I left the US in 2018. My mental health improved 110% as I realized how much my stress level dissolved. I lived in Mexico and then on to Europe. Yes, there are stressors, especially doing this alone with my dog but so worth it. No longer having the daily high alerts on TV with shootings, politics, etc has been incredible. I don't even own a TV now. Not dealing with winter is another blessing. I'm now 64 and there is so much life left to explore.
Most people have no idea how frightening it can be to leave your home country and move to an area with not only a language barrier but cultural differences all I can say to both of you is bravo 👏
@kaywalten4043 the older a person is, the more likely they are to feel the stakes. Hence both anticipation & fear among other emotions may flood the mind
Except that the socio-political situation in France is much worse than in the USA and will deteriorate faster and deeper. And I am very well aware of the disaster taking place in the us right now. You are not moving to France anymore, you are moving to the EU. Huge difference! I am French living in the US
@@fruttojuli_blog_Astrolog Yes, I don't think that most Americans realize what is really happening in Western Europe rigth now, and the coming consequences. The whole Western world is coming to a huge crisis, and here in the US, although I do not like what is happening now under this Administration of fools and criminals, I can move to another state, I can get a lot of space around me to avoid madness, I have the right to defend myself, and freedom and liberties are certainly more intact than in France. Americans tend to help each other more than French's. Most young French people, if they could, would love to move to the US right now. When I speak with my life-long friends who live in France about returning to France to retire, they yell at me: Stay in the US do not come back! And they are people who belong to a privileged social class and have an easy life.
This is a very distilled version of the trauma of disposing your life, addressing your future and leaving a continent for a new unknown life...did this with my wife 2 years ago...and it still makes me shudder...thank you for posting...a shared life changing event!!!
We left Uk with four children for Portland, OR in 1991. Then my husband and I moved to Moscow, Russia for work in 2009. Then we moved to south west Turkey in 2016, “for a year’s sabbatical” and now in 2023 we are still here! Recently returned to Portland to empty our basement storage in our home that has been rented for 13 years, which we just sold, and drive it all to Taos, NM to a small one bedroom adobe rental next door to a daughter and her family. So, lots of letting go and moving on and feeling at home in many places. Now deciding how to share time between our home in Turkey and family time in NM! I understand how you feel! 🥰
My family and I are planning on leaving the US in the next 5 years, heading somewhere to Europe. I wish we could leave sooner. The thought of leaving scares me honestly, but we have a 3-year-old who will be entering school soon, and all these school shootings terrify me much more. :( On a happier note, I love your videos! ❤
Omg you are such courageous couple ! I don’t think I ever totally understand how my parents went thru their moves at the time. First from the Netherlands to Spain then a few years later from Spain to California ! My mother was handicapped and my dad had a heart condition. They brought a lot of their furniture plus a baby grand piano. They were in their early sixties.
Love your content. We did the same thing, selling our home and everything in it, and left the Seattle area with our two Maltese dogs and moved to Merida, Yucatan Mexico knowing no one and getting by with only our rusty high school Spanish. It was time for a reinvention and an adventure, and we dove in head first. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, but in the 3 years we have been here we have never once regretted our decision to leave the US, and with my son here now as well, I can't imagine us ever looking back.
It really is hard to believe that it has been a year since I ran across your video. Your journey has really helped me in our journey in moving to the Philippines from South Carolina. I am 56. We are in the process of finalizing selling what was supposed to be our forever home and downsizing and packing. Less than 4 months and we will be living in the Philippines. Thanks.
@@user-fn8gz8nx3k We are basically staying for good. It will be me, my Filipina wife and 8 year old daughter. Will be in Philippines in July. My mom is the only family I have here in America. I may plan a short visit after a year just to visit.
@@matt89108 I didn't really understand your question, however I can reply to support to Philippine family in general. This is not my main channel name. My other channel is journey2Philippines. I've been supporting about 10 families in the Banago community of Bacolod City, Philippines. Hoping to add more videos once we get there in July. Also hoping to get a business started once there and be able to continue helping even more people. Thanks.
We did the same thing in early 2021, we moved to Mexico. We had all the same anxiety and excitement. Selling things, packing, giving away… That last night in a hotel is the best feeling! I’ve really enjoyed your videos!
We did this same thing last year in Aug. Moved from France to Mauritius. I really get how you were feeling ! The most stressful part was shipping our cat…and we d done it all in advance but had a very narrow window between last health check and validation from the area official vet. We gave away loads of stuff or sold online. Then we left with 6 bags
I got anxiety watching this video....i absolutely hate dealing with stuff that has been accumulated over years. I could never travel with that many suitcases. I would lose my mind. Either way...you guys are impressive with how resilient you both are. Good content as always
Hi guys, moved to California from Germany 36 years ago. Ready to move again. Not sure where to, just away lol. They say, it get's easier with every move. Good thing, I kept my belongings to a minimum over the years. A minimalistic lifestyle is key to a stressless move imho. Bon chance and don't forget to have lots of fun in the process!
Easy move back to Europe. Take Switzerland 🇨🇭 Close enough to Germany to visit old friends and family. But still Switzerland with good living standards. Plus you understand >98% of the language in the German speaking part of Switzerland.
Hola. Dominicano expatriado y (también) estancado aquí en EEUU por décadas. Me han inspirado a seguir su ejemplo. La verdad que nunca me sentí en casa en esta cultura. Sí, al igual que ustedes le agradezco a esta tierra todas las puertas que me permitió abrir. Pero puertas abiertas son para cruzarlas, aveces de salida. Gracias por compartir bellos. Prosperidad y gozo por delante ! ! xoxo
I started to follow your channel a little while ago, but didn't realize that you guys are from Portland! My husband (American) and I (in our late 40s) also moved from Portland to Japan almost 4 years ago now. This video totally reminded me of what we went through on our final day in PDX. We, too, sold our car the day before we flew out of Portland, and also enjoyed some bubble at the lounge right before we flew out of PDX. Although this is my home country, it's been a series of new experience, and we're still enjoying our life here! Good luck to both of you!
I have moved to Italy and it was the best thing. It seems frightening until you just do it. It's actually such an enriching experience and from what I see, this seems like a good time to move to a new country. I love France, I love the Netherlands and I love Spain... but Italy stole my heart!
Thanks Josh and wife!!!! That was another grate video. Me and my wife are Cubans living in the United States, and you guys encouraged us to jump into the adventure. In the next few months we're gonna leave. Thanks a lot!!!
You are the best, really. To go through all of this packing and cleaning and getting rid of like loads of stuff that you have gathered - and you are even smiling! Just can not believe it, you are so inspiring!
We sold everything and grabbed our bags and pets and Son and left USA permanently 2 years ago . Best choice we made and we NEVER look back except to visit family. We will never live in USA again. We both just retired when we left. We have our Autistic adult son with us also who is thriving in our new lives and we are healthier mentally and physically.We chose a Latin American country. Love ❤it. ❤. Blessings to your NEW LIFE and CHAPTER.
It’s great that you have so much energy, plus you have each other and Butter. Also, you are intelligent and financially secure. Lots of pluses. You will make it all work. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I like watching you and your wife. I was hoping for a video on what you guys are doing now, what you are going through now. I’m sure there is so much that you guys are learning.
Hi, Thank you so much for making and posting this videos about your experience of moving from one country to another at the age of 50. It is really helpful for us to learn how you guys are doing along the way, and see the experiences you encounter trying to find a home in France. We are in the face of planing to move to France in the next 2 to 3 years , as soon as my husband retire from his job here in the us. For us your videos are a relevant source of information about the process and the efforts that it entails. We greatly appreciated your videos.. We hope you are doing well and we are looking forward for the next episodes. Cheers
As a writer, producer myself, I find your videos wonderful.. Your filming is top notch, but better than that...I decided to follow you, because of your honesty!! Love your wife & sons! Bravo! Blessings. Love, Phyliss
We SO admire what you guys are doing, but yep, it's totally ballsy! Your house in Portland was GORG, and difficult to leave, I'm sure...but I totally get it. I find myself thinking of doing the same type of thing...A LOT. Especially with the newest school MASSACRE. SICK of it ALL. Looking forward to your next video, guys! 😊
Thru should secure the schools! People lock their homes and cars every time they leave them . Have security systems in their homes that you can watch in your phone of computer. Alarms on their cars, but yet school boards , government and administrators , 25 years since Columbine , schools are not secured! But dam certain everyone licks their house up at night and presses that button on their key ring!
It is so uncanny how your journey parallels ours. We packed, sold, donated, trashed and packed everything, sold our property in rural Vermont July of 2022, moved to Panama, realized quickly that it totally was not for us, moved to Chile in September, are deliriously happy, but still have not settled down yet, although we know the general region we want to live. It’s hectic and crazy but also thrilling and exhausting and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I just read not too long ago in NYTimes how more and more peeps moving to Europe bc its starting to get too expensive for some here in the US. Thank you for showing your journey.
How fantastic! We are doing the same next spring. Can you enlighten me on the best strategy and/or companies to use for international shipping? So confused about that really. We will have very little, but still … how to do this?
We sold our house and moved interstate a year ago. I got on the plane looking like I’d been dragged backwards through a hedge, after all the packing, cleaning etc. I was so happy to put on a mask to partially hide the bags under my eyes. I couldn’t even remember if I’d brushed my hair that day.
Haha we all know that stressful feeling of packing at the last moment and having little to no sleep before the flight :D Also I just realized how scary it might be (but also exciting) to sell your home and realize you're never coming back!! You guys are brave!!
Thank you for your fun and real videos : ) My husband and I live in a suburb of Portland (we think that the Portland connection is fun) and are planning on living in France when we retire. We spend a month in France each year and cannot wait to be there full time. Please keep up the vlog, we love it : )
I so remember our move to France. We rented our house on 1 July and stayed with friends until 16 July. That break was nice. We arrived 17 July 2017 and love our village in France.
Your channel and your story is very inspiring. You are a brave couple. I found your channel because I happened to watch a few of your son’s videos and then I saw you were starting a channel of your own. My husband and I are planning to move to Europe in the next few years. We want to take our teenage son out of this place, the USA has become so dangerous and the quality of life is not great. Watching you navigate your move from here to Europe has been very educational especially when you have a home to sell. It gives us a better idea on how to navigate the move. Thank you.
High school graduation next year and our son is looking at universities in the EU. Excited for him and the chance for ALL of us to move to Europe! Good luck to you!
I’ve been enjoying your videos quite a lot, more so that I can closely relate to it. I moved from Romania to Canada in 1996 and in 2022 I moved to Turkey. For people whith no such experience this is a big eye opener. My move to Turkey was well prepared in many ways and that made it much easier. I’m also fairly adaptable and on the lucky side too as I could keep my job working remote from here. All in all is worth trying to make a change and go for a fresh start. Wish you best of luck finding your place and keep posting your experiences.
The hard drive thing had me in stitches! I’ve done that too. In 1999, in my late 40s, with 1 kid, two dogs and a cat, I left everything and everyone I knew in Sydney and moved 800+km north to a different life. 24 years later, not one regret. What an adventure you’re on!
Great to see the beginning. I followed your whole journey and this is a bonus. We did exactly the same, sold our house at a park (a lovely place we've lived for 21years. Where our sons are born and so much memories), packed our car two boys and a huge dog to travel slowly to Portugal. In August we live here for two years now and slowly picking up the language. I wish you all the best in la douche France, close to your kids and in a great landscape.
howdy you guys.....just by chance found your video as i am just starting researching my move to Perpignan, france...i watched 5 of your videos in order last nite and will probably watch the rest of them today....watching all of the work you are doing in vacating your home of many years just reminds me of what i will be looking at as i will also have to sell my home and sell/donate/trash all of my belongings and my van....your ongoing conversation explaining everything is very helpful in preparing myself for the challenges ahead....
I’m stressing out about moving home within the uk. I admire what you have done, not sure that I could cope with that sort of move. Well done to both of you. Best wishes for the future.
First off, you are both amazing people and I'm happy you are documenting your journey. I have been contemplating leaving the US with my family but I'm scared. I've been conditioned to think no where is better than the US but the direction this country has been going, I've reached a breaking point. Our leaders are no good and peace is what I crave. Y'all are truly an inspiration.
It's a harrowing journey to newness you have no idea about beyond being a tourist which is no way near the actual experience of living there. I did it 13 years years ago, moving to Costa Rica. It's a tough transition but worth it. I've enjoyed all of your videos and can't wait to see where you ultimately land in France.
Just have to say watching your video gives us hope for moving back abroad. We have reasons we cannot move abroad now and it can feel like even when we are can in 16 years maybe we will feel like it is impossible. We are inspired by you all and truly sorting all your things to make it possible to downsize to four bags or so and just leave. ❤
OMG this gave me flashbacks to our leaving. We rented our house out, as we thought we would come back one day. And we were painting on the day we flew out. So much of our stuff was old, 2nd hand or hand-me downs, that we just gave it away. We boxed up two boxes of clothes, ready to be couriered over once we arrived in London. We had 2 months in Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia on the way, so travelled as light as poss. everything had to fit into 2 packs. We used a cheap n cheerful moving company to take our stuff to storage, OMG they were magnificent. They managed to stack everything nice n tidy in a storage locker about the size of 2 toilet cubicles. I can't even remember the journey to Thailand, we were so tired.
Hi Josh (or should I say Mr. Drew) 👋, I remember I started following your RUclips channel ever since I watched Nathaniel’s video about you guys (and Sky) planning to settle in Europe for good. Looks like you guys have come a long way, and I’m happy to see that things eventually worked out at the end, despite all the obstacles you had to overcome! Sending you lots of love!!! ❤️❤️❤️🤗
Kudos to you both for being good humored and able to laugh under extreme pressure/stress...I am sure if my husband and I were in the same situation there definitely would have been bloodshed at some point. It's a production for us getting ready to spend a week at our home in Tahoe with the three dogs and ourselves. I applaud you both and Butter as well for being a trooper!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m in the process of selling my house in the Netherlands to move to Sweden. Very exciting but also a bit scary. Good luck in France 🇫🇷 ❤️🍀
@@synewparadigm it has it own problems. It’s very populated. It’s a small country with 17,7 million people living here . The houses are insanely expensive. We don’t have much nature. Sweden does! Nature, space and tranquility. But the Netherlands isn’t a bad country. Sweden has its own problems. It’s just what you’re looking for in life.
@@marcellejosephine9119 Welcome to Sweden! Yes, we have it all - archipelagos, mountains, open landscapes and dense forests. Still possible to leave your house and car unlocked, if you're in the countryside. Problems - yes, of course and an ongoing war in the midst of Europe has made us all aware of how fragile life is. 💛💙
We are Americans in Carcassonne, France who left in 2014. This was our exact scenario! We had two young kids and had to go buy more luggage too! This video is a like watching a memory! Great content! New subscriber.
How do you like Carcassonne? Le Pays Cathare? Used to love that area and lived a couple of years in a chateau called the Chateau de Caulet in Mazieres du Razes. Has new owners most likely now. Toulouse, Foix, Pamiers, etc.. great area. I did not retire there because of the new form of insecurity.
@@stayfocused1041 we are satisfied living here. It’s home to us. People can’t be told where to live - it’s where your heart calls you to stay. What new form of insecurity are you speaking about ?
I can't believe you filmed your final days. When I was packing up to leave my house for a new life overseas, I wasn't as relaxed as you were. It was overwhelming and exhausting. You guys look like champs in this. Plus, you sold your bed, and car and so many things fell in place at the 11th hour - it was just meant to be.
It's was nerve-wracking moving from California to Idaho, for us. I don't think I could move out of the country. I admire your sense of adventure. I hope you find your forever home soon.
Congratulations on your move and new home in France! Was it feasible/cost saving to ship your valuables to France vs. buying new things in France? Have no clue how much a container must cost these days. Your videos are very enjoyable and inspiring! Enjoy your new life in Europe!🙏🏻👏❤️
I admire you both for having the courage to leave Portland. It is incredibly sad how Portland has declined into utter chaos and lawlessness. Be careful to avoid the riots in France. 🍻
The school and other shootings here have become a daily concern. It’s time to leave. I’m heading to France and Italy to scout around for a place to retire. I’ll finish my work here for a while longer but asap I will be decluttering and purging, and leaving the USA.
for the hard drives: Electric drill... drill 3 or 4 time through the disc and it should be okay between the direct damage and the little bits that go and "pollute" the rest of the disc surface. Whoever want to check them would have to really to put in work... (of course, deep format is another option before that)
Although short-lived we miss you both all over again friends. What an experience, adventure, and inspiration rolled into a wonderfully produced docu-series. Hoping for the best for you and your brood. Till we meet again ~ peace be unto you and your family. ✌🏾🌲
Your home in LO, wow. I love that tub! (BTW, it's still full of tents!) Glad you got out. I really enjoy your style of visual story telling. You took a boring topic and made it interesting. Can't wait to see what you two get up to in France! The whole house hunting thing.
I have no problems separating myself from ballast. i love it because it frees the soul. you can practice it by asking yourself the question - what do i really need to survive. then we see things differently, even the shopping cart isn't full anymore......
I wanted to say how good it was to watch your videos. My family and I have moved internationally 3 x (UK>OZ>CAN>MIDDLE EAST) its hard,hard work for so many reasons. Being an expat is not easy! Some of the things you talked about really resonated with me and I hope you continue to keep making videos of your journey as it unfolds.
I packed so many times And now after a little bit more than 2 years in Poland, I and my husband will pack all our belongings to move one more time. I hope it will be ours forever home. It's terrifying on one side, but it is so fascinating on the other. The changes are always thought of, but it's for good. Enjoyed your video.
Really enjoyed this. We will be leaving Florida for Germany. We aren’t sure yet whether will will be renting or buying there. But in the beginning we will be placing our furniture in storage and renting longer term rb&b’s in different locations around Germany until we find the right one for us. We just spent 3 months there and ascertained that, indeed, we want to go ahead with a move there. Hope to document it on RUclips.
We’re still on our journey of settling in Europe. We had three garage sales, a big garbage pickup, at the end it was 6 suitcases and a dog. A year later it feels like full time work for stretches of time, but it’s all been worth it!
The thing that I love so much about this is the clarity and knowledge that you guys hold--this cycle of your life has expired, come to closure. It's all so matter of fact. In your next video I hope you share more about that. The fruition of this. What does your wisdom say now about all of this? How does it feel? Who are you guys now?Thanks for sharing!
Your video brought back so many memories of what we went through when we moved to Spain last November minus the added stress of moving with a dog. One thing l pledge to do is to not accumulate so many things lol. Hoping you all are doing well in France! Thank you for your videos .
I left the US in 2018. My mental health improved 110% as I realized how much my stress level dissolved. I lived in Mexico and then on to Europe. Yes, there are stressors, especially doing this alone with my dog but so worth it. No longer having the daily high alerts on TV with shootings, politics, etc has been incredible. I don't even own a TV now. Not dealing with winter is another blessing. I'm now 64 and there is so much life left to explore.
... 👍Wishing you all the best... 🤗💞💪
I left Canada in 2018. My mental health improved. I am very happy and enjoy my life each day 💕💕💕
It's so sad what's happening to US. Once was a shining city upon a hill, now a cesspool of leftism and liberalism.
@@sambee4927you mean fascism and extreme right conspiracy crap!
Yes I lived the US in the 70’s and 80’s but now that’s an era long gone
Happy in Sydney !!
Most people have no idea how frightening it can be to leave your home country and move to an area with not only a language barrier but cultural differences all I can say to both of you is bravo 👏
Thank you, Marion! :)
I left the US for Mexico in 1992, did not think twice. No fear. Lived there for 23 years.
it isn't frightening if it has been your dream ...
I know. I'm originally from Ukraine. But I lived in Bangkok, and Warsaw and now heading to a new destination.
@kaywalten4043 the older a person is, the more likely they are to feel the stakes. Hence both anticipation & fear among other emotions may flood the mind
The way the United States is right now, this was one hell of a GOOD move! Thanks for sharing and showing what's possible.
Very sad what keeps happening. Thank you for the love and support. :)
Except that the socio-political situation in France is much worse than in the USA and will deteriorate faster and deeper. And I am very well aware of the disaster taking place in the us right now. You are not moving to France anymore, you are moving to the EU. Huge difference! I am French living in the US
@@stayfocused1041 yes, exactly! US may be not ideal, but still best place on this Earth😊😊
@@fruttojuli_blog_Astrolog Yes, I don't think that most Americans realize what is really happening in Western Europe rigth now, and the coming consequences. The whole Western world is coming to a huge crisis, and here in the US, although I do not like what is happening now under this Administration of fools and criminals, I can move to another state, I can get a lot of space around me to avoid madness, I have the right to defend myself, and freedom and liberties are certainly more intact than in France. Americans tend to help each other more than French's. Most young French people, if they could, would love to move to the US right now. When I speak with my life-long friends who live in France about returning to France to retire, they yell at me: Stay in the US do not come back! And they are people who belong to a privileged social class and have an easy life.
@@fruttojuli_blog_Astrolog keep thinking that
This is a very distilled version of the trauma of disposing your life, addressing your future and leaving a continent for a new unknown life...did this with my wife 2 years ago...and it still makes me shudder...thank you for posting...a shared life changing event!!!
Are you happy you did it?
We left Uk with four children for Portland, OR in 1991. Then my husband and I moved to Moscow, Russia for work in 2009. Then we moved to south west Turkey in 2016, “for a year’s sabbatical” and now in 2023 we are still here! Recently returned to Portland to empty our basement storage in our home that has been rented for 13 years, which we just sold, and drive it all to Taos, NM to a small one bedroom adobe rental next door to a daughter and her family. So, lots of letting go and moving on and feeling at home in many places. Now deciding how to share time between our home in Turkey and family time in NM! I understand how you feel! 🥰
Did you like Moscow?
My husband and I are just downsizing and moving across town and it’s overwhelming. So much stuff! I can’t imagine how stressful it was for you.
Crazy. But what a feeling of accomplishment in the end!
My family and I are planning on leaving the US in the next 5 years, heading somewhere to Europe. I wish we could leave sooner. The thought of leaving scares me honestly, but we have a 3-year-old who will be entering school soon, and all these school shootings terrify me much more. :( On a happier note, I love your videos! ❤
Thank you, and best of luck to you!
You are doing the right thing. I can't even imagine how much pain all these parents have that lost their kids in schools 😢
Moving abroad isn’t easy but you can rest assured you’re doing the right thing ❤ Best of luck to you and your family!
Grass isn't greener in Europe. Be aware!
@@ladybug9171 care to elaborate?
Omg you are such courageous couple ! I don’t think I ever totally understand how my parents went thru their moves at the time. First from the Netherlands to Spain then a few years later from Spain to California ! My mother was handicapped and my dad had a heart condition.
They brought a lot of their furniture plus a baby grand piano. They were in their early sixties.
You guys and your sons are my heroes. Fearless and driving towards the adventure of life.
Thank you, my friend! :)
Agree. What a great team you all are. Awesome!
Love your content. We did the same thing, selling our home and everything in it, and left the Seattle area with our two Maltese dogs and moved to Merida, Yucatan Mexico knowing no one and getting by with only our rusty high school Spanish. It was time for a reinvention and an adventure, and we dove in head first. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, but in the 3 years we have been here we have never once regretted our decision to leave the US, and with my son here now as well, I can't imagine us ever looking back.
Nice! You give us hope as well. :)
It really is hard to believe that it has been a year since I ran across your video. Your journey has really helped me in our journey in moving to the Philippines from South Carolina.
I am 56. We are in the process of finalizing selling what was supposed to be our forever home and downsizing and packing. Less than 4 months and we will be living in the Philippines. Thanks.
Hi Steve. We plan to do the same. Will you be going back and forth to the US or staying for good?
@@user-fn8gz8nx3k We are basically staying for good. It will be me, my Filipina wife and 8 year old daughter. Will be in Philippines in July.
My mom is the only family I have here in America. I may plan a short visit after a year just to visit.
@@steve3416 thats awesome! We will be there for good also.
@@steve3416 How long are you going to be able to support your wife's family?
@@matt89108 I didn't really understand your question, however I can reply to support to Philippine family in general. This is not my main channel name. My other channel is journey2Philippines. I've been supporting about 10 families in the Banago community of Bacolod City, Philippines. Hoping to add more videos once we get there in July. Also hoping to get a business started once there and be able to continue helping even more people. Thanks.
We did the same thing in early 2021, we moved to Mexico. We had all the same anxiety and excitement. Selling things, packing, giving away… That last night in a hotel is the best feeling! I’ve really enjoyed your videos!
Thanks, Christine! :)
We did this same thing last year in Aug. Moved from France to Mauritius. I really get how you were feeling ! The most stressful part was shipping our cat…and we d done it all in advance but had a very narrow window between last health check and validation from the area official vet. We gave away loads of stuff or sold online. Then we left with 6 bags
In one day all my stuff was paid to be removed.
So much fun living vicariously through your adventures. Your bravery is inspiring.
🙏❤️😁
I got anxiety watching this video....i absolutely hate dealing with stuff that has been accumulated over years. I could never travel with that many suitcases. I would lose my mind. Either way...you guys are impressive with how resilient you both are. Good content as always
Thank you so much, Jona. 😊
Hi guys, moved to California from Germany 36 years ago. Ready to move again. Not sure where to, just away lol. They say, it get's easier with every move. Good thing, I kept my belongings to a minimum over the years. A minimalistic lifestyle is key to a stressless move imho. Bon chance and don't forget to have lots of fun in the process!
That is what I am doing right now, preparing - go through my things to keep them to a minimum
Easy move back to Europe.
Take Switzerland 🇨🇭
Close enough to Germany to visit old friends and family.
But still Switzerland with good living standards.
Plus you understand
>98% of the language in the German speaking part of Switzerland.
Hola. Dominicano expatriado y (también) estancado aquí en EEUU por décadas. Me han inspirado a seguir su ejemplo. La verdad que nunca me sentí en casa en esta cultura. Sí, al igual que ustedes le agradezco a esta tierra todas las puertas que me permitió abrir. Pero puertas abiertas son para cruzarlas, aveces de salida. Gracias por compartir bellos. Prosperidad y gozo por delante ! ! xoxo
I was born here and yet never felt at home in this culture.
Mil gracias, y mucha suerte para vos! 😊❤️
I started to follow your channel a little while ago, but didn't realize that you guys are from Portland! My husband (American) and I (in our late 40s) also moved from Portland to Japan almost 4 years ago now. This video totally reminded me of what we went through on our final day in PDX. We, too, sold our car the day before we flew out of Portland, and also enjoyed some bubble at the lounge right before we flew out of PDX. Although this is my home country, it's been a series of new experience, and we're still enjoying our life here! Good luck to both of you!
Thank you! :)
That’s exactly where I want to go in the next two years! I can’t wait to get out of America
Cada vez que los escucho hablar español, a ustedes o a Nathaniel me re emociono
Gracias! Un beso y abrazo fuerte para vos. ❤️😁
Wow I said the same thing. A healthy relationship .A beautiful couple. So that's what that looks like 🙌🌞🤸
I have moved to Italy and it was the best thing. It seems frightening until you just do it. It's actually such an enriching experience and from what I see, this seems like a good time to move to a new country. I love France, I love the Netherlands and I love Spain... but Italy stole my heart!
Thanks Josh and wife!!!! That was another grate video. Me and my wife are Cubans living in the United States, and you guys encouraged us to jump into the adventure. In the next few months we're gonna leave. Thanks a lot!!!
Nice! Love hearing that! :)
Cuba will grow, now that the USA is loosing power.
You are the best, really. To go through all of this packing and cleaning and getting rid of like loads of stuff that you have gathered - and you are even smiling!
Just can not believe it, you are so inspiring!
My mother moved to Panama in 2005. That is where she was born. But she missed her children & traveled back often to visit.
It is happening to a lot of immigrants
We sold everything and grabbed our bags and pets and Son and left USA permanently 2 years ago . Best choice we made and we NEVER look back except to visit family. We will never live in USA again. We both just retired when we left. We have our Autistic adult son with us also who is thriving in our new lives and we are healthier mentally and physically.We chose a Latin American country. Love ❤it. ❤. Blessings to your NEW LIFE and CHAPTER.
It’s great that you have so much energy, plus you have each other and Butter. Also, you are intelligent and financially secure. Lots of pluses. You will make it all work. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you! :)
Great video!!! So glad you went back to create this. Much appreciated, I LOVE your story.
Thank you, Lori! :)
I like watching you and your wife. I was hoping for a video on what you guys are doing now, what you are going through now. I’m sure there is so much that you guys are learning.
Indeed we are. More on our lives here real soon. Thanks for the support! :)
Hi, Thank you so much for making and posting this videos about your experience of moving from one country to another at the age of 50. It is really helpful for us to learn how you guys are doing along the way, and see the experiences you encounter trying to find a home in France. We are in the face of planing to move to France in the next 2 to 3 years , as soon as my husband retire from his job here in the us. For us your videos are a relevant source of information about the process and the efforts that it entails. We greatly appreciated your videos.. We hope you are doing well and we are looking forward for the next episodes. Cheers
OMG!
You guys are fantastic!
Did everything so effortlessly!
Good for you!
Stay safe and always be happy!💯
Thank you so much, Daisy. :)
As a writer, producer myself, I find your videos wonderful.. Your filming is top notch, but better than that...I decided to follow you, because of your honesty!! Love your wife & sons! Bravo! Blessings. Love, Phyliss
Thank you so much! 🙏❤️
Wow, wonderful. So happy you two and the pup left for a new life.
😁
Admire what you guys are doing, and now having a close up view of the last 36 hours I am even more impressed. Love your content, keep it up.
Thank you, my friend! :)
Congratulations! I have been following you this whole time. It must feel great. And you did all this during a pandemic.
Thank you, Jenny! :)
We SO admire what you guys are doing, but yep, it's totally ballsy! Your house in Portland was GORG, and difficult to leave, I'm sure...but I totally get it. I find myself thinking of doing the same type of thing...A LOT. Especially with the newest school MASSACRE. SICK of it ALL. Looking forward to your next video, guys! 😊
Thanks and best of luck to you guys! ❤️😁
Thru should secure the schools!
People lock their homes and cars every time they leave them . Have security systems in their homes that you can watch in your phone of computer.
Alarms on their cars, but yet school boards , government and administrators , 25 years since Columbine , schools are not secured!
But dam certain everyone licks their house up at night and presses that button on their key ring!
Thank you for sharing your trails and tribulations of moving to another country in your 50s. Which is exactly what I plan to do! 😊
It is so uncanny how your journey parallels ours. We packed, sold, donated, trashed and packed everything, sold our property in rural Vermont July of 2022, moved to Panama, realized quickly that it totally was not for us, moved to Chile in September, are deliriously happy, but still have not settled down yet, although we know the general region we want to live. It’s hectic and crazy but also thrilling and exhausting and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
What was wrong with Panama?
Also curious why did you like Chile so much better?
I just read not too long ago in NYTimes how more and more peeps moving to Europe bc its starting to get too expensive for some here in the US.
Thank you for showing your journey.
I'm going through the process now. I've purchased my house in France and now back in the US to finish packing and shipping.
Nice :)
How fantastic! We are doing the same next spring. Can you enlighten me on the best strategy and/or companies to use for international shipping? So confused about that really. We will have very little, but still … how to do this?
Found you through your son. Makes perfect sense! You are all so lovably inspired! Xoxoxo
Thank you so much... :)
We sold our house and moved interstate a year ago. I got on the plane looking like I’d been dragged backwards through a hedge, after all the packing, cleaning etc. I was so happy to put on a mask to partially hide the bags under my eyes. I couldn’t even remember if I’d brushed my hair that day.
🤣
Haha we all know that stressful feeling of packing at the last moment and having little to no sleep before the flight :D
Also I just realized how scary it might be (but also exciting) to sell your home and realize you're never coming back!! You guys are brave!!
Thanks man. All of that indeed. It's been an insane adventure, and I (we) wouldn't change a thing!
Happy to see this big move and I admire both of you!
My husband and I are moving to Thailand next year as well.
Beautiful little dog. I hope he/she has adapted to her new life abroad. She deserves peace and calm - as do you. Really enjoyed this!
Thank you for your fun and real videos : ) My husband and I live in a suburb of Portland (we think that the Portland connection is fun) and are planning on living in France when we retire. We spend a month in France each year and cannot wait to be there full time. Please keep up the vlog, we love it : )
I so remember our move to France. We rented our house on 1 July and stayed with friends until 16 July. That break was nice. We arrived 17 July 2017 and love our village in France.
Nice!
Your channel and your story is very inspiring. You are a brave couple. I found your channel because I happened to watch a few of your son’s videos and then I saw you were starting a channel of your own. My husband and I are planning to move to Europe in the next few years. We want to take our teenage son out of this place, the USA has become so dangerous and the quality of life is not great. Watching you navigate your move from here to Europe has been very educational especially when you have a home to sell. It gives us a better idea on how to navigate the move. Thank you.
High school graduation next year and our son is looking at universities in the EU. Excited for him and the chance for ALL of us to move to Europe! Good luck to you!
Thank you, and wishing you all the best! 🙏❤️
@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT 🙏🙏🙏
@@kathyw9439 thank you and good luck to your son. 🤞🤞🤞
I’ve been enjoying your videos quite a lot, more so that I can closely relate to it. I moved from Romania to Canada in 1996 and in 2022 I moved to Turkey. For people whith no such experience this is a big eye opener. My move to Turkey was well prepared in many ways and that made it much easier. I’m also fairly adaptable and on the lucky side too as I could keep my job working remote from here. All in all is worth trying to make a change and go for a fresh start. Wish you best of luck finding your place and keep posting your experiences.
The hard drive thing had me in stitches! I’ve done that too. In 1999, in my late 40s, with 1 kid, two dogs and a cat, I left everything and everyone I knew in Sydney and moved 800+km north to a different life. 24 years later, not one regret. What an adventure you’re on!
Great to see the beginning. I followed your whole journey and this is a bonus. We did exactly the same, sold our house at a park (a lovely place we've lived for 21years. Where our sons are born and so much memories), packed our car two boys and a huge dog to travel slowly to Portugal. In August we live here for two years now and slowly picking up the language. I wish you all the best in la douche France, close to your kids and in a great landscape.
I did it last year and never looking back! Good for you!
Brave souls! My kind of people. Bravo!!
Thanks, Thomas! :)
Wow!! Powerful video! This shall be a warning to everyone who dares to attempt the same. Stay bold guys! Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you, Mark, and thank you for following us along! :)
Thank you so much for sharing more details. We can see such a moving our future. It’s so nice to see how your blazed the way.
We tried :)
howdy you guys.....just by chance found your video as i am just starting researching my move to Perpignan, france...i watched 5 of your videos in order last nite and will probably watch the rest of them today....watching all of the work you are doing in vacating your home of many years just reminds me of what i will be looking at as i will also have to sell my home and sell/donate/trash all of my belongings and my van....your ongoing conversation explaining everything is very helpful in preparing myself for the challenges ahead....
Nice. How did you do?
I’m stressing out about moving home within the uk. I admire what you have done, not sure that I could cope with that sort of move. Well done to both of you. Best wishes for the future.
Excellent videos feeding some part of my soul, but not sure which part it is. Happy all has worked out for Butters. 😊
First off, you are both amazing people and I'm happy you are documenting your journey. I have been contemplating leaving the US with my family but I'm scared. I've been conditioned to think no where is better than the US but the direction this country has been going, I've reached a breaking point. Our leaders are no good and peace is what I crave. Y'all are truly an inspiration.
Me as well. It's scary for sure but the way the US is and all this division is absolutely madness and it seems like it's not getting better
@@diamonddiva8376 I agree, it's insanity at this point
It's a harrowing journey to newness you have no idea about beyond being a tourist which is no way near the actual experience of living there. I did it 13 years years ago, moving to Costa Rica. It's a tough transition but worth it. I've enjoyed all of your videos and can't wait to see where you ultimately land in France.
Just have to say watching your video gives us hope for moving back abroad. We have reasons we cannot move abroad now and it can feel like even when we are can in 16 years maybe we will feel like it is impossible. We are inspired by you all and truly sorting all your things to make it possible to downsize to four bags or so and just leave. ❤
We are moving in 6 months. I'm so glad I found your channel! You guys remind me a bit of my husband and I. It's lovely ❤
Thanks and good luck! 🙏😁
OMG this gave me flashbacks to our leaving. We rented our house out, as we thought we would come back one day. And we were painting on the day we flew out. So much of our stuff was old, 2nd hand or hand-me downs, that we just gave it away. We boxed up two boxes of clothes, ready to be couriered over once we arrived in London. We had 2 months in Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia on the way, so travelled as light as poss. everything had to fit into 2 packs. We used a cheap n cheerful moving company to take our stuff to storage, OMG they were magnificent. They managed to stack everything nice n tidy in a storage locker about the size of 2 toilet cubicles. I can't even remember the journey to Thailand, we were so tired.
😁👍
Hi Josh (or should I say Mr. Drew) 👋,
I remember I started following your RUclips channel ever since I watched Nathaniel’s video about you guys (and Sky) planning to settle in Europe for good. Looks like you guys have come a long way, and I’m happy to see that things eventually worked out at the end, despite all the obstacles you had to overcome!
Sending you lots of love!!! ❤️❤️❤️🤗
Thank you, Ritchie! 😊🙏❤️
Kudos to you both for being good humored and able to laugh under extreme pressure/stress...I am sure if my husband and I were in the same situation there definitely would have been bloodshed at some point. It's a production for us getting ready to spend a week at our home in Tahoe with the three dogs and ourselves. I applaud you both and Butter as well for being a trooper!
Haha, you made me laugh, though I know
you’re not kidding. Thanks for the kind words! 🙏😁
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m in the process of selling my house in the Netherlands to move to Sweden. Very exciting but also a bit scary. Good luck in France 🇫🇷 ❤️🍀
Thank you, and you too! :)
I was sure that the Netherlands were almost a perfect place.
@@synewparadigm it has it own problems. It’s very populated. It’s a small country with 17,7 million people living here . The houses are insanely expensive. We don’t have much nature. Sweden does! Nature, space and tranquility. But the Netherlands isn’t a bad country. Sweden has its own problems. It’s just what you’re looking for in life.
@@marcellejosephine9119 Welcome to Sweden! Yes, we have it all - archipelagos, mountains, open landscapes and dense forests. Still possible to leave your house and car unlocked, if you're in the countryside. Problems - yes, of course and an ongoing war in the midst of Europe has made us all aware of how fragile life is. 💛💙
We are Americans in Carcassonne, France who left in 2014. This was our exact scenario! We had two young kids and had to go buy more luggage too! This video is a like watching a memory! Great content! New subscriber.
How do you like Carcassonne? Le Pays Cathare? Used to love that area and lived a couple of years in a chateau called the Chateau de Caulet in Mazieres du Razes. Has new owners most likely now. Toulouse, Foix, Pamiers, etc.. great area. I did not retire there because of the new form of insecurity.
@@stayfocused1041 we are satisfied living here. It’s home to us. People can’t be told where to live - it’s where your heart calls you to stay.
What new form of insecurity are you speaking about ?
Congratulations! How exciting! I am so happy for you two & Butter!!
I can't believe you filmed your final days. When I was packing up to leave my house for a new life overseas, I wasn't as relaxed as you were. It was overwhelming and exhausting. You guys look like champs in this. Plus, you sold your bed, and car and so many things fell in place at the 11th hour - it was just meant to be.
Indeed. Great how it all came together. I can't help but document our crazy lives. :)
@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT And we all get to learn from seeing your craziness. Thanks for showing your triumphs and fears.
@@RobinDorrell 🙂
It's was nerve-wracking moving from California to Idaho, for us. I don't think I could move out of the country. I admire your sense of adventure. I hope you find your forever home soon.
I moved from California to Nevada in 1998, fantastic move! I don't think I could deal with the mouth breathers in Idaho.
Congratulations on your move and new home in France! Was it feasible/cost saving to ship your valuables to France vs. buying new things in France? Have no clue how much a container must cost these days. Your videos are very enjoyable and inspiring! Enjoy your new life in Europe!🙏🏻👏❤️
Thank you! 🙏
Seriously reminds me how we moved to Lisbon! Thanks for bringing up some of the crazy memories. I can feel it
😁
"It's still kinda weird, we're not going back." that struck such a deep chord with me.
I admire you both for having the courage to leave Portland. It is incredibly sad how Portland has declined into utter chaos and lawlessness. Be careful to avoid the riots in France. 🍻
Riots in France are a normal daily event. Join in.
The school and other shootings here have become a daily concern. It’s time to leave. I’m heading to France and Italy to scout around for a place to retire. I’ll finish my work here for a while longer but asap I will be decluttering and purging, and leaving the USA.
its always amazing to watch your videos. your videos prove that age has no limit to take a chance to live at your own choices..... all the best
Thank you so much, my friend, and you too! 😁
for the hard drives: Electric drill... drill 3 or 4 time through the disc and it should be okay between the direct damage and the little bits that go and "pollute" the rest of the disc surface. Whoever want to check them would have to really to put in work... (of course, deep format is another option before that)
Thanks! 🙏
Congratulations!! You did it! All good wishes to you both in your new adventure:)❤
Im an expat living in Ecuador, we bought the farm in 2007 before we retired in 2015 . Best decision we ever made . Just do it!
Amazing that everything worked out in the end. Congratulations for this new chapter. Very excited for you guys.
Found your channel tonight. Your living my dream. Well done! Love your attitude. Really looking forward to following your journey.
Although short-lived we miss you both all over again friends. What an experience, adventure, and inspiration rolled into a wonderfully produced docu-series. Hoping for the best for you and your brood. Till we meet again ~ peace be unto you and your family. ✌🏾🌲
Thanks so much, Vicente! Miss you guys too. How wonderful to have met you. Till we meet again indeed. 😁❤️
I love your journey and it's so relatable that I can't stop watching, looking forward to seeing what the future brings you.
Your home in LO, wow. I love that tub! (BTW, it's still full of tents!) Glad you got out. I really enjoy your style of visual story telling. You took a boring topic and made it interesting. Can't wait to see what you two get up to in France! The whole house hunting thing.
Thanks! Yes, the adventure continues here in France. Will update on that soon. Thanks for watching and for your support!
It sounds like you both are so ready for this next chapter in your lives......can't wait to join you.....
OMG, you had me laughing and crying and anxious all at once. I brought back such memories. I never want to repeat that same journey again.
😁
I have no problems separating myself from ballast. i love it because it frees the soul. you can practice it by asking yourself the question - what do i really need to survive. then we see things differently, even the shopping cart isn't full anymore......
My exit every bit as crazy. I think it's a good way to break from what was and go into what will be. And I'm so glad I did it.
Thanks, Tina! :)
Oh my gosh, this takes moving to the next level. Loving your videos!
Thanks, Carrie! :)
I wanted to say how good it was to watch your videos. My family and I have moved internationally 3 x (UK>OZ>CAN>MIDDLE EAST) its hard,hard work for so many reasons. Being an expat is not easy! Some of the things you talked about really resonated with me and I hope you continue to keep making videos of your journey as it unfolds.
You guys fix great! I did this moving from Colorado to Florida! I was totally exhausted! I know exactly what you went through .. good luck!
I left Los Angeles for France in 2002 at age 50- still here and married a French guy. Love Europe.
I am so amazed! It makes me realize how much stuff we have. I need to start downsizing now. Good luck, I love your journey.
I love how supportive You’re to each other! So much easier to do this as a team
Wow safe travels!
I packed so many times And now after a little bit more than 2 years in Poland, I and my husband will pack all our belongings to move one more time. I hope it will be ours forever home. It's terrifying on one side, but it is so fascinating on the other. The changes are always thought of, but it's for good. Enjoyed your video.
Thank you, Viktoriia, and best of luck! :)
Mahalo nui for sharing the last day in Portland. I love your videos. 🤙🏼
Thanks, Yvonne! :)
What an exciting, emotional journey! Looking forward to following along! 😊
Really enjoyed this. We will be leaving Florida for Germany. We aren’t sure yet whether will will be renting or buying there. But in the beginning we will be placing our furniture in storage and renting longer term rb&b’s in different locations around Germany until we find the right one for us. We just spent 3 months there and ascertained that, indeed, we want to go ahead with a move there. Hope to document it on RUclips.
We’re still on our journey of settling in Europe. We had three garage sales, a big garbage pickup, at the end it was 6 suitcases and a dog. A year later it feels like full time work for stretches of time, but it’s all been worth it!
The thing that I love so much about this is the clarity and knowledge that you guys hold--this cycle of your life has expired, come to closure. It's all so matter of fact. In your next video I hope you share more about that. The fruition of this. What does your wisdom say now about all of this? How does it feel? Who are you guys now?Thanks for sharing!
Your house was gorgeous !
Welcome to my country : France !
I live in Le Havre, but I lived 10 years in NY.
😊
Your video brought back so many memories of what we went through when we moved to Spain last November minus the added stress of moving with a dog. One thing l pledge to do is to not accumulate so many things lol. Hoping you all are doing well in France! Thank you for your videos .
Not accumulating is tough... Thanks, and more soon! :)