laptop bag. I chose not to sell, give away, or other wise delay my plan. I just tossed it all, even clothes and items I loved. In fairness, I do maintain a storage unit with personal items like documents and winter clothes since I travel in warm climates usually. But my possessions no longer own me as they once did and I am free to travel around the world as I please.

[@michellebyrom6551]

Over forty years ago I worked for a short time with a guy in his late 40s. He moved around the world a lot. Can't recall his name now but I remember him saying: What you can't fit into 2 large suitcases you don't need. Hasn't stopped me collecting a lot of junk. I just declutter the truly superfluous every few years.

[@GinaBrittCo]

Yay this is amazing!! Congrats y’all!

[@alexkwak2213]

Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@drewskij2175]

This is awesome and so happy for you guys.

[@thebobsmith1991]

Congratulations! What a great message. I needed this today.

[@chopsthicccs]

WOW telling amazing stories must run in your family. This is beautiful

[@shellyruble559]

This was uplifting and exactly what I needed today. Thank you for sharing this. We're getting rid of things for a big move as well and hitting more overwhelming obstacles than I thought were possible, yet things are still moving forward. I hope you're living your new home and new adventures.

[@kirstyjjamieson]

Very high production quality - and wonderful storytelling. Thank you

[@rimonagale1625]

The narration of this experience is exceptionally good & concise!

[@soniarodriguez2072]

Thanks for sharing. I have to show my husband this video.

[@bellebeauty67]

This was so much more than just moving! Thank you for all the mental jewels of wisdom and insight. Bravo and Brava to you and your wife!

[@dollcrazy300]

This video is a little angel, a gift at the right time for me. Thanks for the reminder, as I ponder the next step for my family!

[@piadavis8435]

Absolutely love this!!! Thank you!

[@belindarawlings778]

Good luck☘️🍀☘️🍀☘️🍀 Hoping everything continues to fall into place in its magical way

[@mylittleocchio]

Thanks for sharing your story. Please keep it up. I watched each of your videos by myself and then again with my husband. We are two years behind you, so I'm taking notes and making plans. Wishing you continued joy even during the hard bits as you lean into this new life.

[@traderforprofits7244]

My destination in the near future. Love your vids. They always touch me so deeply. Wishing you and your family the best!!

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

I’m just glued to your stories and experiences! Oh, I just love it! Everything you’ve both said is true. Until your next video goes up, I hope all is going well. 🌞 💕

[@bobbybuckhead]

👍🏿🌞👏🏿🙏🏿🙌🏿🎉🎊…Thank You!…I needed to hear this! May ALL Be Wonderfully With Each of You!🌞

[@reneeraw6927]

I’m taking notes, MANY notes. My husband and I will be doing this once we are retired. I could relate to everything in your video. You are helping so many people by uploading this. Keep em coming!!!💞🥰

[@lindahehemann7949]

Love it! This is what I need to watch to remind me to take things one step at a time. Thank you! Keep the videos coming!

[@gracegiven5093]

Wow. You are doing what I can only dream of. Have a wonderful adventure!!!

[@Royalteelive]

It's amazing how life works in your favor! This video resonated with me. Too many times in my life when things that seem to be impossible becomes possible, then you realize you are being guided, watched over, and loved! It just brings about an unbelievable joy!!

[@belindarawlings778]

Just amazing to watch you both and your precious Butter. Looking forward to watching your adventure unfold❤️❤️❤️

[@allthingsnu4673]

This video is so well done. The home you had in Portland was gorgeous!

[@jodykelly7096]

Keep the videos coming. Very informative and well done.

[@hivolco151]

Totally enjoying your thoughts and the process as you described the ups and downs of moving! What a relief when it's finished!! Loved this video!

[@vianamendes1835]

Great choice! Enjoy your new adventure!

[@andeanwind]

As others have also said, this resonated with me. I am in the process of final packing (shipping has already left) to move to Spain. Same issues with the memory stuff, especially piles of music scores of unfinished work I keep thinking I will get back to. Very artfully edited as well. Great video.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Another composer, I see. :) Indeed, all the stuff we will eventually get back to that we never do. Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙏

[@cricket1301]

your video popped up on my roku with am coffee at just the right time...so inspiring...thanks for the honesty , the nitty gritty the sharing of the stress. presented in a way that gives hope and calmness and support. Thank you!!

[@viagenseoutrascoisas2235]

Hello. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you all the best. ❤️

[@essanjay8604]

I've moved many times and each time I've had a clearout of clutter. I can guarantee that after a few weeks I don't even remember what I chucked away (anything saleable goes to charity the rest is taken to recycling or waste disposal dump). I've realised I actually use very little on a daily basis. I much prefer to travel light through life.

[@royworks28]

I love this channel! I’m also in my 50s with 2 sons and a KZbin channel. It’s great to see a successful family enjoying the victory lap of there lives. Best of luck to you guys.

[@JD-ZagaDude99]

Thank you for your video. I’m going through the same downsizing process you went through. You’ve given me some encouragement as I slog through. Good Luck in Portugal.

[@JenniferCooperbowlfull]

I am loving this channel. met you on Drew’s channel and I’m so inspired by your courage

[@nataliadias135]

When I saw the title, I immediately thought about my memory boxes. I plan on moving to Australia next year, and getting rid of those boxes will probably be the hardest part for me. I know that technically you can take photos and still keep them with you, but it is not the same, right?. In any case, it's nice seeing you going through the process. I hope you keep on sharing this journey. This channel is amazing!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you so much for your support, Natalia! 🙏

[@elsastewart833]

Great video! My husband and I have moved to different countries and we know about all the stress, excitement, and expectations that are felt all at once.

[@reikibreak7524]

Ran across this video today as I was trying to answer the question what next. Thank you. This was exactly what I needed to see. I look forward to following your adventures.

[@Tracyhopkinsontextileartist65]

Beautiful film and all the best. We were looking at going to Central Portugal in two years but everything seems to be in our path. After watching your film I will look at it again. Thank you and best of luck with your journey.

[@dosdandelions8879]

We had a similar experience moving from one country to another ~ as you said, "Unexpected magic". It's so great!

[@createandliveyourbestlife]

Well done and THANK YOU SO MUCH for you honestly, you have shown how we can lighten the load and the challenges of moving by being open and not closed off to what the universe will offer when we least expect it . Again thank you , and am excited for you on your new Adventures .

[@MirandaHorger]

Wow, you guys are doing what my husband and I dream of doing. We're also in the Portland area (Oregon City), so I'm excited to come along on your adventure and learn things to help us when our time comes.

[@berthagonzalez1657]

I have never commented on any you tube video, but had to comment on yours. Wonderful videos! Please do more! Have a great deal of admiration for all you both have accomplished and will accomplish in Portugal. Loved the part of how the mind thinks a certain way based on past data, but that is limited and we can’t let ourselves succumb to this. That resonated a lot with me. The truth is there are endless wonderful possibilities that await us in any given situation.

[@general5273]

Thank you so much for taking the initiative to document the emotional and practical challenges of this process -while actually going through the process (whew!). We are a few steps behind you in the same process and really connect to your experiences and feelings as we anticipate the challenges of our own journey. Mostly, we appreciate how thoughtful you are in terms of articulating all aspects of your transition. Your videos offer real value to us. Really looking forward to the next installment.

[@GloriaW888]

Great video. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@smurfette1961]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! You made downsizing a lot better!!!

[@RA-go5qk]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m feeling so burdened by all my stuff and I feel paralyzed every time I try to make decisions. I’ve always had a hard time getting rid of possessions, probably because I’ve never felt I have the money to replace things later. Growing up poor, I held on to every little thing. It’s still so difficult to purge, but your video really touched my heart. I saved it to watch more times when I need inspiration.

[@LifeinGlow]

Thank you for sharing! for some reason your vlog brought me tears because even being a psychotherapist / counselor / life coach myself I feel the process of downsizing has been much slower than I was hoping for and at times daunting, although liberating when it is successful... love your storytelling style.

[@rebeccabaradas7699]

Thank you so much for sharing your moving out experiences! This is so professionally done! Very informative yet very real! Very detailed but long & boring! I look forward to watching more videos from you! 😘

[@constancewalsh3646]

How absolutely refreshingly fearlessly humorously lovingly really spiritually candid!!! An original. Thank you!!!

[@eugenioolazabal1867]

Great video. Must say, you, your wife and also your son are incredible people, love the courage you showed through it all in spite of all the challenges. I truly hope Portugal has surpassed your expectations. I know it's a beautiful place that's not perfect, just hope it's close to perfect for you.

[@myexperimentswithasimplerl3826]

Subscribed! My partner and I live in New England, are in our late 40s, with similar thoughts of retiring in Europe through Portugal. Love the content and looking forward to your journey.

[@alyciagibson]

I adore your family so much. Each and every one of you has a mindset that is a fresh breath of air. It gives me great hope that one day I might have a family as lovely as yours where I can teach myself and my kids kindness and resiliency like you have.

[@allygolding3647]

its true when we let go of our resistance and allow space for miracles, big and small, it works out, eventually. Like you i have seen this first-hand many times it doesn't only change our course its changes us, feeling blessed and grateful. thanks for posting this video and speaking from the heart. i too see myself in Portugal one day, soon. Thankfully I've never been a hoarder of any type and now I own just enough to fit one normal size lock-up. My life feels lighter because of this. I'm not attached not even to my house and I own it. Love, life and laughter are my jewels. xx