Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 15

5 Minimalist Decluttering Checklists to Help You Finally Find Your Glasses

You won’t believe how these 5 decluttering checklists are revolutionizing the way people are approaching and succeeding at decluttering their homes and simplifying their lives!

If you are overwhelmed by clutter and searching for ways to live a simpler life with less stuff and less stress, these 5 decluttering checklists might be the solution you are looking for.

While each is uniquely different, these checklists will help achieve the same results when decluttering your home:

They will show you how to:

GET STARTED on your decluttering journey.FIND TIME to declutter.STAY MOTIVATED even when you want to quit.MAINTAIN your clutter-free home.Face it. Dealing with clutter is painful.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lose focus when you’re surrounded by clutter. But rather than letting it get to you, why not try using checklists to help overcome the many emotions associated with clutter?

Checklists provide a left-brain approach to dealing with clutter because they are linear and logical.

I happen to be a checklist fanatic. When I want and need to get something done, I make a checklist for:

Grocery shoppingPlanning a partyPacking for a tripDecluttering my home

A good checklist is like a secret weapon, a simple tool that helps get things done in an organized, disciplined, and efficient manner. Checklists give you an advantage because they help streamline the process, making even the largest tasks much more manageable and less daunting.

While this simple tool might seem boring at first, if you are facing an overwhelming project like decluttering your home, a checklist might just be the solution you’ve been looking for all along.

In its purest form, a checklist is an easy-to-follow roadmap that helps your brain organize and make sense of the clutter, creating a process for you to follow so you can accomplish your decluttering goals.

A checklist is a left-brain approach to decluttering and is important because it:

1.    Provides a clear starting point.

This is especially helpful to those who are struggling with where to begin.

2.    Simplifies the process.

You don’t even have to think about the next step.

3.    Inspires motivation and momentum.

Especially when you get stuck and want to give up.

4.    Increases focus.

By reducing distractions and helping to prioritize the tasks at hand.

5.    Boosts productivity.

By breaking down large tasks so you feel more successful.

6.    Alleviates stress and overwhelm.

You feel more in control of the process.

7.    Avoids fatigue.

By allowing you to pace yourself, stop when you need to, and restart where you left off.

8.    Builds confidence.

Working through the list, checking things off is empowering when you can see progress.

9.    Instills good habits.

Helps you understand, master, and adopt a decluttering mindset and skills.

10. Inspires a positive mindset.

Encourages progress, one checkmark at a time.

Because each decluttering journey is different, I have created 5 uniquely different decluttering checklists for you to try. Each is based on what your specific struggle might be.

Likely you’ll discover one checklist works better for you than another, but I encourage you to try them all because you might discover that one works best for you in one area and another works in another area.

THE 5 DECLUTTERING CHECKLISTS THAT ARE CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE DECLUTTER THEIR HOMESThe Quick Start Guide: Home Decluttering Checklist EMAIL ME TO GET IT FOR FREE Offers an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide of where and how to get started, first targeting the area of your home that bothers you the most.Provides a comprehensive checklist of items throughout your home that are frequently overlooked.Helps you experience quick, visible results.Demonstrates methodology for selecting a specific area and creating a vision for it so that you will know how to maintain a clutter-free space in the future.Minimalist Home Decluttering Checklist GET IT HERE Helps identify items that need to be decluttered by classifying them into four categories: unwanted, unloved, unnecessary, and unused.Demonstrates minimalist methodology to keep only what you love, need, and will use.Helps you stay focused on what’s important and meaningful and what is not.Provides an inspiring and motivating minimalist approach.100 Items to Declutter Right Now: Minimalist Home Decluttering Checklist GET IT HERE Offers a comprehensive room-by-room, area-by-area checklist to help you see items you may not notice.Assists you in paring down your belongings to only what you need, love, and will use, just like a minimalist.Serves as a visual tool and guide for motivating those who want to declutter but need help finding time, so it can be done in small steps.Includes lessons learned and reflections.Rita’s Minimalist Closet Decluttering Checklist GET IT HERE Provides a step-by-step guide that keeps you on track to have an organized, highly functional closet.Distills a larger project by simplifying the process into three steps: sort, organize, maintain.Demonstrates how to maintain a clutter-free closet.Includes lessons learned and reflections.Funniest Closet Decluttering Checklist Ever! EMAIL ME TO GET IT FOR FREE Invites you to have fun decluttering by encouraging you to laugh at yourself using humor, authenticity, and self-deprecation.Helps you discover items that are taking up room in your closet that you can’t believe you ever wore or bought.Uses the category method of decluttering to sort through your closet over a 30-day period.Helps instill good habits to maintain a clutter-free closet.Inspires a more mindful approach to future purchases.Get Started: Declutter Your Home One Checkmark at a Time!

If you have been seeking solutions to your clutter, these 5 home decluttering checklists could be the game changers you’ve been looking for. They offer practical tools and tips that you certainly won’t find on TikTok.

Imagine the weight being lifted off your shoulders as you reduce the number of your possessions, so you can free up space in your home and your mind, one checkmark at a time!

Let’s Talk!What are your biggest challenges when it comes to decluttering? Do you have any tips or strategies that have worked well for you in maintaining a clutter-free home? How does having a clutter-free space impact your mood and daily life? What room or area in your home do you find the most difficult to keep clutter-free?Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post 5 Minimalist Decluttering Checklists to Help You Finally Find Your Glasses first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Minimalism Through the Generations: A Diverse Approach to Decluttering

Why Decluttering Appeals Across Generations 

Despite their differences, all generations can agree on the stress-relieving benefits of decluttering. A minimalist approach helps enhance focus, increase productivity, and reduce anxiety. Decluttering is not just about creating more physical space; it’s about making room for more health, happiness, and freedom in life. 

Baby Boomers: Preserving With Purpose Nostalgia Meets Neatness 

For Baby Boomers, decluttering often involves sorting through decades of belongings, many of which hold sentimental value. This generation tends to keep items because of their emotional connections or because “they might be useful one day.” However, as they move into retirement, many Boomers are shifting towards minimizing to simplify their lives, reduce upkeep, and prepare for downsizing. The challenge lies in balancing the desire to preserve cherished memories with the need to declutter. 

Generation X: Strategic Simplification Balancing Busy Lives with Decluttering 

Gen Xers often face the challenge of managing clutter not just from their own accumulation but also from inheriting items from parents and dealing with children’s belongings. Straddling these responsibilities, they look for practical and efficient ways to declutter. For them, minimalism is less about aesthetic and more about functionality—reducing possessions to better manage their busy, often dual-income, households. 

Millennials: Aesthetic and Ethical Decluttering Embracing Minimalism as a Lifestyle 

Millennials have popularized the minimalist aesthetic—clean lines, neutral colors, and uncluttered spaces. Influenced by environmental concerns and a preference for experiences over possessions, many in this generation pursue minimalism to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their quality of life. They are more likely to invest in high-quality items that last longer and choose sustainable options, integrating their values into their minimalism practices. 

Gen Z: Digital Decluttering and Beyond Minimalism in the Digital Age 

While physical decluttering is essential, Gen Z faces the unique challenge of digital clutter—from social media overload to digital file accumulation. This generation views decluttering through a digital lens, seeking ways to streamline their online presence and digital storage. Gen Z’s approach to minimalism extends to their lifestyle, favoring digital experiences and interactions, and often leading them to possess fewer physical items. 

Embrace Decluttering With Rita’s “Essential Checklists” Workbook 

No matter your age or stage in life, decluttering can be tailored to your needs, and Rita’s “Essential Checklists” Decluttering Workbook is here to guide you. This workbook is a comprehensive tool designed to make decluttering accessible for everyone. With room-specific checklists, 30-day challenges, and the acclaimed 15-minute burst method, it transforms tidying from a chore into an enjoyable journey. 

Ready to reclaim space and serenity in your home? Whether you’re a Baby Boomer looking to downsize, a Gen Xer balancing a full house, a Millennial seeking sustainability, or a Gen Z digital native, Rita’s workbook provides the strategies you need. Purchase Rita’s “Essential Checklists” Decluttering Workbook today and start your clutter-busting odyssey. Transform your living spaces into havens of harmony, one checklist at a time. 

 
Decluttering Minimalist Tips And More With Rita 

You can find a digital download of the Minimalist Essentials workbook at the Design Services online store, or purchase the Minimalist Essentials paperback workbook on Amazon today. Don’t wait -get your copy soon. Looking for even more information about minimalism, decluttering, and downsizing? If so, visit my YouTube channel today! 

The post Minimalism Through the Generations: A Diverse Approach to Decluttering  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How to Overcome the 3 Toughest Challenges When Decluttering Your Home

If you are just beginning your decluttering journey, or if you are right in the middle of it, you’re likely experiencing a few challenges along the way. And if you’re like most of us, these challenges can either stop you or slow you down, preventing you from making the progress you’d really like to be making!

Navigating the Decluttering Maze

In this blog, I’m going to address each of the 3 toughest challenges most people face when downsizing or decluttering and show you how to overcome them. Once you recognize what these challenges are and how they’re impacting your progress, it will be much easier for you to quickly overcome them when they occur so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Challenge #1: Motivation to Get Started

You’ve been talking about decluttering for quite some time, saying you want to Declutter. But these “buts” are stopping you before you even get started. Do any of these excuses sound familiar to you?

It’s too overwhelming.I’ll never get it all done, so why start?I’m afraid to let go of my sentimental items.I might need it someday.I might regret giving stuff away.

Getting started is the first big step to living a simpler, less cluttered life. Here’s how to overcome all of those objections and justifications for not getting started:

Acknowledge the fact that you have too much stuff and that it is significantly impacting your stress and upset.Take time to discern your primary reason for wanting to declutter and focus on the benefits you will receive.Create a vision for your life after decluttering.Just start! Even if it’s one drawer, one shelf. Once you see and feel the impact of the progress, it will motivate you to continue.Schedule it! Commit to your plan and you will see results!Challenge #2: Finding Time

If you find yourself saying any of the following, question the validity of your statement, so you can start to see through it:

I can’t find the time, I’m too busy to Declutter.I’ll start next week or next month.I avoided it because it’s too much to do on my own both physically and mentally.I’d rather be doing something else.

Here’s how to overcome the challenge of finding time:

Review your plan and vision for a simpler life.Schedule an appointment with yourself and a possible team member.Keep envisioning your life without clutter.Find decluttering methods that work for you.Remind yourself of your “why” for decluttering. Minimalist Decluttering Checklist: 100 Items to Declutter Right NowWant to know how to Declutter like a minimalist? Sign Up to get your FREE download!Challenge #3: Staying Motivated

It seemed like you were making great progress, but then you start to lose focus and momentum. Here’s how to get back on track and stay motivated:

Step back, take a break.Get a decluttering buddy.Use every decluttering tool and shortcut you know of.Have fun organizing areas you have already decluttered.Review your plan and your schedule.Conquer Clutter with Confidence

These three toughest challenges are real: getting started, finding time, and staying motivated. You will most likely experience any or all of them at some point in your decluttering journey. Keep this video in mind when you get stuck the next time.

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post How to Overcome the 3 Toughest Challenges When Decluttering Your Home first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Transform Your Space with the 15-Minute Decluttering Burst Method

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering your home? You’re not alone. Many of us look around at the clutter and feel defeated before we even begin. The key to overcoming this daunting feeling is simpler than you might think: short, focused bursts of decluttering. Here’s how investing just 15 minutes at a time can make a massive difference in transforming your space. 

Overcome Overwhelm with Short, Manageable Sessions Start Small to Achieve Big Results 

The beauty of the 15-minute burst method lies in its simplicity and manageability. By setting a timer for just 15 minutes, you take the pressure off. There’s no need to clear your entire schedule; you just need a quarter of an hour. This approach helps to break down the mental barriers that often prevent us from starting. It’s much easier to commit to a quick session than to face hours of sorting and organizing. As you see progress in these small increments, your motivation to continue grows. 

See Immediate Progress Quick Wins Keep You Motivated 

Each 15-minute decluttering session allows you to see immediate results, which is incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s clearing off a countertop, organizing a drawer, or sorting through a pile of mail, each session produces visible outcomes. These quick wins are key to maintaining momentum. They show that even in short periods, significant changes are possible, encouraging you to stick with your decluttering goals over the long term. 

Integrate Decluttering into Your Daily Routine Make Decluttering a Habit, Not a Chore 

The 15-minute burst method integrates seamlessly into any schedule, no matter how busy you are. By incorporating it into your daily routine, decluttering becomes a habit rather than a dreaded chore. This frequent, consistent approach ensures that clutter doesn’t have a chance to build up over time, keeping your space continually fresh and organized. 

Maximize Efficiency with Focused Efforts Concentrate Your Energy for Maximum Impact 

When you know you only have 15 minutes, you’re more likely to work efficiently and make quick decisions. This time constraint can actually enhance your decision-making skills, as you focus on what can be accomplished right now. This concentrated effort helps you to quickly assess what items are necessary and which can be donated or thrown away, streamlining the entire process. 

Keep Your Home Consistently Clutter-Free Maintain a Tidy Space with Minimal Effort 

Regular 15-minute bursts of decluttering help maintain your space in the long term without the need for major clean-up sessions. This method teaches you to manage clutter as it comes, which is much easier than dealing with accumulated messes. Over time, these short decluttering sessions add up, transforming your home into a consistently tidy environment. 

Kickstart Your Clutter-Free Life with the 15-Minute Burst Method Workbook 

Ready to revolutionize the way you tackle clutter? Rita’s “15-Minute Burst Method” Decluttering Workbook is your perfect ally. This dynamic workbook is designed to help you efficiently sort through items in short, productive bursts. It’s ideal if you have limited time each day but still want to see your home transform before your eyes. 

Don’t let clutter dominate your space any longer. Purchase Rita’s “15-Minute Burst Method” Decluttering Workbook today and start reclaiming your home, one burst at a time. Dive into decluttering with the Burst Method and watch as your home becomes a more organized, peaceful place. 

The post Transform Your Space with the 15-Minute Decluttering Burst Method  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

“MOM, THANKS, BUT NO THANKS!”: THE REBELLION AGAINST FAMILY HEIRLOOMS

BY RITA WILKINS MAY 13, 2024 LIFESTYLE

There was a time when heirs were excited to receive their parents’ and grandparents’ most prized possessions. Their fine bone china, lead crystal, and sterling silver were not only welcomed but proudly displayed and regularly used.

If we didn’t have room in our homes, we either passed them on to relatives or store them in our attic or basement as a way of preserving them to pass on to our kids someday.

Sentimental Items: The Heartbreak of Unwanted Heirlooms

But if you have adult children, you probably know by now that they don’t want our stuff… And that hurts!

You’ve loved those items, used them, and cared for them. You looked forward to giving them to your kids at some point in the future. You’ve even held onto them for all these years along with the many other things that you accumulated, fully expecting that once they were grown and had their own homes, your kids would need them and welcome them into their homes just as you did many years ago.

But, for the most part, our kids clearly do not want our stuff. Why not? What happened?

As baby boomers, who are now in the process of downsizing and decluttering our homes and our stuff, we are faced with the harsh reality that our kids don’t want our belongings, and we are trying to understand why not.

A Historical Perspective Might Help

It’s helpful to understand how unique generational values, tastes, and priorities have changed and how they have influenced the way our kids feel and respond to receiving cherished belongings passed down from one generation to the next.

It’s also helpful to try to uncover the reasons why our kids have little or no interest in our stuff.

It’s important that we learn to adapt to this changing dynamic while also helping our kids understand the value and importance of passing down some of our most cherished belongings.

The challenge lies in bridging the gap between our sentimental valuing of family heirlooms and the changing preferences of today’s younger generations to reject these items… And what that might mean for future generations.

How can we preserve the essence of our family history while adapting to these evolving trends?

It’s important that we get into the minds of each generation to make thought-provoking comparisons that will help us begin to understand the different viewpoints and values that have played a significant role in shaping their attitudes and approach to preserving treasures passed down through the family.

An Overview of Generational Differences

Note: The generational split is according to Pew Research Center.

Traditionalists/Silent Generation, Born 1928 to 1945

This generation grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. They were influenced by a time of great scarcity and developed a frugal mindset. They were resourceful and valued a simple life, hard work, and family. Their few possessions were valued for their practicality, usefulness, and longevity.

Baby Boomer Generation, Born 1947 to 1964

Baby boomers grew up in the Post-War Era, a time of great economic growth. This led to consumerism and the desire to own and accumulate many possessions. To baby boomers these items came to represent success, status, and security. While they valued hard work, it often became the center of their life and identity, leaving little time for family and work-life balance.

Generation X, Born 1965-1980

Gen X grew up during the Information Age. They were influenced by the rise of early technology, instant gratification, and the beginning of social media. While they appreciate material goods, they do not prioritize stuff as much as their parents do and value a more minimalist aesthetic. They prioritize experiences over physical possessions and value a balance of hard work with time to live life fully.

Gen Y/Millennials, Born 1981 to 1996

Millennials grew up with technology in the Digital Age, leading to a new kind of clutter, digital clutter such as emails, texts, photos, and social media. They value experiences over material possessions and have little reverence for stuff from the past. They value sustainability, a simpler, more minimalist environment, work-life balance, and work that aligns with their core values for professional growth.

Gen Z, Born 1997 to 2012

This generation was born into the Digital Age and grew up with easy/quick access to technology and the Internet. They value meaningful work, individuality, authenticity, sustainability, and borrowing, renting, or repurposing items rather than buying new.

Times Have Changed

What is valuable and sentimental to us is not the same for our kids. They value different things. Their tastes, styles, priorities, and attitudes are different from ours.

How Our Baby Boomer Generation DIFFERS from Younger Generations

First, let’s examine how our generation is different from the ones that came after us.

Physical Possessions

Younger generations do not value physical possessions the same way we do. Their minimalist aesthetic does not allow room for clutter and excess stuff that takes up room with things they don’t want, need, or will not use. Their perspective on possessions is that they must be useful and serve a purpose.

** The stuff we pass down will overwhelm their simpler lifestyle.

Emotional Attachment

They are not emotionally attached to stuff like we are. They are mostly detached from physical possessions because, to them, it is just “stuff” that can easily and quickly be replaced, borrowed, or rented if needed.

They don’t value stuff that they may not need or might not use.

Smaller Homes and Living Spaces

They value living in smaller, more affordable homes with less stuff, unlike the large homes they grew up in filled with lots of stuff. Additionally, the higher cost of homes and mortgages makes it unfeasible and impractical for them to take in our large furniture, rugs, artwork, etc.

Our large furniture would overwhelm their smaller homes.

Experiences, Not Stuff

Our grown-up kids value spending their money on experiences, and creating new memories rather than buying more stuff that requires their time, money, and energy.

We prioritize stuff, they prioritize quality time.

Accumulation

They choose not to accumulate possessions the way we have done. “Less is more,” “one in, one out” is their mantra. Owning fewer possessions is more manageable, peaceful, and takes less time, money, and energy to maintain.

Our consumer habits of buying more led to too much stuff, stress, and overwhelm.

Minimalism

They prefer a minimalist lifestyle and aesthetic. They choose to live with less, and therefore, have less clutter and are more organized and efficient.

Inheriting large amounts of possessions would overwhelm their lives and lifestyle.

Clutter

They want to avoid the burden of physical and mental clutter and the stress associated with it.

By refusing to accept our heirlooms, they are intentionally trying to avoid cluttering their own smaller homes.

Sustainability

They respect the environment and don’t like wasting stuff. If they don’t need it, if they won’t use it, they choose not to buy it.

If they inherit our stuff that they will not use, they will likely donate it or dispose of it.

Excess Stuff

They do not value holding onto stuff “just in case” they might need it someday. They prefer to use what they have and not become a repository for excess stuff. Their smaller homes do not warrant it, and they prefer to avoid the additional expense of a storage unit if at all possible. If they need something, they are willing to borrow it or rent it if necessary.

They do not want to fill their attics, basements, garages with “just-in-case” stuff like we did.

Simple Living

They prioritize living simply with less stuff to have more time, money, and freedom for what matters most to them.

As baby boomers, we, too, are trying to downsize and declutter to live a simpler life with less stuff and less stress.

How Our Baby Boomer Generation Is SIMILAR to the Younger Generations

But, despite the differences, there are also many similarities that we share.

Starting to Downsize

As we baby boomers start to downsize and declutter our homes, we are purging the excess stuff in our lives to make room for less stuff and less stress. By rebelling against family heirlooms, our kids are trying to prevent the burden of clutter, filling basements, attics, and garages with boxes and bins that will likely not get opened for many years.

Putting More Value on Experiences

As baby boomers become empty nesters, retire, and enter into our third act, we choose to seek new experiences that are meaningful and create new memories.

Moving to Smaller Homes

Many baby boomers are downsizing to smaller, more manageable, and more affordable homes to have fewer expenses and less maintenance and upkeep.

Intentional Living

As we age, we need less, and we buy less. What we do buy is more intentional, less impulsive. We are spending money on what is truly important to us.

Living in the Digital Age

Baby boomers are discovering the many advantages of using technology to digitize photos, old film, and documents. By using the cloud for storage, we prevent the need for the many boxes and bins in our basements.

Steps to Bridge the Gap#1: Take an Inventory

Take a thorough inventory of your home, what you want, what you will use, and what you don’t want and won’t use. If you are downsizing, take into account only what you will need, what will fit, and look good in your new smaller space. There is no sense in taking more than what will fit as you will only overcrowd your new home and make it feel cluttered.

#2: Open Up the Door to Conversations

Following the methodology in Margareta Magnusson’s book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, invite your kids to your home to walk through and ask them which items they DO want.

Then, let them tell you what they DON’T want. Keep an open mind and a cool head. Promise yourself to be OK with the fact that they don’t want certain things. Don’t be offended if they don’t want something and if they’re brutally honest with you because this gives you the freedom to let go of those things that you might have been holding onto, assuming they would want them someday. They don’t. Let it go.

This is the perfect opportunity to share stories about particular pieces of furniture, artwork, etc., that are meaningful to you and why. It is also a perfect opportunity to have them share with you what particular items have meaning to them and why. You will likely be surprised by the items they choose and find meaningful: their childhood toys, selected artwork, greeting cards, or projects they might’ve given you from grade school!

These heart-to-heart conversations open the door to sharing stories about your family history and values, stories they may never have heard before that will help them develop a newfound respect and appreciation for your treasured possessions and family heritage.

#3: Invite Family and Close Friends

Just like you did with your kids, invite family and close friends to walk through your home and choose what they might want from the things you don’t want or your kids don’t want. You might also want to share stories with them about why they’ve meant so much to you. Make sure to set a date for them to pick up and remove those items from your home.

#4: Donations

Donate the remaining items to charities that closely align with your values so that you know someone wants, needs, and will use what you are giving away, i.e., women’s shelters, veterans’ homes, Habitat for Humanity, or others. Ideally, they will make arrangements to pick up, saving you time, energy, and expense.

#3: Disposal

Dispose of any remaining items. It might be helpful to have a Clean Out specialist come to help with this final effort.

Finding the Common Ground

Preserving our family heritage isn’t just about passing down physical items. It’s about taking time to share stories and our values too.

By finding common ground between our sentimental side and their desire to redefine how family treasures are passed down, we can ensure that our family legacy will live on long after we’re gone.

Let’s embrace this challenge, consider it a teaching moment, an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow closer to our kids by having meaningful conversations where both sides are heard… knowing that together, we are keeping the spirit and essence of our family alive for many generations to come.

Let’s talk!

Let’s chat about something intriguing: Have you delved into the topic of family heirlooms with your grown-up kids yet? How did it unfold? Were there any surprises when you discovered their desires regarding what they treasure or aren’t particularly drawn to from your collection?

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post “MOM, THANKS, BUT NO THANKS!”: THE REBELLION AGAINST FAMILY HEIRLOOMS first appeared on Design Services LTD.

9 Quick Ways to Kickstart or Restart Your Decluttering Journey

Decluttering Your Home Is an Enormous Task

It’s easy to feel intimidated and overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. So how do you get started or get restarted?

Try These 9 Quick and Easy Strategies to Start or Continue Your Decluttering Journey:1.  Start small.

It’s been proven that by starting small with just one shelf or one drawer at a time, you will see results. You will feel differently about the space, and even though it might seem like a small win, you will be motivated to create another small win and then the next.

2.  Create a clutter-free zone and stick to it.

When there is one area of your home that is highly visible and constantly filled with clutter, it impacts the way you feel, think, and act. Think about when your kitchen table, kitchen countertop, or your desktop is filled with clutter. How does that make you feel?

Conversely, when that area is declared a clutter-free zone and is consistently organized, your experience is completely different. Try it! You’ll see what I mean. Then create a second and third clutter-free area in your home.

3.  Use the power of your imagination.

Imagine one room of your home that is neat, organized, and clutter-free. It could be your home office. Imagine working there. How much more efficient and productive would you be?

It could be your master bedroom. Imagine that it is clutter-free, peaceful, serene, and your sanctuary at the end of each day. Imagine how much easier it would be to get a good night’s sleep, waking up fully rested.It could be any room in your home. Visualize the way you want it to be, then declutter anything that doesn’t belong there. Try it! You’ll be amazed at what a difference it will make in your productivity, peace of mind, and overall well-being.4.  Load up your car with donated items.

As soon as you declutter one area of your home, load up your car and immediately drive to the donation site or consignment shop. Don’t let those bags and boxes sit in your garage where you might be tempted to pull a few things out. You’ll be amazed at how you feel once you have dropped off those bags and boxes. Acknowledge that sense of freedom; it will motivate you to declutter more.

5.  Find a “home” for everything.

Start with just five or ten items in your home. Ask, does it belong here? If not, where does it belong?

It could be your vacuum. Does it belong in your family room or in your utility closet with other cleaning items?It could be toiletries. Do they belong on your bathroom counter, cluttering it up, or in a drawer or medicine cabinet where you can easily find them?It could be extra sheets and towels. Do they belong in your laundry room or in your linen closet where they can easily be found?

When you take the time to designate a specific area for items in your home, it will be easier to locate them when you need them, and it will help declutter other areas where they do not belong.

6.  Circle back on the things that are hard to let go of.

If you get stuck with certain items, such as family photos, your mom’s china, or other sentimental items, stop what you’re doing and move on to another area. Circle back to them at another time.

We all get stuck or stopped sometimes during the decluttering process. Decluttering your possessions is a highly emotional journey. Acknowledge your emotions. Accept the fact that at the moment, it’s too hard for you to deal with. Move on to an easier area that is not nearly as emotional, then at a later date, circle back. You might have a fresh perspective that allows you to let go of those items that were previously difficult to part with.

7.  Use the power of percentages.

If you are downsizing from a 4,000-square-foot home to a 2,000-square-foot home, you are downsizing by 50%. Use the same principle to declutter your home.

For example, if you want to declutter by 50%, look at one bookcase and focus on the top shelf only. If you were to declutter that shelf by 50%:

Which half of the items would you keep and use?Which half of the items would you let go of?

Sometimes the magic of numbers helps you gain clarity about how much stuff you want to declutter. It helps to use logic instead of emotion.

8.  Schedule a time to declutter.

Just like a doctor’s appointment or a business meeting, schedule it. Put it on your calendar and commit to decluttering on that day at that specific time.

An alternative approach is to schedule a time each day, for example, 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. Make sure it’s on your calendar.Another approach to scheduling is to schedule a weekend two or three months in advance to declutter.

Whatever works for you, your schedule, and your lifestyle, consistently scheduling time to declutter will help you start to see progress.

Sign Up to get your FREE Home Decluttering Checklist!9.  Use a checklist!

If you follow my YouTube videos and blogs, you know that I am a fan of checklists! There is power in using a checklist because it keeps you moving forward. There is gratification in checking things off that list because you know you’ve made progress.

Check out my website where you can access our checklists and workbooks that are intended to get you started and help you stay motivated.

The most important thing: Just get started! Just keep moving!

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, create clutter-free zones, and be consistent. Use a minimalist home checklist—please check it out for helpful tips and guidance. Schedule tasks, use your imagination, and tackle clutter bit by bit. Don’t be afraid to get started in your journey to a simple life. Happy decluttering!

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post 9 Quick Ways to Kickstart or Restart Your Decluttering Journey first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Unlock the Secrets to Decluttering Room by Room

Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be a chore that looms over you, and you certainly don’t need a one-size-fits-all strategy. Different spaces gather different kinds of mess — think crammed kitchen drawers vs. overflowing wardrobes. That’s where having a unique checklist for each room changes the game. It’s like having a secret weapon that targets the specific chaos of each space, making the whole process feel more manageable and way less overwhelming. Here’s how embracing room-specific checklists can totally transform your decluttering game. 

Get Straight to the Point with Tailored Strategies for Each Room Tackle Unique Messes with Laser Focus 

Every room has its own clutter personality. A kitchen might be all about battling gadget overload, while your bedroom might be drowning in clothes and shoes. Using the same old generic checklist for these wildly different spaces? Not so helpful. Room-specific checklists zero in on the unique challenges each area faces, making sure you don’t miss a thing and that everything gets the attention it deserves. 

Keep the Motivation High with Quick Wins See Real Changes, Room by Room 

There’s something super satisfying about checking off tasks and seeing immediate results. With a specific checklist for each room, you get to witness real progress right where it counts. This keeps the motivation high and makes the whole decluttering journey feel more like a series of victories than an endless battle. 

Dive Deep with Detailed Checklists for Every Space No Corner Overlooked 

With checklists tailored for each room, you’re guaranteed not to skip over the little things. Your kitchen checklist might include sorting out that dreaded junk drawer or decluttering the spice rack, while the living room list could have you reorganizing bookshelves or sorting through old DVDs. These detailed lists make sure you tackle every inch of clutter, leaving your rooms not just tidy, but truly transformed. 

Customize Your Decluttering to Fit Your Life Your Home, Your Rules 

Every home is unique, so why shouldn’t your decluttering process be? Room-specific checklists can be tweaked to perfectly suit the way you and your family live. Need to make your kid’s playroom a little less chaotic? There’s a checklist for that. Want to streamline your home office? There’s a checklist for that, too. This approach lets you focus on what really matters in your home, making the whole process feel a lot more personal and a lot less like a chore. 

Streamline Your Efforts with Expert Tips Systematically Conquer Clutter with Rita’s Help 

Diving into decluttering with Rita’s “Room-by-room Checklists” from her latest Decluttering Workbook means you’re not just cleaning up; you’re embarking on a clutter-busting odyssey. This isn’t just about tossing things out—it’s about creating spaces that bring you joy and calm. Each checklist comes packed with Rita’s expert insights, helping you methodically tackle the clutter in every corner of your home. 

Ready to Transform Your Home? 

If you’re pumped to get your home in tip-top shape and keep it that way, grab Rita’s “Room-by-room Checklists” Decluttering Workbook. Start your decluttering journey with the best tools by your side. Purchase Rita’s “Room-by-room Checklists” Decluttering Workbook today and step into a home where every room is a haven of peace and joy. Let’s get decluttering! 

Decluttering Minimalist Tips and More With Rita 

You can find a digital download of the Minimalist Essentials workbook at the Design Services online store, or purchase the Minimalist Essentials paperback workbook on Amazon today. Don’t wait -get your copy soon. Looking for even more information about minimalism, decluttering, and downsizing? If so, visit my YouTube channel today! 

The post Unlock the Secrets to Decluttering Room by Room  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How Decluttering in My 60s Changed My Life (And How It Can Change Yours Too!)

The Clutter Mystery

Did you know that, according to a University of California study, the average American home has over 300,000 items in it? 300,000 items!

No wonder Americans are stressed out by the amount of stuff in their homes.No wonder we are having difficulty concentrating, focusing, and getting things done.No wonder one of the top three New Year’s resolutions each year is to declutter and get organized!

If you are one of the millions of Americans who are fed up with the amount of clutter you are dealing with in your home, and if you’re experiencing a lot of undue stress and having difficulty getting it done, you’re not alone. Join the crowd!

A Personal Journey Begins

In tonight’s video, I’m going to share something deeply personal with you that I’ve never shared before: my decluttering journey in my 60s and how it changed my life. My story will inspire you and give you hope that it is possible to let go of many of the things we hold onto and are attached to, even though we may no longer want, need, or use them.

Listening to my downsizing and decluttering journey, you’ll be encouraged and motivated to start your own journey, whether you’re in your 60s or at any age. When you declutter your physical possessions, you also declutter your mental clutter. And that’s what makes you feel so much better, so much lighter, and free to start living a simpler, more meaningful life with less.

Facing the Overflow of Excess Stuff

When I started my decluttering and downsizing journey, I owned a huge, beautiful home in the country. Every inch of it was filled with not only beautiful stuff but also my attic, basement, and garage were filled with boxes and bins in every color.

As beautiful as my home was to the eye, my cupboards, closets, and drawers were filled to the brim. It was hidden from plain sight, but I knew it was there.

The hidden clutter was always on my mind, and it definitely took its toll on me. Every waking minute, I tried to keep up by organizing it, making it look neat inside the drawers and closets. But I couldn’t seem to part with much of it, so I just kept making it look neat. My reality was that I was attached to all that beautiful stuff for a number of reasons:

I might need it someday.It will fit again when I lose 10 pounds.I spent too much money on it, so I can’t just give it away.

Check out my minimalist checklist for a step-by-step guide to decluttering your life.

Consciousness and Action

All of these reasons kept me stuck until one day I decided to organize one of my large walk-in closets with the intention of getting rid of a few items.

But when I opened the closet door, I started to cry! I stood in the middle of the closet, overwhelmed by the challenge ahead of me. But what really hit me between the eyes was that many of those beautiful items still had tags on them. I had never worn them!

The tears poured from my eyes when I thought about the excess in my life… Not just in this closet, but in every other closet, cabinet, dresser, shelf, and drawer.

A New Perspective

That moment changed my life! I couldn’t pack the boxes fast enough. I worked feverishly for 2 to 3 hours to neatly pack all but three beautiful suits.

Even though the snow was starting to accumulate, I loaded my car and drove immediately to the women’s shelter where I was warmly greeted and graciously offered help to unload the boxes. As I drove away that afternoon, I felt happier. I felt relieved. I would never know who would be wearing those beautiful suits, but I knew one thing… They were now in the hands of someone who needed them, someone who wanted them and would wear them. And that’s all that mattered.

My Journey Continues

It took me about a year to declutter my remaining closets and drawers. I was inspired and motivated to live a simpler, more meaningful life with less stuff and less stress.

As a downsizing designer, I now have the privilege of being a national spokesman for downsizing and decluttering and living a simpler, more abundant life. I get to speak to people just like you who want to declutter but don’t know how to get started or how to stay motivated.

Inspiring Others with My Minimalist Checklist

The journey is not easy, but take it from me, it is worth it. I hope you’re inspired and motivated by my very personal downsizing and decluttering journey. It changed my life, and it can change yours too!

Please continue to watch and like my Facebook Lives, my YouTube videos, and the blogs on my website. Don’t forget to check out my minimalist checklist for a step-by-step guide to decluttering your life. Please share your own decluttering stories because you will inspire someone else who might just be starting out but is struggling.

Please share with family and friends or anyone you think might benefit.

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post How Decluttering in My 60s Changed My Life (And How It Can Change Yours Too!) first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Unleashing the Power of Checklists in Your Decluttering Journey

Decluttering your home can seem like a monumental task, especially when you’re unsure where to start or how to keep going. Fortunately, checklists can be a game-changer, simplifying the decluttering process and turning overwhelming chaos into manageable tasks. Here’s how incorporating checklists into your decluttering efforts can help you efficiently reclaim your space and maintain a serene home environment. 

Boost Your Efficiency with Decluttering Checklists 

Checklists are powerful tools that can dramatically increase your efficiency when decluttering. By breaking down your decluttering goals into clear, actionable steps, checklists provide a direct path forward, preventing procrastination and ensuring that every task is accomplished. Whether you’re tackling a single drawer or an entire garage, a checklist acts as a road map, guiding you through the process and helping you to focus on one task at a time. 

Reduce Overwhelm and Increase Productivity 

One of the most significant benefits of using checklists during the decluttering process is the reduction of overwhelm. Looking at a cluttered room can be daunting, and without a clear strategy, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by indecision. Checklists help mitigate this by providing a series of smaller, achievable tasks, making the process less intimidating and more digestible. As you check off each item, you’ll gain momentum and a sense of accomplishment, which can increase your overall productivity and motivation. 

Create a Tailored Decluttering Plan for Every Room 

Each room in your home serves a different function and therefore requires a unique approach to decluttering. Rita’s latest Decluttering Workbook, “Essential Checklists,” offers meticulously tailored checklists for every room, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. Whether you’re sorting through kitchen gadgets, office supplies, or bedroom closets, these checklists consider the specific needs and challenges of each space, allowing for a comprehensive and customized decluttering effort. 

Embrace Effective Decluttering with the 15-Minute Burst Method 

Rita’s acclaimed 15-minute burst method, featured in the “Essential Checklists” workbook, revolutionizes decluttering by making it more manageable and less daunting. This method involves tackling tasks in short, focused bursts of time, making it easier to start and maintain momentum without feeling exhausted or overwhelmed. This approach is particularly effective for those with busy schedules or limited energy reserves, as it maximizes productivity in short periods and can fit into any lifestyle. 

Transform Decluttering into a Joyful Adventure 

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a dreary chore. With the right tools, it can transform into a joyful and rewarding adventure. The “Essential Checklists” workbook includes invigorating 30-day challenges that turn the process of tidying up into an exciting quest for cleanliness and organization. These challenges provide structure and fun to your decluttering efforts, encouraging you to stick with your goals and enjoy the journey. 

Your First Step Towards a Clutter-Free Home 

If you’re ready to transform your home into a haven of harmony, it’s time to harness the power of checklists. Rita’s “Essential Checklists” Decluttering Workbook is your ideal companion on this journey. With its detailed guides for every room, the innovative 15-minute burst method, and engaging 30-day challenges, this workbook is designed to help you efficiently and joyfully declutter your home. 

Don’t wait to reclaim your space and serenity. Purchase Rita’s “Essential Checklists” Decluttering Workbook today and start your transformation. Embrace the structured freedom that checklists offer and watch as your home becomes a clearer, more peaceful place—one checklist at a time. 

Decluttering Minimalist Tips And More With Rita 

You can find a digital download of the Minimalist Essentials workbook at the Design Services online store, or purchase the Minimalist Essentials paperback workbook on Amazon today. Don’t wait -get your copy soon. Looking for even more information about minimalism, decluttering, and downsizing? If so, visit my YouTube channel today! 

The post Unleashing the Power of Checklists in Your Decluttering Journey  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Rita’s Minimalist Wardrobe Decluttering Checklist

While packing for a trip recently, I realized how much I dread packing! It shouldn’t be this hard, but even though I was looking forward to my vacation, forward to my vacation, I found myself overwhelmed by my cluttered, disorganized closets. I struggled to find the things I wanted to pack, which led to so much stress that it started to detract from the fun and anticipation of my upcoming vacation.

At one point, I stopped myself and said, “Enough is enough!” That’s when I decided to stop packing and, before going any further, I needed to first take time to:

1. Declutter My Closets:

Before continuing with packing, I realized it was essential to declutter my closets. This means going through all the items stored in them and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. By reducing the number of items, I could make packing more manageable and ensure I only take what I truly need.

2. Organize Everything to Simplify Packing and Daily Decisions:

After decluttering, I recognized the importance of organizing my closets effectively. This involves arranging items in a way that not only facilitates the packing process but also makes it easier to choose outfits on a daily basis. Organizing by category, color, or season can streamline both packing and selecting clothes for any occasion.

3. Find a Way to Maintain a Simpler, More Organized Closet in the Future:

To prevent clutter from building up again, I made it a priority to establish a system for maintaining a simplified and organized closet in the long term. This might involve implementing regular decluttering sessions, investing in storage solutions, or adopting minimalist habits when acquiring new items.

I knew that this would require a big mindset shift on my part, but I was finally ready to create a minimalist wardrobe that could go anywhere, anytime!

I was tired of saying I had nothing to wear… when I knew I did!

I was tired of wasting time looking for clothes when I knew they were in there somewhere, but where?

I was tired of saying I didn’t have enough space for my clothing… when I knew I just had to pare down what I already had.

I knew I was finally ready to let go of my “just in case” clothing that I had been holding onto in case I lost or gained a few pounds.

No more excuses! I was ready, and I was excited!

Even though I had attempted to declutter and organize my closets many times before, this time it was different!

I was finally motivated to put an end to closet chaos, decision fatigue, and the stress related to wardrobe clutter. I was excited to streamline my wardrobe and embrace a minimalist lifestyle by simplifying and organizing my space and my closet to reflect my current taste, size, and lifestyle needs.

Creating the Checklist

Because I know checklists work, in the process of decluttering my closet I created a new decluttering checklist that really worked! It’s easy to use and will help you sort through each item, and make quick decisions to purge clothes that don’t fit or that you don’t love.

It will also help you organize the key items so they make sense to you, making it easier to put outfits together. It will also make it easier to maintain your organized closet moving forward.

Rita’s Minimalist Wardrobe Decluttering ChecklistPreparation Before You BeginSchedule a day and a time, set aside 3 to 4 hours.Commit to reducing the amount of clothing in your closet to make room for only the clothes you love and will use.Stage all decluttering materials, such as hangers, boxes, trash bags, and markers.Step 1: SortRemove all clothes from your closet.

Place the clothes into 4 piles:

Keep: Keep only the clothes you love. They should look good on you, fit well, and make you feel good when you wear them.Unloved: These are the clothes you don’t like and rarely wear.Unneeded: These are the clothes you don’t need because you have duplicates or excess items.Unused: These are clothes you don’t like or don’t wear.

Clean the closet and shelves prior to placing clothes back in the closet.

Step 2: OrganizeKeep Pile:Categorize clothing into shirts, pants, dresses, suits, etc.Further categorize according to casual or formal wear.Color-coordinate each category.

Organizing in this manner allows you to readily see which items you have based on category and color.

Unloved Pile:Separate into three piles:SellDonate to charity or repurpose among friends and familyDiscard: trash or remove from sightUnneeded Pile:Divide into three piles:SellDonate to charity or repurpose among family and friendsDiscard: trash or remove from sightUnused Pile:Sort into three piles:SellDonate to charity or repurpose among friends and familyDiscard: trash or remove from sightStep 3: MaintainWhen you wear an item, return it to the same location where you found it.For items not worn, place them into a separate box for one month. If you don’t miss them, donate, sell, or discard them.

Decluttering your wardrobe isn’t just about having fewer clothes. It’s about curating a collection that you enjoy wearing—clothes that look good on you, fit well, and make you feel good.

These clothes simplify your daily routine, making decisions quicker and packing easier. Decluttering your closet has a significant impact on your life and happiness, reducing stress and bringing clarity.

So, if you’re fed up with clutter like I was, give my minimalist decluttering wardrobe checklist a try, and see how it can change your life too!

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode! Click the following link to like Rita’s Facebook page or subscribe to her Decluttering YouTube Channel. Check out our YouTube playlists if you want to learn more.

Follow me on social media for more updates:YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | TWITTERRita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? My book Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom is now available in paperback, audio, and on Kindle! Get your copy soon. 

The post Rita’s Minimalist Wardrobe Decluttering Checklist first appeared on Design Services LTD.