Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 16

5 Essential Tips to Manage Emotional Clutter for a Happier Life

Emotional clutter can be as stifling as physical clutter, often holding us back from experiencing joy and fulfillment in our daily lives. Whether it’s past regrets, unresolved conflicts, or the fear of letting go, emotional baggage accumulates, weighing us down. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to help clear away this intangible clutter, paving the way for a lighter, more joyful existence. 

Recognize and Acknowledge Your Emotional Clutter 

The first step in conquering emotional clutter is acknowledging its presence. This involves deep self-reflection, where you identify the feelings and memories that are no longer serving you. Recognizing these elements provides a clear starting point for your decluttering journey. Whether it’s guilt, resentment, or sadness, understanding what you’re holding onto is crucial to letting it go. 

Embrace the Art of Letting Go 

Letting go is a skill that requires practice and patience. Start small by forgiving yourself for past mistakes or releasing minor grudges. Gradually, work towards letting go of larger issues. Remember, letting go doesn’t mean forgetting; it means choosing not to let certain emotions control your life. Practice mindfulness and meditation to help ease this process, focusing on the present and the future rather than being anchored to the past. 

Create Emotional Boundaries 

Establishing emotional boundaries is essential in maintaining a clutter-free mental space. This involves recognizing what behaviors you will accept from others and yourself. Boundaries help protect your energy and play a crucial role in managing how external factors influence your emotional well-being. Be clear about your limits, and communicate them respectfully to those around you. 

Seek Professional Guidance 

If emotional clutter feels too overwhelming to tackle alone, seeking professional help can be incredibly beneficial. Therapists and counselors are trained to help you sort through complex feelings and provide strategies to manage them effectively. They can offer a fresh perspective on emotional challenges and guide you towards a healthier mental state. 

Cultivate a Positive Environment 

Your environment significantly impacts your emotional health. Cultivate a space that reflects peace and positivity. This can be achieved by surrounding yourself with supportive people and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Additionally, keeping your physical surroundings tidy can mirror a clutter-free mental state, enhancing your overall well-being. 

Quick Recap: Top Tips to Manage Emotional Clutter Recognize and Acknowledge Your Emotional Clutter: Identify and understand the feelings that are holding you back. Embrace the Art of Letting Go: Develop the habit of releasing emotions and memories that no longer serve a positive purpose in your life. Create Emotional Boundaries: Set and maintain clear boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. Seek Professional Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals if the emotional clutter becomes overwhelming. Cultivate a Positive Environment: Create a supportive and positive physical and social environment to reflect a clutter-free mental state. Start Your Journey Toward Emotional Clarity Today 

Letting go of emotional clutter is transformative and healing. Rita’s Visual Decluttering Workbook is designed to guide you in freeing yourself by recognizing the five types of emotional clutter and making room for new experiences and memories. Purchase Rita’s Visual Decluttering Workbook today and take the first step towards a lighter, more fulfilled life. 

 
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 5 Essential Tips to Manage Emotional Clutter for a Happier Life  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Embrace Living with Less. It’s Never Been Easier!

Let’s face it. Our society is driven by consumerism, constantly bombarding us with messages that MORE is better. But the endless pursuit of material possessions leads to physical clutter… lots of it!

The stress and anxiety that comes from excess stuff can take a toll on our well-being, leaving us feeling drained and unfulfilled. If you’ve been asking yourself:

When will this endless cycle of MORE ever end?How can you break free and embrace a simpler, more minimalist life with less?Sometimes Change Happens When You Least Expect It

When a specific moment or event occurs that literally turns your head to something more meaningful and far more important than stuff, it happens when you least anticipate it.

In my TED talk, Why Less is More, I share my personal story of a trip to a Third World country, when for the first time in my life, I experienced people who had nothing but were happy. All I knew at that moment was that I, too, wanted to experience that kind of simple and joyful living. That’s when I started my own downsizing and decluttering journey. I was inspired to live my life with less stuff and more happiness.

Sometimes Change Happens Over a Long Period of Time

You are just tired of chasing the never-ending cycle of MORE stuff, MORE prestige, MORE of everything.

Sometimes it happens when you find yourself longing for a different kind of MORE… MORE meaning and fulfillment, more peace and contentment, NOT more stuff or more gadgets.

Regardless of when the lightbulb goes off, regardless of when you start to feel the shift, the very thought of living a simpler life with less becomes exciting and far more appealing than adding more to your cluttered home, busy schedule, or overbooked calendar.

In fact, once you’ve experienced that transformational moment, that turning point in your life, the desire to declutter your stuff, minimize distractions, and simplify your life grows stronger. 

You’re tired of your possessions owning you, consuming your time, money, energy, and freedom.You’re fed up with the ever-present desire for MORE that has taken over your life.You’re ready for a simpler life with less stuff, less stress, with more meaning, contentment, and peace.

The reality is that once you’ve turned that corner, once you’ve committed to living a simpler life with less, you’re already halfway there! And it just gets easier after that.

It All Starts with Decluttering!

The practice of intentionally letting go of both physical and mental clutter provides you with a new sense of freedom so you can start focusing on what matters to you.

Choosing to declutter physical possessions helps make room for a simpler life that brings you happiness and fulfillment based on what you value and care about.

Choosing to let go of mental clutter helps to remove the roadblock that prevented you from living authentically and true to your own values, not someone else’s.

When you relieve yourself from the physical and mental burdens, you create space for healthier and happier relationships, new experiences, and personal growth. You naturally feel lighter, happier, and more liberated!

The Benefits of Simplifying Your Life: Here Are A Few Things To Keep in Mind as You Declutter1.    Less stress.

Fewer visual distractions mess with your mind, causing stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.

2.    Saves time.

You will no longer waste hours looking for things because you will not only own less stuff, but every item will have a “home.”

3.    Saves money.

With less stuff comes less maintenance. There’s no need for a storage unit and certainly moving is much easier.

4.    More space.

More space to live, work, and play. The uncluttered space is also more efficient allowing you to focus and be more productive.

5.    More peace.

Once you have decluttered, your home is now a respite or sanctuary where you are free to relax, enjoy and re-energize.

6.    More time, money, freedom, and energy.

The pursuit of what matters most to you becomes most important so you can literally design a life that you’ve always wanted.

3 Basics Strategies to Get Started on Your Journey to Simplifying Your Life1.    Start small.

One drawer, one shelf, one closet at a time. As you sort through your belongings room by room, carefully look at each item and ask…

Does it truly add to your life?

If not, let it go.

Do you need it, is it essential?

If not, let it go.

Does it serve a purpose, will you use it?

If not, let it go.

2.    Visualize each room and how each area should function.

What is the purpose of each room?

What is essential to making it function?

Does that item belong in that room or somewhere else?

Once you have narrowed down the items in that room to only what it needs to accomplish its function, consider what the room should look like to make it pleasing to you.

Organize that room, so each item has a particular “home” so you can easily locate it when you need it.

3.   Cultivate a mindset of gratitude.

There is irony in owning less.

The less you own, the more you value what you have. Your space is now simpler, more functional, and more organized, you will start to experience the game-changing peace, contentment, and freedom that comes when you simplify your life.

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 Embrace Living with Less. It’s Never Been Easier! first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Experience the Power of a Decluttering Calendar

In the bustling rhythm of daily life, managing clutter in our homes can be a daunting task. Yet, the benefits of a decluttered space are undeniable–ranging from reduced stress to increased productivity. How can one keep on top of this seemingly Sisyphean task? The answer might be simpler than you think: a decluttering calendar. This tool not only helps track your progress but also keeps you motivated as you transform your home into a haven of tranquility. 

The Benefits of Tracking Decluttering Progress Stay Organized and Motivated 

A decluttering calendar serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the cleaning process day by day, room by room. By breaking down your decluttering goals into manageable tasks spread over days or weeks, the calendar helps alleviate the overwhelming feeling that often accompanies the thought of sorting through years of accumulation. Each tick on the calendar represents a small victory, providing a visual representation of your progress and a substantial boost to your motivation. 

Strategic Decluttering with Monthly Planning 

Using a calendar allows for strategic planning, enabling you to tackle your tasks seasonally. For instance, decluttering your wardrobe at the change of seasons or your garage before winter sets in makes the process timely and efficient. This methodical approach not only keeps your efforts focused but also prevents the all-too-common scenario of half-finished projects and the frustration that comes with them. 

Declutter Every Corner with Ease Customizable Checklists for Every Room 

Imagine having a tailored checklist for each room in your house. With a decluttering calendar, you can set specific dates to tackle different areas, from the attic to the basement, ensuring that no nook or cranny is overlooked. This systematic approach helps distribute the workload evenly, making the task less intimidating and more achievable. Furthermore, as you check off each area, you gain momentum, fueled by the tangible evidence of your home becoming more organized and spacious. 

Achieve More with Daily Tasks 

Small daily tasks on your decluttering calendar can lead to big changes. Setting aside just 15-20 minutes a day to declutter a drawer or organize a shelf can dramatically reduce the clutter in your home without disrupting your busy schedule. These short bursts of tidying up are less taxing both mentally and physically, making it easier to maintain consistency and build lasting habits. 

Enhance Your Decluttering Journey with Rita’s Visual Decluttering Workbook 

To truly revolutionize your approach to decluttering, consider incorporating Rita’s Visual Decluttering Workbook into your routine. This 48-page all-in-one decluttering companion and planner is designed to provide you with everything you need to streamline your efforts. It includes 12 monthly calendars for bite-sized planning, progress trackers for every room, and a list of 100 places to donate your unwanted items. This comprehensive guide ensures that you have a clear plan and resources at your fingertips, making your decluttering journey as smooth and effective as possible. 

The workbook’s visually appealing layout and practical tools cater to both visual learners and methodical planners. It encourages you to see your progress in real-time, keeps you committed to your decluttering goals, and provides you with the satisfaction of a well-organized home. 

Start Your Decluttering Adventure Today 

If you’re ready to transform your home and your life, there’s no better tool than a decluttering calendar coupled with Rita’s Visual Decluttering Workbook. Together, they offer a powerful combination that will keep you motivated, organized, and on track. Don’t let clutter control your space any longer. Purchase Rita’s Visual Decluttering Workbook today and embark on your journey to a cleaner, more serene living environment. Your future self will thank you!  

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 Experience the Power of a Decluttering Calendar first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Simplify Your Life in Just 3 Easy Steps

In this blog I’m going to show you how to simplify your life in just 3 easy steps.

You will not believe the difference it can make in living a simpler, more balanced, and more peaceful life!

If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the overabundance of clutter in your home and in your life…If your life feels out of control and out of balance…If you are craving a simpler, more meaningful, and peaceful life…

It might be time for you to start your own journey to living a more abundant life with less, a minimalist journey if you will.

Chasing The Dream of Having More

I’m glad you’re here because there comes a time in life when you wake up… you’re tired of playing the game of working 24/7 to achieve the “American dream” of the big house, luxury cars, power, status, and lots of stuff!

You suddenly realize your life is spiraling out of control and that quite possibly you’ve been chasing someone else’s dream, not your own. And before you know it, you were headed down the rabbit hole wanting more and having more, but not having enough time or energy to enjoy those things that truly matter to you.

Fortunately, YOU WOKE UP!

It’s not too late to take back control so you can start living your own life based on your values and focusing on what matters to you.

3 Easy Steps to Simplify Your Life Now1.    Define what a simple life means to you.

Because this is a very personal journey, there is no one size fits all. It’s important that you take the time to discern what a simple life looks like to you, one that will make your life simpler, happier, and more peaceful.

Ask yourself:

What do you want LESS in your life?

Take this opportunity to clearly identify those things that literally suck energy from you.

What can you remove from your life to make it simpler and more meaningful?

A job that you can’t stand or one that you do not feel valued for your talents.A calendar that is so filled up that it leaves you no white space for you and things that matter to youNaysayers…or people who tell you, you can’t when you know you can.A house filled with too much stuff that causes stress and overwhelm.

Then ask yourself:

What do you want MORE of in your life?

Those things, people, and activities that light you up, things you are passionate about and that make you feel fully alive.

Time with family spouse, and loved ones.Time to travel, and experience new things.A meaningful career or volunteer activities.Time for personal and professional growth and development.Time for you, time to do nothing.

Once you’ve discerned what you want less of and more of, set goals, timelines, and actions needed to take in order to accomplish these important goals.

2.    Declutter your home and your life.

While it might seem obvious, decluttering is critical if you want a simpler life.

By removing both physical clutter and mental clutter, your life will naturally get simpler, more organized, and more efficient.

You will start to experience less stress, more happiness, peace, and contentment.You will start to feel more in control of your life because you will have more time and energy to pursue what is most important to you. Removing Clutter… What You Want LESS Of.

Having fewer distractions helps make room for what you want more of in your life, things that contribute to a happier and simpler life.

Because decluttering your home and your life frees up more time, freedom, money, and energy to pursue things that you are passionate about, things that light you up.

Check out my hundreds of blogs and videos on my website and on my YouTube channel that will show you how to get started, how to stay motivated on your downsizing and decluttering journey.

3.    Establish habits and routines that help you master the art of living a simpler life with less.

Living a simpler life takes practice. It takes daily editing, refining, and curating.

By continuing to focus on step number one… What a simple life looks like to you and what you want more or less of, you’ll start choosing ways to establish certain habits and routines that will keep you moving towards a simpler life.

Examples of being intentional and creating new habits and routines that will help you live a simpler life with less.

Intentionally reduce clutter to maintain a clutter-free home.

Adopt this mantra: “Don’t put it down, put it away.”

Once you’ve decluttered and gotten your home organized so that everything has a home, the habits and routines will help you live that simpler less cluttered life.

Intentionally stay focused on a simple life.

Stop mindlessly scrolling and wasting time on social media

Regularly delete emails, texts, photos, and junk mail.

Practice saying “NO” to what you don’t want or that doesn’t add value to your simpler life.

Intentionally stop buying more.

Eliminate buying items you don’t need or won’t use that clutter and complicate your life.

Stop impulse buying to relieve stress, loneliness, or guilt.

Say “NO” to the newest phones, gadgets, or designer clothing.

Intentionally practice the art of living with less.

Ask yourself:

Do you really need to spend five dollars on a cup of coffee each day?

Does that item add value to your life?

Does that item make your life simpler or does it complicate your life?

If you follow these 3 steps, you can simplify your life.

Throughout this journey, you’ll likely discover many new things about yourself.

Make sure you take time to notice.

How much lighter you feel.How much less stressed and overwhelmed you feel.How much less you actually need to be happy?

Regardless of whether you choose to dip your toe into the water of a simpler life or jump right in and immerse yourself into a whole new lifestyle, make sure to notice.

How much more time, money, freedom, and energy you have to design and live the life you really want.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 Simplify Your Life in Just 3 Easy Steps first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Minimalist & Decluttering: How To Live A Simpler Life

Less Is More – Living A Simpler, Minimalist Lifestyle 

It’s a commonly held belief in our part of the world that bigger is always better. Many of us have found ourselves in a position where we always feel we need more. What if more isn’t always better, though? What if what you’re looking for isn’t a life with more, but a simpler life with less? 

Minimalist Essentials: How To Live A Simpler Life 

I’m Rita Wilkins. I became known to many as the Downsizing Designer after choosing a simpler life with less. I got rid of 95% of what I once owned and realized that in getting rid of the clutter, I now had more money, time, and freedom to live my life. Now, I’d like to help you accomplish this same type of minimalist lifestyle. 

Minimalist Essentials Helps You Get Started Decluttering 

Do you wish you had a decluttering guide to reference as you progress through your decluttering journey? If so, you’re in luck. My Minimalist Essentials workbook is your all-in-one decluttering companion and decluttering planner. Here are a few ways Minimalist Essentials makes it easier to get started decluttering and stay motivated while decluttering: 

Easy decluttering checklists give you a plan to follow from the starting Tips for emotional clutter allow you to learn how to let go of items Fun decluttering challenges keep you engaged in decluttering Progress trackers allow you to celebrate your accomplishments along the way Lists of over 100 places to donate help you figure out where to bring items you no longer need. 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! 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. 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 Minimalist & Decluttering: How To Live A Simpler Life  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

7 Proven Methods to Personalize and Expedite Your Decluttering Journey

You are on the right track! You’ve experienced the benefits of decluttering.

You are committed to living a simple life with less, but you’re looking for ways to refine and improve the decluttering process so it’s sustainable.

Read this article from Forbes by Joshua Becker: The Top 9 Expert Strategies To Declutter Your HomeHow can you crack the code of clutter-free living?

Are there ways to personalize or customize the process to make it easier, more manageable, and more flexible?

Great question! When you start integrating these 7 Proven Decluttering Hacks into your existing decluttering process, you’ll discover how surprisingly simple clutter-free living can be.

Best of all, you can personalize these tips and tricks to suit your schedule, your personality, and your lifestyle, so you can avoid the problem of re-cluttering after decluttering!

1.    Create habits that stick

Habits that work for you and help solve your daily clutter problems.

Making your bed as soon as you wake up.Picking up your clothes, hanging them up.Doing the dishes as soon as you finish eating.

Good habits are essential to maintaining a clutter-free home. Even small habits are powerful.

Putting the toothpaste back in the cabinet as soon as you finish brushing your teeth.Unpacking your suitcase as soon as you return home from a trip.

When you start to see the impact that good habits have on your life, you’ll be motivated to address the bad habits too!

2.    Have a plan to overcome the roadblocks.You will get stopped.You will get stuck.You might even want to quit.

Knowing that you will ultimately face roadblocks that could sideline your progress, have a plan in place for dealing with them. You must develop your own plan because you are the one who’s going to have to deal with it.

Here are a few suggestions about how to anticipate and deal with roadblocks when decluttering:

OVERWHELM

“There’s so much stuff.”

“It’s going to take so much time.”

“It’s exhausting!”

How to overcome overwhelmTake a break, take a walk, clear your head.Start on one small area, celebrate the fact, that you did something!Be realistic about how much you can accomplish each decluttering session.SENTIMENTAL ITEMS

You never know what item might trigger tears, sadness, joy, or upset.

How to overcome the emotions related to sentimental items Hold it in your hand, feel the emotions flow through you.Recall the memories associated with that item.Take a picture of it.Tell a story about it so you’ll be able to appreciate the memory of that person or thing later on.GUILT

We have all experienced guilt over buying something very expensive, not using it, and feeling guilty over wasting money.

We may have also experienced the guilt over receiving a gift from a loved one that we don’t like and have never used.

This goes for inherited items and furniture you don’t want, like, or have a need for.

How to overcome guilt when declutteringRemember, it was a gift.Since it’s a gift you can do what you wish.Give it to someone who wants it and will appreciate it.Donate it to someone who might need it. 3.    The time of day and week that works best for you, your schedule, your personality

If you’re a morning person: Get up 30 minutes early on your decluttering day to work on a pre-designated area.

If you’re a night owl: Use some of that time to declutter after everyone else is in bed.

If you like a rainy day: Plan a decluttering blitz.

4.    If you feel the urge to declutter and get organized, don’t resist.

Sometimes the urge to clutter comes unexpectedly. Go with the flow.

Use that energy and motivation to declutter and organize an area you might have been putting off.

5.    If you like checklists, use a checklist to help you declutter.

Some people thrive on checking things off their list. I know I do. It makes them feel motivated and accomplished seeing that checkmark.

Check out my home decluttering checklist on my website or request your free PDF download at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com with the subject line, Home Decluttering Checklist.

6.    If you like deadlines, create deadlines for decluttering certain areas of your home.

If the project is large:

Set a realistic deadline of 30 days.Create weekly goals and milestones.Celebrate and acknowledge your wins.

If your project is small:

Set a timer for 10, 15, or 30 minutes.Then, GO for it!Take “before and after” pictures to show progress, regardless of how small.7.    Establish rituals for decluttering.

Set a time and place each week or each month that you will declutter certain areas.

Declutter and clean out your car every Friday.Declutter and organize your pantry once a week.Declutter and arrange in your closet seasonally or once a quarter.Delete photos on your phone or unused apps once a month.

These routines or rituals help maintain areas that could easily build up and become overwhelming. Establish your own ritual for decluttering certain areas of your home or life.

Try these proven decluttering hacks and create some of your own to make the process of decluttering more manageable, flexible, and sustainable.

Good luck on your decluttering journey. I’d love to hear back from you about which ones were most effective.

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 7 Proven Methods to Personalize and Expedite Your Decluttering Journey first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Decluttering Tips: How To Know What To Take With You When You Move

Live A Simpler Life With The Help Of Minimalist Decluttering Tips 

Are you overwhelmed? Do you feel you have too much stuff, not enough space? Are you tired of finding clutter everywhere you turn? Do you wish you could declutter, but you’re not sure how to get rid of items? Don’t continue struggling with decluttering all on your own – seek help to achieve a minimalist lifestyle today! 

Less Is More: Living A Simpler Life After Decluttering 

I’m Rita, and I’m eager to help you on your decluttering journey. If you’re ready to live a simpler life where less is more, I’ve got good news for you. Decluttering and downsizing are the keys to living a life where you have more money, time, and freedom to do as you please. 

Decluttering Before Moving 

Many things can motivate you to declutter – or else make evident how much you need to declutter. For example, if you’re planning to move to a smaller home, you’ll likely need to declutter your current home before you can start the moving process. 

Living in a smaller home or apartment can be more manageable and more affordable. If you don’t carefully decide what to take with you and what to leave behind, however, you may wind up living with too much stuff, not enough space. How can you learn what to take with you when you move? I’ll teach you! You can learn this and more on my YouTube channel today. 

Minimalist Lifestyle Tips With Rita 

If a minimalist lifestyle is your goal, I urge you to get a copy of the Minimalist Essentials workbook today! When you learn the minimalist essentials of decluttering, you can begin your decluttering journey with confidence. This workbook is designed to be your all-in-one decluttering companion and planner. Get a digital download today at the Design Services online store. Prefer a physical copy? You can find the Minimalist Essentials paperback workbook on Amazon! 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. 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 Decluttering Tips: How To Know What To Take With You When You Move  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Minimalist Essentials Teaches You How To Live With Less

Overcome Cluttering Challenges And Choose A Minimalist Lifestyle 

Does the idea of decluttering your home seem overwhelming? Are you tired of living with clutter, but you’re not sure how to get started decluttering? Are you ready to learn how to let go of items and live with less? If so, you’ve come to the right place. 

Rita Teaches You The Minimalist Essentials 

Hi, I’m Rita – and I’m ready to teach you the Minimalist Essentials you need to know to achieve a minimalist lifestyle through decluttering. Like you, I was once overwhelmed by clutter. I had too much stuff – so I got rid of 95% of what I once owned. Now, I’m known as the Downsizing designer and I’m dedicated to helping others with their decluttering goals. I can help you learn how to live with less and gain more money, time, and freedom in the process. 

Minimalist Essentials Is Your All-In-One Decluttering Companion And Planner 

You don’t have to achieve your decluttering minimalist goals on your own. When you get your copy of Minimalist Essentials, you’ll have a top-notch decluttering companion and planner to be with you every step of the way. This workbook is full of 60 pages worth of decluttering checklists, tips for emotional clutter, fun decluttering challenges, and so much more. 

Where Can I Get My Copy? 

Minimalist Essentials is available now as a digital download at the Design Services online store. You can also find the Minimalist Essentials paperback workbook on Amazon. If you’re ready to learn even more about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to visit my YouTube channel, where I frequently share videos about decluttering, minimalism, and downsizing. 

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services  

Do you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today. 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 Minimalist Essentials Teaches You How To Live With Less  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Expert Tips and Strategies for Downsizing and Decluttering

Whether you are wanting to downsize to a smaller home and retirement, or to simply declutter the home you currently live in, the process can be overwhelming especially if you’re just starting out.

These expert tips and strategies that I cover in this video and blog will help guide you and make the process easier and more efficient.

The overarching goals for downsizing and decluttering in your 60s are to:Reduce the amount of stuff and live with less, perhaps eventually moving to a smaller home.Prevent your family from having to deal with your stuff when you are gone.With that being said, here are a few of my top tips and strategies for downsizing and decluttering in your 60s1.    Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Start now. Start small.

Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome when it comes to downsizing and decluttering.

At some point, we’ve all been guilty of procrastinating about something in our life.

I.e., losing weight, exercising daily, saving more money. We all have good intentions, but then, if we don’t act, nothing happens. Remember without action nothing happens.

The same is true for decluttering and downsizing. Even though we might want to declutter and downsize, we often think we have time, and will eventually get around to it. But unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee how much time we have left on this earth, so don’t procrastinate.

Start now. Start small

Some action is better than no action. Try to give yourself as much time as possible to carefully sore throat your possessions, so you can thoughtfully decide what to keep, donate, or trash.

Keep in mind as you declutter, if you are moving to a smaller home, because you will have less space, you will need to learn to develop a strong decluttering muscle, to deciding to keep what you need, and love. 

2.    All aboard!

Getting all on board to declutter a lifetime of possessions, and or downsize from you raise your family is often one of the biggest hurdles to overcome.

It can be extremely challenging when one spouse wants to declutter and downsize and the other spouse doesn’t.

Even though it’s challenging, it’s possible to find a middle ground and collaborate when it comes to something this important

Have ongoing open and honest conversations about why decluttering and downsizing is a good idea. It takes time for a seed to be planted and grow.

Discuss the pros and cons of downsizing and decluttering.Consider other options such as aging in place, downsizing by declutteringDiscuss the practical reasons for decluttering and downsizing.i.e. a safe environment as your age, reducing expenses, less stuff and less space to manage, is a simpler life with more time and freedom to enjoy life to the fullest3.    Create a shared vision.

I.e. downsize to a smaller, more manageable home, be closer to family and grandchildren, healthcare, facilities, similar age, communities, etc.

I.e. downsize by decluttering

Start decluttering your existing home to simplify your life with less and less stress

I.e. toe in the water approach

Try wrenching for a while and try on different lifestyles and different types of housing. See what works best for you or doesn’t so you can determine where you want to live and what kind of lifestyle suits you.

4.    Downsize and decluttering is a team effort

Start by building your team. The downsizing decluttering journey is both physically and emotionally exhausting. Having a team, a group of supportive, family and friends we’re not only help you with the physical part of the process but can also help to support and encourage you from beginning to end… Even when you want to give up.

 Make sure to involve your team and the decision process.

Discern what’s important to them and whyHelp decide what they are willing to let go of

Throughout the process, it’s important to be patient and empathetic, because there are certain things that we get attached to that will trigger small emotions. It requires understanding and compassion.

5.    Getting unstuck.

Likely, you will have to deal with resistance, reluctance, and avoidance,

Likely, you will get stuck somewhere along your journey, because changes is hard, and there may be times that you are your spouse, resist, procrastinate, or avoid action altogether.

When this happens, it’s important to talk about it with your spouse and with your team, to help you understand why you’re struck.

It may not be obvious to you, but it might be more obvious to someone else. Downsizing and decluttering are emotional. It causes overwhelm, stress, and anxiety.

And, the stakes are high. You are undergoing a huge life change, so fear, self-doubt, and indecision are all typical emotions that will stop you. 

Often, decision fatigue will set in making you overthink everything to the point that you can’t decide at all.

Once you understand, what’s going on inside, you can recharge your motivation to declutter and downsize on the outside.

Reminding yourself of why you want to downsize and declutter, your common vision can certainly help you get motivated again, and renew that vision and passion for a simpler life with less clutter and less stress.

Bottom line: Downsizing and decluttering is a roller coaster of emotions. 

The highs, the lows. 

The excitement, the frustration.

All are part of the journey. Accept it. Embrace it. It’s well worth the wild ride.

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.

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!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 Expert Tips and Strategies for Downsizing and Decluttering first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Expert Tips and Strategies for Downsizing and Decluttering in Your 60s

Whether you are wanting to downsize to a smaller home and retirement, or to simply declutter the home you currently live in, the process can be overwhelming especially if you’re just starting out.

These expert tips and strategies that I cover in this video and blog will help guide you and make the process easier and more efficient.

The overarching goals for downsizing and decluttering in your 60s are to:Reduce the amount of stuff and live with less, perhaps eventually moving to a smaller home.Prevent your family from having to deal with your stuff when you are gone.With that being said, here are a few of my top tips and strategies for downsizing and decluttering in your 60s1.    Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Start now. Start small.

Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome when it comes to downsizing and decluttering.

At some point, we’ve all been guilty of procrastinating about something in our life.

I.e., losing weight, exercising daily, saving more money. We all have good intentions, but then, if we don’t act, nothing happens. Remember without action nothing happens.

The same is true for decluttering and downsizing. Even though we might want to declutter and downsize, we often think we have time, and will eventually get around to it. But unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee how much time we have left on this earth, so don’t procrastinate.

Start now. Start small

Some action is better than no action. Try to give yourself as much time as possible to carefully sore throat your possessions, so you can thoughtfully decide what to keep, donate, or trash.

Keep in mind as you declutter, if you are moving to a smaller home, because you will have less space, you will need to learn to develop a strong decluttering muscle, to deciding to keep what you need, and love. 

2.    All aboard!

Getting all on board to declutter a lifetime of possessions, and or downsize from you raise your family is often one of the biggest hurdles to overcome.

It can be extremely challenging when one spouse wants to declutter and downsize and the other spouse doesn’t.

Even though it’s challenging, it’s possible to find a middle ground and collaborate when it comes to something this important

Have ongoing open and honest conversations about why decluttering and downsizing is a good idea. It takes time for a seed to be planted and grow.

Discuss the pros and cons of downsizing and decluttering.Consider other options such as aging in place, downsizing by declutteringDiscuss the practical reasons for decluttering and downsizing.i.e. a safe environment as your age, reducing expenses, less stuff and less space to manage, is a simpler life with more time and freedom to enjoy life to the fullest3.    Create a shared vision.

I.e. downsize to a smaller, more manageable home, be closer to family and grandchildren, healthcare, facilities, similar age, communities, etc.

I.e. downsize by decluttering

Start decluttering your existing home to simplify your life with less and less stress

I.e. toe in the water approach

Try wrenching for a while and try on different lifestyles and different types of housing. See what works best for you or doesn’t so you can determine where you want to live and what kind of lifestyle suits you.

4.    Downsize and decluttering is a team effort

Start by building your team. The downsizing decluttering journey is both physically and emotionally exhausting. Having a team, a group of supportive, family and friends we’re not only help you with the physical part of the process but can also help to support and encourage you from beginning to end… Even when you want to give up.

 Make sure to involve your team and the decision process.

Discern what’s important to them and whyHelp decide what they are willing to let go of

Throughout the process, it’s important to be patient and empathetic, because there are certain things that we get attached to that will trigger small emotions. It requires understanding and compassion.

5.    Getting unstuck.

Likely, you will have to deal with resistance, reluctance, and avoidance,

Likely, you will get stuck somewhere along your journey, because changes is hard, and there may be times that you are your spouse, resist, procrastinate, or avoid action altogether.

When this happens, it’s important to talk about it with your spouse and with your team, to help you understand why you’re struck.

It may not be obvious to you, but it might be more obvious to someone else. Downsizing and decluttering are emotional. It causes overwhelm, stress, and anxiety.

And, the stakes are high. You are undergoing a huge life change, so fear, self-doubt, and indecision are all typical emotions that will stop you. 

Often, decision fatigue will set in making you overthink everything to the point that you can’t decide at all.

Once you understand, what’s going on inside, you can recharge your motivation to declutter and downsize on the outside.

Reminding yourself of why you want to downsize and declutter, your common vision can certainly help you get motivated again, and renew that vision and passion for a simpler life with less clutter and less stress.

Bottom line: Downsizing and decluttering is a roller coaster of emotions. 

The highs, the lows. 

The excitement, the frustration.

All are part of the journey. Accept it. Embrace it. It’s well worth the wild ride.

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.

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!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 Expert Tips and Strategies for Downsizing and Decluttering in Your 60s first appeared on Design Services LTD.