From Hoarding to Freedom
If you know me now, I strive to have fewer things, a smaller home, and a more mindful approach to what I eat. I care about the materials my food is stored in, the ingredients in my body and hair care products, and the detergents I use for my clothes. Over time, I’ve become more conscious of my choices, but it wasn’t always like this.
The Hoarding Years
Back in my first year of high school, I received a student stipend. Instead of spending it recklessly, I saved up to fill my future home—just in case I couldn’t afford it later. Planning ahead couldn’t hurt, right?
So, I started stockpiling:
Clothes (both new and second-hand)
Kitchenware (new and used)
Random household items
Beauty and wellness products
What I didn’t realize at the time was that I continued this habit for the next five years. I had no idea what the future held, but at least I had my belongings in order.
The Wake-Up Call
After finishing my apprenticeship, I moved to a folk high school (FHS). All my belongings had to be stored at my childhood farm, which required a fully packed Nissan Patrol and a trailer. I was deeply dependent on my things—they represented security. In my mind, they guaranteed a stable future.
However, after a year at FHS, everything changed (read on to see why).
I moved to Tromsø, bringing only what I had from FHS: two pairs of skis, one suitcase, one large backpack, and one small backpack. My first year there was filled with joy, but I’ll fast forward to a pivotal moment—the loss of a family member and, a year later, my fibromyalgia diagnosis.
Discovering Minimalism
It was during this time that I discovered minimalism for the first time. Unfortunately, I no longer have the book that changed my perspective, but its lesson stayed with me and shaped my journey ever since.
The book taught me three important things:
Objects carry energy. If I surrounded myself with items that held negative energy, they would trigger bad memories and emotions every time I saw them.
The more stuff you have, the more stagnation you experience. Fewer things mean more freedom.
Holding onto things out of obligation or fear of hurting someone keeps you stuck. When an object loses its positive energy, it no longer serves you and should be let go.
Armed with this knowledge, I began decluttering. I let go of things that no longer belonged in my life. At that time, my pain was so intense that I couldn’t dance, ski, or engage in activities I once loved. So, I parted with items I thought I wouldn’t use again.
I also transitioned away from chemical-laden products, switching to organic alternatives like doTERRA. I replaced:
Beauty and wellness products (lotions, makeup, cleansers, perfume, lip balm)
Shampoo, conditioner, hair dye, and body soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Cleaning products (for laundry and dishes)
This shift felt incredible. Knowing I was making these changes for my health gave me a sense of empowerment. Even while struggling with chronic pain, this transformation kept my motivation alive.
Simplicity is Freedom
Over the years, I prioritized eco-friendly purchases over plastic. Today, I still follow this path. I do, however, still have some belongings stored at the farm—now much less than before. But I feel it’s time to let go of even more.
One thing is certain: I feel so much freer now with only the essentials in my apartment and a clear understanding of what I have back home. This clarity allows me to focus on what truly matters in the present and release what no longer holds value.
I’ve realized that moving through life is much easier when you own less. And with my dream of living in a tiny home, it’s clear that I only need the necessities.
Does this story resonate with you?
