Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 20

My Kids Are Minimalists: What Can I Give Them for Christmas?

I’ve had so many requests from those who follow me to address the subject of what to give your minimalist kids for Christmas. 

You want to respect their lifestyle and their choice of living with less. As a matter of fact, you admire their choice and you don’t want to change them, but you do not want to give them something they would not appreciate. You’re just not sure how to celebrate the holiday with gift-giving that aligns with their non-materialistic lifestyle.

Just to your concerns, you’re not alone with this challenge so here are a few ways to give a gift that will align with your minimalist kids and their simple lifestyle.

FIRST: Immerse yourself into the mindset of a minimalist and the principles they are committed to living by1. Simple living

No unnecessary stuff that will not only clutter their homes but will not be used and just take up space for things they do not want.

2. Functionality

Everything they have serves a purpose. They prioritize practicality, efficiency, and ease of use. The items they own contribute to this foundational principle of minimalism.

3. Quality

Minimalists take a mindful approach to what they spend money on. It has to have value. It has to last. They are not into replacing things on a whim. They would rather buy good quality in the first place.

4. Sustainability

Minimalists choose to live with less. They are committed to decluttering, paring down, and editing excess stuff from their homes and their lives. By reducing the amount they own and buy, they impact the planet in a positive way.

SECOND: Focus on gifts that will·      Simplify and enhance their lives. ·      Prioritize usefulness and functionality.·      Last a long time and be a good quality·      Sustainable and be able to be repurposed over time THIRD: Make a list of what they value, what they need, and will use

Before you start guessing, ask them. Let them know you want to respect their wishes and their minimalist lifestyle. Ask them to make a short list of what they might need or want.

It might help to provide a preliminary list of ideas to show that you have been giving it much thought and that you were trying to be mindful and intentional about gift-giving this year so it’s not to clutter their homes with things they don’t want and won’t use.

A suggested inspiration list for minimalist gift-giving

For the music, lover, and theatergoer

Concert or theater tickets

For the foodie or wine lover

A gourmet gift certificate or wine class

For the active and health-conscious

A membership to a fitness center

For the learner

E-books, a class, or lecture of interest to them.

For the hobbyist

A gift certificate for items they might need i.e. gardening tools.

For the sports enthusiast

Tickets to sporting events

For the traveler

An overnight stay at a hotel and spa.

For the couple who needs time together

Free babysitting for date nights.

Once you begin to understand that gift-giving does not always mean giving stuff you will likely think of many things that will make great gifts this year.

Some of the best gifts are those that are thoughtfully focused on what best provides meaning and value to the receiver. Yes, it takes a little more time, but I think you will both experience the true joy of giving and receiving gifts that truly matter.

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 My Kids Are Minimalists: What Can I Give Them for Christmas? first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Books I Love to Read and To Give (Bonus: Clutter-Free Gift Ideas for The Minimalist in Your Life)

The holidays are here and you might be looking for a few gift ideas for people on your list who are trying to declutter… not add clutter to their lives,

For me, books are my go-to gifts whether hardback, paperback, or audio. If you have a reader on your list, I’ve compiled a short but powerful list of my top reads and recommendations for anyone who is on a decluttering or downsizing journey to simplify their lives.

These are gifts they can read, garner valuable information, then pass them on to someone else who might be on the same journey.

These are my top 4 recommendations1. Declutter Like a Mother: A Guilt-Free No-Stress Way to Transform Your Home and Your Life by Allie Casazza

This is one of my all-time favorite decluttering books because the author is so vulnerable and admits the raw and real emotions of how clutter was impacting her life. She was constantly overwhelmed and just trying to maintain a house with young children.

The problem was, she thought she was the only one who was experiencing this until one day, she had an “aha” moment. She realized that she and our family were drowning and stuff that they didn’t ever use or need.

From that moment on, she started decluttering like a mother, one room at a time.

This is a great read for all of us, but especially those young families who feel it’s hopeless to even try decluttering with kids.

2. Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff by Dana K. White 

I love Dana’s approach. She is a “get it done” kind of girl. She is committed to helping people with their battle with too much stuff.

A few of her mantras help you learn how to make quick decisions:

If you need it, where is it? (everything needs a home in your home)If you don’t wear it or use it, get rid of it. (Why waste valuable space on it?)Do you really need it if you already have one just like it? (Could someone else use the other one?)

One of her top motivating decluttering techniques is to imagine that you are moving. This mindset creates a sense of urgency, a deadline that helps you develop a more ruthless approach to decluttering decisions and getting them done.

3. The Burning House What Would You Take by Foster Huntington 

Hopefully, you’ll never have to face this decision, but what if you did?

As you declutter your things, you will likely come across items you treasure, perhaps given to you by your kids or passed down from a loved one.

Answering this question helps you prioritize and prepare for the event of an emergency fire, flood, tornado, or hurricane. 

What I found particularly interesting, perhaps due to the digital age is that 68% would take their phone with them. 38% of their computer. 6% family photos or heirlooms.

A sign of the times, a revealing and thought-provoking read.

4. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from A Lifetime of Clutter by Margareta Magnusson 

I talk about this book all the time because it addresses a sensitive subject head-on that few people want to talk about: dealing with your parents’ stuff sooner rather than later, so your kids won’t have to deal with it when you’re gone.

The author’s approach is funny and uplifting, rather than serious and morose.

If you’ve been thinking about talking to your kids or grandkids, if you’ve been thinking about talking to your parents about this touchy subject… read this book and don’t put it off any longer.

If you would like to purchase any of these books either for yourself or someone in your life, they are all available on Amazon. Simply click the link.

This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.A bonus!

I’ve also compiled a short list of clutter-free gifts for the minimalist in your life. These gifts are useful, and meaningful, and will create memorable experiences.

Kindle or audible membership.Theater or concert ticketsRestaurant gift card.Gym Membership.Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen with clock Omni PhotoStick Spa treatmentsDate night babysittingLessons: golf, Pickleball, dance, etc.Cooking classes

I hope you find these gift suggestions helpful in giving a gift they will love and that does not add clutter to their home.

Rita is Live Every Tuesday on Facebook

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 Books I Love to Read and To Give (Bonus: Clutter-Free Gift Ideas for The Minimalist in Your Life) first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Minimalist Essentials: How To Become A Minimalist

Get Rid Of Clutter – Get Started Decluttering Today 

Are you overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? Do you wish you didn’t have to live with too much stuff and not enough space? Good news! You can learn how to get started decluttering today through helpful minimalist decluttering tips. 

Teaching You The Minimalist Essentials 

Hi, I’m Rita. After getting rid of 95% of what I once owned, I realized I could help others along their decluttering journeys – and now I’m here to help you! As your Downsizing Designer, I can help you get over the most common decluttering hurtles – how to get started decluttering and how to stay focused while decluttering. How? With the Minimalist Essentials! 

Become A Minimalist By Learning The Minimalist Essentials 

If you dream of a minimalist lifestyle and minimalist design but have too much stuff and too little space, don’t worry. Your minimalist lifestyle goals are within your reach. You simply have to learn how to become a minimalist through learning the Minimalist Essentials. 

My Minimalist Essentials workbook is a 60-page all-in-one decluttering companion and planner – your essential tool for decluttering tips and more! Learning how to become a minimalist and how to let go of items has never been easier.  

With the 5-step solution for emotional clutter, checklists for every item you own, fun 30-day challenges, calendars to plan your journey, a progress tracker for staying motivated, a curated list of 100 donation spots, and unique, effective decluttering methods by Rita – you’ll be well on your way to a minimalist lifestyle once the new year begins!  

Don’t wait to get your copy! Buy and download the digital copy of Minimalist Essentials or purchase a paperback Minimalist Essentials workbook today. Check out other decluttering tools available in the Design Services online store. Get started decluttering with the help of decluttering checklists, online decluttering courses, and more. 

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: How To Become A Minimalist first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Gifts For Minimalists: The Minimalist Essentials Workbook

How Can I Become A Minimalist? 

If you or someone you know is interested in minimalist design and a minimalist lifestyle, you may have heard this question. How does one become a minimalist? How can one achieve a minimalist design in one’s home? Your minimalist design goals are within your reach – you just need the right decluttering tools and tricks to learn how to let go of items. 

Minimalist Essentials With The Downsizing Designer 

Hello, I’m Rita Wilkins. I understand what it’s like to be overwhelmed by clutter – to not know how to start decluttering and how to achieve a more minimalist lifestyle. That’s why after my own decluttering journey – during which I got rid of 95% of what I once owned – I wanted to reach out to help others learn how to declutter. Now, I come to you with minimalist tips for decluttering – including decluttering tools like my Minimalist Essentials workbook! 

Try The Minimalist Essentials Workbook – The Perfect Gift For Minimalist 

Whether you hope to achieve a more minimalist lifestyle or know a would-be minimalist who is struggling to declutter, be sure to take a look at the Minimalist Essentials workbook. This 60-page all-in-one decluttering companion and planner is designed to take you through your whole decluttering journey from start to finish. Learn how to get started decluttering and how to stay focused on your minimalist lifestyle goals with the following tools: 

Checklists for every item you own 5-step solution for emotional clutter Fun 30-day challenges Calendars to plan your journey Progress tracker for staying motivated A curated list of 100 donation spots Unique, effective decluttering methods by Rita 

With the holidays quickly approaching, consider Minimalist Essentials as a gift for the would-be minimalist in your life. Choose your preference: a digital copy of Minimalist Essentials or a paperback Minimalist Essentials workbook. If you’re eager to take a look at more decluttering tips, tricks, and more, visit the Design Services online store today! Try out minimalist decluttering checklists, online decluttering courses, and more. 

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 Gifts For Minimalists: The Minimalist Essentials Workbook  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Minimalist Gifts: Learn How To Declutter

Prepare To Live A Minimalist Lifestyle Now! Learn How To Declutter 

If you’re interested in minimalist design but have too much clutter in your home, don’t worry. You can achieve your minimalist design dreams by learning how to declutter! Make the most of your space – start your decluttering journey! 

Minimalism And Decluttering: How To Become A Minimalist 

Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins. Minimalist design is within your reach, even if you’re currently living with too much stuff and not enough space. During my own decluttering journey, I got rid of 95% of what I once owned. The decluttering before and after was amazing – I ended my decluttering journey with more money, time, and freedom. Now, I’d like to use my minimalist tips for decluttering to help you achieve the same. 

Minimalist Gifts: Learn How To Declutter With Minimalist Essentials 

With the holidays coming up, I urge you to consider giving the gift of learning how to declutter. Perhaps you know someone interested in minimalist design. Maybe you know someone who is overwhelmed by the state of their home because they have too much stuff and not enough space. Maybe you know someone who is struggling to learn how to let items go. 

In all of these cases, what better minimalist gift is there to give than a lesson in decluttering? My Minimalist Essentials workbook is a 60-page all-in-one decluttering companion and planner. Not only does this workbook make it easier to get started decluttering – it’ll also help you stay on track and focused on your minimalist decluttering goals. How? 

Checklists for every item you own help you declutter thoroughly. The 5-step solution for emotional clutter helps you learn to let go of items. The fun 30-day challenges, calendars to plan your journey, and progress tracker for staying motivated – all of these useful tools and more can be found in the Minimalist Essentials workbook! 

Don’t wait – get your copy today! You can download a digital copy of Minimalist Essentials to take along with you on your preferred digital device, or get yourself a paperback Minimalist Essentials workbook today! 

Want more decluttering materials to help you achieve a minimalist lifestyle? The Design Services online store has what you’re looking for, including minimalist decluttering checklists, online decluttering courses, and more. 

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 Gifts: Learn How To Declutter  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Embrace Minimalist Lifestyle: 10 Warning Signs You Have Too Much Stuff!

This topic, 10 Warning Signs You Have Too Much Stuff was inspired by a desperate call I received a few weeks ago from a woman who finally realized the clutter was a real issue in her life and that she had been denying it, even ignoring it until…

One night she drove up to her home, parked in the driveway because there was too much stuff in her garage to park her car.

As she got out of the car, she felt a lump in her throat because she realized she dreaded coming home, walking into the house to see a mess everywhere. Piles of paper, clothing, shoes, and books. She knew she would have to step over some of the stuff just to enter.

Disrupting The Crazy Cycle

As difficult as it was for her to pick up that phone to call me, she was finally ready to admit she needed to do something about it, to disrupt the crazy cycle of dealing with too much stuff. But first, she had to admit how clutter and too much stuff had been affecting her physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Here’s what she discovered on our call: 

She was ashamed of how her messy house looked and how it made her and her family feel. It was so overwhelming. She didn’t know where to start, so she didn’t! The clutter had been growing worse and worse for the past year.

She was embarrassed and said she rarely invited people over and nor did her kids because they didn’t want to be judged. If she wanted to meet with her friends, it was always at a coffee shop or a restaurant. She said how much she missed having people in her houseShe felt disorganized on every level and could never find what she needed when she needed it. That led to many family arguments because they were always misplacing things like keys, the remote, phones, and glasses. After all, there were no specific homes for each of those items.She felt frustrated because every time someone wanted to sit down, they’d have to move stuff off of a chair or the sofa. If she was trying to cook, she would have to move things off the counter to create some workspace.She felt wasteful for buying things they already had. When she couldn’t find something, she would quickly replace it only to find out later on.She felt unproductive, wasting so much time looking for stuff, straightening piles, and trying to find clothing to wear in the closet. She was stressed out because of the amount of time and effort that was being wasted.She was exhausted, tired of trying to find stuff, trying to organize too much stuff, then trying to clean it. She was no longer motivated to even try keeping up with it, so things just got worse and worse.She was stuck. Her closets and her drawers were disgusting. She tried to declutter and would find things she didn’t remember she even had, but interestingly, she kept buying more.She was constantly complaining and realized she needed to do something about it, so she called me. She had been listening to my videos and reading my blogs for quite a while. But that night she decided enough was enough! She had too much stuff, and it was actually making her sick.SHE MADE THE DECISION TO DECLUTTER to get her life back.The answer was NOT to buy more plastic bins.The answer was NOT to rent a storage unit for all of the extra stuff.THE ANSWER WAS:·      To acknowledge she had way too much stuff.·      To admit the impact it was having on her life and her family.

To create a decluttering master plan, a timeline, a team of helpers, and someone to hold her accountable.

She also realized she needed help, making that call was the first big step she took to disrupt the crazy cycle of owning too much stuff.

Her vulnerability is admirable. She tried to deny it for a long time until she reached that breaking point. Enough is enough!

Perhaps you, too, can identify with some of these concerns about the impact too much stuff is having on your life. She was lucky to have received a wake-up call. Hopefully, this list will act as a wake-up call to you as well.

10 warning signs you might have too much stuff

So you can start reducing your possessions by decluttering and so you can embrace minimalism, that simpler life with less stuff and more meaning.

You can’t find what you want when you want it because there’s not enough space for all of your stuff.You find stuff you don’t remember you even had and perhaps it’s never been used.You don’t have any idea where to start because there’s just so much stuff.You’re embarrassed and ashamed of the amount of clutter you have in your home.You’re frustrated because you never seem to get caught up with the cleaning, and organizing all that stuff. You’re tired of it!You have no idea what’s inside of those storage bins and boxes in the basement, attic, and garage, because you haven’t opened them and 10 years.You never seem to have enough space for all of your stuff, so you rent a storage unit to store it.You have stuff you never use, stuff you don’t like or don’t fit, stuff you’ve inherited or been gifted, but you don’t want or need any of it.You can’t decide what to wear because your closet is so full of things that don’t fit and no longer suit your lifestyle.Your piles of paperwork, clothing, junk mail, magazines, coupons, and flyers just keep getting higher and higher.

If any of these statements resonate with you, it’s likely you have too much stress and should consider decluttering it one closet, one shelf, one drawer at a time.

If you need help, I do offer a very limited number of coaching clients. If interested, email me at ritawilkins@ritawilkins.com so we can set up a call to discuss your needs.

If you would like to purchase a copy of my new workbook, Rita’s minimalist essentials, it’s now available on Amazon for just $ 19.99.

What you can expect to get in my 60-page decluttering workbook and companion:A decluttering decision-making process that will help you know how to decide what to keep or let go of.A 5-step guide that will show you how to let go of sentimental clutter.Room by room, decluttering checklists.A fun closet clean-out challenge.A 30-day minimalist decluttering challenge.A progress tracker that will hold you accountable.My favorite decluttering methods that really work.100 places to donate your stuff.

Buy one for yourself and give one as a gift to your family or friends who might benefit by learning how to get started, and stay motivated on their decluttering journey so they can cross the finish line. 

Rita is Live Every Tuesday on Facebook

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 Embrace Minimalist Lifestyle: 10 Warning Signs You Have Too Much Stuff! first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How To Declutter Your Home Before Your Holiday Party

How To Achieve Minimalist Living And Minimalist Design With Decluttering 

Are you frustrated by the clutter in your home? Do you feel overwhelmed because you have too much stuff and not enough space? If so, know you’re not alone. Like you, many have struggled to achieve their minimalist design dreams because they don’t know how to let go of items. 

Learn Minimalist Essentials, Start Decluttering 

Hello again – Rita Wilkins here. As your Downsizing Designer, I’m here to help you achieve your minimalist design dreams with minimalist hacks and decluttering tips. Like you, I once had too much clutter in my life. Things changed drastically when I got rid of 95% of what I once owned. I now have more money, time, and freedom to live my life as I choose. Now, I can teach you how to become a minimalist, too. 

How To Declutter Before The Holidays 

The holiday season is a time to be merry and bright – but the lead-up to holiday plans can be stressful, especially if you’re hosting a holiday party. Are you unsure you’ll have time to clean up before the holidays? Do you want access to helpful minimalist decluttering tips to help you learn how to let go of items? If so, you’ve come to the right place. 

Learn Minimalist Essentials Today! 

You can choose a minimalist lifestyle by choosing to learn Minimalist Essentials. My Minimalist Essentials workbook can teach you all the decluttering tips you need to make sure your home is ready to host family and loved ones this holiday season. 

Jumpstart your decluttering journey with our 60-page all-in-one decluttering companion and planner. Packed with easy checklists, tips for emotional clutter, fun 30-day challenges, progress trackers, over 100 places to donate, and more, it’s your essential tool from start to finish. 

Download a digital copy of Minimalist Essentials or get your own paperback Minimalist Essentials workbook today! You can also find more decluttering lessons and materials in the Design Services online store. Try these including minimalist decluttering checklists, online decluttering courses, and more. 

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 How To Declutter Your Home Before Your Holiday Party  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

3 (Plus 1 More) Really Big Reasons I’m Not Shopping on Black Friday

I have a confession to make. I spent many years of my earlier life shopping for Black Friday bargains along with the rest of the crowds, waiting in line for stuff I didn’t need, and in some cases didn’t even want.

Once home with my hands full of shopping bags filled with sale items, I would frequently experience buyer’s remorse and regret spending more money than my budget allowed.

Why Holidays Can Be Challenging for Others

Holidays can be hard for those who are single, divorced, widowed, in poor health or without family and friends to share the holidays with.

Holidays can be lonely and isolating, so shopping Black Friday sales can help divert attention away from the loneliness and sadness. It might even help numb the pain of the holiday blues for a little while at least.

But you won’t find me shopping in the malls on Black Friday this year! I’ve been there, done that, and learned many valuable lessons along the way. 

And just in case you’re on the fence about whether or not you should go shopping on Black Friday, these are my 3 big reasons why I’m not going to shop on Black Friday.

1.   It diverts attention away from more meaningful and fulfilling things to do with your time.

One of the lessons I learned long ago was that stuff doesn’t make me happy and certainly, more stuff will not make me even happier.

Having downsized and decluttered numerous times, I’ve reached a point where I truly enjoy living in a smaller home with less stuff and fewer distractions. I’m content. I have all I want and all I need.

I now have more time, money, and freedom to do more of what I want to do and I find true joy in using that time and my God-given talents to help others. I now have more time to write, research, speak, produce videos, and most recently launch a new 60-page workbook and companion, Rita’s Minimalist Essentials to help you get started and stay motivated on your decluttering journey so you can cross the finish line.

Having less stuff and not buying more is a feat that I never knew I could accomplish, but once I decided to stop buying more and instead, focus my time and attention on what matters most, I’m far happier and more fulfilled than if I bought 5 deeply discounted dresses.

2.   It detracts from the true meaning of the holiday season.

Time spent shopping, endlessly buying more, focusing on what we think we want and don’t yet have diminishes the meaning and purpose of the holiday. 

The reason for the season is to take time to slow down, gather with family and friends, to celebrate, and be thankful for all we DO have, and be content with that. 

The Black Friday ads that bombard us are designed to call attention to the “good deals”, thereby calling us away from the importance of the holidays, the ads encourage us to spend money on unnecessary purchases and to create pressure to “buy now”, to overspend on things we don’t even know we want.

In the end, quality time spent around the table with loved ones is far more important than wasting time and money on more stuff. 

All you have to do is look around and you’re likely going to see that you already have all you want and all you need. It’s right in front of you.

3.   It distracts from the real reasons we are in a never-ending search for more, bigger, better stuff. 

If you’re not happy with yourself, or with what’s going on in your life, shopping and buying more will not bring lasting happiness and peace.

If you’re lonely or sad, the emptiness cannot be filled with material possessions.

At one point in my life, I was definitely guilty of shopping to fill the gap of loneliness and sadness. Now that I’m in a happy, healthy, loving relationship, nothing… not one thing I ever bought could compare to the inner joy and peace I now feel. 

What I did learn through the process of all of the shopping sprees was that when I started to fill my time helping others, volunteering, and making a difference in someone else’s life, my own life and happiness increased incrementally. The satisfaction far outweighed any “successful” shopping trip I ever went on! 

On a deeply personal level…

I spent time this weekend visiting my brother who is in hospice care. 

In spite of his deteriorating condition, I was moved and deeply inspired by his response to my question:

“If you could wish for one thing right now, what would that be?”

He responded by saying,

“Since I can’t be with all of you this holiday, will you please send a few photos so I can celebrate with you in spirit?”‘

His simple, heartfelt request serves as a reminder that in the end, all that really matters is love, faith, family, and friends.

In his weakened state, my brother has not forgotten the importance of time together, whether near or far.

Wishing you all a holiday season filled with love, laughter, togetherness, and many new happy memories!

Live the life, you love… By DESIGN!

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 3 (Plus 1 More) Really Big Reasons I’m Not Shopping on Black Friday first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Act Fast For This Holiday Decluttering Bundle Deal!

Learn Decluttering Minimalist Tips And Tricks Today 

While many people may want to learn how to lead a more minimalist lifestyle or how to declutter their homes, figuring out how isn’t always easy. After all, you may not even know how to get started decluttering. You may not know how to stay motivated to declutter. The good news is you don’t have to figure these things out on your own. 

Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins. I am also known as the Downsizing Designer. I once had too much clutter, but then I got rid of 90% of what I once owned. Now, I have more money, time, and freedom to do what I want. I live with less stress because I got rid of clutter. Now, you can too. 

Holiday Decluttering Bundle Teaches You About Decluttering 

My Holiday Decluttering Bundle can teach you all you need to know about decluttering. The two biggest hurdles people usually face when it comes to decluttering are 1) getting started decluttering and 2) staying motivated to get it done. The content available in my Holiday Decluttering Quick-Start Bundle can help you with both of these challenges! Learn how to get started with easy-to-follow minimalist checklists and decluttering workbooks. Follow through to the end when you read my ebook or take the online course.  

The Holiday Decluttering Bundle Is Discounted For A Limited Time 

If you’re ready to start your decluttering journey, get your bundle soon! My Holiday Decluttering Bundle is currently available at a huge discount – but it won’t be for long. Act now! 

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 Act Fast For This Holiday Decluttering Bundle Deal!  first appeared on Design Services LTD.

5 Types of Emotional Clutter That Prevent Us from Decluttering

Physical clutter is one thing, but emotional clutter is quite another!

It’s easy to recognize physical clutter because we can see it.

It clutters our countertops and desktops.It messes up our closets and dresser drawers.It is on full display in our garage and then in our basement.

But emotional clutter is not visible, it can’t be seen because it lives in our thoughts and in our feelings.

Emotional Clutter Overwhelms Us and Prevents Us From Letting Go of Physical ClutterIf you’ve ever felt GUILTY or ASHAMED of getting rid of some family heirlooms that were left specifically for you, but you didn’t like them or you knew you wouldn’t use them…If you’ve ever felt SAD or a deep sense of LOSS when you try to let go of your mother’s china or your dad’s favorite rocking chair…If you’ve WORRIED or been AFRAID to get rid of something because you might need it someday in the future…

Then you’ve already experienced the impact of emotional clutter. You already understand how difficult it is to let go of it.

Emotional clutter has been holding you back, stopping you from decluttering certain types of clutter. If you are interested in knowing more about how to let go of emotional clutter, go to my website, Design Services, LTD., and download my 5-Step Guide to Lose the Clutter, but Not the Memories.

When you follow the 5 steps, you will learn which type of emotional clutter is stopping you from decluttering, and how to let go of that emotional clutter.

5 Types of Emotional Clutter1. Sentimental Clutter

These are items that you’ve attached meaning to because they comfort you and make you feel close to a loved one at a particular time or place in your life.

They are hard to let go of because you might be afraid or concerned that you will lose the memory if you let it go.

2. Inherited Clutter

Family items that are passed on from one generation to the next are considered inherited clutter. You might feel obligated to keep it so you feel guilty or ashamed if you don’t want it and once you get rid of it.

3. Abundance Clutter

Having multiples or excess amounts of coffee mugs, water bottles, shoes, etc. can provide a sense of security. Those “just in case” items are examples of abundance clutter.

Letting go of these can be scary even though you know you have way too many.

4. Aspirational Clutter

If you have items sitting in your closet, basement, or bookshelves that are tied to a life that you wish you had, or that you hoped to have already accomplished, this is aspirational clutter.

It might give you a real sense of loss or failure because you didn’t accomplish that yet

For example, books on aspirational, speaking or clothes that are three times smaller in hopes that you will get there someday

5. Bargain Clutter

If you have an abundance of items you bought on sale “just in case.”

Clothes you bought on a clearance rack.Multiple large packages of toilet paper or paper towels.Shoes that you just had to have because they were on sale.

Letting go of these bargain clutter items might be difficult because you spent good money on them, and it would be wasteful to let them go… Even though you may not need it.

Once you start to recognize the type of clutter that prevents you from successfully decluttering,Once you understand the emotions you’ve attached to it,Once you understand why you made it important and gave meaning to it, it becomes much easier to let it go.

You can start to live a simpler life without the emotional clutter weighing you down.

Rita’s Minimalist Essentials

Jumpstart your decluttering journey with our 60-page all-in-one decluttering workbook and companion. Packed with checklists, calendars, progress trackers, and more, it’s your essential tool from start to finish.

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. 

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