Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 17

Minimalist Decluttering Tips: The Art Of Letting Go

Minimalism And Letting Go Of Items 

Do you find yourself surrounded by overwhelming clutter in your home? Are you eager to learn how to declutter your home and let go of items? You’re not the first to struggle with getting started on your decluttering goals – but you don’t have to continue that struggle on your own! 

Overcome Decluttering Challenges Today! 

I’m, Rita here – your Downsizing Designer. Learning how to choose what to get rid of and what to keep while decluttering can seem like a daunting task – but it’s a task that is within your reach! Clutter can sabotage your health, your well-being, and your happiness. After getting rid of 95% of what I once owned, I achieved my minimalist decluttering goals and now live a life with more money, time, and freedom to do as I please. 

Live A Clutter-Free Existence 

Why is letting go of items so difficult? There can be many reasons why you hesitate to let go of this or that – whether it be because you think you’ll have use for it later or because you’ve attached some sort of meaning to the item. In order to live a clutter-free existence, it’s important to learn the art of letting go of items. You can learn more about this process on my YouTube channel today. 

More Minimalist Tips With Rita 

If you’re ready to conquer clutter in your home and achieve a more minimalist lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place. Learn the Minimalist Essentials you need to live a minimalist lifestyle. This workbook is full of helpful minimalist decluttering tips, tricks, and more. Get a copy of the Minimalist Essentials workbook today! You can purchase a digital download at the Design Services online store or 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 Minimalist Decluttering Tips: The Art Of Letting Go first appeared on Design Services LTD.

5-Minute Strategies and Hacks to Create Clutter-Free Zones

If you were asked to name the top 3 most cluttered drop zones in your home, what might they be?

To give you a hint, they are areas of your home where you and your family automatically drop things out of habit, almost unconsciously.

Examples of clutter-catching areas1.    Items you are holding in your hand the moment you walk in the door.

You automatically drop them in areas like the kitchen table, kitchen, counter, or hallway tables.

Items such as keys, phone, wallet, glasses.Items you’re holding in your hand, but don’t want to deal with at that moment.

You almost unconsciously decide to let them pile up… areas, such as the kitchen table, your desk, or a bedroom chair. These are magnets for this kind of clutter.

Items like mail, bills, magazines, clothing.3.    Items you would like to put away, but you have no idea where to put them because they don’t have a designated home.

You let them accumulate in a corner of your bedroom, on a guest bed, or in a closet.

Items such as seasonal decor and clothing, items to be donated. 

No matter how many times you try to clear and organize these areas, the mess just keeps coming back!

It seems like a losing battle, and the more you try to win, the more frustrating it becomes, the more arguments and harsh words, ensue… And the problem never seems to get solved!

Then one day, you wake up and say, “Enough is enough!” 

You realize you need to proactively create various clutter-free zones throughout your home before you go crazy… And where clutter is either contained or not allowed at all.

5-Minute Decluttering/Organizing Hacks to Create Clutter-Free Zones1.    Create a “home” for everything.

Create a designated place so you know exactly where to find something when you need it exactly where to return it when you are done using it.

2.    Create a strategically placed basket or organizer to make it easy and obvious.

Place it where it’s OK to put things like keys, wallets, phones, and where it will become an automatic habit overtime.

3.    Create a clear system for incoming items.

Know what to do with things as they come in the door. Use a sorting bin or tracking system to sort and organize incoming mail, magazines, papers into urgent or non-urgent piles, so they are easily visible and can be dealt with on a timely basis in 5 minutes or less.

4.    Create new micro habits.

Engage your family in practicing these new decluttering/organizing systems and hacks that you’ve put into place so they will eventually become habits in less than 5 minutes a day.

5.    Create a daily routine to declutter and organize.

It only takes 5 minutes to maintain these areas to help stay organized and clutter-free while also helping to prevent future clutter.

These 5-minute decluttering and organizing hacks will help restore your sanity. These simple decluttering and organizational tools will eventually become automatic, helping you maintain clutter-free zones that are not only appealing and peaceful, but also help you maintain control over your clutter, reduce stress, and 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

The post 5-Minute Strategies and Hacks to Create Clutter-Free Zones first appeared on Design Services LTD.

“Busy People’s” Ultimate Decluttering Guide

In a recent survey of my social media audience, over 75% said one of the hardest parts of decluttering was finding the TIME. Even though they wanted to declutter their homes and get organized, they found it difficult to find time in their busy schedules to actually make it happen.

Easy Solutions to Overcome Time Constraints for a Clutter-Free Life

Their overwhelming response challenged me to generate some easy-to-implement ideas to help overcome the “not enough time” obstacle that prevented them from enjoying the peace and calm of a clutter-free life. 

Perhaps you know someone whose home is always guest-ready. It’s neat, organized, and free of clutter. Have you ever asked them how they do it when you know they are just as busy as you are?

Chances are they have developed a few of their own productivity hacks and daily micro habits that work for them.

Somehow, they seem to “magically” fit little bits of decluttering and organizing into their already busy schedule.

The Reality Is So, It’s Not Magic

The reality is we all have the same 24 hours in our day and…

The reality is that anyone who really wants to declutter their home and get organized can also “find time” in those same 24 hours to achieve the same results by simply managing their time better.

How To “Find Time” In Your Busy Schedule to Declutter1.    “I have 5 to 10 minutes. What can I declutter?”

Rather than saying, I don’t have time, start saying, I have 5 to 10 minutes or 20 to 30 minutes, what can I Declutter And organize within that timeframe?

2.    “I have pockets of waste of time I could use to declutter.”

Rather than wasting those 5 to 10 minutes or 20 to 30 minutes on mindless and unproductive tasks like scrolling on social media, make better use of those small pockets of time throughout the day to tackle a pre-selected micro-decluttering project.

3.    “I have a plan for my micro decluttering projects.”

Rather than getting stuck on being overwhelmed by not knowing where to start when you do have a few spare minutes, create a plan of pre-selected micro decluttering projects, so you don’t waste time thinking about it because you already know what area you will be decluttering.

                 “Found time.”

Here are a few examples of how to find time in your day to complete micro-decluttering projects

5–10-minute pockets of time

Waiting for the coffee to brew.Before your morning shower.Before you go to bed.

Micro decluttering projects that could be completed during these 5 to 10 minutes

Get rid of duplicate cooking utensils.Declutter and donate unused towels.Declutter and organize the top of your nightstand.

20-to-30-minute pockets of time

Waiting for dinner to come out of the oven.In between Zoom calls.Waiting for kids to come home from school.

Micro, decluttering projects that could be done 30-minute pocket time

Declutter and organize one kitchen drawer.Declutter and organize your desktop and one desk drawer.Declutter and organize the mudroom closet.

40-60 pockets of time

Spouse is working on taxes.Kids are playing outside.Kids or grandkids are napping.

Micro decluttering projects that can be accomplished within that 40-to-60-minute timeframe

Declutter and organize a file cabinet.Declutter and organize garage shelves.Declutter and organize a guest room closet.

These are just a few ideas for finding time throughout the day to consistently accomplish small wins, which over time become big wins. Don’t allow your busy schedule to become your go-to excuse for not having time to declutter and get organized. 

Using small pockets of time to declutter is motivating because it gives you a sense of control and accomplishment, knowing it will eventually get done… And that’s OK! 

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast! 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 “Busy People’s” Ultimate Decluttering Guide first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Are You or Someone Else in Your Family Clutter Blind?

Does this sound familiar in your household? It reminds me of when I was growing up with four siblings. Yes, we did argue. If someone did something wrong, we would often hear, “Who me? I didn’t do it, she did!”

The same can be true of clutter in your household. “It is his mess, not mine.” or “She said she would clean it up, but she didn’t.”

On many levels, this back-and-forth diatribe could take place in just about any home in America with or without kids!

Some people see it. Some don’t.Some are hypersensitive to clutter, while others are completely desensitized to it.

But the fact remains, that clutter exists and clutter impacts our lives, our relationships, and our well-being in so many ways: 

Clutter can make you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and agitated.Clutter can impact our ability to rest and relax in our own homes. It even impacts our sleep patterns.Clutter can make you late especially when you’re trying to find the keys on your way out the door.Clutter can even influence your eating and snacking habits.

The reality is that we all live with some level of clutter on a day-to-day basis, whether you live alone, as a couple, or as a family with lots of kids.

When there are messes all around, when you can’t seem to locate what you need when you want it, and when your “to-do list” seems that it will never get done, it just might be time to stop blaming each other and learn how to identify your clutter blind spots.

Then, together, develop ways that you can maintain an organized, restful, and peaceful home.

5 Steps to Conquer Clutter and Get Your Home Back1.   Walk into your home for the first time.

Room by room, identify clutter, and clutter hotspots.

2.   Take pictures of each of those areas as you see them on a daily basis.

Feel the frustration, overwhelm, upset, and even guilt.

3.   Walk into your home a second time.

Imagine those same areas without clutter. Imagine how peaceful and restful your home would be. Imagine what your life would be like if you figured out how to live without clutter.

4.   Have your spouse and children each do the same exercise independently of each other, then compare notes.

How did it make them feel before and after clutter?

Do they now see the clutter they weren’t seeing before?

5.   Start small.

Pick one area that bothers each of you the most. Involve your family have them pick their own area.

6.   Together, create a written plan with daily habits for how you can help have your home be clutter-free. No more piles of clothes on the floor.No more dirty dishes in the sink.No more toys lying on the floor.

A community effort can make this possible.

There’s no longer a need to blame each other when each takes responsibility and ownership of their own things.

Let me know how this goes!

Email me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast! 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 Are You or Someone Else in Your Family Clutter Blind? first appeared on Design Services LTD.

What Clutter? Are You or Someone Else in Your Family Clutter Blind?

Does this sound familiar in your household? It reminds me of when I was growing up with four siblings. Yes, we did argue. If someone did something wrong, we would often hear, “Who me? I didn’t do it, she did!”

The same can be true of clutter in your household. “It is his mess, not mine.” or “She said she would clean it up, but she didn’t.”

On many levels, this back-and-forth diatribe could take place in just about any home in America with or without kids!

Some people see it. Some don’t.Some are hypersensitive to clutter, while others are completely desensitized to it.

But the fact remains, that clutter exists and clutter impacts our lives, our relationships, and our well-being in so many ways: 

Clutter can make you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and agitated.Clutter can impact our ability to rest and relax in our own homes. It even impacts our sleep patterns.Clutter can make you late especially when you’re trying to find the keys on your way out the door.Clutter can even influence your eating and snacking habits.

The reality is that we all live with some level of clutter on a day-to-day basis, whether you live alone, as a couple, or as a family with lots of kids.

When there are messes all around, when you can’t seem to locate what you need when you want it, and when your “to-do list” seems that it will never get done, it just might be time to stop blaming each other and learn how to identify your clutter blind spots.

Then, together, develop ways that you can maintain an organized, restful, and peaceful home.

5 Steps to Conquer Clutter and Get Your Home Back1.   Walk into your home for the first time.

Room by room, identify clutter, and clutter hotspots.

2.   Take pictures of each of those areas as you see them on a daily basis.

Feel the frustration, overwhelm, upset, and even guilt.

3.   Walk into your home a second time.

Imagine those same areas without clutter. Imagine how peaceful and restful your home would be. Imagine what your life would be like if you figured out how to live without clutter.

4.   Have your spouse and children each do the same exercise independently of each other, then compare notes.

How did it make them feel before and after clutter?

Do they now see the clutter they weren’t seeing before?

5.   Start small.

Pick one area that bothers each of you the most. Involve your family have them pick their own area.

6.   Together, create a written plan with daily habits for how you can help have your home be clutter-free. No more piles of clothes on the floor.No more dirty dishes in the sink.No more toys lying on the floor.

A community effort can make this possible.

There’s no longer a need to blame each other when each takes responsibility and ownership of their own things.

Let me know how this goes!

Email me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast! 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 What Clutter? Are You or Someone Else in Your Family Clutter Blind? first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Minimalist Decluttering With Minimalist Essentials

How Can I Become A Minimalist? 

Do you love minimalist design, but struggle to incorporate it into your own home? Do you find you have too much stuff and not enough space in your home? Would you like to learn how to get rid of clutter, how to let go of items, and how to become a minimalist? If so, you’ve come to the right place! 

Minimalist Decluttering Tips With The Downsizing Designer 

Hello, I’m Rita Wilkins – known to many as the Downsizing Designer. While I once had too much stuff and not enough space, I managed to become a minimalist by thoroughly decluttering my life. Now, I help others as they seek to learn how to declutter. I’d like to help you, too. 

Minimalist Essentials Teaches You How To Become A Minimalist 

Minimalist Essentials is the minimalist decluttering guide you’ve been waiting for. This workbook includes 60 pages of minimalist decluttering tips and tricks that will help you get started decluttering and stay motivated on your decluttering journey. 

The Minimalist Essentials digital download is available now at the Design Services online store. You can also find the Minimalist Essentials paperback workbook on Amazon. This all-in-one decluttering companion and planner includes the following: 

Easy decluttering tips Fun decluttering challenges Progress trackers Tips for dealing with emotional clutter Over 100 places to donate and more! Find More Decluttering Tips Today 

Looking for more information to help you along your decluttering journey? Visit my YouTube channel, where I share helpful tips and tricks to help you learn how to declutter and how to become a minimalist. 

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 With Minimalist Essentials  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Navigating the Emotional Aspects of Decluttering

Face it. The thought of downsizing, decluttering, and starting over in your 60s can be downright scary and overwhelming. Not knowing is one of the hardest parts.

What kind of lifestyle do I want?Where will I live?How do I start the process of downsizing and decluttering?How can I possibly let go of the house my kids grew up in and all of our stuff?How do I deal with the emotions associated with downsizing and decluttering?

These are just a few of the questions you might have at this stage of life.

Your kids are grown and have left your home.You are facing retirement and want to know what to do next.You are newly widowed or divorced and having to face these decisions alone.You’re starting to see and feel the impact of aging.You realize that your life is in transition and you probably need to downsize and declutter.Living a simpler life with less stuff and less stress, having more time, freedom, and energy is certainly appealing!

You’ve worked hard, you’re successful, you deserve to live your best life no.

But you’re filled with mixed emotions.

On one hand, you know what is practical and what you should do.

Downsize to a smaller, more manageable home, or renovate your existing home to age in place.Declutter, pare down your excess possessions. Let go of what you’ve been holding onto so you can lighten your load, travel lighter in your third act, and prevent your kids from having to deal with your stuff when you’re gone.

But on the other hand…

Downsizing and selling the home your kids grew up in is too emotional, and the thought of moving to a new home is too exhausting, overwhelming, and downright scary.Decluttering, sorting through years of accumulation of stuff is not only a daunting task, but it’s emotionally draining and you are afraid that you will lose all of those precious memories

Bottom line: you’re afraid. You’re afraid of change and afraid of the unknown.

What will it take to make the mental shift from the short-term pain of downsizing and decluttering to the long-term gain of living a richer more abundant life with less stuff and less stress?

The Downsizing Designer’s Process for Navigating the Emotions of Downsizing, Decluttering, and Starting Over in Your 60s1.   Think positive

When you change how you look at things, the way you look at things will change.

Focus on the positive aspects of downsizing, decluttering, and starting over in your 60s.

A simpler life with less stuff.More time, money, freedom, and energy to pursue what matters most to you at this stage of life.More manageable space that is more suitable to your age.

Reframe your thinking from “It’s too hard,” “I can’t,” or “I’m afraid” to an optimistic mindset about the exciting new life and experiences ahead of you.

The benefits of downsizing and decluttering in your next chapter far outweigh the overwhelm you might be experiencing right now.

2.   Why you want to or need to downsize, declutter, and start over

Everyone has their own reasons and unique circumstances that caused them to consider downsizing, decluttering and getting a fresh start.

Knowing WHY will not only help you move forward with more vigor and commitment, but it will also help you stay motivated when you want to quit.

Possible WHYS

Financial

Downsizing and decluttering can save you money with your possessions and smaller space, it is likely your living expenses will be less.

(maintenance, utilities, insurance, taxes, etc.)

Be close to family

As we age, being close to family can enhance our overall well-being and happiness. It’s a time to celebrate family experiences together. Enjoy your grandchildren, it’s also a time to lean on them for assistance when you need each other.

New lifestyle

When you finally have more time, freedom, energy, and money, you will have an opportunity to design and live your best life for who you want to be right now.

Fresh start

New beginnings are just that… an opportunity for you to begin again after divorce, loss of a loved one, retirement, job, loss, etc. It’s time to create the life you want now, regardless of what has happened and what your circumstances are.

Health, well-being, happiness

Decluttering and downsizing are certainly cathartic. It’s a chance to travel light, create more space for a new healthy, happier lifestyle.

3.   Create your own vision for what’s nextWhat do you want, don’t you want right now at this stage of your life?Where do you want to live?What type of lifestyle do you want?What do you want to be doing, with whom?What do you need and what you need as you move into this next phase

This new vision should reflect what’s most important at this stage of your life right now and being crystal clear about this vision will help you make future decisions.

As life changes, so must we.

4.   Set goals based on your new vision

Start with the end in mind.

Examples:

What will you be doing on an average day with whom?What vacations do you want to be taking, where, with whom?Where will you be living? 55+ community, condo in the city? Beach House?

When you look forward, you imagine yourself already living the life that you envision.

5.   Action plan and timeline to accomplish your new goals.

Without action nothing happens.

When you know why you want to downsize, declutter and start over, when you have a vision and goals, acting on, these create momentum. It’s exciting, and invigorating because you see progress. You realize a new life is possible.

Downsizing:

Remember, downsizing is not downgrading.

In fact, when you live small, you can have it all… an easier lifestyle with a simpler, more manageable, and more meaningful life. It is attainable.

Create your own “to-do list” i.e.,m establish a budget, research where you want to live for the lifestyle that you want, visit these areas, talk to people who have already downsized, decluttered and are living that life.

Decluttering:

Decluttering, paring down years of accumulated items you no longer want, need, or use is cathartic. There are many reasons to declutter at this stage of life, not the least of which is to not leave it all up to your kids to do after you’re gone. 

Choose to start decluttering now.

Decluttering takes time. It could take anywhere between 3 to 6 months, even a year, depending on how much stuff you have.

To alleviate some of the emotions of decluttering remember, you don’t have to give it all away… Just the stuff you no longer need or use. Only the things that you love and that you know you will use.

Another way to stay motivated is to gather a helpmate or a team of people who will help you throughout the process in good times and bad.

To relieve emotions of decluttering focus on giving back by donating those things to people who need them or want them.

Starting over your 60s:

Allow yourself to embrace change, regardless of your circumstances.

(divorce, death of spouse, retirement, job, loss, empty nest, aging)

Let go of the past, so you can create a happier life in this next chapter.

Focus on your vision and goals.

You might be scared, but reframe it as a “good scared,” exciting, and an opportunity to change.

6.   Gather your team

Surround yourself, with people who will support you, encourage you, be your cheerleaders, especially when the going gets tough. Celebrate your wins, big or small.

7.   Track and measure progress regularly

When you are in the messy middle of decluttering, it is sometimes hard to see the forest through the trees.

Just stay motivated and not get discouraged, take before and after pictures

Revisit your vision, goals, timeline, and action plan.

Decide to decide.

Don’t let indecision or decision fatigue hold you back.

8.   Have an attitude of gratitude

Celebrate how far you’ve come, the new life that you are growing into.

9.   Share your story with others

You never know just how much your story might benefit someone who is starting the process of downsizing, decluttering, and starting over.

Or those might be in the “messy middle” or are stuck and discouraged.

You could make a difference for them.

Please share your story with others, and with me if you wish. I will share it with my large audience on social media to reach as many people as possible.

You can email it to me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com  

May God bless you on your journey!

Sign up for Rita’s FREE Newsletter HERE!

Never miss an episode of Rita’s weekly Facebook Live broadcast! 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 Navigating the Emotional Aspects of Decluttering first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How To Navigate the Emotional Aspects of Downsizing, Decluttering, And Starting Over in Your 60s

Face it. The thought of downsizing, decluttering, and starting over in your 60s can be downright scary and overwhelming. Not knowing is one of the hardest parts.

What kind of lifestyle do I want?Where will I live?How do I start the process of downsizing and decluttering?How can I possibly let go of the house my kids grew up in and all of our stuff?How do I deal with the emotions associated with downsizing and decluttering?

These are just a few of the questions you might have at this stage of life.

Your kids are grown and have left your home.You are facing retirement and want to know what to do next.You are newly widowed or divorced and having to face these decisions alone.You’re starting to see and feel the impact of aging.You realize that your life is in transition and you probably need to downsize and declutter.Living a simpler life with less stuff and less stress, having more time, freedom, and energy is certainly appealing!

You’ve worked hard, you’re successful, you deserve to live your best life no.

But you’re filled with mixed emotions.

On one hand, you know what is practical and what you should do.

Downsize to a smaller, more manageable home, or renovate your existing home to age in place.Declutter, pare down your excess possessions. Let go of what you’ve been holding onto so you can lighten your load, travel lighter in your third act, and prevent your kids from having to deal with your stuff when you’re gone.

But on the other hand…

Downsizing and selling the home your kids grew up in is too emotional, and the thought of moving to a new home is too exhausting, overwhelming, and downright scary.Decluttering, sorting through years of accumulation of stuff is not only a daunting task, but it’s emotionally draining and you are afraid that you will lose all of those precious memories

Bottom line: you’re afraid. You’re afraid of change and afraid of the unknown.

What will it take to make the mental shift from the short-term pain of downsizing and decluttering to the long-term gain of living a richer more abundant life with less stuff and less stress?

The Downsizing Designer’s Process for Navigating the Emotions of Downsizing, Decluttering, and Starting Over in Your 60s1.   Think positive

When you change how you look at things, the way you look at things will change.

Focus on the positive aspects of downsizing, decluttering, and starting over in your 60s.

A simpler life with less stuff.More time, money, freedom, and energy to pursue what matters most to you at this stage of life.More manageable space that is more suitable to your age.

Reframe your thinking from “It’s too hard,” “I can’t,” or “I’m afraid” to an optimistic mindset about the exciting new life and experiences ahead of you.

The benefits of downsizing and decluttering in your next chapter far outweigh the overwhelm you might be experiencing right now.

2.   Why you want to or need to downsize, declutter, and start over

Everyone has their own reasons and unique circumstances that caused them to consider downsizing, decluttering and getting a fresh start.

Knowing WHY will not only help you move forward with more vigor and commitment, but it will also help you stay motivated when you want to quit.

Possible WHYS

Financial

Downsizing and decluttering can save you money with your possessions and smaller space, it is likely your living expenses will be less.

(maintenance, utilities, insurance, taxes, etc.)

Be close to family

As we age, being close to family can enhance our overall well-being and happiness. It’s a time to celebrate family experiences together. Enjoy your grandchildren, it’s also a time to lean on them for assistance when you need each other.

New lifestyle

When you finally have more time, freedom, energy, and money, you will have an opportunity to design and live your best life for who you want to be right now.

Fresh start

New beginnings are just that… an opportunity for you to begin again after divorce, loss of a loved one, retirement, job, loss, etc. It’s time to create the life you want now, regardless of what has happened and what your circumstances are.

Health, well-being, happiness

Decluttering and downsizing are certainly cathartic. It’s a chance to travel light, create more space for a new healthy, happier lifestyle.

3.   Create your own vision for what’s nextWhat do you want, don’t you want right now at this stage of your life?Where do you want to live?What type of lifestyle do you want?What do you want to be doing, with whom?What do you need and what you need as you move into this next phase

This new vision should reflect what’s most important at this stage of your life right now and being crystal clear about this vision will help you make future decisions.

As life changes, so must we.

4.   Set goals based on your new vision

Start with the end in mind.

Examples:

What will you be doing on an average day with whom?What vacations do you want to be taking, where, with whom?Where will you be living? 55+ community, condo in the city? Beach House?

When you look forward, you imagine yourself already living the life that you envision.

5.   Action plan and timeline to accomplish your new goals.

Without action nothing happens.

When you know why you want to downsize, declutter and start over, when you have a vision and goals, acting on, these create momentum. It’s exciting, and invigorating because you see progress. You realize a new life is possible.

Downsizing:

Remember, downsizing is not downgrading.

In fact, when you live small, you can have it all… an easier lifestyle with a simpler, more manageable, and more meaningful life. It is attainable.

Create your own “to-do list” i.e.,m establish a budget, research where you want to live for the lifestyle that you want, visit these areas, talk to people who have already downsized, decluttered and are living that life.

Decluttering:

Decluttering, paring down years of accumulated items you no longer want, need, or use is cathartic. There are many reasons to declutter at this stage of life, not the least of which is to not leave it all up to your kids to do after you’re gone. 

Choose to start decluttering now.

Decluttering takes time. It could take anywhere between 3 to 6 months, even a year, depending on how much stuff you have.

To alleviate some of the emotions of decluttering remember, you don’t have to give it all away… Just the stuff you no longer need or use. Only the things that you love and that you know you will use.

Another way to stay motivated is to gather a helpmate or a team of people who will help you throughout the process in good times and bad.

To relieve emotions of decluttering focus on giving back by donating those things to people who need them or want them.

Starting over your 60s:

Allow yourself to embrace change, regardless of your circumstances.

(divorce, death of spouse, retirement, job, loss, empty nest, aging)

Let go of the past, so you can create a happier life in this next chapter.

Focus on your vision and goals.

You might be scared, but reframe it as a “good scared,” exciting, and an opportunity to change.

6.   Gather your team

Surround yourself, with people who will support you, encourage you, be your cheerleaders, especially when the going gets tough. Celebrate your wins, big or small.

7.   Track and measure progress regularly

When you are in the messy middle of decluttering, it is sometimes hard to see the forest through the trees.

Just stay motivated and not get discouraged, take before and after pictures

Revisit your vision, goals, timeline, and action plan.

Decide to decide.

Don’t let indecision or decision fatigue hold you back.

8.   Have an attitude of gratitude

Celebrate how far you’ve come, the new life that you are growing into.

9.   Share your story with others

You never know just how much your story might benefit someone who is starting the process of downsizing, decluttering, and starting over.

Or those might be in the “messy middle” or are stuck and discouraged.

You could make a difference for them.

Please share your story with others, and with me if you wish. I will share it with my large audience on social media to reach as many people as possible.

You can email it to me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com  

May God bless you on your journey!

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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 Navigate the Emotional Aspects of Downsizing, Decluttering, And Starting Over in Your 60s first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Teach Me How To Get Started Decluttering

Where Can I Learn How To Declutter My Home? 

Are you tired of clutter taking over your home? Do you wish you could get started decluttering, but feel as though the challenge of decluttering your home is too much to overcome? Don’t worry – they help you need to overcome any decluttering challenge is available now! 

How To Become A Minimalist With Decluttering Tips 

Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins – your Downsizing Designer, ready to help you reach your minimalist design goals through helpful decluttering tips. I, too, once struggled with decluttering. After getting rid of 95% of what I once owned, though, I discovered I had much more money, time, and freedom to live my life the way I wanted to. Now, I can help you accomplish the same. 

How To Get Started Decluttering: Minimalist Decluttering Tips With Rita 

One person’s decluttering journey will differ from another’s – which is why I offer a wide range of decluttering minimalist tips and tricks for those looking for guidance along the way. A good place to start looking for decluttering advice would be on my YouTube channel, where you can find decluttering tips and different methods that may help you – such as the 6 Week Decluttering Challenge, the Room by Room decluttering method, and more.  

In-Depth Decluttering Guide: Minimalist Essentials 

If you’re ready to dive in deeper with an all-in-one cluttering companion and planner, then I recommend Minimalist Essentials! Minimalist Essentials, now available as both a digital download at the Design Services online store and as a paperback copy on Amazon, comes complete with decluttering checklists, minimalist decluttering challenges, progress trackers, and more! This workbook will help you jumpstart your decluttering journey – so get your copy soon! 

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 Teach Me How To Get Started Decluttering  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Too Much Stuff, Not Enough Space: Decluttering Tips

Take Back Your Home From Clutter – Defeating Clutter With Minimalist Tips 

Do you have too much stuff and not enough space in your home? Are you tired of fighting a losing war against the clutter creeping all over your home, taking over the spaces you’d like to use? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. You can overcome these decluttering challenges with helpful minimalist decluttering tips. 

Minimalist Tips For Decluttering From The Downsizing Designer 

Hello, I’m Rita Wilkins! Like you, I was once overwhelmed by clutter in my home. However, after going on my own decluttering journey, I discovered how decluttering my life gave me more time, money, and freedom to live life as I chose. From then on, I decided to guide others through their own decluttering journeys as the Downsizing Designer.  

How To Get Started Decluttering: Find The Right Decluttering Method 

One of the best tips to help you get started decluttering is to find the decluttering method that works best for you. After all, what works for one person as they declutter may not work well for another. 

6 Week Decluttering Challenge 

Ready to learn about a new decluttering method? In my video, “Win the Battle Against Clutter: Rita Wilkins’ 6-Week Challenge,” I detail a 6 Week Decluttering Challenge Method that can help you tackle cluttering within a specific time frame. Perhaps it’s the right decluttering method for you! You can also find more minimalist tips and decluttering hacks on my YouTube channel. 

Minimalist Essentials Teaches You How To Become A Minimalist 

Perhaps you’re ready for a more thorough guide to decluttering and minimalism. If so, I suggest my 60-page, all-in-one decluttering companion and planner, Minimalist Essentials. Jumpstart your decluttering journey today! You’ll find a digital download of Minimalist Essentials at the Design Services online store, as well as a paperback Minimalist Essentials 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 Too Much Stuff, Not Enough Space: Decluttering Tips  first appeared on Design Services LTD.