Finally ready to talk about this...

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A reporter once asked a little refugee girl: "How does it feel not to have a home?" The girl answered in surprise: "We do have a home, we just dont have a house to put it in." I remember that every time I wish for another house to live in, because I do know we have a home.

I lost my eyesight - and then my dream career - at 35. I was blind, single and unemployed, but found my life again. It’ll get better!

Marissa, It sounds like moving has triggered you of your losses. I can't imagine losing so many loved ones so close together. No time for grieving each one. Take your time and be gentle with yourself. You will find the right home, but wherever you are is your home. I lost my oldest son to a brain tumor in 1995 and sometimes the grief still comes over me. Hugs to you sweet girl.

“Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path” - Paulo Coelho. You’ll get through this and be stronger.

Me, going through divorce, childless at 39, two miscarriages in the past 6 months which were my last shot at motherhood, now living alone in a 280 ft² rental apartment. It’s all about perspective.

I started a new life at 40. Im 13 years sober. I had to change my life 100%. Its so hard no matter what the circumstances. My heart goes out to you

Please give this a thought. You're not starting over. You're beginning something new.

40 is THE best age to start over! Enjoy as you move through this time :)

Marissa, may I point out, you DO have a home, right now. It happens to be an apartment not a house - YET. Don't worry, you will get your house, but please remember you are safe and sound and surrounded by the people you love most - that makes a home in my book. Much love to you from Massachusetts. 💕

Dear Marissa, I won't negate the significance of your losses, past and present, but I wonder if you are simply lonely. it would be entirely natural in your new situation. Your husband and children are out amongst others, and indeed there is an echo at home. You are an amazing and very likable person, maybe you can start to build a community for yourself. Hugs to you.

Im starting over in a different way at 40 because i had a baby and am now a single mom! Its been hard but im doing my best and loving my baby girl every day.

I moved from a place I loved. When I miss where I came from I realize I’m homesick for a place that doesn’t exist. It’s a place ive created in my mind I miss and I had to realize that it was fictional and then I could live happily in the present. Good luck. Prayers.

My husband and I had to “start over” in our mid 40s when he lost his job after we bought our first home together. The good part was it made us wake up to falling into “comfortable” and finding our best life. We realized we weren’t even really happy where we were living. We were just complacent and accepting. He couldn’t find a job where we lived without a long commute or moving anyway. So we relocated to the southern US. the cost of living was half while we doubled the size of our home and got land with it. We’re in our 69s now. We raised our own children to adulthood here and Lao added two through adoption. Hopefully you’ll find your forever home through this experience of loss and change.

As a German who lives in the UK, I almost grieved a little bit when you returned to the US. I always got excited when I recognised little things like the architecture, or Rossmann products in your videos. I loved the fact that you felt so at home in Berlin. However, I completely get the situation with your boys' school. The German school system is unraveling at the seams. There is an acute lack of teachers, leaving those remaining under enormous pressure, in a profession where already huge numbers were suffering burnout. The infrastructure is crumbling, and they are years behind in terms of digitalisation. I have friends and relatives who teach in Germany, and they are still using chalk boards, when here in the UK, we have been using digital boards for more than 20 years. With a trend towards selfishness and less respect towards others in all areas of society, it's a perfect storm. I have often thought about returning to Germany, especially as my mum is getting older, but the thought of working in the school system is not attractive. I hope you find your solution - the option of returning when your boys are older and can enjoy a free college education is still open. Meanwhile, I hope you find a home where you feel happy soon.

A home and a house are not the same. Wherever you are…is home. Be patient with yourself. Perfection doesn’t exist! Count your blessings for your wonderful husband and children. 💕

As a military family, we move all the time, and I FEEL you about wanting your own home! ❤️😓

I have wanted to say this on multiple occasions watching your videos, I really appreciate that you share your emotions and don't edit out the tears (although I'm sure you probably edit some of them ❤). I'm in my 40s and learning to deal with periomenopause. It is very helpful that you normalise the expression of emotions. I appreciate you and your content so much. Congratulations on reaching 300k! 🎉

Hi Marissa, I never comment and am a bit of an infrequent viewer but I have to say I always come back to your videos because they are just so sincere and honest. No poses, no trying to be perfect, just a person on a journey to self improvement who is sharing what she knows, I love that.

Starting over at 42 in a new state, new home and new job (once I get one) this summer. It's sooooo scary. I get it!

A gentle suggestion: Don't wait until the next home to learn plants, maybe you can see it as practicing now and you'll be an expert when you have your next home? I feel like plants are self-care for the home, and sometimes we have to care for the home we're in until we have the home we want. ❤️
Maybe try getting any plant that comes in a container/pot with drainage holes and put it on a saucer and place it right next to a Southern-facing window. Try watering it twice a week and see how it goes for a month or so.

We moved almost 2 years ago after we retired. We love our new home, but the stress of all the change took us by surprise. Time does help. Even happy changes create stress.

Wow -- 300,000 subscribers! Congratulations!

Dear Marissa, Reculture shock is real. I’ve been there and I know it hits you harder than you’ve expected before moving back „home“. Just wanted to say - grant yourself time to adapt to the new situation. It’s okay to feel depressed, homesick and lost. Take good care of yourself and hug your husband and kids when your lost. They are your home wherever you might be. Please know that it might take some time to adapt to the new situation (in my case it’s been close to three years), but the dark feelings are definitely going to end.
Wishing you only the best. Warm regards from 🇩🇪

I'm 30, never owned a home, grew up in the country... and i am here living in a very small apartment with 2 small kids and a third on the way in a very busy city... and I am grieving along with you. We have been looking for a home for the last 5 years. It's tough... because we had so many people move in our province in canada.. and our houses were the cheapest in the country... but now, they are very expensive because of low inventory. And any other larger apartments are unaffordable for us. I get it ♡ i hear you ♡

I had to leave Berlin (Stralau/F’hain) a few months into covid, and I used to watch your videos to feel like I was at home. It was like a taste of normalcy for my brain. My oldest was also in Grundschule there. Even as I type it brings tears to my eyes. Just wanted you to know there is someone else out there longing for a home and for Germany, too! ❤

My mom is starting over 74. Her husband of almost 30 yrs left her one day. Never talked to her again and was served divorce papers on their anniversary. She had to sell her home that was almost paid. Now, she living with my brother and is unable to purchase a home bc everything is so expensive.
Life will settle just give it time. Home is where you feel safe and comfortable and a house you live in.

Thank you for your vulnerability. These feelings are all so normal. We will all have curveballs thrown at us at every age. Go easy on yourself.

Thank you so much for sharing this. My husband and I have been so good with money. We've saved up a decent down payment and have been looking for a home to buy for 5 years. And it seems like the bar just keeps getting raised and we keep getting priced out of any home we really love. You're not alone. It's truly hard out here.

Oh girl same.... My husband lost his job in 2022. He searched for 4 months before finding a job that moved us 6 hours from all our family. We also thought we wouldn't have an issue buying a house because we have excellent credit and a down payment. The problem is, there's no homes in our budget! We just signed our rental lease for another year.... However, I look at my kids and my wonderful husband and I know I'm home. It wouldn't matter where we were. I think the thing I struggle with is making the space feel and look how I want to, when I can't because of rental policies. You're not alone! I homeschool 4 kids in 1000 square feet and I love minimalism! :)

I’ve started over multiple times… seriously over 125 times. Sending you warm hugs in your new life. ❤

Life feels very weird with no parents, no matter what your age is. My heart goes out to you. I lost my last parent (and my son lost his only living grandparent) 18 years ago. I do have a brother, that I'm not close to, and my husband is an only child, so I feel the sense of "no family" at special occasions and holidays. It does make me appreciate my good friends.

I noticed your fresh look before you mentioned it. And tearproof mascara is good for us sensitive girls :)

You look beautiful with your new makeup. And really, you are beautiful inside and out.

I knew instantly this was Author Morey and he is one of my favorite voices from a book series I listened to The Good And Beautiful Life.... I loved listening to him :) not boring or robotic at all
P.S. your make-up looks beautiful and natural 😊

You can fill out your library's "request to purchase" form. They are always looking for suggestions. Or do an inter-library loan. Your library can search all of the libraries in your state and locate a book for borrowing. 😊 Amazon is cool, too.

I think you're mistaking what a Home really is; it's not the brick, foundation, or ownership, it's love and safety. You have that. You have your health, love, respect, and intelligence. You have been Blessed.

My heart goes out to you. My child and I were dragged all over by my ex who did not care how his decisions were affecting us. I grieved so much with each and every move because I tried so hard to put down roots. I've probably been holding onto my current home (sans ex) with a death grip because I don't ever want to feel like a nomad again. I have definitely been in the place you are in right now. I'm praying you and your family find a wonderful home in the very near future!

I have never felt so seen and validated as when you mentioned the grief you are processing with moving this time. We have a very similar story in terms of a move after job loss and all the grief that followed for me. I felt like you were speaking exactly what I have been feeling. I'm longer into the journey than you timewise, and it's still hard, but we're starting to feel that sense of home again and the grief is a little less overwhelming. Hoping you find that peace soon. 💞

I'm only a few minutes in, but I can relate. My mom died when I was in my early 20s, and all I wanted was to cocoon, to be surrounded with a home, close family and good friends. Seems like it's been what I've been striving for all of my life and more often lately it's been out of reach.

Marissa, the 40’s are hard. Coming from a 51 year old lol. Perimenopause coupled with the sheer amount of everyday crazy stuff that is happening in modern life today is tough! I hope you get the support you desire and deserve❤️Hang in there!

The way you suggested the Swedish death cleaning book for a mother in law and just point blank period 😂😂😂 something about that was funny as heck.

Ugh, house hunting right now is a beast! It actually made me reconsider selling my house! Not much point to it if I can't find anything to buy. You've been through so much emotionally heavy stuff, it's no small wonder those tears creep up on you. Hang in there! ❤

Thank you for sharing all this! I had a similar experience repatriating to America last year after almost 10 years in Australia (husband is Aussie) with my 2 young boys (2 and 5 at the time). It has helped me a great deal, hearing about your experience coming back. Reverse culture shock is real!! My hubby and boys seem to be doing really well but I really miss our life there. I look back and wonder why we came back here. But we had a different schooling experience and for us, the primary school we attended in AU was perfect. It was so hard to leave, and now I'm really dealing with sadness and regret about the choice to come back. Hoping that it gets better with time.

We are in a really great school district with caring loving teachers. You can really feel the love they have for their students. I am glad you are in a good situation now.

When you were talking about moving and the grief that it triggered, it resonated so much with me. Two years ago I lost my home and 90% of my belongings in a flood that devastated my city. It was an extremely challenging time, but that event forced me to examine what is important and valuable in my life. It was pretty much involuntary minimalism, lol! But I am still working on putting less time and energy into physical clutter and also mental clutter too. I always look forward to your videos, Marissa. I so appreciate your honesty, advice, and encouragement. Keep being your amazing self and best of luck with your continued house-hunting.❤

As someone who has had to rehome myself (lol) unexpectedly many times, I learned that HOME can mean different things at different stages of our life. You have a BEAUTIFUL FAMILY and kids are super resilient. You are so blessed! Life is an ever-changing adventure. You’ve got this!!!! ❤

U can do this … my mom came here from Europe in early 50s leave a life and home that she had build for 50 years and she is doing great , close to family , just look at this as exciting new chapter in your family life, the future is ahead of u, focus on family and love ❤

You are an inspiration as a mother, wife, and content creator. I refer often to this quote, “I ask not for lighter burdens but for broader shoulders.” I hope you find peace in the process. Cheering you on!!

40s the new 20s, I'm starting over in my late 50s.

I've lived in Canada, Germany and now Australia and people always ask me, which out of those 3 countries was the best country to live in? I cant say, as each of those 3 countries I have lived in and currently live in Australia, have their pros and cons. I have realised home is where you make it and fortunately those 3 countries are all wonderful places to live. All 3 countries are always with me and I fondly go back to visit. I've lived in about 15 different homes over the last 49 years and I actually get restless and can easily move on as moving was a big part of my growing up. However I had a wonderful childhood and upbringing so I alwahs felt safe and happy moving. It was our next adventure. I was and still am very fortunate and I am grateful for that.

I think the van down by the river is referencing an SNL skit with Chris Farley. His character talks a lot about living in a van, down by the river, eating government cheese. 😂

I've switched countries myself and know how important it is to be gentle and patient with yourself as you adjust to your new location. There's no set timeframe for it. We don't always acknowledge that we're mourning a loss, but that's what it is, and sometimes that can also bring up previous losses. It may help you with the transition to find a local group, church, or club to join, where you can make friends and feel you're part of a community. It will get easier. We're cheering for you.

Marissa - I so appreciate your genuine, witty, approachable, occasionally teary-eyed spin on the minimalist family lifestyle. You are strong, smart and just so wonderful. This family minimalism thing is HARD, but so worth it. My kids are proof of it. Bless you, friend. And yes, I do think we are (could be!) friends! Hope you guys continue to settle in & thrive in your new locale. Hugs from GA USA - Holly

Marissa! So glad to see an update but so sorry you’re struggling, We’re all here for you and never worry about not sharing videos weekly. Your story has inspired and helped me so much. Stay well and sending love and hugs from a very messy imperfect home and life in CT USA ❤️😍 #marissastrong ☀️

We had to buy a home last summer, and it was rough. We looked for 6 months, made multiple offers over listing, etc etc. All of the houses we offered on were getting multiple offers over listing, like $50k over listing often, and sometimes they were purchased even before the first day of the open house. It's rough out there. And looking for a house is SOOOO much work! It's like non stop researching and micro decisions and every weekend is open houses or looking at a house. Holy moly. You have all of my sympathies, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you all.

Bless your heart! Let those tears run down your face. I've lost several family members and I can't cry. 😥I will pray you find the perfect home.

I have seen several cycles of the housing market in my lifetime (I'm 66) and I can tell you: this too shall pass. I know that's not very helpful because your family needs a house now, not in 10 years. But I'm hoping earnestly for all of you young people that this passes soon and you can get into homes for a reasonable sum.

I love that you wear your heart on your sleeve. Never change that about yourself!💚

40 Is the 2nd phrase of your life.
This is a great time to start over.

Jennifer is your friend!? You two are two of my favorite KRplusrs. Very cool 😄
Wishing you all the best in your journey to find a home. Praying for you and your family. ❤️

Marissa, I'm sorry you are going through this hard time. Sending hugs to you. Normally, I would never comment on someone's makeup or appearance in general, however, since you asked for feedback, may I say you look LOVELY, what ever you're using is just right. Thank you for being so forthright about your life story and how you are doing. (insert extra hug here).

All the best to you to get over this grief phase.

Of course that’s tough and don’t listen anybody who says isn’t. Every place we’ve lived has a peace of our soul and heart. Please take care of yourself and give yourself time to let your sadness go as much as you need ❤️

Marissa, thank you for your vulnerability. Moving is hard. You are amazing and you bring light to me and to many.

Thank you so much for this video 🥰 All the best for you ! 🌷🫶🏻

This is a little off-topic to anything you said in your video but I found it so wholesome to see that you, too, sometimes have a laundry rack standing around in your perfect minimalist home 😅 23:29

I have said “Thank you” so many times to items and it has helped me so much.

I have been listening to the same book recently I was amazed the author didn't read it as he has a beautiful, calm voice.

I am here since early suirrels of a feather times when you had like 1700 (!) or so subs. This is so, so great to see!!!

You are glowing. Make up is great as well 😊

My siblings and I also lost our parents young and I have a lot of empathy for you! Also, years ago, I moved back to North America from Europe and the adjustment was pretty brutal. I feel for you! Hope things start to feel better. Thank you for your videos!

I can't help but say I Pray You find that home You deserve and it is natural to be sad. What I have seen from You is how You continually make any where You are Home for Your family even when You are suffering such pain. Now That's one more Amazing thing about You! I know enough about You to know how understanding You would be if a friend were going through what You are now. As time passes All of You Efforts Will Pay Off. How do I know? By Knowing and Seeing Who You Are. The fact that You Care is just morePROOF of what a Wonderful Person You continue to be no matter what comes Your way. 😢😊

Also, im a real estate agent in seattle. It is soooo hard and soooo emotional trying to get a house. My least favorite calls are to tell people they didnt get the house. It sucks. I just want all my clients to get a nice house and be happy. ❤

All plants that come into my home die as well but I have a beautiful garden! When you get a house just plant lots of perennials. God takes care of them for you when your plants are outside! The only thing you have to get right is to put the plants that like a lot of sun where there's a lot of sun and you're good to go!

Thank YOU for another fabulous video!
I find them so uplifting, you are such an empathetic, great, strong, positive lady!
Hugs 🤗

Hi Marissa. I really enjoy your channel. I am not a minimalist - I don’t like to label myself, but I do aim to live a simple life with a well ordered home. I appreciate the emotion and realistic approach you bring. You have helped me make declutterring a more regular part of my routine rather than feeling I need to set aside a large chunk of time and do a big job (resulting in putting it off).

Where ever You start You Will Be Successful in Your Endeavors. 🙂

Sending prayers for comfort & peace ❤.

Hi Marissa, i usually enjoy your videos but this video really triggers me. You have so much: you seem healthy which is great wealth! You also have a loving husband and two great kids. You have a succesfull KRplus channel, still own the home in Berlin and have enough money to buy a house in the US. You are SUPER privileged compared to many others like people in poverty, chronic illness or war. Count your blessings!

I am getting divorced -going on 2.5 years-and just sold my home and moved yesterday. I completely relate to being homesick already. I’m going through the same thing. Stay strong 😊❤

I am sorry for the losses of your dear parents and family. 😢 You are so brave, so entreprenurial and I am sure that you will find your dream house. Being a minimalist, you might also opt for some tiny house. Keep looking, keep us posted. Hugs!

My heart breaks for all the loss you have had to endure but wow I admire the strength you have to keep moving forward and teaching others the valuable lessons of a simpler life. Thank you for sharing your emotions with us- we all have our crosses to bear and it’s ok to feel emotional about the things that didn’t work out as we hoped but you also show that you don’t stay stuck there! 🤗🌷💕

I am sending hugs to you. I hope you find a wonderful home wherever you land.

Thank you very much ..feel.inspired xx❤

You have definitely helped me with decluttering sentimental items. Thank you ♡

I know exactly how you feel and had to do the same several years ago when my family left Hawaii. It does get better. But it is like any loss and it’s healthy to acknowledge that.

Thank you so much for this video, there were several topics that resonated with me and your advice/comments have come just at the right time. ❤

Thank you for another great video! I watch you on Sundays, so, I missed you yesterday, but I was happy to find you today -yay! I welcome your helpful tips and ideas and your openness and honesty. And, don't worry, your new home will be there for you at the right time. God bless.

❤you have no idea HOW well I understand everything you said, sending you the biggest hug!

Congratulations on 300k it's amazing, thank you for this long video full of helpful tips. I'm crossing fingers for you to find a home soon for your family. Take care of yourself

Oh Marissa! I feel your pain! We decided that we would downsize our home to a condo. Mistake number 1. Our home sold in 6 hours. We had no place to go. We went to an apartment. It took us 3 years to find a condo. This place just does not feel like our home. I feel like it is starting over at age 64! You will find a place to make your own! My adult son said to me “ awe, Mom, think of this like a new chapter in your life”! I cried during your this video. I really felt what you are feeling! Promise it will be better! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I so feel this. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing. Very brave of you.

Paradigm shift - so hard but so exciting. Blessings to you all. 😊🤗🤗🤗🤗 Be kind to self.

I love therapy! I’m glad you’re getting some help. You’ve got this ❤❤❤

Bless you, this video was so special. I appreciate your honesty and openness. I wish you and your family all the best in your journey towards buying a home. I understand what it feels like to have goals, to be so close but so far from achieving it. Show yourself some compassion, keep being patient and I'm sure the right property will come along. You are relatable, friendly and honest that's what makes you stand out from other channels (its a good thing so please don't change it). Thanks once again.

I like the idea of gratitude before the release of belongings. Instead of “getting rid” of stuff. We thank it for the service it provided and then pass it on to someone who needs it. The belongings are allowed to serve someone else. Thanks for the reminder.

We bought our house in December and it was only on the market 1 day before we bought it. There were several times when we made appointments to see a property but the house sold within hours of the property going up for sale.
It's really rough. Good luck with your search.

Your makeup looks beautiful. ❤

Change is stressful and often difficult. You’re doing great!
Off-topic, can you put a link to your sweatshirt? It looks super comfy and the color looks nice on you. And your makeup looks great!